This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (ET)
- 10:00 am: Burnley vs. Norwich City
- 10:00 am: Chelsea vs. Southampton
- 10:00 am: Leeds United vs. Watford
- 10:00 am: Wolverhampton vs. Newcastle United
- 12:30 pm: Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Arsenal
For detailed stats and odds, check out the
FORWARDS / MIDFIELDERS
Romelu Lukaku, CHE v. SOU ($23): Chelsea are the biggest favorite on the slate with an implied goal total over two, and Lukaku has the highest goal-scoring odds of any player. At this price, we'll definitely be looking for a goal, and he's done that in three of five appearances, with the two appearances where he failed to score coming against Manchester City and Liverpool (playing with 10 men). Chelsea should have the quality to overrun Southampton, giving Lukaku the chance to get back onto the score-sheet after quiet appearances against Manchester City and Juventus in the Champions League. Lukaku is likely to be one of the highest-rostered players on the slate, so a differential play would be Kai Havertz ($16). Callum Hudson-Odoi's ($10) starting role is uncertain, but at his price, he'd be a smart play if he can make the starting XI, especially after Wednesday's lively appearance off the bench. Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount are both doubts due to injuries, so there's playing time to exploit for the likes of Hudson-Odoi, Hakim Ziyech ($15) and Timo Werner ($19).
Raul Jimenez, WOL v. NEW ($21): As a fan of the sport, it was great to see Jimenez find the back of the net last weekend after everything he went through during his head injury. Wolverhampton lacked the cutting edge without him, and he's a big boost to their attack regardless of opponent. He's got the second-best goal-scoring odds and will face a Newcastle side that has conceded the second-most shots on goal and chances created. Even though Jimenez has just one goal through six matches, he's averaging just shy of three chances created per match. His floor makes his price easier to swallow, and makes it more enticing if he can find the back of the net against Newcastle, who have conceded 14 goals through six games. Allan Saint-Maximin ($19) has scored 20 or more points in four of six appearances and is far and away Newcastle's best attacker. Wolves are a tough defensive side, but Saint-Maximin has been able to unlock most Premier League defenses.
Mateusz Klich, WAT at LEE ($16): This match is one to target, as both sides have a propensity to concede big days to attackers. Leeds United lead the slate in shots on goal and chances created conceded, and when you couple that with their all-out attack and this match having the highest implied goal total on the slate, we should expect some formidable performances. Raphinha ($21) is the obvious selection as the Leeds attack runs through him, especially with Patrick Bamford sidelined due to injury. His role on set pieces and consistency makes him a popular selection, albeit a pricier one. Klich is a cheaper option and has been influential over his past three starts, scoring over 18 points in each appearance by doing it in a variety of ways. He's scored one goal, provided an assist to go along with eight chances created and six shots on target. On the opposite side of the pitch, Ismaila Sarr ($20) is the main man for Watford, scoring four goals in six matches while finishing with 17 or more points in four of those appearances. Joshua King ($18) is slightly cheaper and has provided an assist and created two chances in his past two starts. Emmanuel Dennis ($16) completes Watford's attacking triumvirate and is the cheapest of the three, though he's also been productive, with two goals and an assist in six appearances. With this match expected to have goals, it's not a bad idea to look at some of the cheaper options if you plan on loading up on some of the more expensive attackers in other matches.
Mathias Normann, NOR at BUR ($13): Normann made his first appearance five games into the season and has done well to take advantage of the opportunity. In his two appearances, he's created a scoring chance in each match, provided one assist, three shots on goal and three tackles. He hasn't been able to play a full 90, but it's encouraging to see his production in a small sample. Those matches came against Everton and Watford, two sides who are on par with Burnley's quality. Burnley concede the third-most chances created of the 10 teams on the slate, so Normann could be in for another serviceable day. Teemu Pukki ($18) has been feast or famine for Norwich, scoring in single figures in four of six matches while hitting 25-plus in the other two. Chris Wood ($20) is Burnley's best forward as he faces a Norwich City that has yet to win a game this season and have conceded 16 goals in six matches. Dwight McNeil ($15) is a solid consideration for his consistency and price, as he's scored double-digit points in all six matches despite failing to score a goal or provide an assist.
DEFENDERS
Shane Duffy, BRI v. ARS ($14): A big reason why Brighton have been so successful this season is because they've been so solid defensively. Duffy is one of the main reasons for their defensive consistency, as they've conceded just five goals in six matches. He's produced double-digit fantasy points in every match, which is mainly because he leads the Premier League in clearances (34). Arsenal have definitely been playing better of late and will be a great test for Duffy and the Brighton back-line. Marcos Alonso ($15) is in a similar price range and is worth recognizing due to Chelsea having the best clean sheet odds and Alonso scoring 29-plus points in three of six Premier League matches.
Matt Ritchie, NEW at WOL ($12): If you want a consistent 10 points, Ritchie is your pick, as he's scored at least 12.5 in five of six starts (he finished with 8.2 points in the other start) and should continue that trend against Wolverhampton. His consistency is mostly due to his role on set pieces, helping him rank in the top-four for chances created in the Premier league (17) behind Trent Alexander-Arnold (21), Bruno Fernandes (21) and Jack Grealish (18), which is pretty good company to keep.
GOALKEEPER
Jose Sa, WOL v. NEW ($12): Edouard Mendy ($13) and Chelsea have the top clean-sheet odds, making him a coveted option as the Blues attempt to bounce back from two consecutive losses. Behind Chelsea, Wolves have the second-highest clean sheet odds against Newcastle and have been effective defensively in their first six matches, conceding just five goals. That ties them for fourth-best in the league and a big reason for that is Sa's effort in net, as he's made 20 saves (fourth-most in the league) and even added an assist last week against Southampton. Newcastle are in the bottom half in terms of goals scored, making this a good spot to think about the Wolves goalkeeper. Norwich City have scored just two goals this season and will travel to a typically well-versed defensive side in Burnley, which could make Nick Pope ($11) a popular option. If you want to completely punt goalkeeper, Alex McCarthy ($6) is the cheapest option and should see plenty of save opportunities against Chelsea.
