
Brandon's DraftKings and FanDuel EPL DFS lineup picks for English Premier League Soccer on 9/20/25 (Matchweek 5). His top daily fantasy soccer forwards, midfielders, defenders, goalkeepers.
Welcome back to "The Kick-Off," and welcome to the 2025-2026 season! Domestic play is back with some clubs on short rest after the UEFA Champions League started at midweek. This main slate will be tricky with no clear favorite; however, many matchups could have fireworks. Let's knock out Matchweek Five!
The top favorite for this week is Nottingham Forest (+120) at Burnley FC (+240). I will guide you through this four-match slate starting at 10:00 A.M. EST on Saturday, September 20.
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
Dean Henderson - DK $5.2K || FD $11
Opponent - at West Ham United
Dean Henderson and the Eagles are performing admirably to start the season. In four domestic starts, he has made six saves, conceded once, and recorded three clean sheets. The ex-Manchester United goalkeeper may have finally found balance at Crystal Palace. Especially considering how poor his backline is still playing in front of him.
Crystal Palace, from a Per 90 against viewpoint, is the fourth-worst club in both Shots and In-the-Box Shots. Furthermore, what is impressive is that they are also the best, if not tied for the best, in both Goals and In-the-Box Goals. On the slate, from a Per 90 viewpoint, West Ham United are the third-best in Shots and tied for the third-worst in Goals. They are also the third-worst club in Big Chances Scored and In-the-Box Goals. Taking all of this into consideration, Dean Henderson is projected to have the ‘safest’ floor at the goalie position this weekend.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- José Sá (DK $4.8K || FD $10) vs. Leeds United
- Guglielmo Vicario (DK $4.4K || FD $12) at Brighton & Hove Albion
Two saves in the shootout to win Palace another trophy.
Dean Henderson steps up again 🧢 pic.twitter.com/K31pTU5DuS
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 10, 2025
EPL DFS Forwards
Chris Wood - DK $7.1K || FD $20
Opponent - at Burnley FC
Chris Wood is the true definition of a ‘CASH’ type forward, excluding those with set pieces. The veteran striker has registered eight shots across four fixtures in the top flight so far this season! He has also produced two goals, two chances created, and one clearance.
Burnley FC, from a Per 90 against viewpoint, is the worst club in Shots, Chances Created, and In-the-Box Shots. They also have the second-worst Penalty Area Defense, and they are the fourth-worst club in Goals and Big Chances Created. All it takes is for Wood to convert on one shot, and he instantly hits value.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Richarlison (DK $9.4K || FD $21) at Brighton & Hove Albion
- Jean-Philippe Mateta (DK $7K || FD $19) at West Ham United
Two goals in Gameweek 1 for £7.5m…
New season, same Chris Wood 💪#FPL pic.twitter.com/BEVmFbKJJp
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) August 19, 2025
EPL DFS Midfielders
Yéremy Pino - DK $5.6K || FD $14
Opponent - at West Ham United
Yeremy Pino made his English Premier League debut last weekend in the 0-0 draw versus AFC Sunderland. Pino drastically outperformed his salary this weekend. He amassed three shots, four crosses, three corners, and one tackle. He now has four shots, one chance created, four crosses, four corners, one tackle, and one interception through 103 minutes of top-flight play in England.
Luckily, he gets a prime matchup this weekend as he and the rest of Crystal Palace travel to London Stadium. The Hammers in the early stages of the season are the league’s worst club in Goals, Big Chances Created, In-the-Box Goals, and Penalty Area Defense, all from a Per 90 against viewpoint. Pino does not have a full share of set pieces yet, but he is slowly acclimating to the role. Considering salary, his role with the Eagles, and his matchup, Pino becomes a ‘LOCK’ in all formats.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Elliot Anderson (DK $7.6K || FD $19) at Burnley FC
- Xavi Simons (DK $7.2K || FD $18) at Brighton & Hove Albion
EPL DFS Defenders
Defenders
Oleksandr Zinchenko - DK $3.8K || FD $7
Opponent - at Burnley FC
Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to make his long-awaited debut for Nottingham Forest this weekend at Turf Moor. The Arsenal wingback made his loan move during the Summer Transfer Window and had a setback, preventing him from making his debut weeks ago. Last year, Zinchenko, in 21 appearances in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, produced one goal, one assist, 14 shots, six chances created, 20 crosses, two corners, six tackles, six interceptions, 10 clearances, and one block.
Burnley FC has not yet shown the Championship form that won them promotion last season. Furthermore, they are struggling to cover the flanks. If Zinchenko can find open space, he will soar past the value mark in his first game as a Red.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Quilindschy Hartman (DK $5.6K || FD $14) vs. Nottingham Forest
- Hugo Bueno (DK $4K || FD $9) vs. Leeds United
Corner Takers
- Brighton & Hove Albion: Yasin Ayari/James Milner
- Tottenham Hotspurs: Xavi Simons/Mohammed Kudus
- Burnley FC: Quilindschy Hartman
- Nottingham Forest: Elliot Anderson
- West Ham United: James Ward-Prowse
- Crystal Palace: Will Hughes/Yéremy Pino
- Wolverhampton: Hugo Bueno/Hee-Chan Hwang
- Leeds United: Anton Stach/Gabriel Gudmundsson
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!