This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (ET)
- 2:45 pm: Manchester City vs. Brentford
- 2:45 pm: Norwich City vs. Crystal Palace
- 2:45 pm: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Southampton
- 3:00 pm: Aston Villa vs. Leeds United
For detailed stats and odds, check out the
FORWARDS / MIDFIELDERS
Kevin De Bruyne, MCI v. BRE ($21): Manchester City are the biggest favorite on the slate and Kevin De Bruyne is as close to a sure thing as we've come to expect in the City starting XI. He's scored at least 23 fantasy points in five of his past seven league matches, including three above 31 points. With City expected to have a big day against Brentford, you could realistically go for a stack, though the rest of the starting XI for Pep Guardiola is a guessing game until lineups come out. Phil Foden ($19) is the next most expensive option, while Raheem Sterling ($18) and Jack Grealish ($17) are slightly cheaper. Riyad Mahrez ($18) bagged a brace in the Cup over the weekend, while Bernardo Silva ($18) is favored to start over Ilkay Gundogan ($16). Ivan Toney ($16) has scored in consecutive starts, while scoring over 14 points in his past three matches. City are one of the toughest defenses in the Premier League, so it may be tough picking anyone in Brentford's attack.
Raphinha, LEE at AVL ($19): Raphinha ranks fifth in the Premier League with 39 scoring chances created, making him one of the more coveted fantasy options. He's also added eight goals and two assists over 19 starts, as he's been the main option in attack while Patrick Bamford ($17) has been sidelined. Philippe Coutinho ($19) has had a good start to his Aston Villa stay with a goal and three shots on target in limited action, making him their most expensive attacker on the slate. The value play in this match is to go with Emiliano Buendia ($15), as his price has dropped off while his production has bumped up with over 24 points in each of the last three Premier League matches.
Milot Rashica, NOR v. CRY ($15): This is the least appetizing contest of the four-match slate and there's a bit of value to be found in both teams. Milot Rashica is middle of the road in terms of price, though he's been consistent as of late, scoring over 12 points in six of his past seven matches. Conor Gallagher ($20) has been Crystal Palace's best player this season and his price reflects that while not offering a ton of value. Odsonne Edouard ($17) has scored in three of his past four matches and is a bit cheaper pivot from Gallagher. Eberechi Eze ($10) offers the most value after making a full return from a long-term injury and it will be interesting to see if he can make the starting XI against Norwich City.
Stuart Armstrong, SOU at TOT ($9): There's a number of more expensive options that are appealing, but Armstrong's price is tough to overlook. He went 82 minutes during the previous Premier League match against Manchester City and scored a beautiful goal in the FA Cup win last weekend. His price isn't likely to be in single digits for the rest of the season, so this is a good time to capitalize. Heung-Min Son ($20) featured in the FA Cup last weekend and is expected to start against Southampton, making him a viable play, especially with eight goals and three assists in 17 appearances. His running mate, Harry Kane ($20) scored twice in the FA Cup and is in good form with four goals and an assist over his past six league matches. Finally, the safest play in this match is James Ward-Prowse ($17), as he's been on a tear over the past two months, scoring over 31 fantasy points in four of his past six league matches and not finishing with less than 16 points.
DEFENDERS
Lucas Digne, AVL v. LEE ($13): Since joining Aston Villa from Everton, Digne has had a share of set pieces, which has helped him to performances of 14.9 and 28.4 points. He's created two scoring chances in both matches to go along with an assist. Leeds have been poor defensively and could allow Digne the opportunity to push forward into attack, potentially adding to his assist tally. A clean sheet will be tough to come by in this match, so it's best to bank on the defender with the most attacking upside.
Cristian Romero, TOT v. SOU ($9): Romero is one of the cheapest expected starting defenders after he returned from injury in the FA Cup last weekend. He hasn't played in the Premier League since early November so this isn't a sure thing as a starter (no one ever is), but he's had a full week of training following last weekend's start and should be able to go again. Couple his availability with Eric Dier being sidelined, and Romero could be called on again. You wont find many defenders at this price starting for a favorite. When he was starting earlier in the season, he was consistently scoring double digits and could do so once more.
GOALKEEPERS
Angus Gunn, NOR v. CRY ($10): Manchester City have far and away the best clean-sheet odds, which leaves Ederson ($15) at the top of the price scale. Hugo Lloris ($13) and Tottenham have the next-best clean-sheet odds and have benefited from manager Antonio Conte's tactics as they've been better defensively, conceding just six goals in six matches. David Raya ($6) is the cheapest expected starter and should see plenty of save opportunities against Manchester City. Crystal Palace have won just one match away from home and Angus Gunn is making a rare start with Tim Krul sidelined. Norwich have won consecutive Premier League matches and will look to make it three when they host Crystal Palace in a winnable matchup.
