This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EST)
- 10:00 am: Aston Villa vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
- 12:30 pm: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Manchester City
- 3:00 pm: Manchester United vs. West Bromwich Albion
For detailed stats and odds, check out the
FORWARDS/MIDFIELDERS
Bruno Fernandes, MUN v. WBA ($22): This isn't difficult; Fernandes will be the most popular player in cash games. Man United have the highest implied goal total and Fernandes surprisingly has the best goal odds of expected starters, even better than Marcus Rashford ($20). Fernandes hit 66 fantasy points in his last match following an international break, and he has been one of the most-consistent players in the league, with five goals and three assists in seven league matches, including at least 22 fantasy points in six. Rashford is the next closest on the team in terms of goal odds, though his floor has struggled without as much time on the ball. If you don't back Fernandes, Rashford is the GPP option along with Anthony Martial ($17), who hasn't done anything this season. The same goes for Mason Greenwood, though there's no guarantee he starts for United, as Edinson Cavani ($17) and Donny van de Beek ($13) are possibilities after the break. Either way, as the biggest favorite on the slate against a West Brom side that have allowed a league-high 17 goals, you need at least one Red Devil in cash games.
Jack Grealish, AVL v. BHA ($17): Grealish has huge numbers this season, but that's mostly because he had two goals and three assists against Liverpool. I'm more intrigued by his floor, which has hit at least nine points in every match. He's averaging 1.29 shots on goal and 2.71 chances created per 90 minutes, which leads to a solid floor and decent upside, as seen in his three 35-plus-point outings in seven matches. He's a solid cash play with Fernandes, while Ollie Watkins ($18) has more goal upside. Watkins has six goals this season, but he's scored in three of seven matches and his floor is often below 10 points. Because of that, I almost prefer the cheaper Ross Barkley ($15), who has hit at least 12 fantasy points in all five Villa starts and has become the exclusive set-piece taker with 16 in the last two matches. He created 14 chances in the last three and should see similar work against Brighton. I wouldn't be surprised if either side won this match because Brighton have played everyone tight this season, but even if guys like Grealish and Barkley don't make the score-sheet, they could do enough to get you above the cash line.
Gabriel Jesus, MCI at TOT ($21): If you want to back Man City, I think Jesus is the better play over Kevin De Bruyne ($22). In addition to De Bruyne likely being more popular, his floor has been surprisingly mediocre in league play this season, more often staying around 10 points instead of the 20 expected from him. His overall numbers are great, but they're a bit juiced after hitting 67.8 fantasy points in the opener. Jesus doesn't have the same floor, but he has better odds to score and hit the back of the net in eight of his last 10 appearances for City. Even if he doesn't score, his floor could reach 10 points after averaging 2.13 shots on goal and 1.42 chances created per 90 minutes last season. He started both matches for Brazil over the international break, but Pep Guardiola probably doesn't care and Jesus should be in his usual role against Tottenham. Elsewhere on the team, it's mostly hit or miss unless you think City go off against Tottenham, as Raheem Sterling ($19) and Riyad Mahrez ($17) have had low floors this season, especially against tougher competition.
Harry Kane, TOT v. MCI ($20): If you don't care about cash and want to win a few tournaments, going all in on Tottenham is the move. They've struggled to produce in recent matches, but they already scored six goals against Man United, and Man City have already fallen apart once this season, giving up five to Leicester. I'm not saying it will happen, but it's at least possible, and not many will be backing Spurs players. Kane is the clear choice not only because he's on penalties, but because he's been awesome this season, racking up seven goals and eight assists. If you use him, you might as well go after Son Heung-Min ($19), who has had similar success this season with eight goals and two assists. Gareth Bale ($16) started his first league match prior to the break and is also a stacking piece if you really believe in Tottenham.
However, I think the Man United v. West Brom match will have the most goals on this slate, as it'll be a little more open. You can get West Brom's starting forward Karlan Grant for $13, while most of their other starters are in that range. If you stack Man United players, it may be a good idea to add Grant as your fourth attacking option.
DEFENDERS
Semi Ajayi, WBA at MUN ($7): There are two projected defensive starters at $7 and Ajayi has the higher floor. He racked up a variety of stats against Tottenham last match, accruing 16.9 fantasy points, and managed 9.1 against Fulham before that. He's had some poor matches, like the zero in the opener, but he seems to have found his role in recent contests and as long as he comes close to 10 points, that's enough for the price. The other option is Dan Burn, who has failed to surpass four fantasy points in two of his four starts.
Sergio Reguilon, TOT v. MCI ($13): There are a few defenders on this slate who have had consistent floors around 15 points, and Reguilon is one of them. His numbers have been a bit all over, but he's hit 16 fantasy points in all four league starts, whether from attacking stats or the seven clearances he made last match. If you have extra money, Joao Cancelo ($14) and Matty Cash ($14) have been a bit more reliable no matter their matchups. If you don't want to rely on attacking stats, Cash is probably the best play, averaging 3.47 tackles, 3.17 interceptions and 3.92 clearances per 90 minutes. That's a floor of about 13 points before any possible chances created or a clean sheet.
GOALKEEPER
Emiliano Martinez, AVL v. BHA ($12): Man United have the best odds to win and secure a clean sheet, but I don't think David de Gea ($14) is worth paying up for. He's disappointed in almost every match this season and has yet to surpass 17 fantasy points, which is what he'd get with a clean sheet and win. Martinez may be the safest option, having hit at least 10 points in six of seven starts, including at least 20 in five. Brighton have the highest implied goal total of any underdog, but they've scored three goals in their last four matches. Whatever team you fade at forward, you could also go with either Ederson ($11) or Hugo Lloris ($9) no matter how that match plays out, as both goalkeepers could be in play for multiple saves.
