:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67389083/1228196995.jpg.0.jpg)
The new Premier League season starts on Saturday after a rather short break. Saturday’s highlight game will be league winners Liverpool facing newly-promoted Leeds United. That and two other games constitute DraftKings’ EPL slate. We take a look at players to consider from each position.
Set your DraftKings lineups here: EPL $50K Season Kickoff [$10K to 1st]
Forwards
Stud
Mohamed Salah ($10,300)
After a breakout year in 2018, Salah cemented his reputation as one of the Premier League’s best goal-scorers with 19 goals in the previous season, fifth in the league. His acumen and proactive spirit has been a delight to watch. Even before his goalkeeper Alisson has caught the ball, Salah is off on the counter-attack. He puts himself into such advantageous positions with the opposition caught off. Leeds United would not have faced that level in the Championship.
Value
Danny Ings ($9,000)
There was a case for Ings’ inclusion in England’s Euro squad in 2020. However, the postponement of that tournament would have brought younger players back into the contention after their recoveries. However, Ings will continue to do what he does best: score goals. He managed 22 goals in the previous campaign, tied for second in the league.
Other to consider: Jordan Ayew ($6,800).
Midfielders
Stud
Sadio Mane ($9,500)
Mane was slightly sluggish in the FA Community Shield at Wembley against Arsenal. However, if there was one player whose work ethic you wouldn’t doubt, it would be Mane. He scored 18 goals in the previous campaign, providing manager Jurgen Klopp with accuracy, experience and speed down the flanks.
Values
Michail Antonio ($8,500)
Antonio broke into the spotlight after the EPL’s coronavirus suspension, providing West Ham with an atmosphere of success in the face of empty stands, sluggish bodies and a relegation battle. He even made history by scoring four goals against Norwich, a game that helped turned the tide for West Ham in their bid to stay in the Premier League.
Other to consider: Wilfried Zaha ($6,700)
Defenders
Stud
Trent Alexander-Arnold ($8,000)
Alexander-Arnold is the most valuable player on this slate. Apart from Liverpool’s exceptional defensive efficiency – the team conceded the fewest goals in the 2019-20 season – Alexander-Arnold is an attacking option as well. He takes several setpieces, including some exquisite curling free kicks with his right foot.
Value
Virgil van Dijk ($4,800)
Van Dijk has been a wall for Liverpool. He moves into the six-yard box to intercept Alexander-Arnold’s free kicks. With his height and power, there is a fair chance of him scoring a goal too. However, the major reason he is included in this list is because of his defensive effectiveness. Newly-promoted Leeds is unlikely to cause a flutter in the best defensive team in the EPL.
Goalkeepers
Alex McCarthy ($4,900)
Southampton was an impressive team last season. The first half of the season included a 9-1 defeat to Leicester but the team came storming back in the second half to finish 11th in the EPL table. Crystal Palace’s offense was well below par last season. The team scored just 31 goals in a 14th place finish. That wouldn’t have changed much, giving Southampton keeper Alex McCarthy a chance to start the new season with a clean sheet.
Others to consider: Alisson ($5,900).
Set your DraftKings lineups here: EPL $50K Season Kickoff [$10K to 1st]
Put your knowledge to the test. Sign up for DraftKings and experience the game inside the game.
Nikhil Kalro is the Founder and CEO of Altletics Esports.