EPL DFS Lineup Picks for DraftKings (5/6/23) - English Premier League Soccer Matchweek 35

Welcome back to “The Kick-Off” and welcome to 2023! As the season dwindles down, many clubs will be focused on any trophies left at stake, Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, etc and it will cause squad rotation and or rest. The Starting XI will remain fluid for those specific clubs, while others may try new formations as their league positions cement for next season.

The top favorite this weekend is Manchester City -700 vs Leeds United +1500. I will guide you through this four-match slate starting at 10:00 P.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 35

Vegas Odds for the Day

Goalies

Sam Johnstone - DK $4.1K || FD $8

Opponent - Tottenham

By no means, Johnstone is not the best keeper to choose on the slate, however, Tottenham is playing less than ideal currently. In Jonstone’s last five matches, he has 3 wins, 19 saves and 6 goals against. The Spurs are playing much better at home which does pose a risk of playing Johnstone as a visiting keeper. However, there are plenty of spots to pay up at with giants Manchester City on the slate and paying down to Johnstone with the potential to hold Spurs to a goal or two is work the risk. If you have the extra salary, Ederson is the ‘chalk’ of the slate and he should see a fair bit of ownership.                              

Others To Consider (Cash/GPP): Ederson (DK $5.9K || FD $14), Neto (DK $4.4K || FD $9)

Forwards

Erling Haaland - DK 11.3K || FD $25

Opponent - Leeds United

No matter the contest this weekend, 90 percent of the entire field will be on Erling Haaland and his teammate Kevin De Bruyne – below –. In Leeds United’s last five fixtures away, they are being outscored 7 to 13 and over the season they are the worst club in both Big Chances Created Against Per 90 – 2.35 – and Goals Against Per 90 – 1.91 –. Haaland is playing on a whole new level, something unseen in the Premier League, after breaking the all-time goal-scoring record in a single season with his 35th goal of the season in a 3-0 win against West Ham on Wednesday. In his last five appearances in domestic play, he has 7 goals, 2 assists, 7 shots, 8 created chances, 2 crosses, 1 interception and 1 clearance. He may not have the shot volume many would expect, however, his shot-to-goal conversion in that timeframe has been off the charts. Going against arguably the weakest backline in the top flight, Haaland is due to have a massive outing here.                                            

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Watkins (DK $7.7K || FD $18), Ouattara (DK $5.8K || FD $15)

Midfielders

Kevin De Bruyne - DK 10K || FD $21

Opponent - Leeds United

Next in line is the aforementioned Kevin De Bruyne. It is worth mentioning that he is a late-fitness test after sitting out the last two matches for undisclosed reasons, however, signs are pointing to him being ready to start here. In his recent five fixtures in domestic play, he has 3 goals, 4 assists, 9 shots, 17 created chances, 36 crosses, 12 corners, 5 tackles, 2 interceptions and 2 clearances. City will control the match from start to finish and De Bruyne is the catalyst for the club, resulting in him being on the ball a fair bit of the game when they are under possession. He has had a few matches recently with double-digit crosses and it wouldn’t be surprising if he can build a solid floor off crosses alone against Leeds. If De Bruyne ultimately sits out again, players like Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden are worth shouts.                                    

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Luiz (DK $6K || FD $13), Mudryk (DK $5.9K || FD $13)

Defense

Matias Vina - DK $4.3K || FD $10

Opponent - Chelsea

As previously mentioned, there are numerous spots to pay up at this weekend and we will need to pay down at others to make the salary work. With little to no ‘safe’ options at defense this weekend, it would be worthwhile to pay down and take less-expensive fullbacks like Matias Vina. Chelsea is currently being outscored 5 to 8 in their last five away matches and in the last three meetings between these two clubs, they share a 1-1-1 record. Bournemouth’s defense has seen big improvements since Vina entered the starting XI. However, they will have their hands full with a Chelsea club desperate for wins. In Vina’s last four appearances – 3 starts –, he has 1 goal, 5 shots, 2 created chances,  crosses, 6 tackles, 3 interceptions and 7 clearances.                

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Porro (DK $6.6K || FD $14), Young (DK $3.9K || FD $10)

Corner Takers:

AFC Bournemouth: Christie

Chelsea: Chilwell/Mudryk

Manchester City: De Bruyne/Mahrez

Leeds United: Harrison

Tottenham: Perisic/Son

Crystal Palace: Eze/Olise

Wolverhampton: Sarabia

Aston Villa: Luiz

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