This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (ET)
- 10:00 am: Brentford vs. Crystal Palace
- 10:00 am: Everton vs. Leeds United
- 10:00 am: Watford vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
- 12:30 pm: Norwich City vs. Manchester City
For detailed stats and odds, check out the
FORWARDS / MIDFIELDERS
Kevin De Bruyne, MCI at NOR ($21): I wrote about Kevin De Bruyne in Wednesday's slate preview and he found the back of the net again while finishing with 32.9 fantasy points. He's scored more than 23 points in six of the past eight matches, which is why he's the most expensive player on the slate. Norwich have played better as of late, so I'm a bit wary of a Manchester City stack in this spot, but there are a number of options in their attack with Jack Grealish ($17) being the cheapest of the lot. Norwich concede the most shots on goal and scoring chances created on this eight-team slate, so there is room for peripheral stat accumulation. Otherwise, Phil Foden ($19), Raheem Sterling ($19) and Riyad Mahrez ($18) are all options if you want the full stack.
Dele Alli, EVE v. LEE ($15): Alli came off the bench to play the final 25 minutes in Tuesday's loss to Newcastle. It was his club debut and he fared well despite a small amount of playing time. He ended up with 13.8 fantasy points by creating two scoring chances and making one block. Given Everton's recent form, it would make sense for new manager Frank Lampard to put the club's new signing in the starting XI to see if he can make a difference against a Leeds side who have the third-worst defensive record in the Premier League. Stuart Dallas ($13) offers good value for Leeds having scored more than 10 points in 14 of his past 15 matches.
Christian Norgaard, BRE v. CRY ($13): Crystal Palace are dreadful away from home as they've won just once in 11 matches. They've conceded 20 goals in those matches and could allow a Brentford side who are in need of a positive result the chance to get that. Norgaard isn't the sexiest of selections as he operates as a holding midfielder, but he leads the Premier League in tackles (74) and is sixth in interceptions (39). On top of that, he's created a serviceable 18 scoring chances. This is a good enough matchup to put him in your lineup and save a few dollars for more prestigious players.
Yves Bissouma, BHA at WAT ($12): Bissouma doesn't have the attacking prowess like some of the other midfielders on this slate, but he's able to contribute in a variety of ways, which helps his bottom line. He ranks in the top 10 in tackles (10th) and interceptions (eighth), while his 26 clearances put him at 15th. His defensive work assures his floor is high enough to roster and he's got a favorable matchup against Watford, who are winless in their past 11 matches. Emmanuel Dennis ($18) has been Watford's best player this season, but he hasn't hit double-digit points in his past four matches. Joshua King ($17) is slightly cheaper, though both may have a tough time against a well-organized Brighton back line.
DEFENDERS
Ben Gibson, NOR v. MCI ($11): Manchester City are expected to put on an attacking onslaught against the Norwich back line, which will lead to a ton of clearances and other defensive statistics. Gibson is slightly cheaper than Grant Hanley ($12), which is my only reason for taking him instead of Hanley. Both rank in the top 15 in clearances and have helped Norwich to a three-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League.
Marc Cucurella, BHA at WAT ($11): Brighton have the second-best clean sheet odds despite traveling to Watford. Cucurella is slightly cheaper than some of the other Brighton defenders and has been super consistent of late, scoring more than 9.5 points in his past six matches. Samir ($14) has been productive for Watford as he's scored 18 points in each of his four starts for the Hornets. There's a chance Nathan Patterson ($5) starts for Everton and he's minimal price. If not, Kyle Walker ($7) could be the cheapest starting defender and he's in play for a clean sheet.
GOALKEEPERS
Robert Sanchez, BHA at WAT ($12): Ederson ($14) has the best clean-sheet odds and his price reflects that. He'll face off against Angus Gunn ($6), who may be a sneaky play if Norwich can keep the flood gates from opening up. David Raya ($10) is an interesting play against a Crystal Palace side who are bad on the road. In terms of matchup and price, Robert Sanchez ($12) is my preferred play. Brighton have the fifth-best defensive record with 23 goals conceded and should be able to keep Watford in line Saturday.
