EPL DFS Lineup Picks for DraftKings (2/25/23) - English Premier League Soccer Matchweek 25

Welcome back to “The Kick-Off” and welcome to 2023! The Winter Transfer Window has come and gone and some clubs have made massive changes, while others are looking at the Summer to make moves. The Starting XI will be fluid for a few gameweeks as clubs get used to their new players and it is imperative that you watch closely for last-minute scratches prior to kick off

This weekend's top two favorites are Arsenal -150 at Leicester City and West Ham -135 versus Nottingham Forest. I will guide you through this four-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] or via Twitter @df_solutions or on “SLACK”.

The Kick-Off - EPL Matchweek 25

Vegas Odds for the Day

Goalies

Aaron Ramsdale- DK $5.5K || FD $12

Opponent - Leicester City

Despite the drop in form for Arsenal, Ramsdale will be the highest-owned keeper outside of Lucas Fabianksi of West Ham this weekend. Ramsdale is playing Leicester who is in the middle of the pack when it comes to Goals For Per 90 – 1.56. However, in their last five games at home, not including their outlier 4-1 victory over Tottenham, Leicester has scored just two goals in that time frame. Ramsdale himself is not in the greatest of form, winning 2 of his last five games while conceding at least once in each match. Although, this does provide the ultimate bounce-back spot for the keeper.                       

Others To Consider (Cash/GPP): Fabianski (DK $5.4K || FD $12), Bazunu (DK $4.3K || FD $9)

Forwards

Gabriel Martinelli-DK $8.4K || FD $19

Opponent - Leicester City

Thanks to the love from DraftKings, we have gotten back some versatility with multi-position players again after last week’s one position player test run. Teammate Eddie Nketiah is similar in pricing, which is why we will side with Martinelli instead. Martinelli has the better floor of the two, slotting in at left-wing and having a small share of the set-pieces for Arsenal. Over his last five games in domestic play – four starts –, he has 1 goal, 9 shots, 8 created chances, 14 crosses, 13 corners, and 1 tackle. Leicester is the sixth-worst club in both Shots Against Per 90 – 14.21 – and Created Chances Against Per 90 – 10.52 –, as well as the fourth-worst club in Goals Against Per 90 – 1.6. After dropping points against Manchester City, this will be another must-win match for the Gunners and Martinelli should be at the center of the offense.                         

Jarrod Bowen- DK $9K || FD $17

Opponent - Nottingham Forest

Bowen continues to be the main focus of the Hammers’ offense. In his last five appearances in domestic play, he has 2 goals, 1 assist, 10 shots, 9 created chances, 24 crosses, 12 corners, 5 tackles, and 6 interceptions. He is doing it all on the field and the stats back it up. Luckily, Nottingham is a poor defensive club and Bowen should be able to continue his hot form here. Over the season, Nottingham Forst is the fifth-worst in Shots Against Per 90 – 14.43 –, the fourth-worst in Created Chances Per 90 – 11.26 – and the second-worst in both Crosses Against Per 90 – 21.34 – and Goals Against Per 90 – 1.65. Furthermore, over their last five matches in domestic play, they have been outscored 6-2 while playing away. This may be one of the best spots on the slate with Bowen leading the way.                         

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Ings (DK $6.3K || FD $16), Onuachu (DK $4K || FD $13)

Midfielders

James Ward-Prowse- DK $8.3K || FD $17

Opponent - Leeds United

With what could be the closest lock of the slate, we have Ward-Prowse. The midfielder as stated time and time again is the heartbeat of the Saints. Similar to Southampton, Leeds also does not have nearly as bad of a defense as many would expect. They are in the top half of the league, outside of Goals Against Per 90, where they are the third-worst club – 1.65 Goals Against. With Ward-Prowse the ideal majority set-piece taker for his club, he is a true ‘lock’ in ‘CASH’ games but will see a large share of ownership in ‘GPP” contests thanks to the matchup.                   

Jack Harrison- DK $7.1K || FD $14

Opponent - Southampton

Leeds vs Southampton is going to be a toss-up at best. Neither club has been playing well, even at home Leeds has been outscored 12-5 over their last five matches. Through Harrison’s last five appearances in domestic play, he has 5 shots, 3 created chances, 26 crosses, 7 corners, 3 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 2 clearances. Harrison is going to be more of a ‘GPP’ play due to the little production Leeds has put together and the ‘decent’ defense Southampton does possess. The visitors are only playing poorly because their goalies cannot save a shot at the moment, sitting fifth-worst in Goals Against Per 90 – 1.34 –, despite being at the top half of the league in mitigating shots, just 12.65 Shots Against Per 90. Can Harrison lead Leeds United to their first home victory since early November?                             

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Saka (DK $9.7K || FD $21), McNeil (DK $7.4K || FD $13)

Defense

Emerson- DK $4.9K || FD $10

Opponent - Nottingham Forest

Emerson is by far the most ‘viable’ option at defense on the slate thanks to the superb matchup at home against Nottingham Forest. Through the defender’s last five appearances in domestic play, he has 1 goal, 5 shots, 5 created chances, 12 crosses, 6 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 11 clearances. Emerson may not have a strong defensive outing, but he will have plenty of chances to join the offense with Nottingham playing back the majority of the match.                   

Kyle Walker-Peters- DK $3.7K || FD $10

Opponent - Leeds United

Walker-Peters has been out the last three matches for the Saints with his most recent match sitting on the bench. Prior to that in his last five matches in domestic play, he has 1 shot, 3 created chances, 7 crosses, 9 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 4 clearances. In a meeting with Leeds, anything could happen, including a goal from a fullback – last week Seamus Coleman from the article scored a goal.                

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Zinchenko (DK $6.1K || FD $10), Moreno (DK $5.3K || FD $11)

Corner Takers:

Everton: McNeil/Gray/Iwobi

Aston Villa: Luiz/Bailey

Leeds United: Harrison

Southampton: Ward-Prowse

Leicester: Maddison

Arsenal: Saka/Odegaard

West Ham United: Bowen/Rice

Nottingham Forest: Gibbs-White

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