GW28 had an unusual Thursday fixture, but now GW29 starts up again on Saturday. Here are some players who can help Draft Fantasy managers in GW 29 and 30, and who also, importantly, have a guaranteed fixture in GW31.

1. Ilkay Gundogan, MID, Manchester City

Gundogan helped City claim their first trophy of the season in the Carabao Cup last Sunday, and earlier in the month he scored twice against Basel in UCL play. His two goals in UCL matches his EPL season tally albeit in quite a few more EPL games, but it underscores the German’s high offensive potential for big games, though it is uneven. With Fernandinho out injured for a few weeks, Gundogan is more of a lock than ever for a midfield spot in the vaunted Man City lineup. He played the full 90 minutes in gameweeks 26 and 27, and he figures to play at least some part against Arsenal on Thursday (unless the game is snowed out). Just 18% owned, a healthy and happy Gundogan could be an absolute star in TIR leagues, and he’s a hedge bet on Man City stocks even though he doesn’t have the same star power as most of his teammates. He won’t play in GW31, but he could shine in other weeks.

Next up: Home to Chelsea, away to Stoke, away to Everton.

2. Orestis Karnezis, GK, Watford

Karnezis is a starting goalkeeper with a guaranteed gameweek 31 fixure, and he is less than 1% owned. There is no question that he has duly claimed his spot in the lineup. Though Arsenal and Liverpool away, especially the latter, are not typically friendly to defenders, you could do much worse. Liverpool’s Loris Karius was listed in last week’s waiver wire list, and he is probably more likely to keep cleansheets against smaller clubs, but Karnezis’ value is buoyed by save points. He has started the last five, earning two clean sheets and recording at least three saves in three of those starts. So if you still need a ‘keeper, he’s available. Hope for a cleansheet against West Brom, and then save points against the tougher opponents.

Next up: Home to West Brom, away to Arsenal, away to Liverpool.

3. Ryan Fraser, MID, Bournemouth

The diminutive but fleet-footed Fraser has been a fan favorite for a few seasons now, and he’s worthy of a shout in Draft Fantasy. Just 2% own him, which is an insult. Fraser is a darling of salary cap leagues, too, but he’s become relevant in Draft formats because he’s started the last half dozen games and Jordon Ibe, Stanislas, and Josh King have all missed time. Fraser has four goals and two assists on the season, which isn’t great for such an attacking player, but he’s done that in fewer minutes than many others. Statistics aside, his play passes the eye test, and he always seems to find himself in positions to make a key pass or take a shot. Bournemouth have a decent matchup in GW31 when others will blank, and that obviously helps as well.

Next up: Away to Leicester, home to Spurs, home to West Brom.

4. Andrew Robertson, DEF, Liverpool

Less than 10% have the Scot rostered, so many of you clearly have not been following the waiver wire recommendations closely enough. Robertson has been featured since the pre-season, and though he had to come through some hard times to get the minutes he deserves, he’s been the first choice left back for the last six, which has yielded two clean sheets and an assist in the last four. He fires in crosses from his fullback berth and fits in well with the rest of the very attack-minded Liverpool team. Newcastle and Watford could yield more returns, especially if Liverpool keep scoring goals for fun and the Matip-Van Dijk partnership strengthens the defense.

Next up: Home to Newcastle, away to Manchester United, home to Watford.

5. Islam Slimani, FWD, Newcastle

Joselu and Dwight Gayle have been inconsistent this season. Even when they have performed, as Gayle did with two goals last weekend, there always seems to be a new injury or momentum stopper. And for the first half of the season, the Magpies also had Aleksandar Mitrovic, who always seemed more likely to land a punch than score a goal. With Gayle potentially injured, Mitrovic gone, and Joselu struggling for minutes and form, Islam Slimani now has the opportunity to be The Man for Rafa Benitez’ club. However, Slimani too, has his injury issues, and is reported to be out for another two weeks before he can get back on the pitch. So this is one of the most unproven and outlandish waiver recommendations this year, yet managers should keep an eye out for the Algerian striker in the coming weeks whenever he does come back. His career with Leicester was disappointing, but he was a big money signing once upon a time and is a more exciting prospect than his current completion. He’s owned in some leagues, but still readily available for the final six or seven EPL matches, and he is one to monitor from March onwards.

Next up: Look for a return at the end of March.