Daily Fantasy Soccer: Saturday, February 6th
With DraftKings announcing opening up games in the UK along with some key sponsorships of some Premier League teams in Arsenal, Liverpool and Watford, I think now is the right time to jump head first into soccer and ride the wave as the game grows and as more people start playing and the expected growth in GPPs that we should see coming soon.
The tournaments this week aren’t as big as you would think with the news that dropped on Thursday, but we must trudge on and this may be a good opportunity to drop a team or two in a GPP to begin the soccer learning process if you haven’t already.
Goalkeepers
Simon Mignolet, Liverpool $3,900 – It appears as though DraftKings has altered their pricing algorithm a little bit as the goalkeeper with the highest odds to win is no longer an automatic lock for the most expensive keeper on the slate. The odds for Liverpool are implying a 75% chance for a win for Mignolet. This matchup is not as easy as it seems as Sunderland looked impressive against Manchester City. While the matchup this time for Sunderland is on the road as opposed to their home game vs City, I think they might get a few chances on Mignolet and force him into a save or two. Otherwise, I think Mignolet makes for a great option at keeper if you’re looking to spend up for cash or tournaments alike.
Jack Butland, Stoke $3,600 – This is a pure GPP selection as Stoke welcome Everton at home in what will be a tough matchup for Everton who have only won one of their last six away matches, meanwhile Stoke have won four of their last six matches at home. Another reason to consider Butland is the volume of shots that he will likely see given the opponent is Everton who take an average of 13.3 shots per game. The risk here is Lukaku who has not scored in the last four gameweeks and has taken 14 shots in that span. He is primed for a goal soon, however, I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t score this week, but manages one next match at home against West Brom. Butland is a GPP play who will see some save opportunities to offset the small chance for the win/clean sheet.
Defenders
Leandro Bacuna, Aston Villa $3,600 – Bacuna has been playing in the midfield in recent matchups for Villa. The team has managed 5 points in their last four matches. For Bacuna, he’s averaged plenty of crosses in good matchups including 10 against Leicester and 9 against West Brom. Norwich for their part have allowed 22 crosses a game to opponents this season which sits at 6th highest in the premier league. Look for Bacuna and Veretout to both provide some crosses and some value for your fantasy squads.
Toby Alderweireld, Tottenham $3,200 – This is a volatile pick as Alderweireld is a central defender, but in recent weeks he’s shown an ability to take plenty of shots. In his last four matches he’s taken 11 shots total without scoring a goal. With the Spurs’ offensive pressure Alderweireld should find himself in position to take some shots again and if he converts one of them this week then he more than pays for his cheap price tag.
Daryl Janmaat, Newcastle $4,400 – Newcastle are playing West Brom this weekend, and that team tends to allow plenty of crosses. Janmaat is very much in play for this team as they look to continue their home success after winning their last home match against West Ham. Janmaat has 26 crosses in his last four matches and has double digit upside with 8-10 point floor.
Midfielders
Christian Eriksen, Tottenham $7,400 – Tottenham have been tremendous offensively in recent weeks with Eriksen leading the charge with crosses, shots, assists and goals in the last four weeks. Eriksen again is in a great spot with Tottenham playing host to Watford who have struggled in recent weeks while Tottenham have had the most explosive offense in the last six weeks. Eriksen has 15 point floor with 20+ point upside if he can get a goal or assist on one.
James McClean, West Brom $5,200 – Over the last 4 matches, West Brom have delivered the most crosses in the premier league with McClean leading the way with 42 total crosses. McClean is a bit of a risk here as West Brom are on the road, but they are facing a Newcastle squad. This match can either be a high scoring, high octane affair, or it can be a possession football match where both teams struggle to find an opening and it can end a boring goalless draw or a single goal affair. If it is the former, then McClean is sure to have a good fantasy outing, and for his price, he can deliver on it easily.
Jordan Veretout, Aston Villa $4,700 – Similar to Bacuna on defense, Veretout takes a share of the crosses and corners and appears to be a valuable part of this Villa squad that is struggling to remain the premier league. They don’t look like they’ll succeed, however. Bad teams tend to go wide on offense and deliver crosses in hopes that a tall striker can latch onto one in a counter attack. Veretout does this well and could be able to do it again on Saturday against Norwich.
Nacer Chadli, Tottenham $3,300 – If he starts he’s my favorite GPP value play for Saturday’s slate. He rested in the midweek fixtures and hasn’t really played much in the EPL, his game log isn’t impressive beyond a single match against Crystal Palace. However, he’s been delivering in the non-league games as he had 7 shots and 2 goals and an assist against Colchester. Against Watford, look for Chadli to deliver an offensive minded performance that can be combined with Eriksen and Kane to a big day.
Gylfi Sigurdsson, Swansea $6,500 – Swansea added a new striker in the window to help with their offensive ineptitude. However, what’s really going to help is the resurgence of Gylfi Sigurdsson. In the last 4 weeks Gylfi has 7 chances created and 10 shots (With 3 goals). With the addition of Alberto Paloschi, that should give Siggy a chance to sit back and work on setting up his teammates. He’s still on set piece duty and penalty kick duty so he has upside, but he also increases his floor if he plays a more play-making role.
Wahbi Khazri, Sunderland $2,900 – As a sub in the midweek fixtures, Khazri took over corner kick duty for the Black Cats. And in a matchup against Liverpool, if he gets the start, expect him to continue that duty. And while corner kicks will be few and far between, rostering him at the cheap bargain bin basement price might mean you can load up on some other sure fire players who can deliver some more consistent results.
Forwards
Harry Kane, Tottenham $8,200 – If you can find the savings, then rostering Kane is a vital option you must consider. Kane is the best striker on the board for Saturday with Lukaku being a close second. Kane however has form on his side as well as a good matchup. Kane also is at home putting him as my top forward option for the slate.
Roberto Firmino, Liverpool $5,800 – The biggest favorites to win are Liverpool and with Firmino leading the line the last few matches he’s managed to convert four goals in four matches. Liverpool at home against Sunderland is a great spot to target Firmino at Anfield as Liverpool look to get back to winning ways after a tough 2-0 loss to table toppers Leicester.
Marko Arnautovic, Stoke $4,800 – With Stoke playing at home and facing an injury riddled Everton side, I expect them to put some pressure on the attack led by Arnautovic and Bojan. I like Arnautovic to bounce back after a string of poor performances due to some tough fixtures. Arnautovic will be low owned this week and is a great spot to go contrarian and reap the rewards.