Welcome back to “The Kick-Off”! We are here for Gameweek 14 after eventful Champions League and Europa League slates!!! Today’s slate will feature two favorites, Tottenham -145 and Newcastle -135. This slate will not feature many goals and it may come down to having peripherals more than anything else. I will guide you through this five-game slate starting at 10:00 A.M. EST.
Please Be Advised: Due to the quick turnaround of gameweeks, there can be an increased risk of rest for players. This write-up does not cover the late game on FanDuel because of the differences in the DraftKings and FanDuel slates.
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”.
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The Kick-Off - EPL Matchweek 14
Goalies
Hugo Lloris- DK $5.6K || FD $13
Opponent - AFC Bournemouth
Tottenham is not the greatest defensive team, however, Bournemouth is one of the weakest offensive teams which will help greatly in this matchup. Tottenham is also the third-best team in terms of shots conceded from outside the box. This bodes well for Lloris’s upside, making it much easier for him to make saves versus inside-the-box attempts on the net. After dropping 2 straight games for a combined score of 4-1, Lloris will hope to return to the form that saw him shutout Everton and Brighton a few gameweeks ago.
Others To Consider (Cash/GPP): Pope (DK $5.4K || FD $12), Arrizabalaga (DK $4.9K || FD $11)
Forwards
Harry Kane-DK $10.5K || FD $21
Opponent - AFC Bournemouth
It is pretty easy to say that the man himself Mr. Harry Kane will be the definition of chalk in ‘cash’ style lineups this weekend. The striker has 4 goals and 22 shots over his last five matches and now he gets a prime matchup against the league’s worst defense, conceding on average 2 goals per game. If you also consider Kane’s elite shot volume, he is the ideal candidate for ‘cash’ lineups.
Callum Wilson- DK $8.3K || FD $17
Opponent - Aston Villa
Wilson has cooled off since overtaking the striker position with teammate Alexander Isak out with injury. In 8 appearances this season, Wilson has 4 goals, 1 assist, 22 shots, 8 chances created and 4 crosses. The goals are not ideal and perhaps had he not gotten injured at the start of the season, things would be different. However, the time is now and his opponent’s defense is mediocre at best. Aston Villa rank near the top of the league in terms of goals against per 90 minutes – 1.33 –, however they rank near the bottom in shots per 90 minutes – 4.25 –. Newcastle has shown that they can score from anywhere as of late and it is only a matter of time until Wilson starts clicking again.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Zaha (DK $9.1K || FD $19), Sterling (DK $7.5K || FD $17)
Midfielders
Son Heung-Min- DK $9.6K || FD $19
Opponent - AFC Bournemouth
It is my pleasure to introduce yet another primetime ‘cash’ lock for this weekend. Son is finally starting to hit his stride this season after starting in a massive slump. With nobody else around to carry the production in the midfield, Son is left with no choice. The winger has only 1 assist through his last five appearances, however, he also has 12 shots, 9 created chances, 19 crosses, 14 corners and 3 tackles. Despite Son not showing up in the points column, he is at least producing peripherals at will.
James Ward-Prowse- DK $7.3K || FD $15
Opponent - Crystal Palace
Although Southampton is playing away, Ward-Prowse should still see a significant amount of time on the ball. Neither Crystal Palace nor Southampton are great possession teams and JWP still takes the majority of set-pieces. Luckily, Southampton has also moved back into a more friendly formation for the midfielder to thrive, instead of placing him deeper in the midfield where he was the past month. In the last five appearances, he has 3 shots, 6 created chances, 32 crosses, 23 corners, 8 tackles and 8 interceptions.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Eze (DK $8.6K || FD $14), Almiron (DK $8.2K || FD $15)
Defense
Kieran Trippier- DK $7.8K || FD $14
Opponent - Aston Villa
Trippier’s salary continues to climb and we continue to bite the bullet anyhow. The defender is overseeing the majority of set-pieces and he is continuously joining the attack and providing support from the flank. He does not always do the best defensively, but he is at the very least better than most wingbacks. Over his last five appearances, Trippier has 1 assist, 1 shot, 14 created chances, 47 crosses, 25 corners, 11 tackles, 8 interceptions and 8 clearances. Once again, another ‘cash’ staple for most lineups this weekend, especially playing at home.
Ryan Sessegnon- DK $5K || FD $9
Opponent - AFC Bournemouth
With the lack of options at defense on the slate, many will most likely pay up for Kieran Trippier for one spot and punt the second. If you want to differentiate yourself with a boom-or-bust option, Sessegnon is your man. He would be an even better option had this been a home fixture, but it is unfortunately not. The wingback was highlighted earlier in the season and he did not disappoint, scoring a goal. He will have a similar matchup again but this time against a much weaker defense. If Sessegnon can get deep on the flank quickly and early, he will have a good shot at hitting his ceiling. In his last five appearances – three starts –, he has 4 shots, 4 created chances, 9 crosses, 12 tackles, 3 interceptions and 8 clearances.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Young (DK $4.9K || FD $12), Killman (DK $2.7K || FD $9)
Corner Takers:
AFC Bournemouth: Tavernier
Tottenham: Son
Brentford: Jensen
Wolverhampton: Moutinho/Neves
Brighton & Hove Albion: Gross
Chelsea: Mount/Chilwell
Crystal Palace: Eze/Olise
Southampton: Ward-Prowse
Newcastle United: Trippier
Aston Villa: Luiz/Bailey
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off! Good luck in all of your contests today!