This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Soccer series.
MATCHES (ET)
- 10:00 am: Leeds United vs. Sheffield United
- 12:30 pm: Leicester City vs. Manchester City
- 3:00 pm: Arsenal vs. Liverpool
For detailed stats and odds, check out the
FORWARDS
Raphinha, LEE v. SHU (£28): There are a couple more coveted and expensive forward options in Mohamed Salah (£30) and Raheem Sterling (£29) but Raphinha's matchup against Sheffield United and his consistent production make him a more viable option. He's finished with at least 9.35 points in nine of his past 11 appearances and his value is held up due to his set-piece duties. An alternative to Raphinha in Leeds United's attack is Patrick Bamford (£24), who has the top goal-scoring odds of all players on the slate.
Alexandre Lacazette, ARS v. LIV (£22): With two goals in consecutive matches, Lacazette is in good form and will face a Liverpool back-line that has struggled throughout the season. Liverpool and Arsenal have been prone to thrillers in their recent matchups, and I would not be surprised if that happens again. Bukayo Saka (£21) is dealing with an injury that puts his availability in question, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£22) has been feast or famine for much of the season. Roberto Firmino (£23) is back from injury but Diogo Jota (£16, midfielder) should keep his place in the side, while Sadio Mane (£28) is another pricey option in Liverpool's attack alongside Salah.
Kelechi Iheanacho, LEI v. MCI (£17): Despite a tough matchup with Manchester City, it's difficult to look past what Iheanacho has done over the past three matches as he's become a lethal strike partner alongside Jamie Vardy (£26), scoring five goals. Due to his form and friendly price, I'd consider Iheanacho over the likes of Vardy, Sterling and Sergio Aguero (£27). Of the City strikers, Gabriel Jesus (£21) has performed the best recently, scoring four goals in his past five matches.
MIDFIELDERS
Kevin De Bruyne, MCI v. LEI (£29): De Bruyne leads the slate in floor points, averaging 8.45 per match, due to his ability to register shots, accurate crosses and corners won. While Leicester are good at limiting shots, they do concede 4.62 accurate crosses per 90 minutes, which should give De Bruyne another platform for a healthy fantasy day. Ilkay Gundogan (£20) is a solid pivot who has been in sparkling form this season, scoring 12 goals in 23 Premier League appearances. For Leicester, James Maddison (£22) has scored at least 7.05 points in each of the past nine matches, including seven with at least 11.0.
Diogo Jota, LIV at ARS (£16): Take advantage of a forward categorized as a midfielder whose price is nearly 50 percent of his teammate Salah. Jota scored three goals in two matches over the international break and had scored and provided an assist in his prior two outings for Liverpool. He's in top form and should continue to operate at the front of Liverpool's attack against Arsenal. On the other side, Martin Odegaard (£14) is worth a look for Arsenal if he makes the starting XI.
Tyler Roberts, LEE v. SHU (£10): With the midfield options limited between Leeds United and Sheffield United, Roberts at minimum price is likely the best option. He's been a consistent starter on the biggest favorite on the slate, making him a decent punt who allows you the flexibility to spend up on some of the aforementioned names.
DEFENDERS
Trent Alexander-Arnold, LIV at ARS (£19): Despite being dropped from England's squad over the international break, Alexander-Arnold has been a solid fantasy defender, scoring at least 6.75 points in seven of his past nine matches. Andrew Robertson (£17) is slightly cheaper, while Nathaniel Phillips (£14) would be the value play in a Liverpool back-line that's been slightly better of late. Kieran Tierney (£16) operates in a similar role as Alexander-Arnold for Arsenal and is coming off a trio of assists for Scotland over the international break.
John Stones, MCI at LEI (£16): There are more expensive options in City's defense like Joao Cancelo (£20) and Ruben Dias (£19), but Stones has been just as good, if not better, throughout the season. A clean sheet against Leicester City's attack could be tough to count on, making this slightly more risky. The Leicester wing-backs aren't bad, but Wesley Fofana (£15) could be viable along their three-man back-line.
Kean Bryan, SHU at LEE (£10): Bryan's production has been a bit of a yo-yo, but he has gained a consistent starting role in Sheffield United's defense and at the very least offers a way to add the more expensive attacking options. Liam Cooper (£21) has been impressive all season but is priced like a midfielder, making me weary of rostering him. Luke Ayling (£18) is another good option for Leeds United if you want to count on a clean sheet.
GOALKEEPERS
Illan Meslier, LEE v. SHU (£18): Ederson (£19) and Alisson Becker (£19) are the most expensive goalkeepers, though both have difficult matchups against Leicester City and Arsenal, respectively. Clean sheets could be tough to come by in those matches, which makes Kasper Schmeichel (£16) and Bernd Leno (£15) a slight risk too despite the potential volume of shots. Given Sheffield United's inability to score goals, Meslier is an attractive option and Leeds United do have the best clean sheet odds of the six teams on the slate. Aaron Ramsdale (£12) is the cheapest expected starting goalkeeper if you run out of salary.
