EPL DFS Lineup Picks for DraftKings (12/31/22) - English Premier League Soccer Matchweek 18

Brandon's DraftKings EPL DFS lineup picks for English Premier League soccer on 12/31/22 (Matchweek 18). His top daily fantasy soccer forwards, midfielders, defenders, goalkeepers.

Welcome back to “The Kick-Off”! Lucky for us, it is only our second matchweek back from the World Cup and we already have Manchester City on the slate. Manchester City is overwhelming favorites at -850. The next best favorites are Newcastle United at -230.

Many lineups will be centered around Manchester City and Newcastle stacks and outside of that is where you will win the real money. I will guide you through this four-match slate starting at 10:00 A.M. EST.

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”.

The Kick-Off - EPL Matchweek 18

Vegas Odds for the Day

Ederson- DK $5.9K || FD $14

Opponent - Everton

Welcome back to Manchester City driven slates. Ederson will without a doubt be the highest-owned goalkeeper, especially in ‘cash’ contests and he will also have the greatest odds at winning and also keeping a clean sheet. Surprisingly on DraftKings, he is under 6K and we will take that any day of the week, given his matchup. The Manchester City keeper has not had the greatest form in his last five games – conceded 5 goals –, however, this matchup offers a great rebound chance.        

Others To Consider (Cash/GPP): Pope (DK $5.6K || FD $13), Leno (DK $5.2K || FD $11)

Forwards

Erling Haaland-DK $12.7K || FD $25

Opponent - Everton

We almost reached the ‘yikes’ territory with Haaland’s salary, although, deservingly so. In his last five games – 4 starts –, he has 5 goals, 17 shots, 5 created chances, 2 crosses and 1 tackle in all competitions. Everton is trending in the right direction, however, they still cannot compete with the best of the best, as Manchester City is. Haaland is currently averaging a goal per game as well as 3 shots per game. Is this another golden opportunity for the young striker to continue his dominance in the English Premier League?      

Chris Wood- DK $4.3K || FD $13

Opponent - Leeds United

It remains to be seen if Callum Wilson will ultimately lead the attack for the Magpies or if Chris Wood will bless us with his presence for one more game – Wilson has been at training –. Realistically for fantasy purposes, we are hoping that Wood starts so we can get a great ceiling potential player at an extreme discount. Wood has not been given many opportunities since his arrival from Burnley, as he was purchased to provide depth at the striker position. However, when he has gotten opportunities, he does not disappoint. In his last five appearances in all competitions – 2 starts –, he has 2 goals, 4 shots, 1 created chance and 3 tackles. The shots could be a little higher, but that is ultimately the peripheral production we expect from Wood. Coming off a 1 goal and 2 shot outing, he has another chance to add to his point column when he and the Magpies host Leeds this weekend.        

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Mitrovic (DK $9.4K || FD $22, Edouard (DK $5.4K || FD $14)

Midfielders

Kevin de Bruyne- DK $10.2K || FD $21

Opponent - Everton

The ‘Magician’ himself will garner a massive amount of ownership on the slate this weekend, as he will have the highest potential ceiling, as well as the safest floor. Everton currently concedes the second-most crosses per game – 1.93 – and the third-most created chances per game – 1.09 –. This is de Bruyne’s bread and butter – he will be a must-own on FanDuel due to their heavy scoring with created chances –. Through his last five games, he has 12 shots, 14 created chances, 39 crosses, 13 corners and 3 tackles. Shockingly, the midfielder has not found the score sheet over his last 7 games dating back, but this is a perfect chance to get back on it.            

Andreas Pereira- DK $8.3K || FD $15

Opponent - Southampton

I am still wrapping my head around the fact that Manchester United sold Pereira. The talented attacking midfielder is reaping the rewards with the playing time he is getting with Fulham – he asked for playing time with United and rarely got it, seeing a significant drop in form despite his potential –. Pereira is easily the second-best option on the slate in terms of ceiling potential and a safe floor behind none other than Kevin de Bruyne. Over the Fulham midfielder’s last five appearances, he has 1 goal, 2 assists, 6 shots, 18 created chances, 41 crosses, 25 corners, 1 tackle and 2 interceptions in all competitions. Southampton is coming off a 3-1 loss to Brighton and Fulham arguably has a better offense with Aleksandar Mitrovic leading the attack. Whatever does come to fruition, Pereira will be at the center of it.         

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Almiron (DK $9.8K || FD $18), Olise (DK $6.3K || FD $12)

Defense

Kieran Trippier- DK $8.1K || FD $15

Opponent - Leeds United

Trippier is back yet again after he did not disappoint on Boxing Day for us. The wingback, posted 1 assist, 4 created chances, 9 crosses, 5 corners, 3 tackles and 4 interceptions in 90 minutes. Leeds does not concede as many crosses per game as Leicester City does – 1.47 –, however, they do concede more created chances per game – 0.94 –. Tripper is a constant threat down the right flank and he should garner a fair share of ownership himself, possessing the highest potential ceiling and safest floor out of all defensemen on the slate.           

Nathaniel Clyne- DK $2.8K || FD $8

Opponent - AFC Bournemouth

We are going to change things up this time around and take a ‘punt’ play at defense for our second option. Clyne will be the go-to option at wingback after teammate Tyrick Mitchell was given a straight red card early in the match on Boxing Day for a dangerous studs-up tackle. Clyne does not offer much in terms of a floor or a ceiling, however, he is being given a good matchup against Bournemouth and he has the chance to easily exceed value. This is a great spot, especially considering all of the other player options we will be paying up for.       

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Cancelo (DK $5.6K || FD $13), Tete (DK $4.8K || FD $13)

Corner Takers:

AFC Bournemouth: Cook/Anthony 

Crystal Palace: Olise/Eze

Fulham: Pereira

Southampton: Ward-Prowse

Manchester City: de Bruyne

Everton: Gray/McNeil

Newcastle: Trippier

Leeds United: Greenwood/Aaronson

Thanks for reading The Kick-Off! Good luck in all of your contests today!