The Waiver Wire article just about writes itself this week with all the strong performances – let’s look at some of the players who are widely available.
Pascal Groß, MID, Brighton
Groß (1% owned) exploded on Saturday against West Brom to the tune of two goals and an assist, thereby playing a role in Brighton’s first three Premier League goals.
That’s more than a dozen points in a single game, 11 more games like that and he’ll have a proper “gross.”
This is certainly no knock on teammate Davy Pröpper (1%), who had two goals for the Netherlands the previous weekend, nor a knock on Anthony Knockaert (7%), who was predicted to be the main goal threat going into this season. Groß has outdone the both of them so far.
Groß, a 26-year old German midfielder plays in a fairly advanced position for Chris Hughton’s promoted side, and there is reason to believe he can continue to contribute.
He had five goals and four assists last season while still playing for Ingolstadt in the Bundesliga, and is off to a good start in England.
At least one of Groß, Pröpper, and/or Knockaert will have to step up each game if Brighton are to have any chance of sustained success
Next Up: Away to Bournemouth, home to Newcastle, away to Arsenal.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, MID, Stoke
There is value when midfielders play as forwards. That’s a good Draft Fantasy maxim, and so is Eric.
The German-born Cameroonian international Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is not only a mouthful, but he was also a handful for the Manchester United defense when he scored a brace in the final Saturday game.
Choupo-Moting (1% owned) has played all 90 in the last three for Mark Hughes’ side. Jesé (23%) and Xerdan Shaqiri (13%) will offer supply and mobility in support of the Stoke attack.
Choupo-Moting, like Groß, played in the Bundesliga last season and managed three goals for Schalke.
He’ll need to keep Saido Berahino (6%) on the bench to fulfill his potential, but that is not an impossible task, especially after such a strong performance.
When Stoke play at their fortress-like home pitch, they’re always in with a shout, so look down the line and see when you can fit him in your lineup if he’s still available
Next up: Away to Newcastle, home to Chelsea, away to Southampton.
Abdoulaye Doucouré, MID, Watford
Watford under Marco Silva are off to a flying start. The Frenchman (of Malian descent) Abdoulaye Doucouré (11% owned) is a big part of the fast start.
He already has two goals and two clean sheets in the first four matches, thus justifying a spot on this list and in standard leagues.
However, he has also played the maximum minutes to start the season and has seen more of the ball than almost anyone else, which makes him an even more attractive pickup in Kanté Rule leagues. The versatility of his performances is noteworthy.
He may still be available in your league as he was relatively unheralded coming into this season having signed from Rennes in 2016 and then being immediately sent out on loan to Granada.
He may draw some comparisons with club teammate Étienne Capoue (10%), Swansea’s Leroy Fer (3%), or Stoke’s Joe Allen (12%) as players on smaller teams who want to boss the middle of the pitch and chip in with goals.
Each of these, at one time or another, went on a hot streak, so try to ride Doucouré’s form for as long as it lasts.
Next up: Home to Manchester City, away to Swansea, away to West Brom.
Danny Welbeck, FWD, Arsenal
Danny Welbeck (28% owned) has been heavily criticised at various points since he joined Arsenal. In the past, he’s been forced to the sidelines through injury, or sometimes simply because he wasn’t contributing enough.
But give Danny his due. Even though his first goal against Bournemouth was not a clean strike, his second was much tidier, and he even tacked on an assist.
That is three goals in four games now, and he has started all four as well.
So, almost begrudgingly, because his boom may turn to bust soon, I am compelled to recommend Welbeck on the waiver wire.
It says something, at least, that Olivier Giroud (38%) and Alexis Sanchez were not selected, but Welbeck was. Perhaps Arsene Wenger simply prefers Welbeck’s as a partner to Alexandre Lacazette.
No matter how it has come to be, it is a welcome sight for Arsenal fans to see Welbeck scoring again when the so needed it. He’s only 28% owned at the moment.
Up next: Away to Chelsea, home to West Brom, home to Brighton.
Luke Shaw, DEF, Manchester United
There were some decent performances this weekend from defenders, and Watford, Burnley, and Newcastle all kept clean sheets ahead of Monday’s match.
Daryl Janmaat (1% owned), Ben Mee (10%) or Jamaal Lascelles 1%) could all easily have been featured here, but I’ve opted for a more speculative pick: the upcoming return of Luke Shaw (26%).
The others hold more immediate promise, but few have a higher ceiling than Shaw, who has three reserve team appearances under his belt in his current rehab stint.
Daley Blind had started the season on the left side of the defense, but does not appear to be Jose Mourinho’s preferred solution Matteo Darmian, while fundamentally sound, also failed to take his chance on Saturday, which only confirms that Shaw can win his spot back if he stays healthy.
Needless to say, health is a huge question for Shaw. Still only 22, playing for a top side, and a former world record transfer at his position, Shaw will be back soon and is more than worth a stash if you can spare the roster spot.
Next up: Building fitness, return likely in a few weeks.
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