EPL DFS Lineup Picks for DraftKings (1/4/25) - English Premier League Soccer Matchweek 20

Welcome back to “The Kick-Off” and welcome to the 23-24 season! Holidays are over, and we are officially at the first matchweek of the new year! Rotation is certainly in the mix with the continuation of fixture congestion. Let’s kick off Matchweek Twenty!

The top favorite for this week is Manchester City -350 vs West Ham United +750. I will guide you through this five-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

Jordan Pickford - DK $3.9K || FD $8

Opponent - AFC Bournemouth

DraftKings has priced out Jordan Pickford at $3.9K for Everton’s travel to Vitality Stadium. The same goalkeeper who recorded 20 saves, three clean sheets, and conceded three goals in his last five domestic starts. Throughout the season, in Per 90 metrics, Bournemouth is the second-best in Shots but sits just outside the bottom ten in Goals.

This sets up Pickford for a floor and a potential ceiling performance, depending on how well his back-four performs in front of him.                                                                 

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Flekken (DK $4.7K || FD $11), Areola (DK $3.7K || FD $7)

EPL DFS Forwards

Ollie Watkins - DK $9.4K || FD $22

Opponent - Leicester City

Manchester City finds themselves in another optimal fixture. After their performance against Leicester City last week, it remains to be seen how their ownership will turn out on this slate. Due to their lack of form and higher salaries, this article will feature Aston Villa’s only chance for a win this weekend, Ollie Watkins. The striker has one goal, two assists, eight shots, seven created chances, two crosses, two interceptions, one clearance, and one block in his last five matches in all competitions.

He will also be playing host to Leicester City..the same club that held Manchester City to only two goals last weekend. Nevertheless, the Foxes over the season, in Per 90 metrics against are a bottom-five club in both Shots and Big Chances Created, they are the worst in Goals, Created Chances, In-the-Box Shots, In-the-Box Goals, and they have the second-worst Penalty Box Defense. Watkins is expected to generate three shots and score once.           

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Haaland (DK $10.3K || FD $24), Harrison (DK $5K || FD $13)

EPL DFS Midfielders

Bryan Mbeumo - DK $9.3K || FD $22

Opponent - Southampton

After a few ‘ugly’ fixtures, Bryan Mbeumo returns to the article with arguably the most optimal matchup of the slate, traveling to St. Mary’s. The hosts over the season, in Per 90 metrics against, are the third-worst in Created Chances, the second-worst in Goals, In-the-Box Shots, In-the-Box Goals, and Penalty Box Defense, and they are the worst in both Shots and Big Chances Created. Southampton also concedes the fourth-most crosses on the slate this season.

Mbeumo has produced three goals, one assist, nine shots, nine created chances, 28 crosses, 13 corners, ten tackles, three interceptions, six clearances, and one block throughout his most recent five domestic matches. As the majority set piece taker, playing as an advanced forward, Mbeumo offers one of the best floors and ceilings at the midfielder position this weekend.                                                                         

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Palmer (DK $10.8K || FD $23), Tielemans (DK $7.3K || FD $17)

EPL DFS Defenders

Rico Lewis - DK $3.9K || FD $10

Opponent - Manchester City

Rico Lewis returns for back-to-back appearances in the ‘Kick Off’. However, his performance at Leicester this past weekend was not optimal. The wingback produced one created chance, one tackle, one clearance, and one block. In his last five fixtures in all competitions, he has one goal, five shots, two created chances, five tackles, one interception, seven clearances, and two blocks.

Despite being a wingback, Rico’s offensive production has yet to shine, especially, playing on an offensive juggernaut like Manchester City. Nevertheless, West Ham United remain in shambles defensively and they are the second-worst club in Crosses Against over the season. Rico is expected to at least maintain value.                                                             

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Digne (DK $5.7K || FD $12), Lacroix (DK $3.2K || FD $13)

Corner Takers

• AFC Bournemouth: Christie
• Everton: Harrison/Ndiaye
• Aston Villa: Tielemans/Digne
• Leicester City: Kristiansen/Ayew
• Crystal Palace: Eze
• Chelsea: Palmer
• Manchester City: De Bruyne/Foden
• West Ham United: Bowen
• Southampton: Fernandes
• Brentford FC: Mbeumo

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

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