EPL Weekly Plays: Week 24
With the NFL over and the NBA heading to the All-Star break, DraftKings has started to slowly but surely raise the prize pools for the guaranteed soccer tournaments. This weekend we have an $8,000 Equalizer, a $4,500 Nutmeg and a $6,000 Golden Boot. The slate this weekend includes six games, five early ones and one later game. There will be some changed lineups this week as we’ve already completed the transfer window, so be sure to monitor lineups and expect some potential changes in formations as teams try to bring in the new additions and compensate for outbound players. This should be a fun weekend of Premier League soccer so set those lineups and have some fun, but first, let’s get to the picks.
Goalkeepers
Joe Hart, Manchester City $5,600 – Manchester City is a heavy favorite against Hull this weekend, Hart is also the second most expensive keeper on the board for the week’s games. The biggest concern is that Manchester City has not held a clean sheet since Christmas, but they are the most likely team to guarantee a win. That’s 5 points, and if they finally get a clean sheet then that’s another 5 points. Mix in any additional shots that Hull manage to get off and that’s just gravy. On the other hand, Hull hasn’t managed to score since they faced Everton on New Year’s Day, meaning that their chances of scoring today are slim to none. Roster Hart with ease.
Thibaut Courtois, Chelsea $5,700 – Chelsea are the second biggest favorite of the day, and facing a team that also struggles to score. Villa haven’t managed more than seven goals at home this season, Courtois is playing behind a strong defense that is in good form. At his price though, Courtois is a risk as if he concedes a single goal then the chances of paying off his price tag is minimal.
Costel Pantilimon, Sunderland $4,400 – Sunderland are facing a Swansea foe that has struggled to score since Bony has left the team (I’m not going to count Jonjo’s screamer against Southampton as that was dumb Jonjo luck). It does, however, speak for the likelihood of Pantilimon reaching and exceeding value. Swansea is playing at home so expect them to be aggressive in their pursuit of a win, which increases the supply of saves that Pantilimon can accrue.
Other Keepers I Like: Fraser Forster – Southampton ($4,900), Lukasz Fabianski – Swansea ($5,000), Simon Mignolet – Liverpool ($4,900)
Defenders
Gael Clichy, Manchester City $4,300 – With City being such huge favorites, it will make sense to pick up one of the defenders (if not two) to pair with Hart in your lineups this weekend. While the clean sheet bonus is nice, the reason I like Clichy (or whoever starts in the left fullback position this weekend) is that Hull has allowed the fifth-most chances from the left flank and the fourth-most crosses from the left side. Clichy consistently sits closer to the midfield during game play and takes some runs up the flank to support the attack.
Nathaniel Clyne, Southampton $4,100 – With Ryan Bertrand being suspended for a couple of games due to a red card, Clyne will carry more of the responsibility to lead the attacks from the back. Matt Targett might get some of that duty on the left side, but I trust Clyne to contribute more due to his experience and the fact that he’s a known quantity. Targett, who is expected to start at the other full back position, has played a total of 129 Premier League minutes, which is less than ideal and if he has any slip ups, then expect him to be one of the first to be substituted out.
Patrick Van Aanholt, Sunderland $3,400 – Van Aanholt has been producing crosses in recent weeks with five crosses and an assist last week, it stands to reason that he would be able to continue that sort of production (at least get in position to get an assist) as he will venture up the side and deliver crosses into the box. He’s a cheap option that you can use to differentiate a bit from the crowd that will stack defenders from Chelsea and Manchester City.
Other Defenders I Like: Branislav Ivanovic – Chelsea ($5,100), Neil Taylor – Swansea ($4,000), Kyle Naughton – Swansea ($3,700), Matt Targett – Southampton ($3,300)
Midfielders
Eljero Elia, Southampton $5,700 – His price is still too low for his ability and his level of production. Last week, which featured Southampton’s worst performance of the season, Elia still managed 9 fantasy points after providing 8 crosses. The week before that he managed two goals on two shots. Elia is a rare talent and should be on your radar so long as the Saints continue to run the ball through him and Tadic for their offense.
Eden Hazard, Chelsea $9,100 – He’s the most expensive midfielder available on the slate and for good reason. Without Cesc Fabregas for the Blues, Hazard has become the most likely assist man for the high-octane Chelsea offense. This is a game that Chelsea is heavily favored, so a goal or two are expected. Find a way to fit Hazard in your lineup and you will not be disappointed.
Editor’s Note: Jesus Navas is not in the starting XI, Samir Nasri makes a good play for City.
Jesus Navas, Manchester City $6,600 – For his price, you almost have to take a look at Navas and just stick him into your lineup as a safe cash-game play with potential for a good scoring day. Navas had 6 crosses last week and 11 the week before. For the style of play that Manchester City is playing, Navas has benefited the most as he’s delivering crosses and its only a matter of time till he manages to have a multi-assist game.
Editor’s Note: Dusan Tadic and Juan Cuadrado are not starting.
Other Midfielders I Like: Dusan Tadic – Southampton ($8,500), Raheem Sterling – Liverpool ($8,500), Juan Cuadrado – Chelsea ($6,000 if he starts), Jason Puncheon – Crystal Palace ($5,500). Oscar – Chelsea ($7,300), David Silva – Manchester City ($8,800), Jonjo Shelvey – Swansea ($5,400)
Forwards
Sergio Aguero, Manchester City $10,300 – I suggest you use any savings you can muster up to make sure that Aguero is on your roster. He’s the most likely scorer on the team with the best odds in their favor. At what is considered a discount for Aguero, you can’t afford to not roster him, when just a few weeks ago he was close to $13,000 in salary. With Manchester City finding some form again, it is only a matter of time till Aguero finds himself with a multi-goal game.
Editor’s Note:Loic Remy is not in the starting XI, Didier Drogba is starting in his place and an excellent play
Loic Remy, Chelsea $7,400 – If he gets the start again, he’s a great option for Chelsea to score a goal, which would make it his second in as many weeks. Villa allowed five goals last week against an equally talented Arsenal team, so while I would be surprised with another 5-0 loss, Chelsea can definitely put some goals on the board and Remy would be a great option if that does happen.
Editor’s Note: Daniel Sturridge is not starting this game. If you put him in your flex spot you can switch to Sterling as a good pivot. Also worth a look is Ibe for only $3000 starting for the first time for Liverpool.
Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool $8,100 – Sturridge played last time out for Liverpool and managed a goal in 22 minutes and ended up with 17 fantasy points for his effort. This week he’s facing arguably the worst defense in the league in Everton, and Sturridge has potential to bring a victory to his side and help Liverpool continue their hot run in recent weeks (16 points in last 6 games).
Other Forwards I Like: Graziano Pelle – Southampton ($8,700), Charlie Austin – QPR ($8,800), Christian Betenke – Aston Villa ($7,000), Bafetimbi Gomis – Swansea ($6,800)