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English Premier League (EPL) Soccer Picks: Aston Villa vs. Manchester United DraftKings DFS Strategy

Nikhil Kalro preps you for Thursday’s 3:15 p.m. ET English Premier League (EPL) contest between Aston Villa and Manchester United with DraftKings Captain’s picks and flex options.

Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League Photo by Peter Powell/Pool via Getty Images

Manchester United has made a resurgent turnaround this season, particularly in the games after Project Restart. United heads to Aston Villa on Thursday, which is also DraftKings’ soccer Showdown. We provide some suggestions for captain as well as flex positions below.

Set your DraftKings lineups here: EPL Showdown $80K Counter Attack [$20K to 1st] (AVL vs MU)


Captain

Marcus Rashford ($16,200)

It’s been a pleasure to watch this resurgent Manchester United team. There is a confident arrogance about their game now, which has been missing for a while. Up front, Rashford personifies that style. He has played some elegant passes and has scored goals with enviable ease. He scored from the penalty spot against Bournemouth as well.

Others to consider: Bruno Fernandes ($18,300)


High-priced flex options

Anthony Martial ($10,000)

Martial scored a scorching goal against Bournemouth. He received the ball on the left wing, created some room and unfurled a spectacular long-range effort to the keeper’s left. That is confidence. He also scored a hat-trick against Sheffield United in Manchester United’s previous home game. In total, he has averaged 12.5 DKFP per game.

Bruno Fernandes ($12,200)

Fernandes has catalyzed positive change for Manchester United with his slick footwork and absolute quality. Here’s proof of that: he has averaged an unparalleled 24.7 DKFP per game. He has put up double-digit fantasy points in every game he has played, including against Bournemouth, where he racked up over 40 DKFP with one goal and two assists.

Jack Grealish ($8,400)

Grealish has put in plenty of work after the restart of the Premier League. He is so nimble with his feet that he gets tackled more than most in the EPL. He has also scored seven goals along with six assists in a bare chart of goals this season. He is also in fantastic form from dead-ball situations.

Others to consider: Mason Greenwood ($9,400).


Value flex options

David de Gea ($7,600)

Manchester United has conceded just three goals in the last five games in the EPL. The team’s defensive strength has translated into offensive efficiency and subsequent wins. De Gea’s solidity has had a lot to do with that turnaround. Even on the road, against a struggling Aston Villa team, I can’t see too many go past de Gea.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka ($6,800)

A strong fantasy soccer defender has proficiency at the back as well as moving forward because it is ultimately offensive prowess that provides a differentiating factor. Wan-Bissaka has both. He likes to push forward down the right wing and swing crosses into the box, or even open up opposing defenses with sprints near the six-yard area.

Others to consider: Paul Pogba ($7,200)

Set your DraftKings lineups here: EPL Showdown $80K Counter Attack [$20K to 1st] (AVL vs MU)


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Nikhil Kalro is the Founder and CEO of Altletics Esports.