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Brandon's DraftKings and FanDuel EPL DFS lineup picks for English Premier League Soccer on 8/23/25 (Matchweek 2). 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. We have plenty of new transfers and drama around the league still! Let's kick off Matchweek 2 with a bang!
The top favorite for this week is AFC Bournemouth (-125) vs Wolverhampton (+330). I will guide you through this three-match slate starting at 10:00 A.M. EST on Saturday, August 23.
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
Robin Roefs - DK $4.3K || FD $9
Opponent - at Burnley FC
Robin Roefs shone in his season and league debut for Sunderland last weekend, making four saves and recording a clean sheet in a 3-0 win vs West Ham United. Now, The Black Cats travel to Turf Moor, known for its cut-throat environment. It will be his first significant test coming into the English Premier League.
Roefs does have some of the best odds to record a clean sheet this weekend. Burnley FC, in their season debut, recorded 14 shots and zero Big Chances Created. At $4.3K, all he has to do is make a few saves, and he will already reach value. Consider him a 'LOCK' in 'CASH' contests.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Djordje Petrovic (DK $5.6K || FD $11) vs. Wolverhampton
- Marco Bizot (DK $5.2K || FD $11) at Brentford FC
EPL DFS Forwards
Antoine Semenyo - DK $10.4K || FD $21
Opponent - vs. Wolverhampton
Semenyo had a very productive season debut for a revamped Cherries squad. The dynamic winger produced a brace, three shots, one tackle, and one interception. After being touted in the offseason, Semenyo did not blink an eye going up against title favorites, Liverpool. He will be relied on heavily this year, and so far, he is exceeding expectations.
Looking at the slate, two main options will seek high ownership at the forward position: Semenyo and Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa FC. Watkins may see a bit higher ownership because of his reduced salary, albeit not by much.
However, Semenyo has the higher ceiling. Wolverhampton struggled against Manchester City last weekend, and AFC Bournemouth possesses a high-octane offense down the flanks, too. Expect Semenyo to hit double-digit fantasy points and push for 20 or more on both DraftKings and FanDuel.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Ollie Watkins (DK $9.8K || FD $20) at Brentford FC
- Chemsdine Talbi (DK $7.1K || FD $11) at Burnley FC
Spare a thought for defenders when Antoine Semenyo is running at them 😬 pic.twitter.com/YNbxb0hZDB
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 20, 2025
EPL DFS Midfielders
Marcus Tavernier - DK $9.5K || FD $19
Opponent - vs. Wolverhampton
Sticking to the Cherries, we have attacking midfielder Tavernier. Tavernier produced two shots, one created chance, five crosses, two corners, three tackles, one interception, and six clearances in his season debut last weekend. As the primary catalyst to AFC Bournemouth's attack, Tavs will be another player relied on this season.
He is followed by David Brooks (DK $8.1K || FD $12). The only concern for the former is his role on set pieces. With the addition of a full-time Brooks, they are both expected to share the workload. This could limit Tavernier's floor.
However, similar to Semenyo and Watkins, Tavernier has a higher ceiling. He has been pushed out to the left wing this season in Bournemouth's 4-2-3-1 formation, instead of his central role last season. It showed in the 4-2 loss at Anfield, where he generated five crosses. As long as he stays on the wing, he still holds value in 'CASH' contests.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (DK $7.7K || FD $12) at AFC Bournemouth
- Granit Xhaka (DK $4.5K || FD $12) at Burnley FC
EPL DFS Defenders
Defenders
Trai Hume - DK $6K || FD $10
Opponent - at Burnley FC
Hume has hit the fume. Hume is coming off a high in his English Premier League debut. Not only did he produce one created chance, six crosses, three corners, two tackles, one interception, and three clearances. He also helped Sunderland record their first clean sheet of the season and has already signed a long-term extension.
As one of two primary defenders with set-piece duties this weekend, Hume has the higher ceiling potential. He lacks complete control over set pieces, and this may be due to the presence of teammate and midfielder Granit Xhaka. Whether that continues to be the case or not, as the season progresses, is the question at hand.
Nevertheless, Hume is still worth the higher salary in both 'CASH' and 'GPP' contests. He possesses a high floor and ceiling in most matches, especially at Turf Moor.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Adrien Truffert (DK $5.2K || FD $10) vs. Wolverhampton
- Quilindschly Hartman (DK $4.1K || FD $10) vs. Sunderland AFC
Corner Takers
**Speculative until there is enough data and or manager notes**
- AFC Bournemouth: Marcus Tavernier/David Brooks
- Wolverhampton: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde
- Brentford FC: Fabio Carvalho/Mathias Jensen
- Aston Villa: Jamie McGinn
- Burnley FC: Quilindschly Hartman
- Sunderland AFC: TraiHume
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!
