Welcome back to “The Kick-Off” and welcome to the 24-25 season! The second round of UEFA matches has officially concluded, and six matchweeks have come and gone. Let’s kick off Matchweek Seven!
The top favorite for this week is Arsenal -900 vs Southampton +2000. 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.
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EPL DFS Goalies
Aaron Ramsdale - DK $3.6K || FD $6
Opponent - Arsenal
Aaron Ramsdale is, without a doubt, considered a ‘punt’ play at the goalie position this weekend. The narrative is there for the ex-Gunner, though. After the drama surrounding him and Arsenal, he found his way to Southampton, and Ramsdale has been a big reason the Saints are not worse off. In four domestic appearances, he has 19 saves and ten goals against.
Something to keep in mind: Arsenal is in the top five in all meaningful metrics, excluding In-the-Box Shots and In-the-Box Goals Per 90, and Southampton is in the bottom five in all metrics against, excluding In-the-Box Shots and In-the-Box Goals Against Per 90. Arijanet Muric, mentioned in ‘Others To Consider,’ is also worth an option against a lackluster West Ham United.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Flekken (DK $5.2K || FD $11), Muric (DK $4K || FD $8)
EPL DFS Forwards
Bukayo Saka - DK $10.8K || FD $23
Opponent - Southampton
Most of the field will immediately rush to fit Erling Haaland of Manchester City in their lineups, and rightfully so. However, Bukayo Saka of Arsenal offers a more optimal floor and ceiling for less salary. The winger has four assists, 13 shots, 15 created chances, 26 crosses, 16 corners, and nine tackles.
As mentioned, Southampton is a bottom-five club in Per 90 stats against, and Arsenal is a challenging opponent. Charlie Taylor is expected to be tasked with slowing down Saka. The winger is expected to record double-digit fantasy points with ease.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Haaland (DK $11.2K || FD $25), Bowen (DK $8.7K || FD $19)
EPL DFS Midfielders
Marcus Tavernier - DK $8.5K || FD $18
Opponent - Leicester City
Leicester City is the ultimate defense to stack against as the worst club in all meaningful metrics against Per 90, excluding Goals Against. Marcus Tavernier may not have optimal open-play value like his teammates, Dango Ouattara (DK $5K||FD$14) and Antoine Semenyo (DK $7.8K||FD$17). However, he does share a role on set pieces with teammate Lewis Cook (DK $6.9K||FD$15).
In his last five domestic fixtures, he has one goal, one assist, 11 shots, 13 created chances, 28 crosses, 14 corners, 11 tackles and one interception. Like Phil Foden of Manchester City, Tavernier will generate a floor from Shots Assisted and set pieces alone. It is expected that he will produce double-digit fantasy points.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Foden (DK $10.6K || FD $17), Mbeumo (DK $9.5K || FD $20)
EPL DFS Defenders
Leif Davis - DK $6.3K || FD $14
Opponent - West Ham United
Leif Davis is THE ‘lock’ of the slate due to his role on set pieces and his premium matchup at London Stadium. In Per 90 stats against, West Ham United is in the bottom five in all meaningful metrics, excluding In-the-Box Goals, and they are the second-worst in Big Chances Created. Furthermore, Davis has one assist, four shots, 14 created chances, 30 crosses, 22 corners, nine tackles, three interceptions, and one block in his most recent five domestic appearances.
Although Davis and Ipswich Town are playing on the road this weekend, they are expected to generate quality chances against West Ham and could pull off an upset. It would be shocking if the fullback does not produce double-digit fantasy points.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Sugawara (DK $5.5K || FD $12), Kerkez (DK $4.8K || FD $9)
Corner Takers
- Arsenal: Saka
- Southampton: Sugawara/Dibling
- Brentford FC: Mbeumo/Jensen
- Wolverhampton: Cunha
- Leicester City: Kristiansen/Winks
- AFC Bournemouth: Tavernier/Cook
- Manchester City: Foden/Savinho
- Fulham: Pereira
- West Ham United: Bowen
- Ipswich Town FC: Davis
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!