EPL DFS Lineup Picks for DraftKings (8/17/24) - English Premier League Soccer Matchweek 1

Welcome back! We did it! We survived another offseason! Thankfully, the 2024 European Championships and the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics held us together, but it was close!!

The 2024-2025 season has finally arrived, and it couldn't come at a better time as the calm wind of fall nears our doorsteps! Will a favorite take the title this year? Will Manchester City continue to be dominant? Will Manchester United and Chelsea see big resurgences? For that and more, stick by us here at Rotoballer, and we will guide you along the way!

The top favorite for this matchweek is Arsenal -650 vs Wolverhampton +1400. I will guide you through this ten-match slate starting at 10:00 A.M. EDT.

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

Alex McCarthy - DK $3.9K || FD $6

Opponent - Brentford FC

Southampton was one of three clubs, alongside Leicester City and Ipswich Town, that were promoted to the English Premier League ahead of this season. Last year in the Championship, Southampton was the ninth-best in Goals Against Per 90 and the second-best in Shots Against Per 90. How that translates to the Premier League and against Newcastle United remains to be seen.

However, Alex McCarthy is the second least expensive option in the goalie position. If he can generate a few saves and mitigate his goals conceded, he could be a top-value option to open up the 2024-2025 season. In McCarthy’s last five domestic starts to close out the 2023-2024 campaign, he had 16 saves, three goals conceded, and two clean sheets.                                                         

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Raya (DK $5.9K || FD $14), Steele (DK $4.7K || FD $8)

EPL DFS Forwards

Bukayo Saka - DK $11K || FD $22

Opponent - Wolverhampton

Bukayo Saka was rendered invisible for most of the 2024 European Championships, registering one goal, eight shots, eight created chances, and 20 crosses in seven matches. However, this is on the tail end of his most productive campaign to date for the Gunners.

In 45 total appearances between the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup last year for Arsenal, Saka totaled 20 goals, 12 assists, 126 shots, 109 created chances, 219 crosses, 141 corners, and 84 tackles. In what is expected to be a similar outing this year, expect Saka to come flying out of the gates, especially against Wolverhampton, who ranked dead last in Goals Against Per 90. They were also the sixth-worst club in Shots Against Per 90 and the ninth-worst in Created Chances Against Per 90.                    

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Gibbs-White (DK $8.9K || FD $17), Welbeck (DK $5.3K || FD $14)

EPL DFS Midfielders

Alex Scott - DK $3.6K || FD $10 

Opponent - Nottingham Forest

Alex Scott will be a hard-to-predict midfielder all season due to his projected role as a defensive midfielder for the Cherries. The talented, attacking youngster thrives in a more advanced role. However, he will be tasked with linking the defense with the offense.

In his first season with Bournemouth, in 26 total appearances – 14 starts –he had two goals, three assists, 20 shots, 31 created chances, 51 crosses, 38 corners, 32 tackles, and 17 interceptions. With many big names to pay up for on the opening slate of the 2024-2025 season, Scott brings plenty of value as one of the least-expensive midfielders with a relatively solid floor.                                                                

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Murphy (DK $8K || FD $16), Tavernier (DK $5.8K || FD $15)

EPL DFS Defenders

Alex Scott - DK $3.6K || FD $10 

Opponent - Nottingham Forest

Alex Scott will be a hard-to-predict midfielder all season due to his projected role as a defensive midfielder for the Cherries. The talented, attacking youngster thrives in a more advanced role.

However, he will be tasked with linking the defense with the offense. In his first season with Bournemouth, in 26 total appearances – 14 starts –he had two goals, three assists, 20 shots, 31 created chances, 51 crosses, 38 corners, 32 tackles, and 17 interceptions. With many big names to pay up for on the opening slate of the 2024-2025 season, Scott brings plenty of value as one of the least-expensive midfielders with a relatively solid floor.                                                                

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Murphy (DK $8K || FD $16), Tavernier (DK $5.8K || FD $15)

Corner Takers

• Arsenal: Saka/Ødegaard
• Wolverhampton: Sarabia
• Everton: McNeil/Harrison
• Brighton & Hove Albion: Barco
• Newcastle United: Murphy
• Southampton: Sugawara/Diaz
• Nottingham Forest: Gibbs-White
• AFC Bournemouth: Scott/Christie

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

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