RADIO
Welcome back, RotoBallers! Finally, we see the return of the English Premier League. A competition that I know a lot about, in fact here across the pond we just call it the Premier League!
In this article, I will be providing you with my English Premier League daily fantasy soccer lineup picks for DraftKings on 7/1/20 for the slate that locks at 1:00 pm ET. Be sure to also check out our other DFS lineup picks for other active sports.
The DraftKings DFS slate is for three 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. 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 one goalie, two defenders, two midfielders, two forwards and a utility player (most likely a midfielder/ forward). You can always find me on Twitter @RichKingFF if you have any questions. Good luck RotoBallers!
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English Premier League DFS Lineup Picks - Overview
Bournemouth v Newcastle
Bournemouth needs points in this game, if they are going to avoid being relegated this season. The team has a tough run of games coming up, so need to get something to keep their hopes of playing in the Premier League next season alive.
Newcastle might've struggled to do anything in the F.A. Cup this week, but they have performed well in the league this season. Steve Bruce has transformed the defense of the team, which has made them hard to beat.
This game feels like a Newcastle win, or a draw. Both teams have struggled to score this season, and Newcastle have the better defense.
Arsenal v Norwich
Arsenal has struggled to be consistent since the restart of the league and are in mid-table obscurity. The team will be looking to put together a number of positive results ahead of a likely big overhaul of the squad during the offseason.
Norwich might be struggling for confidence given recent results. The team rested a number of key starters for their game against Everton in the league to target their matchup in the F.A. Cup. They lost that game during extra time, so they could struggle for confidence and feel a bit jaded with the tight turnaround.
I think Arsenal should pick up the win here.
Everton v Leicester
Everton still has an opportunity of finishing in the top half of the league, with their victory over Norwich in their last game. In fact, a win would mean the team would pull level with Sheffield United.
Leicester started the league strongly, but have stalled a bit with the restart. Despite that, they are still third in the league. It feels a bit like they just need to have a good result in one game and then the goals will start to flow.
I think this will be a narrow result either way, with a draw a likely result.
DraftKings DFS Midfielders / Forwards
You'll see as we go 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 in crosses.
Without a real potent offense in this slate (or at least one that is consistent) there aren't a lot of top tier players that truly need to be in your lineup. At the top price point, you could opt for any of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ($10,300), James Maddison ($10,000), or Nicolas Pepe ($9,500). Those three players are a big part of their respective teams' attacking threat. Aubameyang and Pepe both have more goalscoring ability than Maddison, but the midfielder has looked impressive on the field and now matches up against a defense that has struggled to stop teams this season.
However, with the investment required in those top-tier players, it might be better to opt for the next tier of talent. Players like Richarlison ($9,000), Jamie Vardy ($8,400) are fine plays in their matchups. Richarlison is Everton's most effective attacking player, while Vardy 's pace makes him a constant goal-scoring threat.
Then there are just a bunch of lower-priced players that are worth some consideration. Matt Richie ($7,700) is heavily involved in Newcastle's phase and set-piece play, meaning that if the team is to score it's likely to involve him. Otherwise, you could select Allan Saint-Maximin ($6,500) or Dwight Gayle ($6,100) who have a greater opportunity to score, but if they don't get manage are going to disappoint owners.
If I'm looking to save a bit of salary then I'd go for Ondrej Duda ($6,100) or Teemu Pukki ($5,900). Both have struggled a little in recent games, but they have the talent to score. Against Arsenal, who have shown themselves to be inconsistent in defense, they have an outside shot at becoming slate breakers if they manage to get a goal.
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. This slate doesn't have a team that looks like it will have a good chance to keep a clean sheet, so it's a case of looking at wing-backs.
As with previous slates, we are targetting players that get forward and put in crosses. Lucas Digne ($7,200) is the most expensive defender on the slate, for good reason. Digne gets forward often, and also takes a number of set-pieces for the team. However, given the limited upside of keeping a clean sheet he could struggle to reach value. In the same game, you could look at Ben Chilwell ($6,200) who has a similar outlook to Digne in that he gets forward for his team often. The difference between the two, is that while they both are used in set-pieces, Digne has more scoring ability as he is a key free-kick taker.
Otherwise, you could opt for Kieran Tierney ($5,700) who could get the start after his comeback from a shoulder injury. The Scottish international has had an inconsistent start to his Arsenal career but was an effective weapon for Celtic before his transfer. He is an effective player in the wide channels and an accurate crosser of the ball. Combined with the fact that Norwich have struggled to deal with defenders in the wide channels, and could struggle to get on the scoresheet, he could be an effective starter.
In keeping with previous columns, I've also looked at some bargain players. Jonny Evans ($3,200) has long been a threat at corners, which gives him the ability (although remote) of getting on the scoresheet, as well as having an opportunity of keeping a clean sheet. You could also select Nathan Ake ($2,900) who is used as a hybrid defender/ midfielder by the team. Ake's role allows for him to rack up passes, and while he is part of a defense that has struggled all season, he has an outside opportunity of keeping a clean sheet against Newcastle.
DraftKings DFS Goalkeepers
For this slate, the top option is Emiliano Martinez ($5,800). Martinez is going to be the starting goalkeeper for the foreseeable future due to the injury picked up by Bernd Leno. Outside of him, there are a few cheaper options that are worth considering. Kasper Schmeichel ($4,600) has been impressive since the league restarted, including making a penalty save in his last game. Leicester also have an effective defense, which combined with Everton's inconsistent attack, could mean he has an opportunity of keeping a clean sheet. Equally, Martin Dubravka ($4,500) will be looking to bounce back from the mistake he made against Aston Villa, and try to keep a clean sheet against Bournemouth. Newcastle have performed well defensively this season, and Bournemouth have struggled to find consistency going forwards.
And that's it! Any questions, you know where to find me otherwise Good Luck RotoBallers.
