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Welcome back, RotoBallers! After a hot ending to some mid-week UCL action, we have a nice single-game EPL slate for us after Thursday off for soccer DFS on FanDuel. I will be breaking down that game in full for you here. Keep reading this breakdown for my DFS soccer picks on RotoBaller and see how to have success on Friday's slate.
The very large majority of my DFS content will be EPL or UCL-related, however, there is more soccer than just what is being played in England. If you want to chop it up with myself and other RotoBaller writers about non-EPL leagues or other sports, consider becoming a premium member and joining our ever-growing community of DFS and fantasy sports enthusiasts! There was some great conversation over the four UCL slates we had this week, and the Premium Slack chat is as full as ever!
In this article, I will be providing you with my English Premier League daily fantasy soccer lineup picks for FanDuel on 9/17/21 for the slate that locks at 3:00 pm ET. Be sure to also check out our other DFS lineup picks for other active sports. You can always find me on Twitter @vdray5 if you have any questions. Good luck, RotoBallers!
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EPL DFS Lineup Picks - Overview
Newcastle vs Leeds
It has been a horrid start for both of these clubs. Neither team has a win through eight combined games this year, and they are both allowing tons of goals. Leeds (+130) are the road favorite in this game, but it should really be a pretty back-and-forth game. There will be priority plays from both teams in this game. The goal total over/under is 2.5, 3 with the over at -122, so goals should be expected in this fixture.
FanDuel DFS Forwards / Midfielders
Leeds have had a bit of a tough run of games lately with Manchester United, Liverpool, and Everton on their schedule along with a tough away game to Burnley. However, they have some favorable matchups upcoming starting with this one against Newcastle. Patrick Bamford ($15) bagged his first goal of the year against Burnley and followed that up with a solid 19.1 fantasy point performance against Liverpool. He is a strong candidate for the captain spot as the slate's most likely anytime goalscorer at +145. He faces a Newcastle defense that has allowed most goals in the league so far with 3.0 per game.
Allan Saint-Maximin ($14) has been a "bright spot" for Newcastle so far in their dreadful start. He laid a goose egg against Aston Villa but has 16+ fantasy points in his other three games including a goal against Southampton. He will have more weight on his shoulder with Callum Wilson out for an extended period of time. He has done well in creating chances as well with nine so far. His combination of peripheral stats and goal upside (+230) is exactly what you should be looking for against a loose Leeds defense that allows tons of stats of all kinds to opposing attackers. He is my favorite Newcastle attacker and is a viable captain as well in this matchup at home.
Raphina ($13) and Jack Harrison ($12) are awesome FLEX players regardless of who your captain is on Friday. Both have had some pretty solid attacking numbers even through their difficult games and should be ready to go in a plus matchup here.
For some attacking value, I like Joe Willock ($6) a ton for this price if he is fit enough to start. He has not scored or assisted yet this year, but he is a potent attacker with +275 scoring odds in an ideal home matchup.
Jack Stuart ($7) is also viable as a punt especially if you are considering a Leeds stack.
FanDuel DFS Defenders
There is one elite pay-up defender on this slate at it is Matt Ritchie ($10). With the way Newcastle sets their formation, he lines up more as a midfielder than a defender and it shows not only on the field but also in his fantasy value. He leads the squad in chances created with 12 (3.0 per game) and also picks up some defensive stats. He has one of the best matchups he'll have this season on Friday at home against Leeds. Not only do Leeds allow 2.75 goals per game but they have also allowed the most chances in the league with 60(!) through just four games. Ritchie should feast in this matchup, and there is enough attacking value to get him.
After Ritchie, the defender position on this slate goes downhill fast. I don't see any reason to pay for one of the top two Leeds defenders. If you're going to pay $8+ for a defender on Friday, just find a way to afford Ritchie.
Federico Fernandez ($7) has some appeal for a little cheaper in this matchup. He should be able to rack up some defensive stats against Leeds, but he has a risky floor and is still a little expensive. Jamaal Lascelles ($5) is viable due to his price only, but I much prefer finding attacking value and using Ritchie on this slate.
Thanks for reading my EPL DFS lineup picks breakdown on RotoBaller and good luck!
