RADIO
Welcome back to “The Kick-Off”! We are here for Gameweek 10 after eventful Champions League and Europa League slates!!! Today’s slate will feature two favorites, Manchester City -800 and Chelsea -250. This slate will feature many goals and it is imperative to have some high-ownership players to have a chance at shipping a GPP. I will guide you through this four-game slate starting at 10:00 A.M. EST.
Please Be Advised: Due to the quick turnaround of gameweeks, there can be an increased risk of rest for players. This write-up does not cover the late game on FanDuel because of the differences in the DraftKings and FanDuel slates.
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”.
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The Kick-Off - EPL Matchweek 10
[H] AFC Bournemouth (+230) vs [A] Leicester City (+105): Total: o2.5
Bournemouth is on quite the journey since making their way back to the top flight, winning just two matches out of their eight thus far. They have also struggled for goals, sitting in the bottom five of the table for goals for – 6 –. Furthermore, in their last three home matches, they have not scored. Surprisingly, Leicester City is doing even worse than Bournemouth, albeit scoring a handful more goals. Over Leicester’s last five domestic matches, they have lost each one. However, they did thrash Nottingham Forest 4-0 at the weekend. If Leicester wants to battle for at minimum the top-six, they need to take advantage of Bournemouth’s poor defense that has conceded the third-most goals – 17 –.
Expected Outcome: Leicester 2-0
Forwards
Jamie Vardy-DK $7.1K || FD $16
Vardy finally got back onto the scoresheet last weekend with an assist after three straight matches with zero points. Although, the striker has yet to notch his first goal of the 23’ campaign and it is not very surprising when considering his shot total this season is just above 1 per match. In 8 appearances, he has 3 assists, 9 shots, 4 chances created, 1 cross, 4 tackles and 10 clearances. Vardy does at least get the third-worst defense in the league now – Bournemouth has conceded 17 goals –.
Midfielders
James Maddison-DK $10.8K || FD $19
Despite the hefty salary and the fact that he is the most expensive midfielder on DraftKings and he is the 5th most expensive player on FanDuel. Maddison is worth every penny. As stated twice now, Bournemouth has a putrid defense and Maddison is one of the hottest players in the top flight at the moment with 3 goals and 1 assist over his last two matches. Add in the fact that he takes the set-pieces and it is a recipe made for success and one that will generate a massive amount of ownership, just like his teammate Vardy aforementioned. In 7 appearances this season, Maddison has 5 goals, 2 assists, 23 shots, 17 created chances, 31 crosses, 17 corners, 12 tackles, 5 interceptions and 3 clearances.
Defenders
Jordan Zemura-DK $3.8K || FD $11
No, his defense is not the greatest, but Zemura sure does give bang for his buck and he is in a good spot to produce. The fullback has provided a solid two-way game all season thus far, but it is shown twice as much over the last few matches. In 7 appearances, he has 1 assist, 7 created chances, 5 crosses, 17 tackles, 8 interceptions and 13 clearances. Now he will play against the league’s worst defense and Leicester tends to concede crosses in bunches. This is looking like a great spot to pay down at with high-upside.
[H] Chelsea (-250) vs [A] Wolverhampton (+725): Total: u2.5
Two tales of two clubs will be meeting here with an under trend on the table. Chelsea is still in the transition with new bench boss Graham Potter whose record is now: L, D, W, after a last-minute goal from Connor Gallagher at Crystal Palace last weekend. Meanwhile, Wolverhampton continues to struggle to score goals, despite their attacking additions and because of this, they have sacked bench boss Bruno Lage. Wolverhampton may have little time with their new manager by the time this meeting comes around this weekend and it could give Chelsea a slight advantage along with playing at home. However, as aforementioned, there is an under trend in this meeting. In the last six meetings between these two clubs, there have been 2 or fewer goals in three of the meetings and in their most recent three meetings, they tied each game – 0-0, 0-0, 2-2 -.
Expected Outcome: Chelsea 1-0
Forwards
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang-DK $7K || FD $19
Aubameyang makes his way back into the article for the second-straight week after putting together 2 goals in his last two appearances in all competitions. The striker has not been shy since re-joining the league and he has instantly provided a deeper attack for the Blues. Through 5 matches, he has 2 goals, 1 assist, 7 shots, 4 created chances and 1 cross in all competitions. His shot volume is nowhere near where it needs to be, however, he is at least scoring on the shots he is taking. Aubameyang would be a great pivot for those wanting to get off the Manchester City ownership.
Midfielders
Boubacar Traore-DK $3.1K || FD $9
There is very little known about Traore and his role with Wolverhampton thus far since his arrival from Metz in LigueOne, but with the lack of midfielder availability, Traore looks to be getting the start. The midfielder will provide a similar style of play to his teammate Ruben Neves – currently suspended –. Thanks to playing at Stamford Bridge and against Chelsea of all clubs, Traore should see plenty of chances to stockpile defensive peripherals. He will be especially valuable on FanDuel where defensive plays generate a mass amount of points.
Defenders
Reece James-DK $6.6K || FD $15
James is surely not leaving this article anytime soon. The wingback is no stranger to the lights and he showed it in a massive way at the midweek when he scored once and assisted once against AC Milan in the Champions League. Chelsea thrives in a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 formation thanks to the capability of Reece James’s potential. He brings a solid two-way game and he provides solid attacking support on the flank. Through 9 appearances in all competitions, he has 2 goals, 2 assists, 11 shots, 12 created chances, 54 crosses, 14 corners, 21 tackles, 6 interceptions and 9 clearances. Wolverhampton can be stingy at times defensively, but this should not cause James to shy away at all.
[H] Manchester City (-800) vs [A] Southampton (+1900) Total: o2.5
Manchester City is reaching unstoppable form right now after winning the Manchester Derby 6-3. They remain undefeated this season and they have won 29 of their last 36 matches in the top flight. Surprisingly, Southampton has given Manchester City a run for its money in recent meetings, with 4 of the last 6 meetings all being under 2.5 goals. Although, the real challenge has yet to be seen for the visitors until this meeting when they play against Erling Haaland for the first time. The youngster is shattering records left and right and he is the focal point for City. If they can get him the ball, they will win. Don’t be surprised if Southampton does not score either. They have been outscored 6-3 in their last 5 matches.
Expected Outcome: Manchester City 3-0
Forwards
Erling Haaland-DK $11.6K || FD $25
You know that guy, who scores a lot of goals and he is under the age of 25 and this is his first season in the Premier League, that guy named Erling Haaland? Yea he is back on the slate and he will once again be a highly-coveted player in lineups. Haaland just dominated Manchester United and FC Copenhagen in back-to-back matches in big spotlights too. In those two appearances, he managed 5 goals and 2 assists. Through all 11 appearances in all competitions this season, Haaland has 19 goals, 3 assists, 47 shots, 11 created chances, 1 cross, 2 tackles and 2 interceptions. His numbers are record-breaking pace right now and he is not only scoring tap-ins here and there, but he is also scoring diving headers or scissor-kick goals that only the best can be successful at. The striker is not slowing down anytime soon and he will be a must-roster in all formats.
Midfielders
Kevin De Bruyne-DK $9.5K || FD $21
No doubt will you want KDB in this matchup or any matchup at that. The midfield playmaker paces Manchester City in all aspects and he is the primary provider of all of the Erling Haaland goals that we love to watch. In 10 matches in all competitions, De Bruyne has 1 goal, 10 assists, 27 shots, 33 created chances, 69 crosses, 26 corners and 8 tackles. Southampton is conceding more and more goals, despite not making it as easy as it looks. De Bruyne is due for a few more points after sitting the Champions League matchup with FC Copenhagen and they will come here.
Defenders
Mohamed Salisu-DK $2.6K || FD $10
Salisu is not exactly the best option on DraftKings, but he is a prime candidate on FanDuel. The center back will have his hands full against Erling Haaland this weekend and Salisu will have every chance to generate copious amounts of peripherals. Through 7 appearances in all competitions, he has 4 shots, 1 created chance, 9 crosses, 18 tackles, 10 interceptions and 28 clearances.
[H] Newcastle United (-130) vs [A] Brentford (+320) Total: o2.5
What could be the most entertaining match of the slate, will be a meeting between the Magpies and the Bees. Both clubs have been scoring goals left, right and center this season, sitting in the top half of the league in goals for – 12 & 15 respectively –. Newcastle however, has been the better club defensively thanks to additions on the backline and in the net. Neither club is in terrific form and Brentford is coming off a disappointing string of fixtures – a 3-0 loss to Arsenal and a 0-0 draw with Bournemouth –. However, the hosts will be in high spirits after thumping Fulham 4-1 away last weekend. If Newcastle can find structure early on, they can take all three points.
Expected Outcome: Newcastle United 2-1
Forwards
Callum Wilson-DK $8.3K || FD $18
After being out for over a month due to injury, Wilson returned last weekend in a 4-1 thrashing of Fulham with a goal. Prior to new teammate Alexander Isak arriving from Real Sociedad of La Liga, Wilson was the man for Newcastle. Now Isak is out with an injury and Wilson once again gets his chance to shine. He could even make a case to revert to a 4-2-2 once both strikers are healthy if he produces enough by himself. In 4 appearances in all competitions this season, he has 3 goals, 11 shots, 3 created chances and 4 crosses. Newcastle and Brentford meetings are known for their goals and this should be no different with Wilson at the center of the action.
Midfielders
Mathias Jensen-DK $5.1K || FD $13
A nice change of pace with a middle-of-the-range priced Jensen in a prime matchup. Newcastle is not nearly as bad defensively as they have been in the past, however, they are not a brick wall either. Jensen takes the majority of set pieces and he will have every chance of setting up a goal or two against the Magpies. In 8 matches in all competitions, Jensen has 1 goal, 2 assists, 5 shots, 13 created chances, 41 crosses, 27 corners, 5 interceptions and 5 clearances.
Defenders
Kieran Trippier-DK $6.3K || FD $14
Another player who will have all eyes on him is Trippier. The fullback/wingback takes the majority of set pieces for the Magpies who will be playing in front of a packed St. James’ Park. Through 8 appearances in all competitions, Trippier has 1 goal, 5 shots, 15 created chances, 74 crosses, 40 corners, 10 tackles, 10 interceptions and 19 clearances. Those peripherals are worth every penny of his salary and despite the amount of flank support he provides, he has a low created chances tally which is due for positive regression.
Goalies
Ederson-DK $5.9K || FD $14
Ederson once again is the top option on the slate and he will be coming into this meeting with a chip on his shoulder after shutting out FC Copenhagen at midweek in the Champions League. The keeper has been stellar so far this season with just 3 appearances where he conceded 2 or more goals. Through 11 appearances in all competitions, he has 15 saves, 10 goals conceded and 6 clean sheets. Ederson currently occupies the top spot in the league for clean sheets – 4 – with Wolverhampton’s Jose Sa behind him with 3. Southampton continue to struggle to score goals – tied for 7th worst offense – with the lack of offensive consistency and the fact that their playmaker James Ward-Prowse is playing deeper in the midfield doesn’t help. Ederson has every chance to add another clean sheet to his pocket here.
Edouard Mendy-DK $5.6K || FD $12
Despite teammate Kepa’s good play, Mendy is healthy and he looks to be returning to the net at the weekend. The keeper has been out with a foot injury for the past four fixtures and should be refreshed and ready to go against a bottom-of-the-league offense that is playing with a new manager. Prior to Mendy’s injury, in 6 games, he had 18 saves, 9 goals conceded and 1 clean sheet. If not for the lackluster defense in front of him, he would have had more clean sheets. With defensive-mastermind Graham Potter on the bench now, Mendy will have a much better chance at clean sheets game in and game out. If you want to pivot off the expected highly-owned Ederson, Mendy is another great option.
Expected Corner Takers:
AFC Bournemouth: Tavernier
Leicester City: Maddison
Chelsea: James/Mount
Wolverhampton: Guedes/Neto
Manchester City: De Bruyne
Southampton: Ward-Prowse
Newcastle United: Trippier
Brentford: Jensen
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off! Good luck in all of your contests today!
