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Richard's DraftKings DFS lineup picks for EPL Matchday 35 on July 11th, 2020. Read his daily fantasy soccer advice, matchup breakdowns and DFS sleepers.
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 7/11/20 for the slate that locks at 10:00 am 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
Burnley v Liverpool
Burnley have been doing incredibly well, with three wins and a draw in their last four games. What makes it more impressive is that this team has been stripped to the bones in several areas.
However, with a game against Liverpool, I wouldn't expect this spell of good form to last. Liverpool might get frustrated in the game, but I think they will ultimately find the gap they need.
Chelsea v Sheffield United
Sheffield United won their last game, reversing a spell of poor results. The team look like they are back to their roots, working hard off the ball, and using it effectively when they have it.
Chelsea have been great going forwards, but have been underwhelming in defense. That's the way they play at the moment, they look to score one more than their opponents to get a result, rather than rely on their defense to see them through the game.
Manchester City v Brighton
Brighton struggled against Liverpool, and honestly, I can't see them doing too much better against Manchester City. Brighton were caught out a few times playing with the ball at the back, and paid the price.
Manchester City are likely to utilize a similar game plan, and once they score one goal, they continue putting pressure on. This could be a long day for the visitors.
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.
This slate, unlike others recently, has an embarrassment of riches at the forward positions. With Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United on the slate I feel like I need to spend up here and look for savings elsewhere.
For Liverpool, there are the obvious options of Mo Salah ($10,000)and Sadio Mane ($8,600) who have been dangerous all season. However, with captain Jordan Henderson out for the rest of the season, Alex Oxlade-Henderson ($5,700) could be given more of an opportunity in the middle of the field. Oxlade-Henderson started his career on the wing, but has been used in the middle of the field as an attacking midfielder in recent seasons. I wouldn't bank on production, but he could be worth a shot as an upside play.
Chelsea have a number of attacking options and has been effective since the restart in scoring goals. The more consistent options are Willian ($10,600) and Christian Pulisic ($9,000) both players have been highly effective in the wide areas of the field and have scored some great goals. Outside of those two, I'd opt for Olivier Giroud ($7,500), or Mason Mount ($6,600). Giroud seems to be holding Tammy Abraham ($7,000) to only coming on off the bench, and has been in great form. Mount is the player that pulls the strings in the midfield for the team, similar to his now manager Frank Lampard, meaning a safe floor.
For Manchester City, there are (what feels like) all of the options in the world. Kevin De Bruyne ($11,000) is the blockbuster play, with his involvement in every part of the team. Set-pieces, assists, and goals, the Belgian international is showing why he is thought of so highly in the game. Otherwise, Gabriel Jesus ($8,300) is likely to be given the start as the lone striker for the team so is worth a shot in lineups. Another player that I'm trying to get more exposure to is Raheem Sterling ($8,100). With Sterling's pace, he is a constant threat in the wide area's and Brighton have struggled to defend wingers this season. Outside of them, I can really be talked into taking any of the attacking options for this week including veteran David Silva ($7,400) who was incredible in their last game.
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. For Liverpool, I'd love to include Trent Alexander-Arnold ($7,200) in all of my lineups but the price tag means you are limited with what you can do elsewhere. So instead, I'm looking to his teammate Andrew Robertson ($5,400) who gets forward from the other flank.
Otherwise, I'm looking at trying to get Manchester City defenders. Joao Cancelo ($5,000) is likely to be playing on the right of defense, while Oleksandr Zinchenko ($4,600) is looking to be the starting left back for the team with Benjamin Mendy ($4,900) expected to miss the game through injury. I'd also be fine with opting for Aymeric Laporte ($3,400) in the middle, he might not get forward too often but has a good chance of a clean sheet. Laporte is also effective at corners, giving him a remote chance of getting on the scoresheet.
DraftKings DFS Goalkeepers
Three games on the slate, and all three have a potent offense. Meaning that there are really only three goalkeepers that I'd consider with any certainty. Brazilian duo Alisson ($6,000) and Ederson ($5,800) face opposition that are less likely to score, and are less prone to individual errors. However, with Sheffield United failing to find their stride in attack I'd feel confident in selecting Chelsea's goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga ($5,600).
If you are needing to save a little on salary then I'd be ok with hoping that Dean Henderson ($4,000) can keep a clean sheet for Sheffield United. Chelsea have some great weapons in attack, but Sheffield United has been able to frustrate some larger teams with how effective they are at the back.
And that's it! Any questions, you know where to find me otherwise Good Luck RotoBallers.
