This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Soccer series.
MATCHES (ET)
- 10:00 am: Crystal Palace vs. Leeds United
- 12:30 pm: Chelsea vs. Sheffield United
- 3:00 pm: West Ham United vs. Fulham
FORWARDS
Timo Werner, CHE v. SHU (£29): Chelsea are the biggest favorites with the highest implied goal total and Werner has the best goal-scoring odds. He's in top form with four goals in his past three matches and will likely be one of the highest-rostered players on the slate. Wilfried Zaha (£27) is only slightly cheaper and doesn't have the upside Werner does, while Tammy Abraham (£17) is more likely than Olivier Giroud (£17) to see playing time, though it's possible both are left on the bench.
Patrick Bamford, LEE at CRY (£25): Bamford's early returns are encouraging, as he's scored in four of seven matches, including a hat trick two matches ago. Crystal Palace aren't considered a defensive fortress and Leeds have shown they can score against most teams. Helder Costa (£19) and Rodrigo (£16) are cheaper alternatives to Bamford without the goal-scoring pedigree.
Ademola Lookman, FUL v. WHU (£20): Lookman started the past three matches and even took a share of set pieces last weekend. His returns have been mixed in those three starts with 16.75, 8.40, and 2.85 points, but he's worth a gamble considering your forward options further down the price list.
MIDFIELDERS
Hakim Ziyech, CHE v. SHU (£26): Sheffield United continue to struggle and Ziyech has excelled in two of his past three starts for Chelsea. He's the most expensive midfielder on the slate with the best matchup and highest implied goal total. Mason Mount (£20) is a solid alternative, with Kai Havertz (£18) sidelined due to COVID.
Tom Cairney, FUL at WHU (£22): Cairney's price isn't quite as friendly as one would have hoped, but he's seen a big slice of set pieces for Fulham, which should continue against West Ham. He's scored at least 5.10 points in his past five outings, with his last three above 6.75. Pablo Fornals (£18) has been productive for West Ham, while Declan Rice (£13) is a cheap option who can get you four points, but not likely many more than that.
Pablo Hernandez, LEE at CRY (£10): Kalvin Phillips is sidelined, which should make way for Hernandez. He faces a Crystal Palace side that has conceded the most shots, accurate crosses and corners won of the six teams on the slate. Stuart Dallas (£23), Jack Harrison (£21) and Mateusz Klich (£20) have all been productive but don't have the cost saving Phillips does. Keep an eye to see if Eberechi Eze (£13) makes the starting XI for Crystal Palace, as he may be worth a start.
DEFENDERS
Ben Chilwell, CHE v. SHU (£19): The Chelsea defense has been impenetrable over the past five matches, keeping clean sheets in each match, which makes any of their back line a consideration as they host Sheffield United, who have scored six goals in seven matches. Chilwell and Reece James (£18) are solid options at fullback, while Kurt Zouma (£19) has been rock solid at center-back, along with one of either Thiago Silva (£17) or Antonio Rudiger (£16).
Antonee Robinson, FUL at WHU (£16): Robinson has scored at least six points in three of his four starts and will have the chance to face a relatively tepid West Ham attack that will be missing Michail Antonio. Ola Aina (£17) comes in a similar mold as Robinson, and you could arguably go with both if you're feeling confident.
Nathaniel Clyne, CRY v. LEE (£14): As if the year 2020 couldn't become any more alarming, here I am suggesting Clyne is a viable fantasy play. Joel Ward is expected to miss out once again, which will keep Clyne in the lineup. He played the full 90 minutes last weekend and finished with a serviceable 4.70 points, while Liam Cooper (£18) and Luke Ayling (£17) are top options for Leeds.
GOALKEEPERS
Edouard Mendy, CHE v. SHU (£19): Mendy has kept six straight clean sheets and is the most expensive goalkeeper for good reason as Sheffield United have struggled mightily to score goals. Aaron Ramsdale (£12) should see plenty of work against Chelsea's attack, making him a viable play for shots saved. Alphonse Areola (£13) and Lukasz Fabianski (£14) will face each other and my preference is Areola due to his price. Illan Meslier (£15) has been solid, but not great, while Jack Butland (£17) could make his first start for Crystal Palace.
