
Welcome back to “The Kick-Off” and welcome to the 2024-25 season! We are back after a round of FA Cup matches played during midweek. Despite clubs participating in the midweek fixtures, there is expected to be very little rotation. With it being a three-fixture slate, points are imperative, and ‘CASH’ centric options will see much higher ownership than normal because of it. Let’s kick off Matchweek Seventeen!
The top favorite for this week is Newcastle United -140 at Ipswich Town FC +380. I will guide you through this three-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
Mats Sels - DK $4.4K || FD $9
Opponent - Brentford FC
Mats Sels is not exactly the most reliable option at the goalkeeper position this weekend. However, he does offer value. He has 14 saves, nine conceded goals, and one clean sheet in his last five domestic starts. Furthermore, Brentford, outside of Bryan Mbeumo, continues to struggle for consistent scoring despite their offensive production.
The goalkeeper can make value if his backline supports him early in this contest.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Dúbravka (DK $5.8K || FD $13), Verbruggen (DK $4.9K || FD $11)
EPL DFS Forwards
Anthony Gordon - DK $9.6K || FD $21
Opponent - Ipswich Town FC
Anthony Gordon is coming into yet another prime matchup, this time against Ipswich Town FC. The winger did not disappoint last weekend, producing one assist, three shots, four created chances, three crosses, one corner, and one tackle. In his most recent five domestic matches–four starts–, he has one goal, one assist, 13 shots, ten created chances, 16 crosses, nine corners, four tackles, and one interception.
The Tractor Boys remain a bottom ten club in all meaningful metrics against Per 90, and more specifically, they are the second-worst in Big Chances Created Against. Considering Leicester City’s defense is similar to that of Ipswich and Newcastle is expected to run the same starting XI, Gordon is expected to produce a similar performance.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Pedro (DK $9.4K || FD $19), Bowen (DK $9K || FD $21)
EPL DFS Midfielders
Bryan Mbeumo - DK $9.8K || FD $22
Opponent - Nottingham Forest
Bryan Mbeumo is coming into this matchup at home versus Nottingham Forest in form. In his last five domestic fixtures, he has two goals, one assist, five shots, nine created chances, 29 crosses, 12 corners, eight tackles, two interceptions, and 11 clearances. Furthermore, Mbeumo’s two goals and one assist came in his last two matches against Chelsea and Newcastle, respectively.
Nottingham Forest has improved their defense but remains a bottom-ten club in both Shots Against Per 90 and Created Chances Against Per 90. Even if the winger does not record a point, his peripherals alone are expected to maintain value.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Anderson (DK $7.8K || FD $16), Kudus (DK $7.4K || FD $20)
EPL DFS Defenders
Pervis Estupiñán - DK $5.6K || FD $12
Opponent - Ipswich Town FC
IF Brighton’s projected starting XI is true, Estupiñán is projected to take all of the set pieces for the Seagulls. Throughout his last five domestic outings, he has one assist, seven shots, eight created chances, 32 crosses, nine corners, ten tackles, two interceptions, 11 clearances, and one block. Surprisingly, Ipswich is sound against opposing Crosses Per 90 but remains weak when attacked on the flank. This allows Estupiñán still to reach value with a chance of a ceiling performance.
Defensive options like Lewis Hall and Leif Davis are mentioned in ‘Others To Consider’. However, Estupiñán will be the only one of the three who will have complete control over set pieces and in a prime matchup.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Hall (DK $6K || FD $14), Davis (DK $5.2K || FD $13)
Corner Takers
- Brentford FC: Mbeumo/Damsgaard
- Nottingham Forest: Anderson
- Ipswich Town FC: Davis/Morsy
- Newcastle United: Hall/Gordon
- West Ham United: Paquetá/Bowen
- Brighton & Hove Albion: Estupiñán
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!