RADIO
Welcome back to “The Kick-Off” and welcome to 2023! As the season dwindles down, many clubs will be focused on any trophies left at stake, Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, etc and it will cause squad rotation and or rest. The Starting XI will remain fluid for those specific clubs, while others may try new formations as their league positions cement for next season.
The top favorite this weekend is Manchester United -210 vs AFC Bournemouth +500. I will guide you through this four-match slate starting at 10:00 P.M. EST.
If you have any questions on today's slate, bankroll management, GPP strategy, Cash game strategy, or anything else, don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected] or via Twitter @df_solutions or on “SLACK”.
Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 10% off using code BALLER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!
The Kick-Off - EPL Matchweek 37
Goalies
Jose Sa - DK $4.6K || FD $11
Opponent - Everton
Somehow Sa’s salary is under $5K on DraftKings. It would be astonishing if his ownership is not 30 percent or higher in ‘CASH’ games this weekend. Wolverhampton have shut out all opponents in their last five home fixtures while scoring seven and Everton also happens to be the third-worst club in Goals For Per 90 – 0.88 –. Their shot volume isn’t as bad, but it isn’t much better either. Sa’s floor is expected to stay relatively low along with his ceiling, but his chances of at least a clean sheet are the highest out of all keepers on the slate.
Others To Consider (Cash/GPP): de Gea (DK $5.5K || FD $12), Johnstone (DK $4.4K || FD $10)
Forwards
Marcus Rashford - DK $9K || FD $20
Opponent - AFC Bournemouth
Along with Sa – mentioned above –, Rashford could be another candidate for high ownership in the majority of contests this weekend, especially on DraftKings where the late match is not included. After not playing for nearly two weeks, the forward seems to have made a full recovery from his leg injury, however, it has been reported that he is battling an illness prior to Manchester United’s travel to Bournemouth tomorrow. Despite the illness, things are looking up and he is expected to slot in at striker to lead the line. In his last five fixtures in domestic play, he has 1 goal, 2 assists, 25 shots, 6 created chances, 2 crosses, 2 interceptions and 4 clearances. Bournemouth is the worst in Shots Against Per 90 – 16.47 –, Crosses Against Per 90 – 24.63 – and Chances Created Against Per 90 – 11.94 –. They are also the third-worst club in Goals Against Per 90 – 1.83 –. This is by far the best matchup on the slate.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Salah (DK $10K || FD $22), Costa (DK $3.9K || FD $14)
Midfielders
Pedro Neto - DK 4.7K || FD $12
Opponent - Everton
As many will be on Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes – for very good reasons –, we will highlight a value play at midfield to help afford the much more expensive salaried players. Neto is currently projected to slot in at left-midfielder and he has been sharing set-pieces with teammate Ruben Neves. Through Neto’s last five matches in domestic play – 3 starts –, he has 3 shots, 5 created chances, 13 crosses, 3 corners, 1 tackle and 1 interception. Everton is the second-worst club in both Shots Against Per 90 – 15.44 – and Chances Created Against Per 90 – 11.83 –. Furthermore, they are also the fourth-worst in Crosses Against Per 90 – 20.38 –. Things are looking up for Neto to have a positive game after entering a slump, but time will tell if he can regain form.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Fernandes (DK $9.3K || FD $23), Willian (DK $8.4K || FD $16)
Defense
Trent Alexander-Arnold - DK $7.9K || FD $15
Opponent - Aston Villa
Alexander-Arnold or ‘TAA’ has regained form and his dynamic presence on the pitch. The fullback struggled for the majority of the season on both ends of the pitch, however, he is back in form and contributing wherever he can. Throughout his last five fixtures in domestic play, he has 1 goal, 2 assists, 10 shots, 7 created chances, 23 crosses, 16 corners, 5 tackles, 7 interceptions and 7 clearances. Aston Villa will not be a ‘walk in the park’ by any means, but playing at Anfield in front of a home crowd will help boost Liverpool and all three points are required to maintain a race for a Top 4 finish. Expect TAA to be heavily involved in the offense here.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Shaw (DK $5.8K || FD $13), Toti (DK $2.8K || FD $11)
Corner Takers:
AFC Bournemouth: Christie
Manchester United: Fernandes/Eriksen
Fulham: Willian
Crystal Palace: Olise/Eze
Liverpool: Alexander-Arnold/Robertson
Aston Villa: Luiz
Wolverhampton: Neto/Neves
Everton: McNeil/Gray
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off! Good luck in all of your contests today!
