This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EST)
Sunday, 8:30 a.m: Bournemouth v. Liverpool
Sunday, 11:00 a.m: Everton v Manchester United
Monday, 2:00 p.m: Middlesbrough v. Hull City
ODDS REPORT
EXPECTED CORNER TAKERS
Liverpool: James Milner, Jordan Henderson
Bournemouth: Junior Stanislas, Simon Francis
Everton: Leighton Baines, Kevin Mirallas, Ross Barkley
Manchester United: Juan Mata
Middlesbrough: Gaston Ramirez
Hull City: Robert Snodgrass
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Loris Karius, LIV v. BOU ($5,300): Liverpool's normally creaky defense has been anything but creaky over the past two weeks. They've earned three straight shutouts, with one coming in an EFL Cup quarter-final win over Leeds United. Southampton have scored just three goals in their past five games, which could bode well for the Liverpool shot stopper. Seeing Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip and James Milner each week has certainly helped their defensive consistency.
DEFENDER
Leighton Baines, EVE at MUN ($4,500): After missing over two months with a hamstring injury, Baines has now made consecutive starts in his customary left-back position. His club counterpart, Seamus Coleman, comes $600 more expensive, which gives Baines a slight edge if you want to spend up for the likes of Sadio Mane or Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Andrew Robertson, HUL at MID ($4,200): Monday's matchup isn't exactly appetizing from an entertainment standpoint, but that doesn't mean there won't be fantasy value on the pitch. Robertson made his return from a calf injury as a substitute in last weekend's match with West Brom. He has a clean bill of health and is expected to start Monday. Robertson comes as one of the cheapest defenders who is expected to start in this slate, and while giving him a start is risky, it could pay off if he puts up even a moderate score.
MIDFIELDER
Junior Stanislas, BOU at LIV ($6,700): Stanislas has recovered from injury nicely, making three straight starts since returning. Goals have been hard to come by for Bournemouth over the past month and a half, scoring nine in six outings, but Stanislas played a part in four, scoring two and assisting two. If Southampton can find the back of the net, Stanislas is likely to have played a part in it.
Juan Mata, MUN v. EVE ($7,200): Officially back in the good graces of manager Jose Mourinho, Mata has flourished as a winger for United this season. Memphis Depay, who is he? Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford you say? They've been relegated to the occasional start and substitution appearances. Mata has earned his role in the United midfield through efficient displays and clutch goals. He has two goals in his last three matches and will hope to find the back of the net once more against an Everton side that is two matches removed from allowing five goals to Chelsea.
Sadio Mane, LIV v. BOU ($8,900): I went back and forth between Roberto Firmino or Mane many times before ultimately deciding on Mane because of his lack of injury. Firmino is struggling with calf pain currently, which means even if he does start, he may not go all 90 minutes. Mane will be relied on heavily as in Liverpool's attack even if Adam Lallana and Firmino are able to feature in some capacity.
FORWARD
Yannick Bolasie, EVE at MUN ($7,700): Bolasie has put up seven shots and 14 crosses in his past two matches, good for double-digit fantasy points in each outing. We haven't seen a spectacular offensive output yet this season, though his attacking floor hasn't dropped out. Bolasie is a safe play despite his price, while his ability to slot in at midfield or forward allows flexibility with a lineup.
Divock Origi, LIV v. BOU ($6,400):Philippe Coutinho will miss the next five to six weeks with an ankle injury, while Daniel Sturridge did not travel to the south coast for Sunday's match. This provides Origi an excellent opportunity to earn his first Premier League start of the season. In last weekend's match with Sunderland, Origi came on for Coutinho and broke the deadlock with a sublime strike in the 75th minute. With Firmino and Lallana both facing late fitness tests, it appears Origi and Sadio Mane are Liverpool's healthiest attacking options.
Alvaro Negredo, MID v. HUL ($6,300): The Valencia loanee has been fairly disappointing all season, netting three goals in 13 Premier League appearances. Last weekend's match with Leicester City provided a positive sign toward turning his lack of goalscoring around. He found the net twice against the champions, helping his team to a 2-2 draw. This may be just what the Spaniard needed to kickstart his campaign. Middlesbrough's matchup with Hull City, who currently sit in the relegation zone, could be a big factor in who is playing in the Championship next season.
