The Waiver Wire: Gameweek 2

Those who think Fantrax Leagues are won and lost at the draft are wrong. Very wrong.

In fact this is where the winners will be winners because of their sharp eye for a bargain and the losers will be losers because…well, they ignore the Waiver Wire.

Each week, we will analyse those low ownership players that could win you your match up or even become a mainstay in your roster for weeks and months.

Here is what the Gameweek 2 waiver wire has to offer!

Martin Montoya | Brighton (DEF) | 4% Ownership | Avg 11ppm

Brighton were the surprise package of Gameweek 1 thanks to a comprehensive 3-0 victory away at Watford. The clean sheet was particularly remarkable.

Graeme Potter’s new wing back formation seems to have clicked instantly and one of those to benefit is right wing back Martin Montoya.

Every time I tuned into the live BBC text commentary, Montoya’s name was mentioned as part of an attack, demonstrating the freedom the marauding Spaniard has as part of the system.

His opening day score of 11 doesn’t do his performance justice as I can see plenty of attacking returns coming his way. Could he end up posting Matt Doherty style numbers in 2019/20?

John Egan | Sheffield United (DEF) | 2% ownership | Avg 9.75 ppm

Every year begins the endless request to find the next Shane Duffy. In other words, a defender who wins so many aerials and makes so many clearances and tackles that clean sheet become almost irrelevant.

Last year, we were blessed with aerial monster Sean Morrison but with his relegation not followed by a transfer back to the top flight, could John Egan be this year’s answer?

Sheffield United looked remarkably organised at Bournemouth in Gameweek 1, suggesting clean sheets could be to come. The Blades conceded but Egan still managed 9.75 thanks to two tackles, seven clearances, three interceptions and five aerials. Easy points.

A Gameweek Two match up at home against Crystal Palace and Christian Benteke should see plenty of opportunity for defensive contributions.

Giovani Lo Celso | Tottenham (Mid) | 41% ownership | Avg 0 ppm

I’m almost certain that the this will be the last we see of Giovani Lo Celso in the low ownership column. The Argentine will probably (rightly) be the number one waiver claim in the vast majority of leagues this week.

His role in the team remains to be seen but his versatility should play in his favour as he can play anywhere in the midfield.

Christian Eriksen’s exclusion from the starting eleven against Aston Villa was apparently “no reflection on the uncertainty of his future”. After a full pre-season for the Dane, I don’t buy it. If Eriksen does depart and Le Celso fills his role, he could be incredibly valuable.

John McGinn | Aston Villa (MID) | 56% ownership | Avg 16.5 ppm

John McGinn is the sort of all action player that could score extremely well in Fantrax scoring. His goal at Tottenham also proves that he should be good for sone attacking returns too.

Aston Villa have a friendly looking fixture list coming up, meaning McGinn’s ownership could increase dramatically in the coming weeks. Time to get on board before he’s owned in your league.

Allan Saint-Maximin | Newcastle United (FWD) | 26% ownership | Avg 3.5 ppm

We didn’t get to see much of Allan Saint-Maximin on his Newcastle debut from the bench but what we did see from him should be encouraging.

Fantrax rewards players who are direct, taking players on and getting shots and crosses away. It looks like the exciting new Toon man could be a fan’s favourite before long.