This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EDT)
- 10:00 am: Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Leeds United
- 12:30 pm: Chelsea vs. Fulham
- 3:00 pm: Everton vs. Aston Villa
For detailed stats and odds, check out the
FORWARDS
James Rodriguez, EVE v. AVL ($8,900): Rodriguez has a share of set pieces for the second-biggest favorite on the slate, and he comes in with one of the higher floors among expected starters. There aren't many good cheaper forwards for cash games, so it seems more likely that people in double-ups will pay for Rodriguez, while GPP players could surely target teammates Richarlison ($8,100) or Dominic Calvert-Lewin ($6,500), the latter of whom actually has the highest anytime goal scorer odds on the slate.
Pascal Gross, BHA v. LEE ($8,700): Gross' dominant role on set pieces will also likely make him popular in cash games, especially with Brighton actually favored at home. They are in desperate need of points, and with no real competition for those dead balls, Gross' floor is expected to be high from crosses and chances created. With a dearth of elite midfielders on the slate, paying up for two forwards seems like the most optimal build for cash games. Simiarly to Everton's Rodriguez, Gross has viable GPP teammates with goal upside like Neal Maupay ($6,700) and Danny Welbeck ($6,100), though Leandro Trossard ($7,200) provides a much higher floor (albeit with lower anytime goal scorer odds). That being said, if you're really looking for affordable goal odds, Olivier Giroud ($6,000) is attractively priced if he starts, as only Calvert-Lewin is more likely to score (according to the oddsmakers).
Tyler Roberts, LEE at BHA ($3,700): The cheaper forwards leave plenty to be desired, so while Roberts theoretically provides a decent floor for his price, it's not like he's under-priced. The benefit is that we'll know if he's starting because Leeds play in the early game, which is the opposite of trying to rely on someone like Keinan Davis ($3,500) of Aston Villa, who is a minimum-priced forward who scored off the bench last week. Roberts' teammate Helder Costa ($3,800) could also get a start on the wing, but you're going to need some luck for that one to really pay off.
MIDFIELDERS
Mason Mount, CHE v. FUL ($10,000): Mount is the most expensive player on the slate, but there are a few reasons why he might not be that popular, even in cash games, despite having a solid role on set pieces. Chelsea will play the second leg of their Champions League tie against Real Madrid on Wednesday, so we could see some lineup rotation that could move Mount to the bench. Or, Mount could start and then be subbed in order to keep him fresh for next week. Finally, if Reece James ($6,800) starts at right wing-back, Mount won't have such a dominant role on set pieces for the biggest favorite. Playing in the second match instead of the third helps, but with many people likely prioritizing two expensive forwards, there may not be enough salary left to reasonably play Mount too.
Kalvin Phillips, LEE at BHA ($4,900): Phillips represents cheap access to set pieces for Leeds if Raphinha ($9,700) sits out again, as expected. He isn't much of an attacking threat, but his defensive floor keeps him safe for cash games, and he provides enough upside because of those set pieces. Given the lack of strong floor plays between Mount and Phillips salary-wise, the latter figures to be popular in double ups and head-to-heads but probably not as much in tournaments because of a generally low ceiling.
Allan, EVE v. AVL ($3,000): Allan is minimum priced and starting for a home favorite; that's pretty much it. His floor is pretty low because he's a defensive midfielder who rarely attacks (he's taken four shots and created nine chances in 18 appearances this season), but if you need to pay up for multiple expensive players, he could be handy. Paying up a little more for N'Golo Kante ($3,500) probably makes a little more sense, especially since you'll know he's starting before Allan.
DEFENDERS
Reece James, CHE v. FUL ($6,800): While paying up for Mount doesn't seem optimal, rostering the Chelsea full-backs seems like a very reasonable move, especially James because of his role on set pieces when he starts. Whether it's James or Cesar Azpilicueta ($5,000) on the right side versus Ben Chilwell ($7,100) or Marcos Alonso ($6,400) on the left, there is definitely a viable lineup construction that includes two starting Chelsea full-backs. Azpilicueta has the lowest floor and ceiling of the group, and Chilwell seems a bit overpriced when compared to James and Alonso, but if they start they could definitely be viable in cash games and GPPs.
Matt Targett, AVL at EVE ($5,300): Targett took on some set pieces last week and could certainly be an attractive option if he has a similar role against Everton. It doesn't help that we won't know their full lineup until the end of the slate, but Targett has enough of an attacking floor where it's not like he's useless without corners. And while he provides decent salary savings versus the Chelsea guys, this definitely could be a slate where we see three-defender builds, with fantasy players likely spending down at midfielder to fit them all in.
Ezgjan Alioski, LEE at BHA ($3,900): Alioski's attacking upside hasn't been that great recently, but there doesn't seem to be a reasonable explanation for why he's $1,300 cheaper than fellow Leeds full-back Luke Ayling ($5,200). Leeds can attack with the best of them, and Alioski's lower price makes him a more viable option than center-backs in his price range. But again, it seems more likely fantasy players will pay up at defense in most contests.
GOALKEEPER
Edouard Mendy, CHE v. FUL ($5,800): With not many expensive players worth prioritizing, there is likely to be money left over for a favored goalkeeper. Mendy is the most expensive because he's the biggest favorite with the highest clean sheet odds, but he's also close enough in salary to Jordan Pickford ($5,300) and Robert Sanchez ($5,100) that people who have the money to pay up should just find their way to the Chelsea shot-stopper. Mendy will obviously have trouble making value if he concedes, but that's always the case when paying up for a goalkeeper, and he has the clearest path to at least 10.0 fantasy points.
