FanDuel Fantasy Soccer: Tuesday EPL Targets

MATCHES (EST)

• 1:00 p.m: Sheffield United vs. Newcastle United
• 3:15 p.m: Burnley vs. Manchester United
• 3:15 p.m: Wolverhampton vs. Everton

For detailed stats and odds, check out the

FanDuel Fantasy Soccer: Tuesday EPL Cheat Sheet

FORWARDS/MIDFIELDERS

Bruno Fernandes, MUN at BRN ($23): None of the matches on Tuesday's three-game slate has an implied goal total over three. That means you either should play a bunch of floor guys or bank on random goals. Luckily, Fernandes has the best floor on the slate and also the best odds to hit the back of the net, making him a must in cash games. Man United are expected to be on the front foot against a depleted and defensive Burnley side, which only adds to Fernandes' value, as he takes set pieces. He has at least 20 fantasy points in nine of his last 10 starts and is almost a lock to hit that mark again. The question is who to stack him with because Marcus Rashford ($21), Anthony Martial ($20) and Edinson Cavani ($16) could all start, with Mason Greenwood ($15) possibly being the lone man out after starting in the FA Cup. Cavani has the best goal odds if he starts as the front man, but Rashford and Martial aren't much different. All of them have goal upside but with a low floor. Martial is in form with at least 30 fantasy points in three of his last four starts, while Cavani is returning from a three-game suspension. It's usually best to bet on form, but that also means Martial could be more popular than Rashford, and getting all three of those guys is likely impossible.

James Rodriguez, EVE at WOL ($17): If you're not stacking Man United, there's not much else available on the slate. That's why it may be best to stick with a bunch of floor plays in cash games and hope any forward you fade doesn't hit the back of the net. Rodriguez is back to health and went more than 90 minutes over the weekend. He has at least 12 fantasy points in all but one start this season, and while Everton are underdogs to Wolverhampton, Rodriguez should still hit his usual numbers. There would've been a case to play Dominic Calvert-Lewin in GPPs, but now that role could go to Cenk Tosun ($10) and I'm not writing a paragraph about him. Richarlison ($18) should start and would be more likely to hit the back of the net if he takes up more of a central striker role. While the total implied goal total is near two, Wolves gave up three goals in the second half to Brighton last match, so it's at least possible guys like Rodriguez and Richarlison make the score-sheet. Rodriguez has the best floor and is one level below Fernandes in terms of being a must in cash games.

Ruben Neves, WOL v. EVE ($16): On the other side of Rodriguez is Pedro Neto ($18), who has a slightly lower floor. Neto is averaging fewer shots on goal and chances created per 90 minutes, which is why his floor floats around the 10-point mark and not 15 like Rodriguez. Neto is simply a cash play unless you think he has his best performance of the season. That's kind of why I'm leaning Neves, who has been a better cash play of late because he's been getting further forward in addition to racking up defensive stats. He scored last match and has at least 15 fantasy points in each of his last five starts, mainly because he has 21 tackles and 15 interceptions in that period. I don't like paying up for defensive stats, but he's been consistent and also has at least one shot on goal and chance created in each of those contests. Otherwise, it's hit or miss with everyone else on Wolves, whether that's front man Fabio Silva ($16) or Adama Traore ($12) on the wing.

Callum Wilson, NEW at SHU ($19): According to the odds, Wilson is most likely to hit the back of the net outside of Manchester United players despite being an underdog. That's the kind of slate it is. I don't think it matters if Newcastle are underdogs because Sheffield United can't be trusted, as they've allowed at least one goal in every match this season. Newcastle are almost at full strength after last month's COVID-19 issues, and that should help Wilson, assuming he's fit after missing the FA Cup match over the weekend. He doesn't have much of a floor, but he has eight goals and three assists this season, and I'd rather back him than any other non-Man United forward on the slate, at least in GPPs. There's a chance Newcastle win this 2-0 on the back of a Wilson brace, and he's a logical route in GPPs, especially if you fade Rashford and Martial. Otherwise, I wouldn't trust anyone else on Newcastle unless you're a big Miguel Almiron ($14) fan. And while there are a lot of ways to go in GPPs, I won't be one of the few who decide Rhian Brewster ($12) or David McGoldrick ($14) is worth the gamble. But hey, that's how GPPs are won.

DEFENDERS

Jayden Bogle, SHU v. NEW ($6): Bogle may be the cheapest starting defender on the slate and could be popular for anyone hoping to stack Man United. Even better is that Bogle isn't a complete punt, not that any defender at FanDuel is. In his first league start last match, he racked up a floor of 18.4 points from one shot on goal, one chance created, four tackles and four interceptions. He plays the same position as George Baldock, who is five bucks more expensive. The other options are Wolves defenders Conor Coady ($7) and Rayan Ait-Nouri ($7), who should start again, and Erik Pieters ($6). 

James Tarkowski, BRN v. MUN ($13): If you have money to spend, the Burnley center-backs are usually the best choice. Tarkowski is my pick only because he's a dollar cheaper than Ben Mee ($14). They have some of the best floors in the game because they rack up defensive stats no matter the opponent. Tarkowski has hit double-digit fantasy points in all but one match this season. If you want upside, Luke Shaw ($12) and Alex Telles ($13) are the best options since they split set pieces with Fernandes, though the latter subs off early more than we'd like.

GOALKEEPER

Karl Darlow, NEW at SHU ($10): David de Gea ($14) is worth the money if you have it because he has the best odds to win and secure a clean sheet. On the downside, he won't get many saves and Man United are always in play to allow a goal. Nick Pope ($8) is the perfect goalkeeper if you're fading Man United because Burnley will probably be playing for a scoreless draw. I like Darlow because Sheffield United have failed to score in each of their last three matches and it's a nice drop in competition for Newcastle, who have played Man City, Liverpool, Leicester City and Arsenal in their last four matches in all competitions.