RADIO
Welcome back, RotoBallers! We are finally starting to get some sports back! In fact, this is the second week that has seen Bundesliga action. The stadiums might be empty, but that doesn't mean that the teams aren't playing to win. Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Monchengladbach are both in the hunt for the league title, and Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg are vying for places in European competitions for next season.
In this article, I will be providing you with my Bundesliga daily fantasy soccer lineup picks for DraftKings on 5/23/20 for the slate that locks at 9:30 am ET. Be sure to also check out our other DFS lineup picks for other active sports.
The main DraftKings DFS slate this week is for four games, and below I'll give a quick preview of each of them (so you know what to expect) and then move onto some names to consider for your lineups. You can always find me on Twitter @RichKingFF if you have any questions. Good luck RotoBallers!
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Bundesliga DFS Lineup Picks - Matchups Overview
Borussia Monchengladbach vs Bayer Leverkusen
This game brings together two teams that are both doing well. Both teams are vying for qualification to the Champions League (the top tier European competition). This game is likely to be an open affair, with both teams possessing potent attacking options and defenses that can have moments where they are ineffective.
Paderborn vs TSG Hoffenheim
Paderborn have struggled all season, and are now in a position that they have to attack to get the three points on offer. However, Hoffenheim have shown themselves to be a dangerous team. Hoffenheim have played well all season by inviting teams to attack and then launching a counter-attack. That being said, this game is likely to be a low-scoring game and one to opt for defenders in.
Freiburg vs Werder Bremen
Freiburg are the favorites for this matchup. Werder Bremen are in a relegation fight, so then need to start winning some games or face playing in a lower division next season. The issue they have is that their defense is shaky, and the team has found goals hard to come by.
Wolfsburg vs Borussia Dortmund
If you aren't familiar with how players score in soccer on DraftKings take a look at their scoring methodology. And to submit a lineup you need to select 1 Goalkeeper, 2 Defenders, 2 Midfielders, 2 Forwards, and a Utility player (most likely a Midfielder/ Forward). If you have any more questions on the setup let me know, you can find me on Twitter @RichKingFF.
Now let's take a look at some of my top DraftKings DFS selections for the week!
DraftKings DFS Goalkeeper
At this position, you are really shooting for that clean sheet (meaning no goals conceded). So you can't look much further than Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann ($5,300). Paderborn has struggled to score recently, in fact, they haven't scored in two of their last three games.
Combined with Hoffenheim's defense conceding fewer goals away from home than any other in the league, this is a solid selection to start your lineup. If you aren't able to afford Baumann in your lineup, then you could opt for Alexander Schwolow ($5,100), who is slightly cheaper, but could still keep a clean sheet for Freiburg.
DraftKings DFS Defenders
Defenders are where it starts to get interesting. In an ideal world, you want a defender who has a good chance of keeping a clean sheet while getting involved in attacking play.
Ramy Bensebaini ($6,400) took a penalty in his team's last outing, making him exteremely valuable as a potential goal-scoring defender. Even if he doesn't manage to get on the scoresheet, he is one of his team's most effective players at getting the ball in from wide areas of the field.
For this slate that ideal play is Christian Gunter ($5,800). Freiburg faces Werder Bremen who have struggled in the league- especially away from home. Gunter also takes corners and gets forward for crosses, meaning plenty of opportunities to score, even if the team concedes a goal.
Alternatively, you could opt for either of Wolfsburg's fullbacks, who both have chances to get forward. Kevin Mbabu ($5,200) is more likely to get the start than Paulo Otavio ($5,600). Both of them recorded assists in their previous game, and that will likely need to happen again for them to be valuable- as they are unlikely to keep a clean sheet.
As a cheaper option, Benjamin Hubner ($3,700) is worth consideration. As with Baumann at goalkeeper, the matchup is a great chance for a team to get a clean sheet. In spending down with Hubner you can afford to target some more effective forwards.
DraftKings DFS Midfielders / Forwards
You'll see in going through the slate that there are lots of players that have dual eligibility to be in your midfield or forward slot. Here you are looking for players that are constant scoring threats, as well as players that get involved in wide areas where they can put crosses in.
Dortmund are big favorites for their match and have a multitude of options in attack, spearheaded by the trio of Jadon Sancho ($10,200), Erling Haaland ($9,700) and Thorgan Hazard ($8,400). Haaland, in particular, is a constant goal-scoring threat for the team after this transfer at the start of the new year.
Equally in that game, if Wolfsburg are going to get any type of positive result it will most likely come through Maximilian Arnold ($7,100) in the midfield. Arnold is a big part of the attacking play of the team, and constantly puts crosses into the box for his team, giving opportunities for assists as well as being a goal-scoring threat himself.
Outside of that game, Kai Havertz ($9,100) might be worth adding after his impressive two-goal performance last week. However, given his impressive performance, he could be highly owned. However, you could still get part of Leverkusen's attack by selecting any of Karim Bellarabi ($8,500), Moussa Diaby ($8,000) or Lucas Alario ($6,500) (Alario has the best odds of scoring in this game)
If you are looking for an effective play that will have low ownership, then Alassane Plea ($9,000) is a great target given his performances this season. Plea has scored nine goals and recorded seven assists, but with the matchup, he might be overlooked by owners looking elsewhere
Alternatively, you can look at a duo of players at the same price point. Both Leonardo Bittencourt & Christoph Baumgartner ($6,800) are used in attacking phases of their respective teams plans. That allows for a solid floor for each of them with passes for build-up play while also being dangerous goal-scorers.
And that's it! Any questions, you know where to find me otherwise Viel Glück (good luck) RotoBallers.
