This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Soccer series.
For detailed odds and stats, check out the Fantasy Premier League: Wednesday Cheat Sheet.
MATCHES (EST)
2:45 p.m: Chelsea v. Bournemouth
2:45 p.m: Southampton v. Brighton
2:45 p.m: Newcastle v. Burnley
2:45 p.m: Everton v. Leicester City
3:00 p.m: Tottenham v. Manchester United
3:00 p.m: Stoke City v. Watford
3:00 p.m: Manchester City v. West Brom
FORWARDS
Sergio Aguero, MCI v. WBA ($13,000): Aguero is the most expensive player on the slate, but with so many of the other expensive options playing in the Tottenham-Manchester United match (one I think will be low scoring), it makes sense to pay up. When was the last time you saw a match between two top sides, with Jose Mourinho managing one, that was an exciting high-scoring affair with lots of fantasy points? Taking out the players from that match, the most-expensive forward expected to start is Everton's Cenk Tosun ($8,500). See why it's worth paying for Aguero, who scored a hat trick in his last start and has the highest anytime goal scorer odds?
Jamie Vardy, LEI at EVE ($8,500): Everton's defense has taken a step back of late, as they allowed nine goals in their last four league games. Meanwhile, Vardy has been shooting a bit of more, taking eight shots (three on target) while scoring two goals in his last three starts. I don't like to put much into prior matchups, but Vardy did score against Everton when they faced off on Oct. 29.
Mame Biram Diouf, STK v. WAT ($8,000): Diouf's spot in the starting XI isn't guaranteed, but it may be tough to push him back to the bench after scoring one goal on three shots (two on goal) during Stoke's 2-0 win over Huddersfield on Jan. 20, their last league match. The Watford defense has really struggled of late, and while Stoke aren't exactly an offensive firepower, Diouf could take advantage after taking nine shots, including five on goal, in his last three games, two of which were substitute appearances. Diouf doesn't have the same anytime goal scorer odds as Peter Crouch ($7,500), but he's much more likely to put a few shots on goal even if he doesn't score.
MIDFIELDERS
Eden Hazard, CHE v. BOU ($11,000): With Alvaro Morata ($9,500, forward) ruled out because of a back injury and Michy Batshuayi ($9,000, forward) apparently heading to Borussia Dortmund, Hazard could line up as a false 9, giving him more shooting responsibilities in addition to his regular playmaking. It's a role he's played very well this season, albeit in a small sample:
So, in a small sample Hazard has gotten multiple shots on goal or created multiple chances in six matches as a false 9 this season, and he drew 18 fouls in that span. Oh, and he'll now face a Bournemouth side that's allowed 10 goals in its last five away matches.
Cesc Fabregas, CHE v. BOU ($9,000): Don't hesitate to pair Hazard with Fabregas, whose 64 chances created this season are the third-most in the Premier League, trailing only Kevin De Bruyne's ($11,500) 73 and Mesut Ozil's 66, except that Fabregas has played 550 and 215 fewer minutes, respectively. Fabregas is also good at racking up the tackles, helping him to score more than 20 fantasy points in eight consecutive Premier League starts. In fact, his 7.22 chances created + shots on goal+ tackles per 90 minutes are more than any other player who's played at least 200 minutes, with De Bruyne second with 6.42.
Bernardo Silva, MCI v. WBA ($7,500):Kevin De Bruyne is definitely the best Man City midfielder on the slate, and there's nothing wrong with paying up for him instead of Hazard (or trying to pair them together). However, Silva provides some great exposure to their attack without costing an arm and a leg. Expected to start for the injured Leroy Sane ($9,500), Silva's production isn't likely to be that high unless he gets on the scoresheet; luckily he'll line up in the attack for the team with the highest implied goal total. David Silva ($9,000) is another possibility if you're intent on loading up on Man City, but I think Fabregas is the better play for the same price.
DEFENDERS
Robert Huth, LEI at EVE ($4,000): Huth hasn't played this season because of an ankle injury, but he was available off the bench for Leicester's FA Cup match this past weekend, possibly leading the way for him to finally debut Wednesday in place of the injured Wes Morgan ($5,000). Huth was 10th in the Premier League in clearances last season and we could expect him to be active on that front with Everton looking to get three vital points at home. The upside isn't overly high, but his minimum salary helps improve the other positions.
Ryan Shawcross, STK v. WAT ($5,500): Watford come in having forced the second-most clearances this season while Shawcross is averaging the fourth-most clearances per 90 minutes among players on the slate. It's tough to rely on a ton of defensive stats while Stoke are at home, but they're actually weak enough defensively that Shawcross should get his chances.
Phil Jones, MUN at TOT ($5,500): While the matchup against Tottenham may not produce a ton of goals, Jones should still have his opportunities to pile up the defensive stats, especially clearances. Spurs will be on the front foot in an effort to get the big result, while Jones comes in leading United in clearances and blocked shots.
GOALKEEPER
Ederson, MCI v. WBA ($4,500): West Brom have been a much better attacking team since Alan Pardew took over for Tony Pulis, but they're still unlikely to break through against Manchester City at the Etihad. As a result, it's possible for Ederson to have a few easy shots come his way while he also has the best odds for a clean sheet.
