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The EPL continues on Monday after a packed schedule of games over the weekend. Chelsea and Aston Villa, tied for sixth on the EPL table, will face each other at Stamford Bridge before Everton hosts Manchester City. With changes expected during a busy festive period, we break down the players to consider from these four teams on Monday.
Set your DraftKings lineup here: EPL $35K Counter Attack [$10K to 1st]
Forwards
Studs
Olivier Giroud ($7,700)
Tammy Abraham ($7,500) was given the whole game on the pitch in a loss against Arsenal on Saturday. In busy festive periods in English football, rotation is key. That should mean Giroud slots right back into the starting XI after not being used in the London derby. Giroud has a tendency to score important goals even with few opportunities. Even though he is averaging just 5.4 DKFP per game, he is still a worthy selection.
Values
Ollie Watkins ($6,500)
Watkins has been an impressive young forward in the top flight this season. He is leading Aston Villa in two key metrics this season: goals scored (6) and aerial battles won (51). This throws some light on his preferred modus operandi. With Aston Villa’s strength on the flanks, deliveries are aimed at him in and around the six-yard box. He is averaging a commendable 13.1 DKFP per game.
Others to consider: Raheem Sterling ($8,600)
Midfielders
Studs
Riyad Mahrez ($8,100)
Manager Pep Guardiola will have to switch his players around, even after a comfortable 2-0 win over the weekend. Ferran Torres ($6,400) started that game against Newcastle and scored too, but with two games in the space of three days, Mahrez should rotate back in. He will occupy the right winger position. A well-rested Mahrez in the last week of December in the EPL is an invaluable asset for Manchester City and your fantasy roster.
Values
Christian Pulisic ($6,800)
Pulisic had a good game against Arsenal, making smart runs to trouble defenders. He had a few shots on target but nothing that troubled Bernd Leno. After his injury, he might start this game on the bench to manage his workload. However, if he gets the start again, he could be a handy inclusion considering his propensity to sneak into the 18-yard box with clever 1-2 passes.
Others to consider: Kevin De Bruyne ($9,700)
Defenders
Studs
Reece James ($4,900)
Even though James conceded a shoddy penalty against Arsenal, he still had a decent game. One of his main assets, at least from a fantasy standpoint, is his ability to contribute offensively with his runs down the right flank. Apart from that, Chelsea should bounce back after conceding three to Arsenal. That could give James an opportunity to recover with a clean sheet.
Values
Thiago Silva ($3,500)
This is a stacking play from Chelsea’s defense. Silva has completed 946 passes this season, second-highest for Chelsea. He has made 44 clearances, also second-highest for his club. He even has the ability to chip in offensively in dead-ball situations. He has won 23 aerial battles this season, many of which have come in an offensive phase.
Goalkeepers
Edouard Mendy ($5,500)
Aston Villa has scored 17 goals this season, three fewer than Chelsea. One of manager Frank Lampard’s action points for this game will be to ensure that gulf widens with an improved defensive performance. Even though Mendy was solid against Arsenal, he was made to pay for some defensive errors. Expect a solid display from Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, which could see Mendy increase his tally of clean sheets to seven this season.
Others to consider: Ederson ($5,800)
Set your DraftKings lineup here: EPL $35K Counter Attack [$10K to 1st]
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Nikhil Kalro is the Founder and CEO of Altletics Esports.