EPL DFS Lineup Picks for DraftKings (8/12/23) - English Premier League Soccer Matchweek 1

Welcome back to “The Kick-Off” and welcome to the 23-24 season! Finally, a new season is here and we can welcome back our beloved Futbol. Many clubs have made big moves this offseason to help bolster their cup chances and chances of getting a European spot for next season. Will we see a new title winner this season or will Liverpool and Manchester City continue to battle it out for the top spot?

The top favorite this weekend is, Brighton & Hove Albion -360 vs Luton Town +900. 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], via Twitter @df_solutions, or in our Discord chat rooms.

EPL DFS Goalies

Goalies

Neto - DK $4.7K || FD $9

Opponent - West Ham United

Neto is the perfect keeper to build your lineups around for the commencement of the 23-24 Premier League. Not only is his salary below $5K on DraftKings, but he also has a rather decent matchup to start the season. The Hammers rode a rollercoaster to finish their season last year and the bulk of it can come from fixture congestion with them also participating in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Nevertheless, they have done nothing so far to replace the new departure of Gianluca Scamacca and will be reliant on Michail Antonio and Danny Ings to carry the offense. Bournemouth has arguably been one of the biggest transfer window winners and made a few additions on defense, namely Milos Kerkez. The hosts will be much more difficult to crack this season and do not be surprised if Neto pulls together a clean sheet in his 23-24 debut.                       

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Johnstone (DK $5.1K || FD $10), Leno (DK $4.4K || FD $8)

EPL DFS Forwards

Joao Pedro - DK $9.6K || FD $20

Opponent - Luton Town

It looks as if the newly acquired Pedro will be debuting for his new club when the season opens up its 23-24 account this weekend. Despite his ‘breakout’ season last year with Watford, Pedro has the chance to have his true ‘breakout’ season this year with a much better offense to support him. In 35 appearances – 31 starts – last season, he had 11 goals, 4 assists, 83 shots, 45 created chances, 83 crosses, 31 corners, 56 tackles, 23 interceptions and 20 clearances. He also is not a stranger to Brighton’s first opponent, Luton Town. Last season, Pedro played the Hatters twice, bagging one goal in his first matchup against them. Last season Brighton took a big leap forward in all respects, especially offense. Pedro is yet another step forward for the club and it is not out of the realm of possibilities that he scores in his debut.           

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Bowen (DK $9K || FD $16), Mitrovic (DK $8.1K || FD $21)

EPL DFS Midfielders

Eberechi Eze - DK 9.8K || FD $19

Opponent - Sheffield United

Eze is an instant lock for at least ‘CASH’ contests this weekend due to teammate Michael Olise being out while recovering from a hamstring injury. It is expected that Eze will have full control over set pieces, providing an instant floor. Sheffield United did possess one of the better defenses in the Championship last season, however, it remains to be seen if they can continue that success back in the top flight. For those that are not familiar with the hosts, they play a similar style to that of Wolverhampton and Burnley. Last season, in 38 matches – 30 starts –, Eze had 10 goals, 4 assists, 71 shots, 57 created chances, 78 crosses, 51 corners and 42 tackles. His goal and assist accounts are far from expectations and his constant position changes by the ex-manager could have something to do with that. Expect a big ‘breakout’ season from the young, explosive midfielder.                                         

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Gross (DK $10.1K || FD $18), Pereira (DK $8.4K || FD $15)

EPL DFS Defenders

Thomas Lockyer - DK $2.9K || FD $12

Opponent - Brighton & Hove Albion

Luton Town is far from having their work cut out for them in their first match back in the top flight since 1992. Last season, Lockyer was in the top half of all defenders in tackles made and he was also the sixth-best defender in Aerials Won. The center-back becomes the perfect candidate, especially on FanDuel with its defensive-friendly scoring. With little to no value on the slate at defense and a plethora of expensive options at both forward and midfield, it will be imperative that you find ‘inexpensive’ defenders that could be busy against their respective opposition and Lockyer fits the bill.                        

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Kerkez (DK $5.1K || FD $10), Young (DK $4.7K || FD $10)

Corner Takers

• AFC Bournemouth: Ouattara/Billing/Kerkez
• West Ham United: Bowen
• Brighton & Hove Albion: Gross/March
• Luton Town: Chong
• Everton: Garner
• Fulham FC: Pereira
• Sheffield United: Norwood/Baldock
• Crystal Palace: Eze

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

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