RADIO
Welcome back, RotoBallers! The English Premier League is back! This is a competition that I know a lot about, in fact here across the pond we just call it the Premier League!
In this article, I will be providing you with my English Premier League daily fantasy soccer lineup picks for DraftKings on 7/9/20 for the slate that locks at 1:00 pm ET. Be sure to also check out our other DFS lineup picks for other active sports.
The DraftKings DFS slate is for two games, and below I'll give a quick preview of each of them (so you know what to expect) and then move onto some names to consider for your lineups. If you aren't familiar with how players score in soccer on DraftKings take a look at their scoring methodology. And to submit a lineup you need to select one goalie, two defenders, two midfielders, two forwards and a utility player (most likely a midfielder/ forward). You can always find me on Twitter @RichKingFF if you have any questions. Good luck RotoBallers!
English Premier League DFS Lineup Picks - Overview
Bournemouth v Tottenham
Bournemouth started well last week, which probably ended up being their undoing, ultimately conceding five goals. Tottenham has issues too, but they are far stronger across the field than Bournemouth. Kane is another game into his recovery from injury and will be chomping to get back to his goal scoring ways. Tottenham should win here.
Everton v Southampton
Southampton has been great in recent weeks and shocked the league with a win over Manchester City. This game should be close. Everton doesn’t give away too much, but Southampton works hard off the ball and should get something from this game. I'd expect a draw or a narrow win for either team here- it's narrow.
DraftKings DFS Midfielders / Forwards
You'll see as we go through the slate that there are lots of players that have dual eligibility to be in your midfield or forward slot. Here you are looking for players that are constant scoring threats, as well as players that get involved in wide areas where they can put in crosses.
Tottenham are the premier offense on this slate, so you should try and get exposure to a variety of them. Son Heung-Min ($10,300) is the most expensive player on the slate for good reason, getting in wide channels as well as being a goal-scoring threat. However, I feel like Harry Kane ($8,600) is a must-start. Kane is one of the most effective strikers in the league, and looks to be recovered from his injury, meaning he could well be having a multiple scoring week. In the same game, I have a true dice throw. Callum Wilson ($3,900) is the spearhead of Bournemouth's attack and is due to return from suspension. Bournemouth's attack has lacked bite, but Wilson has the pace and ability to get a goal from nowhere.
In the other game, for Everton at least, don't look further than Richarlison ($9,100). In a team where there are a few different options that help the team get forward, Richarlison is the focal point for the team. The difference with the other attackers on the team is that he is both prolific in attack, and can be a creator of opportunities for others too.
Southampton have a few options. James Ward-Prowse ($8,200) is the set-piece play for the team, as he takes both corners and free-kicks. Otherwise, you could look to his midfield partner Stuart Armstrong ($6,800) who gets forward more for the team, but doesn't have the same floor. There are also the duo of Nathan Redmond ($6,100) and Danny Ings ($7,300) who are dangerous around the box, and the most likely goalscorers for the team.
DraftKings DFS Defenders
Defenders are where it starts to get interesting. In an ideal world, you want a defender who has a good chance of keeping a clean sheet while getting involved in attacking play. This slate doesn't have a team that looks like it will have a good chance to keep a clean sheet, so it's a case of looking at wing-backs.
As with previous slates, we are targeting players that get forward and put in crosses. The majority of my lineups are being built around Lucas Digne ($7,700) who as we know from previous slate articles, takes a number of set-pieces for the team, giving him a great floor. If you wanted a cheaper option you could opt for Seamus Coleman ($4,800) on the opposite flank. Coleman doesn't take have the same floor, but Southampton have struggled to defend players in the wide channels.
Otherwise, I'm looking at Tottenham as a target for players. Bournemouth have struggled to get too much going in the final third, which gives them a fantastic opportunity to get a clean sheet. Serge Aurier ($6,500) or Ben Davies ($4,200) are therefore the guys I'd look to mix into my lineups.
My cheap play is again, Nathan Ake ($3,100). Bournemouth doesn't have a great defense, but Ake gets involved in the build-up play from the back and is the only strong point of that back four.
DraftKings DFS Goalkeepers
With only two games on this slate, the options are, let’s say, very limited. You can either spend up for one of Hugo Lloris ($5,500) or Jordan Pickford ($5,100) who have a good opportunity to keep a clean sheet. Or spend down for Alex McCarthy ($4,400) and hope Southampton don't concede too many goals. All I'm going to say is that if you opt for Aaron Ramsdale ($4,100) then you are a braver player than me!
And that's it! Any questions, you know where to find me otherwise Good Luck RotoBallers.
