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Brandon's DraftKings and FanDuel EPL DFS lineup picks for English Premier League Soccer on 2/21/26 (Matchweek 27). His top daily fantasy soccer forwards, midfielders, defenders, goalkeepers.
Welcome back to "The Kick-Off," and welcome to the 2025-2026 season! Fixture congestion is back, with only a few clubs remaining in European play. This could result in potential rotation given the lack of rest between the midweek fixtures and this weekend's fixtures. The final push to the title is on! Let's kick off Matchweek 27!!
The top favorite for this week is Chelsea FC (-550) vs. Burnley FC (+1300). I will guide you through this three-match slate starting at 10:00 A.M. EST on Saturday, February 21.
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
Karl Darlow - DK $4K || FD $8
Opponent - at Aston Villa FC
It remains to be seen who will start for Leeds United this weekend. Especially after a strong performance from Lucas Perri in the FA Cup. However, as of right now, Karl Darlow is projected to start. In the latter’s most recent five domestic starts, he has made 14 saves, conceded eight goals, and recorded one clean sheet.
At the other end of the pitch are the hosts, Aston Villa. From a Per 90 viewpoint, in their last five domestic fixtures, excluding splits, they are second in Shots and the third-worst in Goals. Leeds United have been improving in all facets of their game. Even if Darlow or Perri were to concede a goal, the projected save volume alone would secure value.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Robert Sánchez (DK $6K || FD $14) vs. Burnley FC
- Caoimhín Kelleher (DK $5.2K || FD $11) vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
EPL DFS Forwards
Pedro Neto - DK $9.7K || FD $16
Opponent - vs. Burnley FC
Chelsea's set pieces are all over the place. In one match, they have Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernández (DK $9K || FD $22), and Reece James, and in the next, they have it all concentrated into Neto. It remains to be seen how this fixture versus Burnley FC will play out. Regardless, Neto has been taking the bulk of the set pieces even when they get split up. In Neto’s most recent five appearances in all competitions, he has three goals, nine shots, seven chances created, 27 crosses, ten corners, one tackle, and two clearances.
From a Per 90 Against viewpoint in the last five domestic matches, excluding splits, Burnley is in the bottom three in every meaningful metric. Furthermore, they are the worst in both Shots Against and Created Chances Against. The Clarets have also conceded the most goals in the last five fixtures on the slate, with nine. Considering Neto’s role for Chelsea and the prime matchup at Stamford Bridge, he is expected to exceed value.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- João Pedro (DK $9.9K || FD $20) vs. Burnley FC
- Igor Thiago (DK $8.9K || FD $21) vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
Who got the last touch? 👀
Pedro Neto creates another for @ChelseaFC ✨
📺 Watch live on @BBCMOTD and @footballontnt pic.twitter.com/EahkrurwTU
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 13, 2026
EPL DFS Midfielders
Hannibal Mejbri - DK $3.5K || FD $13
Opponent - at Chelsea FC
Ex-Manchester United academy midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has struggled to secure a place in the starting XI for Burnley FC this season. However, he has seen an uptick in production, followed by an increased role in the squad and a potential third start in the last four fixtures. Within his last five matches in all competitions–two starts–he has amassed one goal, two shots, six chances created, nine crosses, and four tackles.
Chelsea FC is not an optimal matchup. However, Mejbri’s salary makes him worthwhile, especially when you consider his projected monopoly over set pieces for this fixture. He is the key to unlocking bigger names on the slate, without fully "punting" at any position.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Anton Stach (DK $9.8K || FD $19) at Aston Villa FC
- Pascal Groẞ (DK $8.5K || FD $18) at Brentford FC
Composure on the ball 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/K8HvKwp51Q
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) February 13, 2026
EPL DFS Defenders
Defenders
Matty Cash - DK $5.6K || FD $13
Opponent - vs. Leeds United
Matty Cash is still questionable to start this weekend; however, things do look positive. If he does make the squad, he is projected to have a monopoly on set pieces for Aston Villa. Prior to his two-match absence, in five fixtures in all competitions–four starts–he produced one assist, nine shots, three chances created, ten crosses, two corners, nine tackles, two interceptions, and 15 clearances.
As mentioned earlier, Leeds United has improved over the last few fixtures across all facets of the game. This will provide Cash the opportunity to produce at both ends of the pitch. The fullback is expected to maintain value in this home fixture.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Reece James (DK $6.7K || FD $14) vs. Burnley FC
- Ezri Konsa (DK $3.7K || FD $11) vs. Leeds United
Corner Takers
- Aston Villa FC: Matty Cash/Morgan Rogers
- Leeds United: Anton Stach/Ilia Gruev
- Brentford FC: Vitaly Janelt
- Brighton & Hove Albion: Pascal Groẞ
- Chelsea FC: Pedro Neto/Reece James/Enzo Fernández
- Burnley FC: Hannibal Mejbri
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!
