This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Soccer series.
For detailed odds and stats, check out the Fantasy Premier League: Saturday Cheat Sheet.
MATCHES (EST)
10:00 a.m: Chelsea v. Swansea City
10:00 a.m: Crystal Palace v. Middlesbrough
10:00 a.m: Everton v. Sunderland
10:00 a.m: Hull City v. Burnley
10:00 a.m: West Brom v. Bournemouth
12:30 p.m: Watford v. West Ham
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Vito Mannone, SUN at EVE ($6,700): Goalkeeper is tougher this week as the main favorite (Chelsea) really doesn't take shots unless they are high quality. This leads us to Mannone, who is up against the team with the most saves forced over the past six matches (among teams on the slate). Proven he can still be valuable despite giving up goals, Mannone should be in line for a full day's work.
Ben Foster, WBA v. BOU ($6,400): The goalkeeper up against the team with the second-most saves forced over the past six matches (among Saturday's teams) is Foster, who has kept a clean sheet in both of his last two home matches and should be in line for a win.
DEFENDER
Seamus Coleman, EVE v. SUN ($6,900): If Harry Maguire was up against a formidable team he would be here, however, we will look to Coleman as he continues to link up with the attack more often while still accruing defensive stats. Everton should control possession at home and Coleman should be parked in the Sunderland half; even more so if they play three at the back with Coleman as a wing-back.
Chris Brunt, WBA v. BOU ($6,000): Bournemouth's defense is a mess, giving up the most goals, assists and an above-average number of shots, shots on goal and chances created over the past six matches. They also possess a decent attack, which should keep the two-way player Brunt busy all match.
Bernardo, MID at CRY ($5,700): Crystal Palace have allowed the second-most clearances, fourth-most blocks and an above average number of tackles over the past six gameweeks. On the road, Boro will likely cede possession, which should allow for more opportunities to accrue defensive stats from cross-heavy Palace. At a discount to the rest of the Middlesbrough defense and likely to start in the middle, Bernardo should be in position to have a solid day.
MIDFIELDER
Eden Hazard, CHE v. SWA ($10,000): Despite being one of the few world class talents in the Premier League, Hazard is generally an up-and-down DFS play, as there are no points for style and smarts. This week, Hazard finds himself home against one of the weaker defenses in Swansea, who has given up the most goals and third-most assists this season, while he has the third-best goal-scoring odds.
Ross Barkley, EVE v. SUN ($8,300): Sunderland have given up the fourth-most goals, fifth-most assists, second-most shots, most shots on goal and most chances created over the past six matches. At home, Barkley and Everton are significant favorites and shouldn't have any problem doing what he/they want, it just depends which side of the mercurial Barkley shows up.
Robert Snodgrass, WHU at WAT ($7,200): It's safe to say that Snodgrass has taken over the lead play-making role in the West Ham attack after his performance last match against West Brom, finishing with 25.5 fantasy points without a goal or an assist. Meanwhile, Watford have given up the third-most shots, shots on goal, and fourth-most chances created over the last six games.
Robbie Brady, BRN at HUL ($6,200): Brady announced his return to the Premier League with a beautiful free-kick goal last matchweek against Chelsea. Although Burnley have been the worst team away from home (fourth-best at home) this season, the odds suggest an even match. Brady takes over the primary play-making duties for Burnley against a Hull team that have given up the second-most shots on goal and an above-average numbers of shots and chances created over the last six games.
FORWARD
Diego Costa, CHE v. SWA ($11,800): Swansea have given up the most goals to forwards this season (27) while Costa has the third-most goals and the best goal-scoring odds for Saturday's slate. It's really that simple. The other high priced option is Romelu Lukaku, who is a fine play, but Costa's matchup is slightly better. Lukaku is carrying an injury as well, and if he is rested Ademola Lookman likely becomes the best goal-scoring-odds-to-price value on the slate.
Salomon Rondon, WBA v. BOU ($7,700): Bournemouth have given up the second-most goals this season (49), including three per match over the past six matches. Rondon must score to be of any help, as he has zero games above 20 fantasy points when not scoring a goal. However, he has the fourth-best goal-scoring odds and should get his chances against a Bournemouth defense without any answers at the moment.
M'Baye Niang, WAT v. WHU ($6,400): Going cheaper at the second forward spot allows a different lineup construction, as higher-priced defenders and an additional high-priced midfielder can be rostered. Niang has played well for Watford and is a driving force in the attack (albeit an average one). Home against West Ham is a matchup Watford can compete with and Niang should have chances to create/score.
