EPL DFS Lineup Picks for DraftKings (1/14/25) - English Premier League Soccer Matchweek 21

Welcome back to “The Kick-Off” and welcome to the 23-24 season! Holidays are over, but we are still in the thick of fixture congestion! Rotation will continue to be a factor until fixtures start spreading out again. Let’s kick off Matchweek Twenty One!

The top favorite for this week is Chelsea -180 vs AFC Bournemouth +420. I will guide you through this three-match slate starting at 2:30 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], via X @df_solutions, or in our Discord chat rooms.

EPL DFS Goalies

Mark Travers - DK $3.9K || FD $8

Opponent - Chelsea

Mark Travers will make just his fifth start of the season for the Cherries, with teammate and fellow goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga sitting due to loan rules with his parent club. In four domestic appearances, Travers has 12 saves, three conceded goals, and one clean sheet.

AFC Bournemouth over the season, in Per 90 metrics against are a bottom-ten club in Shots and the top-ten in Goals. This gives Travers the opportunity of a floor in a match in which Chelsea is expected to take numerous shots. As the least-salaried goalie on the slate, the young goalkeeper will have many chances to maintain value.                                                              

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Leno (DK $4.8K || FD $11), Flekken (DK $4K || FD $9)

EPL DFS Forwards

Erling Haaland - DK $11.5K || FD $24

Opponent - Brentford FC

On a three-match slate, decisions need to be made and have clarity. One decision that is expected by more than 80 percent of the field is to roster Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. As mentioned a few articles ago, Haaland was a big part of the downfall for City. Going scoreless in four straight matches in all competitions and taking just six shots. However, he has produced three goals, eight shots, three created chances, one cross, and one clearance in his last two domestic fixtures.

Brentford FC is one of the worst clubs defensively in the top-flight. The Bees, in Per 90 metrics against, are the fifth-worst in Goals, the fourth-worst in In-the-Box Shots, In-the-Box Goals, and Penalty Area, and are the second-worst in Shots and Created Chances. As long as Haaland and company can start the match strong, they are expected to dominate with a two to three goals cushion.           

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Neto (DK $8.6K || FD $15), Jiménez (DK $8.2K || FD $22)

EPL DFS Midfielders

Cole Palmer - DK $10.7K || FD $23

Opponent - AFC Bournemouth

Alongside Erling Haaland, Cole Palmer will be another highly sought-after player on this small three-match slate. Palmer has two goals, 17 shots, 17 created chances, 30 crosses, 13 corners, five tackles, and three clearances over his last five domestic fixtures. As the majority set piece taker for Chelsea, Palmer is expected to reach double-digit fantasy points with ease. Especially against a Bournemouth side that is bottom-ten in Shots Against Per 90 and Created Chances Per 90.

Whether it is DraftKings or Fanduel, Palmer is a go-to player on the short slate and has the opportunity to surpass Haaland for the most fantasy points on the slate.                                                                          

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Foden (DK $10.1K || FD $20), Pereira (DK $6.4K || FD $16)

EPL DFS Defenders

Rico Lewis - DK $3.2K || FD $11

Opponent - Brentford FC

It is never frowned upon to take a dart throw on a low-salaried fullback for defense. It proves instrumental if said defender is on the slate’s biggest favorite. Enter Rico Lewis. The wingback/midfielder has played many roles for Manchester City this season, with his role as a wingback the most played. Throughout his last five matches, he has one goal, five shots, six tackles, three interceptions, and five clearances.

A clean sheet is never something to rely on. However, the chances of Brentford scoring are not the highest. As long as Lewis can produce peripherals, he will maintain value, which will be needed for any chance at shipping a contest.                                                              

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Robinson (DK $6.1K || FD $14), Cucurella (DK $3.9K || FD $11)

Corner Takers

• Brentford FC: Mbeumo
• Manchester City: De Bruyne/Foden
• West Ham United: Paqueta/Emerson
• Fulham FC: Pereira
• Chelsea: Palmer
• AFC Bournemouth: Christie

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

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