Raphael Varane is certain to be a top target for Fantasy Premier League Draft managers after joining Manchester United from Real Madrid.
The centre-back’s signing wasn’t confirmed until after the Gameweek 1 deadline passed, meaning he is only now available to be picked for squads.
Managers who lost their opening match in Draft leagues are now among the first to be able to pick up players in the next round, and the Frenchman is bound to be high on their list of targets.
Nonetheless, there are plenty of other strong options available, both short and long-term, ahead of Friday’s 11:00 BST waiver deadline.
The players listed below were selected by less than half the managers in eight-team Draft leagues in the opening round of matches.
GKP: David Raya (BRE)
The Brentford goalkeeper’s display against Arsenal in Gameweek 1 highlighted his all-round potential. Raya combined a clean sheet with a save point and a bonus point to bring in eight points in the 2-0 win.
Two of the Bees’ next three matches score just two in the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR), including this weekend’s trip to Crystal Palace.
Watford’s Daniel Bachmann also has a kind schedule to lift his points potential. He visits Brighton & Hove Albion in Gameweek 2, while three of his next five matches score two in the FDR.
DEF: Raphael Varane (MUN)
It remains to be seen whether the Frenchman is ready for Man Utd’s visit to Southampton this weekend. Regardless, Varane will be a vital player for the Red Devils this season and his acquisition is very much a season-long one.
Meanwhile, Joel Matip appears to be ahead of new arrival Ibrahima Konate as the preferred partner for Virgil van Dijk in defence for Liverpool. The 30-year-old looks well-placed for a clean sheet at home to Burnley, while his aerial threat can be a factor this weekend given the Clarets’ weakness at set-pieces.
MID: Leandro Trossard (BHA)
A home encounter with Watford looks encouraging for the Brighton star this Saturday. At home last term, Trossard’s 38 shots and 16 shots on target were both team-leading totals, while his 31 chances created placed second.
Lucas Moura looks revitalised under Tottenham Hotspur’s new head coach Nuno Espirito Santo. The Brazilian’s three key passes and two shots in the box were more than any team-mate against Manchester City, suggesting he can produce attacking returns at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.
FWD: Adam Armstrong (SOU)
Southampton’s summer signing was quick to make an impact in Gameweek 1, netting against Everton. Although he faces a tough match-up against Man Utd, Armstrong’s 28 goals for Blackburn Rovers in the Championship last season suggests he can be a season-keeper in Draft. Get him now while your rivals wait for his schedule to ease up.
Elsewhere, a home meeting with Everton looks promising for Leeds United’s Rodrigo. He was involved in 38 per cent of the Whites' goals last season when selected, second only to Patrick Bamford.
Remember, the Gameweek 2 deadline is at 11:00 BST on Saturday 21 August.
