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Brandon's DraftKings and FanDuel EPL DFS lineup picks for English Premier League Soccer on 8/15/25 (Matchweek 1). His top daily fantasy soccer forwards, midfielders, defenders, goalkeepers.
Welcome back to “The Kick-Off,” and welcome to the 2025-2026 season! We have survived a very long and gruesome few months since the last match was played. Futbol is back, and we are ready to conquer the new season. With plenty of new transfers and drama around the league, we are kicking off Matchweek 1 with a bang!
The top favorite for this week is Tottenham -270 vs Burnley FC +800. I will guide you through this three-match slate starting at 10:00 A.M. EST on Saturday, August 15.
If you have any questions on today's slate, bankroll management, GPP strategy, Cash game strategy, or anything else, don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected], via X @df_solutions, or in our Discord chat rooms.
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EPL DFS Goalies
Max Weiß - DK $3.6K || FD $7
Opponent - at Tottenham
We kick off the season with two ‘elite-level’ value goalies in Max Weiss and Robin Roefs. Keep in mind that the starting goalie position is still up in the air for Burnley, and Weiss may get moved to the bench for Martin Dúbravka (DK $3.7K || FD $7). The only issue is that the latter may not be fit enough to begin with. Nevertheless, Burnley is in prime position to be what Brentford FC was last year.
The Clarets had one of the best defenses in all of Europe last season, and they didn’t make many changes, outside of having new leadership in between the sticks. Their strength lay in holding the opposition at the perimeter, while ex-Burnley and now new Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford made the easy saves. This is similar to how Brentford’s defense worked. With many questionable salaries to start the season, paying down in a few spots may be the optimal route.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Justin Steele (DK $5.2K || FD $11) at Fulham FC
- Robin Roefs (DK $4.4K || FD $10) vs. West Ham United
EPL DFS Forwards
Jarrod Bowen - DK $11.8K || FD $21
Opponent - at Sunderland AFC
Jarrod Bowen is expected to go an entire season for the first time without a major role on set pieces. Luckily, he has been able to adapt his game and provide value elsewhere since this change happened last season. The versatile winger/forward managed 13 goals, eight assists, 87 shots, 51 chances created, 106 crosses, 44 corners, 41 tackles, 16 interceptions, and four blocks. He also managed to produce four goals, three assists, 13 shots, six created chances, 11 crosses, five tackles, and one block in his last five domestic fixtures.
As the scoring leader for the Hammers, Bowen will once again be tasked with leading the charge offensively. With the departure of Mohammed Kudus, Bowen will only become a heavier focal point of the attack. Sunderland AFC had luck on their side, beating Coventry in the second leg at Coventry Building Society Arena to be the third promoted club into the top flight for this season. This comes after ending the season on a four-match winless run. The Sky Blues were the worst club defensively to be promoted, and it was not a contest. Expect Bowen to shine in his season debut.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Georginio Rutter (DK $8K || FD $15) at Fulham FC
- Jaidon Anthony (DK $4.5K || FD $11) at Tottenham
EPL DFS Midfielders
Mohammed Kudus - DK $8K || FD $17
Opponent - vs. Burnley FC
Speaking of Mohammed Kudus. The versatile attacker has made his way to Tottenham during the Summer Transfer Window, despite his struggles in 2024. He produced five goals, three assists, 75 shots, 31 chances created, 81 crosses, 38 tackles, and four interceptions in 32 domestic appearances for West Ham. One of the significant issues for Kudus with the Hammers was his usage. He was never a focal point of the offense, and that will change going to Tottenham in the short term.
Tottenham lost Heung-Min Son to Los Angeles FC of the MLS, and James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are both out with lengthy injuries, with the former being ruled out for the season. With all three gone or out of the lineup, Kudus will be given plenty of opportunities to make his case as a long-term fix to the Tottenham offense. He may even get a few looks on set pieces to help lift some of the creative burden off teammate and defender Pedro Porro’s shoulders. Can Burnley’s supreme defensive run from 2024 continue against Kudus and the Spurs?
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Kaoru Mitoma (DK $10K || FD $17) vs. Fulham FC
- Habib Diarra (DK $4.2K || FD $11) vs. West Ham United
EPL DFS Defenders
Pedro Porro - DK $7.3K || FD $16
Opponent - vs. Burnley FC
If there is a ‘lock’ of the slate to kickstart the 2025-2026 Premier League campaign, it is Pedro Porro. The attacking wingback will be heavily relied upon to produce in all aspects of the game. As mentioned, both James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are out with injuries, leaving Porro as the go-to man on set pieces.
Between his ability to join attacks and track back flankers, Porro is going to become a highly sought-after player this season in all formats.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Trai Hume (DK $5.2K || FD $9) vs. West Ham United
- Maxim De Cuyper (DK $5K || FD $8) vs. Fulham FC
Corner Takers
**Speculative until there is enough data and or manager notes**
- Brighton & Hove Albion: Maxim De Cuyper
- Fulham FC: Harry Wilson
- Sunderland AFC: Habib Diarra/Trai Hume
- West Ham United: Jarrod Bowen/James Ward-Prowse
- Tottenham: Pedro Porro
- Burnley FC: Hannibal Mejbri/Quilindschy Hartman
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!
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