Gameweek 34 Ghost Point Hunters: Draft EPL
- Dutch Cowboy
- 19 hours ago
- 5 min read
We ain’t afraid of no ghosts. In fact, we seek them – ghost points, that is. Ghost points are fantasy points that do not come from attacking returns or clean sheets. These can come in the form of key passes, shots on target, successful dribbles, interceptions, and tackles, among others. Identifying these points is essential for your Fantasy EPL prospects, and our Gameweek 34 Ghost Point Hunters article is here to help!
Gameweek 34 Ghost Point Hunters
Noussair Mazraoui
Position: Defender
Team: Manchester United
Rostered: 71%
Ghost Points Per Start: 7.3
Ghost Points Last GW: 10.50
Prospects: A quietly dependable defender this year in DraftPL, Mazraoui is averaging 7.3 ghost points per start and just posted 10.5 ghost points last gameweek. His ability to contribute across defensive and buildup stats makes him a valuable floor play almost regardless of the matchup. Mazraoui continues to build a case as a strong late-season fantasy option, especially for managers needing a reliable floor. He’s quietly become a peripheral stat machine, racking up points through clearances, interceptions, and tackles won. He's heating up and currently has a 8.3 gPPS form over his last 6, which could be a sharp differential as we close the season out. He's been a surprisingly consistent rock all season. His stat line vs Wolves last week included 4 TkW, 4 AER, 2 CLR, and a KP. Ignore that -3.75 vs Newcastle and he's looking solid to close it out this season.
Verdict: He's available in almost 1/3 of all leagues and I don't really see him getting too many GADs(Bar those BRF/AVL games) ROS. He just might slot into my DEF3 position to end the season.
Lucas Paqueta
Position: Midfielder
Team: West Ham
Rostered: 85%
Ghost Points Per Start: 6.2
Ghost Points Last GW: 11.5
Prospects: Paquetá is a high-upside midfielder with a ghost point average of 6.2 per start, and he flashed his ceiling with 11.5 ghosty performance last gameweek vs Southampton. His tendency to draw fouls, deliver key passes (4), and complete dribbles (2 CoS), makes him an intriguing fantasy option heading into games against Brighton and Spurs.
Paquetá can light it up when he's locked in and more so when there's little risk of a potential ban - even though his floor remained shaky for a majority of the season. This has disappointed many managers who drafted him early. Thankfully he's picked that up slightly as the season ends. He takes a share of West Ham’s set pieces, adding to his value through key passes and chances created. If you’re chasing and willing to take the risk, his creativity and boom-or-bust profile make him a tempting option for the final fixtures. His 11.50 gPts the last time out and almost 8 gPPS over his last 6 means he could crack on from here.
Verdict: He's seeing 90 minute starts, which is fantastic. He's a locked in play for the last 5 fixtures of the season, including a potential fantasy title game, for many, vs Ipswich on the final day.
Marco Asensio
Position: Forward
Team: Aston Villa
Rostered: 73%
Ghost Points Per Start: 8.6
Ghost Points Last GW: 13.75
Prospects: A winter waiver fantasy asset with explosive upside, Asensio remains a high-risk, high-reward play, especially in the shadow of FA Cup rotation (thankfully he is now out of UCL rotation contention). If he gets the nod in the final league fixtures, he could offer big returns with his eye for goal, set-piece involvement, and knack for ghost points through key passes and shots.
It's been a slight gamble with Asensio through both his play and rotation risk since getting added in to teams in January. It is, however, one that could pay off in the final stretch depending on whether or not Emery prefers him in the big FA Cup fixtures. When he starts, he brings real fantasy value through various offensive stats. He's always involved in the attack but the issue, as is known, is minutes.
Verdict: We just need the starts. Villa will be fighting for UCL spots till the very end most likely and hopefully Asensio stays in the XI. I wouldn't drop him if he doesn't get the nod vs Fulham(After the cup semi & potentially final later).
Honorable Mention
Max Kilman - (D-WHU): Not a bad showing vs Southampton with 12.0 gPts. Could've had the clean sheet but he's done well for himself this season, delivering 8.5 gPPS.
Jack Harrison - (M-EVE): This Fantrax legend is showing an uptick in ghosts over the last 2 months with McNeill out with injury (although he is now back fit despite note yet garnering a start). Everton have some solid matchups to end the season including SOU/IPS. 7.3 gPPS over his last 7.
Mathys Tel - (F-TOT):Â Looked great last time out and had 13.5 gPts in his last start. The problem with him is starts. He's got 9.7 gPPS over his last 6.
Not So Fast:
Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City DEF; 3 ghosts): While the 20 year old Pep project Nico O’Reilly has shown some potential, he’s not a particularly reliable fantasy asset just yet (next year is a different season). Over his last five starts, he’s posted point totals of 3, 18.5 (with a goal), 14.5 (with a goal), 4.25, & 8.75. He's shown a low floor since he's been starting without a goals or assist. His overall scores tend to stay modest, and he doesn’t consistently rack up the stats needed to be a dependable play, even with all his minutes. Until he starts contributing more regularly or boosts his ghost point ceiling, he remains more of a next season watch list rather than a reliable starter, especially in leagues where he isn't classified as a defender.
One(s) To Watch:
Kenny Tete (Fulham DEF; 12 ghosts): The Dutch defender returned to the starting XI for the first time since December 14, reclaiming his right-back position from Castagne, who subbed on for him in the 78th minute against Chelsea. Tete delivered an impressive performance, recording a solid 6 ghost points - highlighted by 8 clearances. Prior to his injury, he had produced some solid fantasy relevant returns when starting. Upcoming fixtures against Southampton(GW34) this weekend and Everton in Gameweek 36 present favorable opportunities worth considering. He's posting 7 gPPS over 21 starts.
Category Killer Winners:
Key Passes: Pedro Porro (7)
Successful Dribbles: Abdoulaye Doucouré (5)
Aerials:Â Max Kilman (6)
Accurate Crosses Not Corners (ACNCs): Pedro Porro (4)
Tackles Won:Â Patrick Dorgu (7)
Interceptions:Â Pervis Estupinan (3)
Dr. Peter Venkman Award:
Dominic Solanke (Spurs FWD; 0 ghosts/no start & -0.5 in GW33): Dominic Solanke’s recent form has been a tremendous letdown for fantasy managers, especially those relying on him as reliable early draft pick with a proven record in the league. He has 1 goal in the Premier League this calendar year. Yes, you read that right. He hasn't scored since January 4th! What’s more concerning is the lack of ghost point production during this dry spell and a lowly gPPs (4.9) overall this season. He hasn't scored above 5.25 since his goal and it's not for a lack of starts. After disappointing managers away at Wolves with a 74 minute -0.5 score he was relegated to the bench vs Forest. He’s starting to look like a tough hold heading into the final gameweeks unless a clear shift in form or fixtures emerges.
***Click here to view the full Ghost Point Tracker table!***
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