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 (EDT)
10:00 a.m: Burnley v. West Ham
10:00 a.m: Manchester City v. Stoke City
10:00 a.m: Crystal Palace v. Chelsea
10:00 a.m: Tottenham v. Bournemouth
10:00 a.m: Swansea City v. Huddersfield
12:30 p.m: Watford v. Arsenal
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
FORWARD
For the second consecutive gameweek we have a very high-salary forward with very high goal-scoring odds. Harry Kane at $13,000 is a huge price, but he is averaging over 40 fantasy points in his past four matches, including two games over 50. He has a decent floor with expected shot volume, but at this price one goal is necessary and two might be needed for GPPs. The Kane lovers will say he is in red-hot form for club and country and fighting for a new contract, while the faders will say he still hasn't scored at Wembley and ownership is too high.
Unlike the previous week, we actually have solid alternatives to consider. Manchester City are the other big favorites in the slate, and until today it looked like Gabriel Jesus ($11,500) was going to start up top alone, a very attractive prospect. However, Sergio Aguero, who is inexplicably priced at $9,500, looks to have recovered from his car accident after a Miley Cyrus (I think) concert. If both start, Aguero's price is attractive, but it's doubtful he would go the full 90. Michy Batshuayi is also a decent pivot, along with Alexis Sanchez.
Cheaper options include: Tammy Abraham, Olivier Giroud, Pedro and Andy Carroll.
MIDFIELDER
In recent weeks, Christian Eriksen ($11,000) has added points to his totals through goals, however there seems to be a slight change in his DFS scoring, as he has given up some of the corners and playmaking duties. While we don't get points for crosses on FanDuel, potential chances created and assist chances have gone down slightly, which could lead to a lower floor than in the past. While he is a fine play this week, there are two other high-priced options that have just as high upside and floor, even on a more crowded team: Kevin De Bruyne ($11,500) and David Silva ($10,500). Removing the Chelsea match, they both have multiple appearances with over 30 fantasy points and carry high upside this week with a 2.6 implied team goal team.
Most people will be looking to Tottenham and Manchester City, and rightly so with the team totals, but Eden Hazard is quickly rounding into form, scoring a double for Belgium during the latest international break. While he is probably the best talent in the Premier League, he doesn't possess a great DFS floor and is only played for his monster upside each week.
Cheaper options include: Aaron Ramsey, Son Heung-Min, Fabian Delph and Tiemoue Bakayoko.
DEFENDER
Tottenham are expected to dominate their match against Bournemouth, as they have the most crosses this season along with giving up the most blocks, second-most tackles and fourth-most interceptions. Nathan Ake will likely be charged with marking Kane, the main funnel to the Tottenham attack. Simon Francis is $1K cheaper than Ake and will likely have his chances as well.
The other side of that equation would be to look at who will be attacking all match. Spurs have two primary playmakers in Eriksen and Ben Davies ($7,500), who has scored over 30 fantasy points three times, including 42 (including a goal) in his last league match. While we can't count on the goals from a wingback, Davies has proven he has a legitimate floor against lower level teams. Marcos Alonso ($7,500) could also see joy this week, but his high upside and low floor are tough to seriously consider at that price.
Other options include: David Luiz (if he starts as a defensive midfielder), Geoff Cameron, Nacho Monreal and James Tarkowski.
GOALKEEPER
Pick your poison between Jack Butland and Asmir Begovic. Both are $5,000 and expected to be extremely busy. Manchester City have more shots on goal this year than Tottenham, but Bournemouth give up more than Stoke. They both also have about the same number of saves this season. Goalkeepers are the toughest position to predict, and this week is no different.
Other options include: Nick Pope and Heurelho Gomes.
