This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EST)
8:30 a.m: Burnley v. Chelsea
11:00 a.m: Swansea City v. Leicester City
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Tom Heaton, BUR v. CHE ($4,000): I was pretty torn between Heaton and Lukasz Fabianski, who has the better matchup but will $900 more than Heaton. Heaton is leading the Premier League in saves mostly due to the fact that Burnley have allowed the second-most shots on goals this season (145). This is a bit risky playing Heaton against Chelsea's well-organized attack, but it could pay off if he limits the damage and makes multiple saves.
DEFENDERS
Marcos Alonso, CHE at BUR ($6,000): In a two-game slate it can be difficult to find solid defensive options. Alonso has three goals in his past four matches while playing as a wing-back. Antonio Conte's three defender system pushes Alonso out wide, which makes him more of a midfielder, and he should have plenty of opportunities to push forward against a weak Burley side.
Christian Fuchs, LEI at SWA ($4,700): As you're sizing up your options in defense, you'll notice that there are not a ton of good choices. Fuchs is hardly a sure thing, but he is one of the most consistent starters. You may have to get creative with this slate if Fuchs or Alonso don't fit into your budget. I entertained the idea of Martin Olsson or Kyle Naughton but ultimately came to the conclusion that Fuchs' consistency wasn't something I could keep out of my squad.
MIDFIELDERS
Gylfi Sigurdsson, SWA v. LEI ($8,700): Sigurdsson has become one of the most consistent fantasy performers this season. It helps that he takes all of Swansea's set pieces, whether it's free kick, penalties or corners, and he has managed double-digit fantasy points in nine of his last 10 matches. He was the first player on my team sheet in this slate and warrants a long look from all fantasy players. Sigurdsson is expected to be highly-owned, but he has shown that he is too big of a talent to miss out on, especially in a two-game slate.
Marc Albrighton ($5,500): In Albrighton's last three appearances for Leicester, he has managed a whopping 38 crosses. Although two of those appearances came in the FA Cup against Derby County, it's still difficult to shy away from that type of production. Earlier in the season, he had 10+ crosses in three straight matches. Although Swansea aren't in the Championship, they could certainly find themselves there next season. This meeting between bottom-dwellers could result in an entertaining match in which Albrighton could swing in a ton of crosses.
Luciano Narsingh, SWA v. LEI ($4,200): Narsingh has made a difference for Swansea in a very small amount of playing time. He has played 55 minutes in the Premier League since transferring from PSV Eindhoven but has already recorded an assist in both of his substitute appearances. It's not a sure thing that he will be in the lineup Sunday, but it might be worth a gamble to slot him in if he makes the starting XI.
FORWARDS
Diego Costa, CHE at BUR ($9,600): Now that January's transfer rumors have subsided, Costa can focus on scoring goals. He's been pretty inconsistent in his last three matches, but it should be noted those performances came against Arsenal and Liverpool, and a 14-minute substitute appearance against Brentford. Burnley have been solid at home throughout the season, but Costa could be the key to breaking down their defense. In their last meeting in August, Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 win and Costa recorded one assist.
Riyad Mahrez, LEI at SWA ($7,900): If you haven't figured out by now, I prefer the Leicester/Swansea match over the Burnley/Chelsea one. Why? Burnley have been very difficult to break down at Turf Moor, as they haven't lost at home since late November, and have taken an impressive 15 of 15 possible points. Both Swansea and Leicester City need to win this match to avoid the relegation zone, and it could come down to playmakers like Mahrez and Sigurdsson's ability to unlock defenses. Mahrez hasn't been overly impressive lately, though he has had ample amount of time to configure himself back to the Premier League after competing in Africa Cup of Nations.
Demarai Gray, LEI at SWA ($5,300): Gray's spot in the starting XI isn't secured, but his goal during Leicester City's 3-1 win over Derby in the FA Cup should help his chances of earning his sixth start in the Premier League. He beat three defenders and the goalkeeper to seal up Leicester's advancement to the fifth round with a highlight-reel goal. By taking Gray, you'll allow yourself plenty of budget flexibility that you can spend on players like Sigurdsson and Costa.
