RADIO
Welcome back to “The Kick-Off” and welcome to the 2024-25 season! The second round of UEFA matches has officially concluded, and seven matchweeks have come and gone. Let’s kick off Matchweek 8!
The top favorite for this weekend is Manchester United -150 vs. Brentford +360. I will guide you through this five-match slate starting at 10:00 a.m. EDT.
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], via X @df_solutions, or in our Discord chat rooms.
EPL DFS Goalies
Mark Flekken - DK $3.9K || FD $8
Opponent - Manchester United
There are a few options to consider in the net for this weekend, although Mark Flekken of Brentford makes an interesting case. The goalie has made 21 saves and conceded 10 goals in his most recent five domestic appearances. Furthermore, Brentford is the second worst in Shots Against Per 90 and the fifth worst in Goals Against Per 90.
Manchester United is second worst in Goals Per 90 and ninth worst in Shots Per 90. Analyzing Manchester United’s poor finishing and Brentford’s poor defense, Flekken has the potential to reach and exceed value.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Martinez (DK $4.6K || FD $10), Hermansen (DK $4.5K || FD $9)
EPL DFS Forwards
Dwight McNeil - DK $9.2K || FD $21
Opponent - Ipswich Town FC
This weekend is full of "pick'em" matches and a lack of forwards with a capable floor and ceiling. However, Dwight McNeil of Everton is an option, and he is expected to garner 80 or more percent ownership due to the nature of the slate and his premium matchup. In the winger’s most recent five domestic matches, he has three goals, two assists, 12 shots, 16 created chances, 33 crosses, 12 corners, three tackles, and one interception.
In Per 90 stats, Ipswich Town FC is in the bottom five in Goals Against, Shots Against, Big Chances Created Against, and In-the-Box Goals Against. Considering McNeil’s set-piece role with Everton and his premium matchup against Ipswich Town FC, the playmaker could become the highest point-producing forward on the slate.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Traore (DK $7.3K || FD $14), Vardy (DK $4.9K || FD $15)
EPL DFS Midfielders
Bruno Fernandes - DK $10K || FD $18
Opponent - Brentford FC
Bruno Fernandes received his "second" red card in as many matches, albeit in different leagues, and he is now suspended from Europa play. This removes him from any potential substitution worries for the next round of Europa League matches and guarantees his start in this weekend’s match against Brentford.
In Per 90 stats, the visitors are the fifth worst in Goals Against and the second worst in Shots Against, Created Chances Against, In-the-Box Shots Against, and In-the-Box Goals Against.
In the maestro’s last five domestic fixtures, he has one assist, 11 shots, three created chances, 17 crosses, three corners, 12 tackles, six interceptions, and five clearances. Manchester United’s scoring woes may reduce his ownership. However, his role as a shot creator will keep him relevant.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Mbeumo (DK $9.6K || FD $21), Pereira (DK $7.6K || FD $18)
EPL DFS Defenders
Leif Davis - DK $6.3K || FD $13
Opponent - Everton
Despite Leif Davis playing for Ipswich Town FC, he is matchup-proof at this point of the season. The wingback possesses a two-way game that benefits his fantasy output greatly. Throughout his last five domestic appearances, he has one assist, four shots, 17 created chances, 31 crosses, 25 corners, nine tackles, four interceptions, and nine clearances.
Everton is playing better defense. However, it continues to be susceptible to attacking fullbacks. It is also tied for the fourth worst in Crosses Against Per 90 on the slate. Considering Davis is a part of Ipswich’s attack as much as he is a part of its defense, the defenseman will have every opportunity to make value in this close matchup.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Sugawara (DK $5.6K || FD $12), Hall (DK $4.4K || FD $10)
Corner Takers
- Fulham: Pereira
- Aston Villa: Tielemans/Digne
- Ipswich Town FC: Davis/Phillips
- Everton: McNeil
- Manchester United: Fernandes
- Brentford FC: Mbeumo/Jensen
- Newcastle United: Hall/Gordon
- Southampton: Sugawara/Dibling
- Leicester City: Winks/Kristiansen
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!
