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Two of the most exciting teams in this season’s English Premier League (EPL) will meet on Friday as Aston Villa hosts Leeds United at Villa Park. We take a look at players to consider for Captain as well as the flex positions for DraftKings’ soccer Showdown contest.
Set your DraftKings fantasy soccer lineups here: EPL Showdown $35K Counter Attack Special [$10K to 1st] (AVL vs LEE)
Captain
Jack Grealish ($17,100)
Aston Villa’s new-look offense is one of the stories of the Premier League this season. After Project Restart, Aston Villa’s offense seemed bleak. That sensational revival has been led by the team’s most talented offensive player, Jack Grealish. He has scored three goals, joint highest for his club. He also has three assists this season. He is undoubtedly Aston Villa’s playmaker, armed with terrific dribbling skill, as is evident with the ease with which he draws fouls.
Others to consider: Ross Barkley ($14,100)
High-priced flex options
Ross Barkley ($9,400)
Barkley didn’t quite fit in with Chelsea’s style of play. That worked to Aston Villa’s benefit. He is now an integral cog of Aston Villa’s offense and is used well by manager Dean Smith. That faith is now being repaid. He has scored two goals so far this season, including the match-winner in the first minute of injury time against Leicester City. He has taken eight shots so far, an indicator that he puts himself into advantageous positions just outside the six-yard box. In fact, he has already scored as many goals for Aston Villa as he did in 42 appearances for Chelsea.
John McGinn ($8,800)
McGinn won’t score a lot of goals, but that doesn’t dwindle his fantasy value. He leads Aston Villa in assists this season, with four. He set up Aston Villa’s winner against Leicester as well. This level of offensive production has led to an average of 17.4 DKFP per game. That will certainly come down as this season progresses, but for now McGinn will be a crucial midfielder, albeit in a holding capacity behind Villa’s attacking three midfielders.
Ollie Watkins ($8,400)
Watkins stunned the Premier League by helping Aston Villa thrash Liverpool. There is a fair body of work to analyze his work, even if it was in the Championship last season. He has certainly not looked out of his depth despite his inexperience. Watkins is also a key target in the air for wingers. He has won 17 aerial battles this season, highest for Aston Villa. He has taken 11 shots this season, with three goals so far.
Others to consider: Raphinha ($9,000)
Value flex options
Patrick Bamford ($8,200)
Bamford was one of the most influential reasons for Leeds United’s promotion to the EPL. Out of the 14 shots he has taken, three of those have turned into goals this season. He plays as the solitary striker in Leeds’ preferred 4-1-4-1 formation. He has averaged 11.6 DKFP per game this season. That is about average for his level of talent and skill.
Rodrigo Moreno ($6,800)
Moreno was given the start in the previous game against Wolves. He didn’t do much from a tangible standpoint, but he will take some time to get attuned to the pace of English soccer. He scored against Manchester City after coming off the bench in the game prior to the international break. As this season progresses, his fantasy output of 6.7 DKFP per game will certainly move closer to the double-digit mark.
Others to consider: Helder Costa ($7,000)
Set your DraftKings fantasy soccer lineups here: EPL Showdown $35K Counter Attack Special [$10K to 1st] (AVL vs LEE)
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Nikhil Kalro is the Founder and CEO of Altletics Esports.