EPL DFS Lineup Picks for DraftKings (12/14/24) - English Premier League Soccer Matchweek 16

Welcome back to “The Kick-Off” and welcome to the 2024-25 season! We are back after another Champions League matchweek. Despite clubs participating in the midweek fixtures, there is expected to be very little rotation. Let’s kick off Matchweek Sixteen!

The top favorite for this week is Arsenal -470 vs Everton +1300. I will guide you through this four-match slate starting at 10:00 A.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], via X @df_solutions, or in our Discord chat rooms.

EPL DFS Goalies

Bernd Leno - DK $3.8K || FD $8

Opponent - Liverpool

Value at the goalkeeper position is unheard of this weekend. That leaves DFS players either paying up for a hopeful win or paying down for hopeful saves. With the former being riskier, the latter will be the strategy for this weekend.

Bernd Leno and company are on one of their worst runs of form this season. The keeper has saved 12 shots, conceded seven goals, and recorded one clean sheet in his most recent five domestic starts. Liverpool doesn't provide much value regarding Shots to Goals Per 90, either. This significantly emphasizes Leno’s ability to make saves in this matchup. Considering he is the third-most affordable at his position, his risk versus the floor is much safer than other low-salaried options.                                                           

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Pope (DK $6K || FD $12), Raya (DK $5.9K || FD $14)

EPL DFS Forwards

Bukayo Saka - DK $10.4K || FD $23

Opponent - Everton

Two forward-eligible options are expected to gather high levels of ownership. One is Matheus Cunha, mentioned in ‘Others To Consider’, and the other is Bukayo Saka. The latter will be highlighted due to his premium matchup. Saka and the Gunners will play host to Everton this weekend.

In Per 90 stats, the visitors are still improving but remain a bottom-ten club in metrics against. Saka is coming off a monster performance where he produced two goals, one assist, three shots, three created chances, one corner, three tackles, and three interceptions in the 3-0 win against AS Monaco at midweek. In his most recent five matches in all competitions, he has four goals, four assists, 12 shots, 11 created chances, 30 crosses, 17 corners, nine tackles, and three interceptions. Expect the star striker to continue his hot run of form here.       

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Gordon (DK $9.5K || FD $20), Cunha (DK $9.4K || FD $22)

EPL DFS Midfielders

Facundo Buonanotte - DK $6.7K || FD $19

Opponent - Newcastle United

After having to sit out the match against parent club Brighton & Hove Albion, Facundo Buonanotte is expected to return to the starting XI. Over his last five fixtures in all competitions, he has one goal, nine shots, ten created chances, 17 crosses, 11 corners, seven tackles, five interceptions, and four blocks.

Over Newcastle’s last five fixtures in all competitions, they are averaging one Goal Against Per 90. Buonanotte is the primary catalyst for the Foxes, taking most of their set pieces. At $6.7K on DraftKings, he is projected to be one of the top value midfielders on the slate, thanks to his consistent floor.                                                                       

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): McNeil (DK $6.9K || FD $17), Pereira (DK $6K || FD $13)

EPL DFS Defenders

Lewis Hall - DK $6.6K || FD $13

Opponent - Leicester City

In ‘CASH’ contests, there are three main options for defense. Lewis Hall, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Leif Davis, with the two latter being mentioned in ‘Others To Consider’. The former will be highlighted due to his prime matchup. Hall and the Magpies will play host to Leicester City.

In Per 90 stats, the Foxes over the season are the fourth-worst in both Big Chances Created Against and In-the-Box Goals Against. They are also the third-worst in Crested Chances Against, Shots Against, and Goals Against. Hall is expected to share set-pieces with teammate Anthony Gordon, providing a glimpse of a floor. In Hall’s most recent five domestic appearances–four starts–he has one goal, 12 shots, nine created chances, 18 crosses, 11 corners, four tackles, and two interceptions.                                                           

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Alexander-Arnold (DK $6.8K || FD $15), Davis (DK $5.4K || FD $14)

Corner Takers

• Arsenal: Saka
• Everton: McNeil
• Liverpool: Alexander-Arnold
• Fulham FC: Pereira
• Newcastle United: Hall/Gordon
• Leicester City: Buonanotte/Winks/El Khannouss
• Wolverhampton: Cunha
• Ipswich Town FC: Davis

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

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