DraftKings Fantasy Soccer: Tuesday EPL Picks

MATCHES (EST)

• 3:15 pm: Burnley vs. Manchester United
• 3:15 pm: Wolverhampton vs. Everton

For detailed stats and odds, check out the

DraftKings Fantasy Soccer: Tuesday EPL Cheat Sheet

FORWARDS

James Rodriguez, EVE at WOL ($10,500): James is the most expensive forward on the slate, but he takes a majority of set pieces for Everton and could be very popular in cash games and GPPs. The presence of Lucas Digne ($7,200, defender) could make some people weary of paying this much for a player on a slate with few pay-down options, especially because he's an underdog, but he has an excellent floor from shots, chances created and crosses, which could be key on a slate that's not expected to have many goals.

Adama Traore, WOL v. EVE ($7,600): On the other side of James' game is Traore, who also has a good floor, though he doesn't have any role on set pieces. Those responsibilities mostly go to Pedro Neto ($9,800), who comes in with the fifth-most floor points in the Premier League this season, trailing  only Jack Grealish, Bruno Fernandes, Kevin De Bruyne and Andrew Robertson. Pairing James and Neto could be a somewhat popular strategy in cash games, though with an expensive midfielder many will likely prioritize, one of them will have to go. While he doesn't take many shots, Traore is averaging 2.01 chances created, 5.50 crosses and 3.06 fouls drawn per 90 minutes this season, giving him one of the highest average floors on the slate.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson, BUR v. MU ($3,500): Burnley are the biggest underdog on the slate, but Gudmundsson could provide some significant salary savings if he starts. Burnley are dealing with a number of injuries and COVID-related issues, so while he may not last all 90 minutes, Gudmundsson should play enough to make his salary a worthwhile punt. He seems unlikely to be on set pieces, but it's always a possibility given his history with them. Then again, you have to consider how many Burnley will actually take, with DraftKings Sportsbook offering -139 odds for over 3.5 corners but +155 for over 4.5.

MIDFIELDERS

Bruno Fernandes, MUN at BUR ($11,800): Fernandes is the most expensive player on the slate, but he comes in with the most fantasy points in the league this season, including the second-most floor points. Manchester United are the biggest favorite on the slate with the highest implied goal total, and while Fernandes doesn't have a monopoly of set pieces, he does more than enough in open play to justify his price. And speaking of that price, it's high enough that it seems sub-optimal to play him with James and Neto, which is why fantasy players will likely pick two of the three and move on.

Fred, MUN at BUR ($3,200): On the other end of the salary spectrum is Fred, who doesn't do much in the attack, though he is usually good for at least a shot or chance created while filling in some defensive stats. The positive about the matchup is that Burnley have allowed the sixth-most shots, seventh-most shots on goal and fifth-most chances created in the Premier League this season, and given Manchester United are such big favorites, Fred should be able to move up in the attack. Another possibility from this match is Robbie Brady ($4,400), who could also have a role on set pieces for Burnley, but again, how many are they likely to win?

Joao Moutinho, WOL v. EVE ($5,300): One of the ways to get more comfortable with fading Neto is by using Moutinho, who has actually been sharing set pieces with the former. He's one of the least-exciting players in terms of fantasy upside, taking just five shots in 15 games (12 starts) in the Premier League this season, but he's usually a good source of crosses with some chances created and tackles won thrown in, which help in cash games. Those looking for more upside could consider Paul Pogba ($4,900), if he starts, though getting up to Mason Greenwood ($6,000, midfielder/forward) might be a better use of funds if you have them.

DEFENDERS

Nelson Semedo, WOL v. EVE ($4,200): Semedo has been the source of more defensive stats than we look for in a fullback, but he finally got on the scoresheet in his last Premier League appearance, picking up an assist on his lone chance created against Brighton on Jan 2. Rayan Ait-Nouri ($4,700) has been a better crosser and more prolific shot-taker, though his increase in salary is tough to fit in if you're focusing on the elite options.

Luke Shaw, MU at BUR ($5,500): Shaw's salary is a lot more manageable than Alex Telles' ($6,500), and he could be a popular play for those who fade Fernandes because he also takes some of Manchester United's set pieces. Shaw created multiple chances in each of his last five Premier League starts, and while he basically never shoots, he adds in enough defensive stats to make up for it. Of course, his upside is more assist-dependent, but that's generally what you get with defenders anyway.

Matthew Lowton, BUR v. MUN ($3,600): Lowton could be the cheapest true fullback on the slate, and while facing Manchester United isn't a great situation, his floor is solid enough for the price that he'll get some consideration. Charlie Taylor ($4,100) definitely crosses more on the other side of the field, but Lowton still wins tackles and intercepts passes enough to justify the price.

GOALKEEPER

Nick Pope, BUR v. MUN ($3,800): Pope is the cheapest goalkeeper by $800, which is pretty impressive given there are only four starting 'keepers on the slate. He is the biggest underdog, of course, but he also comes in with one of the higher saves-per-game average in the league while facing a Man United team that's forced the third-most saves in the league this season.