This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EDT)
- 10:00 am: West Ham United vs. Southampton
- 10:00 am: Wolverhampton vs. Fulham
- 12:30 pm: Cardiff City vs. Crystal Palace
- 2:45 pm: Newcastle United vs. Liverpool
For detailed stats and odds, check out the FanDuel Fantasy Soccer: Saturday EPL Cheat Sheet.
FORWARDS
Wilfried Zaha, CRY at CAR ($10,500): This is a brutal slate for forwards, and there's unlikely to be a chalk play. Zaha hasn't done much over his last five starts, but a lot of that has to do with schedule. That changes in this match because Cardiff have lost four of their last five at home, giving up multiple goals in each loss. They've allowed the fourth-most shots and third-most shots on target, which aligns with Zaha's 20-point floor in the previous meeting, finishing with four shots (one on target) and five chances created. It also helps that Cardiff need to push for three points if they don't want to get relegated. I feel like this is a perfect spot for another Raul Jimenez ($12,000) disappointment after scoring last match. Prior to the goal against Watford, he managed 13.2 total fantasy points in three favorable matches. I'd consider Roberto Firmino ($11,500) if he starts, but if you like Liverpool, it makes more sense to spend money in the midfield.
Marko Arnautovic, WHU v. SOU ($8,500): As I said, you can't trust any forward on this slate. Arnautovic has at least been serviceable in his last couple starts, producing four shots (two on target) and five chances (one assist). This match is more favorable than the previous two, and he surprisingly has the same odds to score as Firmino. Southampton have allowed 32 goals in 18 away matches, giving up 11 in their last five overall. West Ham should score one or two, and I'll take my chances on Arnautovic. Either way, he's cheap and could provide the same value as any other forward, including Aleksandar Mitrovic ($9,500) at Wolverhampton.
Danny Ings, SOU at WHU ($8,500): Shane Long ($9,000) is probably the safer option, though he'll likely be more popular with four goals in his last five appearances. I'll take the No. 9 striker, who prefers to poach goals up front. Ings had two shots on target and two chances created last match, and while he hasn't scored since December, that will change before the season is over. West Ham just held Tottenham scoreless, but they've given up seven goals in their last three home matches, which came against Leicester, Everton and Huddersfield. This match has the highest over/under on the slate and I think Ings can benefit.
MIDFIELDERS
Mohamed Salah, LIV at NEW ($12,000): This isn't my favorite play, but with only a handful of players more than $10,000, most rosters can fit Salah. Including the loss to Barcelona, he's had 12 shots on target and 10 chances created in his last five starts. His floor should be near 15 points, and he has the best odds to find the back of the net. Salah's back in form and getting more opportunities than Sadio Mane ($11,500), which is why he's my pick. I'm worried because Newcastle have played well at home, winning six of their last seven, including the 2-1 result against Man City. Liverpool were in Barcelona on Wednesday and host the second leg Tuesday, so that's something else to worry about.
Luka Milivojevic, CRY at CAR ($10,000): Milivojevic makes a little more sense for value with a floor also around 15 fantasy points. He's had at least 13 points in his last seven starts, with the down outing coming at Tottenham. He has 10 chances created, six clearances, seven interceptions and seven tackles in his last three starts. Those defensive stats may not be available against Cardiff, but the attacking stats will be. Cardiff have given up the third-most penalties (seven) and most corners this season. Palace took 12 corners in the first meeting, though Milivojevic only had three because it was before he took over as their exclusive corner taker. I also like James Ward-Prowse ($9,500) and Joao Moutinho ($8,500) for similar reasons, but Milivojevic is the safest of the bunch.
Robert Snodgrass, WHU v. SOU ($6,500): Since Junior Hoilett ($7,500) went up in price, I was forced to look elsewhere for value. Snodgrass has more potential than anyone in this range, with 19 corners and nine chances created in his last three starts. Two of those matches came at Tottenham and Man United, so there's no question he should hit similar numbers home against Southampton. His floor can jump anywhere from five to 20 points, depending on how many corners he connects on, but that's why he's cheap. Southampton have allowed the sixth-most corners this season and that should help Snodgrass reach at least 10 points with assist upside. Hoilett and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg ($7,500) are viable plays for a few more bucks, but there's limited upside below that price.
DEFENDERS
Fabian Schar, NEW v. LIV ($6,000): Even though Schar hasn't had as many clearances in recent starts due to weaker opposition, he's still hit 10 fantasy points in every match in which he's played at least 69 minutes. His floor often finishes above 20 points against better teams, which it did in a recent trip to Leicester from four tackles, six interceptions and seven clearances. In the last 10 gameweeks, Liverpool have forced the most clearances and tackles. I know Trent Alexander-Arnold ($7,000) has assist upside, but he rarely surpasses 25 points and isn't worth the extra money when Schar should be busy the entire match.
Arthur Masuaku, WHU v. SOU ($4,000): This match has the highest total, and that usually means the full-backs will get up the field more than usual. That was the case two matches ago when West Ham drew Leicester 2-2, as Masuaku finished with 16.4 fantasy points from two chances created, six tackles and two interceptions. If he can create another chance or two to go with his usual defensive stats, 10 points is a good projection for the cheapest player on the slate.
Martin Kelly, CRY at CAR ($5,000): There are a few ways to go if you're looking for a $5,000 defender. Bruno Ecuele Manga is usually a smart play since he always reaches at least 10 fantasy points, but I think there may be more potential with Kelly. He's racking up blocks and clearances with at least 16 fantasy points in four of his last five starts. Cardiff have forced the sixth-most clearances in the last 10 gameweeks and they need three points, which means they'll be pressing most of the match. Surprisingly, Cardiff were slightly favored at the time of writing, and even though I don't agree with those odds, I still think Kelly will get plenty of defensive work. If you want more upside, I'd look at Jonny, who plays Fulham and has seven chances created in his last four starts.
GOALKEEPER
Rui Patricio, WOL v. FUL ($5,000): I'm not sold on Liverpool securing a clean sheet, so I don't agree with spending $6,500 on Alisson Becker. I'll test my luck with Patricio, who has the second-best odds to win and secure a clean sheet. He's allowed just two goals in his last three starts, and while Fulham are winning, they aren't scoring in bunches and they're unlikely to score more than one away from home. If you want more saves, Vicente Guaita ($5,000) could be in for a busy day if Cardiff attack as expected, and I'm not positive Cardiff have enough to get the three points.
