Redemption will be one of the most notable storylines to keep an eye on during this Saturday’s Premier League action this week with Liverpool looking to bounce back following a surprising loss to a Hull City side that was hovering above the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Manchester United looking to rediscover its form following consecutive losses. Finding the perfect balance between star power and bargain value plays is key. Here is a look at the best lineup for Saturday’s Premier League daily fantasy leagues.
GK: David De Gea, Manchester United
Salary: $5,700
With plenty of bargain value options elsewhere, there is nothing wrong with slotting in the most expensive goalkeeper on the board in expecting that he will perform to that standard. De Gea has been excellent all season for United and while they have struggled as a team in consecutive losses, that will only add to their sense of urgency. This is a team that will be looking to get back on track with their star keeper holding down the fort against a West Brom side they should be able to beat. West Brom has just 32 goals on the season, which is the third-fewest in the EPL.
D: Luke Shaw, Manchester United
Salary: $4,200
Antonio Valencia and Chris Smalling are the two most expensive Manchester United defenders on the board but Shaw is the most valuable. He’s also the best bargain at $4,200. There is every reason to feel confident plugging him in here and using the extra $1,100 it would have cost to have Valencia somewhere else.
D: Kyle Bartley, Swansea
Salary: $2,700
Swansea will host Stoke in a key clash where they will have the opportunity to move six points clear of their opponents for eighth in the Premier League table. While it will be a tough test for both sides, it makes sense to go with the bargain defender here banking on that he will be a strong sleeper option.
M: Raheem Sterling, Liverpool
Salary: $8,600
Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of Hull earlier in the week was a massive letdown for a side that has been far too inconsistent all season. However, after being held to just four points over the course of their last five games, there is a good chance they bounce back versus a Queens Park Rangers side that is stuck in the relegation zone. and Sterling is the best attacking option on the board.
M: Jordan Henderson, Liverpool
Salary: $5,100
Few took the loss to Hull harder than Henderson and while he hasn’t been the most consistent fantasy option, he appears to be a very strong play matched up against QPR here at a discount price.
F: Charlie Austin, QPR
Salary: $9,000
Liverpool may be the more desperate team as their Champions League hopes continue to fade away but they have also looked very average in recent weeks. That makes Austin too attractive of a fantasy option to pass up. The lack of star power among the forward ranks for Saturday’s games makes sticking with the best option on the board that much more reasonable, so feel confident investing in Austin to make things difficult for Liverpool once again this week.
F: Romelu Lukaku, Everton
Salary: $8,100
The money saved in the defense and midfield is cashed in here with another one of the most dangerous attacking threats for Saturday’s games in Lukaku. Everton has shown the ability to score goals in bunches and a home date with Aston Villa isn’t any reason to shy away from Lukaku as an excellent striker option here.
FLEX: James McCarthy, Everton
Salary: $ 4,700
The value plays elsewhere also leaves some room for a quality FLEX option and McCarthy makes a lot of sense here based on the matchup and his overlooked fantasy numbers over his last few games. McCarthy will contribute to his fantasy total at both ends of the pitch and that makes him an even more attractive option in this spot.
