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The EPL resumes on Wednesday with a packed schedule. Three of those games constitute DraftKings’ early slate. We take a look at some high-priced options and value picks to consider for your roster.
Set your DraftKings lineup here: EPL $40K Counter Attack [$10K to 1st]
Forwards
Studs
Jamie Vardy ($9,200)
In 11 appearances this season, Vardy has been directly involved in 14 goals (10 goals and four assists). That goal tally puts him tied for second in the EPL — basically, nothing has changed since last season. Predictably, he is leading Leicester in shots taken (23), but his most impressive aspect is his conversion rate. When faced with a genuine goal-scoring opportunity, he hardly misses.
Values
Patrick Bamford ($7,700)
By a distance, Bamford is Leeds United’s most crucial offensive player. For your roster, he becomes even more important because of his price and Leeds’ opposition on Wednesday (Newcastle United). He has scored eight goals this season on 46 shots taken and these numbers are only going to improve as this season progresses. At home, against Newcastle, he could be a handy inclusion.
Others to consider: Danny Ings ($8,500)
Midfielders
Studs
James Maddison ($8,800)
Maddison is coming off yet another terrific game. This consistency has been imperative to Leicester’s continued ascent up the EPL table. In total, he has scored three goals but his real value to his club has been in the quality of his delivery of passes. He has even taken 19 shots, an indicator he can occasionally let one fly from distance.
Values
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ($6,300)
By his usual standards, this has been a quiet season for Aubameyang. He ended the previous season with aplomb, particularly in the FA Cup. He has scored just two goals with one assist this season, along with a team-leading 24 shots taken. These are atypical numbers for a player of his caliber. This lack of form has also resulted in a drastic dip in his DraftKings price, which could be valuable to your roster construction.
Others to consider: Richarlison ($7,400)
Defenders
Studs
James Justin ($5,200)
In the past three games in the EPL, Leicester City has conceded an average of one goal per game. Over the duration of this season, that average is slightly higher but the team has advanced to third on the table in large part due to the stability at the back. Justin has played a massive part in maintaining that level of solidity. He is also leading Leicester City in tackles made (27).
Values
Stuart Dallas ($4,800)
Leeds has conceded 22 goals this season. A quick-paced, high-press style of soccer can often leave the team with holes in the defense. However, that is now being plugged slowly as Leeds get accustomed to the style of the top flight. Also, Newcastle has scored just 14 goals so this might not be a high-scoring game. Dallas is currently leading Leeds in successful tackles (37) and third in interceptions (17).
Goalkeepers
Bernd Leno ($5,100)
Arsenal is currently 15th on the EPL table. Major concerns mostly surround the team’s offense, which has scored just 10 goals this season. Even though the defense hasn’t exactly been too clean, there are still signs of life. Southampton will be a major test for Leno and Arsenal but I expect a team of this quality to put in a much better performance after a demoralizing loss at home to Burnley.
Others to consider: Illan Meslier ($5,500)
Set your DraftKings lineup here: EPL $40K Counter Attack [$10K to 1st]
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Nikhil Kalro is the Founder and CEO of Altletics Esports.