This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (ET)
- 10:00 am: Arsenal vs. Norwich City
- 10:00 am: Brentford vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
- 10:00 am: Leicester City vs. Manchester City
- 10:00 am: Manchester United vs. Newcastle United
- 10:00 am: Southampton vs. West Ham United
- 10:00 am: Watford vs. Wolverhampton
- 12:30 pm: Chelsea vs. Aston Villa
For detailed stats and odds, check out the
FORWARDS / MIDFIELDERS
Romelu Lukaku, CHE at AVL ($22): After Cristiano Ronaldo ($22), Lukaku has the highest goal scoring odds, with Chelsea having an expected goal total over two. Lukaku will need to score to justify his price, but he's scored in one of his two Chelsea appearances. With Emiliano Martinez expected to miss Saturday's clash, Aston Villa will be without their top shot-stopper, giving Chelsea a good opportunity to capitalize. Mason Mount's ($18) production has been up and down this season, though that's reflected in a somewhat discounted price point from previous matches.
Mason Greenwood, MUN at NEW ($19): Manchester United are the heaviest favorite on the slate with the highest implied goal total. Given United's firepower up front and Newcastle's lack of quality, this could be a rout for Manchester United. Ronaldo has the highest goal-scoring odds, followed by Lukaku, Edinson Cavani ($20) and Bruno Fernandes ($22). While Ronaldo, Lukaku and Fernandes are all rock-solid options, they come a bit more expensive than Greenwood, who has been on fire to begin the season. He's scored a goal in all three matches while amassing 11 shots (four on target) and four scoring chances created. There are a number of players to consider for United, but Greenwood's consistent production makes him a top target.
Pablo Fornals, WHU v. SOU ($17): There have been very few players who have been better than Fornals to begin the season. Fornals has scored two goals, provided one assist and created eight scoring chances on his way to nearly 30 points in all three matches. This match has an implied goal total near three, which is second on the slate behind Manchester United v. Newcastle. Fornals continued his top form during the international break by scoring for Spain as well. In his current form, he's one of the top options on a loaded slate. I can't mention West Ham without mentioning Michail Antonio ($21), who's lit up the Premier League with an astounding four goals and three assists in three matches.
Pascal Gross, BRI v. BRE ($17: Gross continues to take the majority of set pieces for Brighton, which has helped him finish with at least 23 points in all three matches. He's provided two assists and created nine chances, which ranks second in the Premier League. This match has the lowest implied goal total on the slate, so it'll be tough to expect many goals, but Gross' overall ability to contribute is intriguing.
DEFENDERS
Ben Gibson, NOR v. ARS ($11): Norwich's propensity to be bunkered in on defense has led to Gibson leading the Premier League in clearances through three matches. At 24 clearances, he's easily justified his price and should have a good chance to replicate those numbers in a home match against an Arsenal side that has struggled to begin the season. A clean sheet is probably unlikely, but Gibson's defensive work makes him a cheap option who should produce.
Cesar Azpilicueta, CHE at AVL ($11): Chelsea have the best clean sheet odds of the 14 teams on the slate, putting a number of their defenders in play against Aston Villa. Azpilicueta can start at center-back or right wing-back, which is something to keep an eye on as he could add more attacking stats from the wing. Trevoh Chalobah ($10) is another cheap option for Chelsea and impressed in his lone start to begin the season. Both he and Azpilcueta are easy on the budget and could provide a solid outing should they start.
GOALKEEPERS
Edouard Mendy, CHE at AVL ($13): Chelsea are a well-drilled defensive unit that has conceded just one goal in three matches, which came from the penalty spot against Liverpool. Mendy is a main reason they've been so tight at the back, and that shouldn't change against an Aston Villa side that is still learning to play without Jack Grealish. David de Gea ($14) is slightly more expensive in a favorable matchup against Newcastle, while David Raya ($10) has been solid to start the season and is a good pivot if you run out of budget for Mendy.
