The back pages were full of it this week; VAR controversy, the Toon revolution toppling European powerhouse PSG and last week’s waiver picks seeing three out of the five picks registering returns. What a week. Having taken stock and caught our breath, we go again with our Gameweek 8 hidden gems and low-owned picks for your consideration…

 

 

Timothy Castagne (FUL) DEF      Ownership: 24.1%      Next Fixture: SHU (H)

First up for this week’s defender picks is the former Leicester City full back, Timothy Castagne. Having registered 4 shots and 2 key passes since his first start for the Cottagers in Gameweek 5, the Belgian could be showing some of the attacking prowess that regularly saw a fantasy points haul in his time under Brendan Rodgers. With a home fixture against a Sheffield United side that currently look a little lost, Castagne represents great value for your first 11 this week.

 

Joel Ward (CRY) DEF      Ownership: 26.2%      Next Fixture: NFO (H)
Having sneakily found their way among the top defenders so far this season, I’m dipping back into the Crystal Palace backline to look for points once again this week. With ownership of the more popular Andersen and Guehi a little high to be considered ‘low-owned’, I’m instead turning to the reliable Joel Ward as the way into the Eagles defence.

 

James Garner (EVE) MID     Ownership: 1.9%      Next Fixture: BOU (H)

A bit of a rogue pick, I was surprised to see just how strong some of the underlying stats are for Everton attackers and none surprised me more so than young James Garner. Registering just a single assist to his name, yet racking up an expected 1.6 goal involvements last time out, the time could be coming to finally see a return for his efforts. Watch out for team news as there is some rotation risk with the talented Danjuma having found himself on the bench in the last two fixtures, but should Garner get the nod, prepare for kudos from fellow drafters as you unearth this gem.

 

Willian (FUL) MID     Ownership: 6.8%      Next Fixture: SHU (H)

The second Fulham pick of the week sees last seasons low-owned favourite, Willian, make his way back on to the list of ones to watch. Having not yet delivered the kind of returns we saw the Brazilian provide last season, this home fixture could provide just the opportunity he’s been waiting for. 6 shots and 5 key passes over the course of the season suggests this may just be the case.

 

Armando Broja (CHE) FWD      Ownership: 24.4%      Next Fixture: BUR (H)

Striker picks are getting tougher and tougher having started from fairly slim pickings to begin anyway. A return from injury for the Slough-born Albanian offers up just the sort of hope we may have all been waiting for. With Nicolas Jackson much maligned in front of goal this season, Broja returned to the starting 11 in Gameweek 7 and promptly delivered a goal on the back of an energetic showing. Whilst competition for the lone striker slot remains very much alive, Broja could be well worth the pick should he get the nod.
 

 

That will do it for this week. Best of luck on the waiver wire!