RADIO
Welcome back to “The Kick-Off” and welcome to the 2024-25 season! We are back after the holidays…HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! With Boxing Day!!!. Boxing Day is widely celebrated in Europe and is one of the most significant dates of the year. With the quick turnaround of fixtures, there is a possibility that clubs will rotate players, and it is worth cautioning to keep an eye out for starting XIs when released. Let’s kick off Matchweek Eighteen!
The top favorite for this week is Chelsea -220 vs Fulham FC +500. 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
Aaron Ramsdale - DK $4.3K || FD $8
Opponent - West Ham United
There are a few options for Boxing Day at the goalkeeper position when looking for value. However, Aaron Ramsdale is pushing for Goalie of the Slate status. Despite their poor defensive efforts, the keeper has been solid for the Saints. He has 19 saves, six conceded goals, and two clean sheets in his last five domestic starts. Furthermore, he is coming off a five-save clean sheet on Monday in the 0-0 draw with Fulham.
West Ham United is nothing to write home about and is one of the top clubs in terms of value in Shots Per Goal Per 90. The only cause for concern is the lack of consistency from West Ham’s attack. As long as Ramsdale can get involved early and stays occupied, he has the chance to be a top-scoring goalie on the slate.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Kepa (DK $5.5K || FD $12), Sels (DK $4.6K || FD $11)
EPL DFS Forwards
Jarrod Bowen - DK $8.4K || FD $22
Opponent - Southampton
It is never wise to play a forward from one club and a goalie from the other in any lineup for any contest. However, Jarrod Bowen is an optimal candidate for 'CASH' purposes. Teammate and midfielder Lucas Paqueta is out for this contest, leaving Bowen to soak up most set pieces for the Hammers, providing a valuable floor. His odds of scoring are not very high, limiting his ceiling for those playing more tournament-style contests.
The attacker has one goal, one assist, 15 shots, nine created chances, 19 crosses, 11 corners, six tackles, four interceptions, and two clearances throughout his last five domestic appearances. For under $9K on DraftKings and possessing most set pieces for West Ham, sets up Bowen for a chance to maintain value and more.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Semenyo (DK $6.5K || FD $19), Sarr (DK $5.6K || FD $19)
EPL DFS Midfielders
Mohammed Kudus - DK $7.9K || FD $20
Opponent - Southampton
Mohammed Kudus is in a similar circumstance to his above-mentioned teammate, Jarrod Bowen. Kudus is in form and has generated two goals, one assist, 16 shots, eight created chances, 14 crosses, and 11 tackles over his last five domestic matches. The versatile winger produces a valuable floor for someone without a role on set pieces for their respective club.
Kudus is not being highlighted for his optimal performance against an underperforming club, either. He is getting highlighted for his ability to generate peripherals in bunches. That said, he has a higher ceiling than his teammate Bowen, but his floor is not as high as Bowen’s. Nevertheless, he is expected to maintain value at a minimum.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Palmer (DK $10.4K || FD $24), Maddison (DK $9.8K || FD $22)
EPL DFS Defenders
Pedro Porro - DK $5.9K || FD $14
Opponent - Nottingham Forest
There are not many attractive defenders on this slate, if any. Pedro Porro offers a glimpse of a ceiling defender, though. In the Spaniard’s last five fixtures in all competitions–three starts–he has one assist, four shots, five created chances, 16 crosses, three corners, four tackles, four interceptions, 13 clearances, and three blocks.
Nottingham Forest is the worst club in Crosses Against Per 90 on the slate, providing a reliable and achievable floor for Porro to reach. The risk is there. However, the potential for Porro to produce a ceiling performance is viable.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Kerkez (DK $4.9K || FD $12), Sugawara (DK $3.9K || FD $10)
Corner Takers
- AFC Bournemouth: Christie
- Crystal Palace: Eze
- Chelsea: Palmer
- Fulham FC: Pereira
- Newcastle United: Hall/Gordon
- Aston Villa: Tielemans/Digne
- Nottingham Forest: Anderson
- Tottenham Hotspurs: Maddison
- Southampton: Fernandes
- West Ham United: Bowen
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!
