DraftKings will welcome in a new Premier League season with an absolutely loaded slate of fantasy contests – including a massive $40K kick-off special for Saturday’s games. We have done our research to assemble the best possible fantasy lineup for the opening day of the new season with the perfect mix of fantasy stars and sleeper picks. Here is a look at the optimal fantasy lineup for Saturday’s DraftKings daily fantasy leagues.
GK: Thibaut Courtois, Chelsea
Salary: $5,700
There has been concern about Chelsea’s preseason form and doubt has been cast about whether or not the Blues can repeat as Premier League champions but considering how they dominated England’s top flight last season, we aren’t very concerned about their overall performance in meaningless games. Chelsea dominated Swansea City by a 9-2 combined score last season and it won’t be a surprise at all if Courtois steps up with one of the best goalkeeper performances. He has the potential for a clean sheet win. Swansea averaged just 1.2 goals per game last season.
D: John Terry, Chelsea
Salary: $3,800
Sticking with the theme of Chelsea’s potential win over Swansea in its home opener, we will go back to the Blues for a strong value play at the defender position in Terry. His offensive upside isn’t as high as teammate Branislav Ivanovic but he is available at nearly half the price, so it’s worth taking Terry here.
D: Simon Francis, Bournemouth
Salary: $3,000
From the Premier League champions to the Championship side Bournemouth, we have another value play here in arguably Bournemouth’s best defender in Francis. Bournemouth should be able to more than hold its own against Aston Villa in its top flight debut. Remember, Villa barely avoided relegation last season as they finished in 17th place. Considering Francis is available at $3,000, he is an excellent bargain play.
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M: Eden Hazard, Chelsea
Salary: $9,800
Diego Costa could very well be out with a hamstring injury and while some will turn to Radamel Falcao, we feel more comfortable banking on their loaded midfield beginning with Hazard. The lack of star power available at the midfield position makes Hazard an obvious pick despite the high price tag.
M: Cesc Fabgregas, Chelsea
Salary: $7,700
Fabregas will also play an integral role in Chelsea’s midfield attack this weekend and at more than $2K less than Hazard, we have no problem plugging him in here. We are already all-in on the Blues with Courtois, Terry and Hazard, and with Fabregas arguably the best remaining midfield option regardless of club team, we like him in this spot.
F: Romelu Lukaku, Everton
Salary: $9,000
Lukaku has regressed in each of his first three seasons but he gets a fresh start at Everton. The lack of star power on the board somewhat forces our hand to bank on him in this spot. Lukaku will get every opportunity to get on the scoresheet versus newly promoted Watford and he should be able to deliver in his Everton debut.
F: Glenn Murray, Crystal Palace
Salary: $5,900
Falcao and Loic Remy are options for Chelsea but we prefer getting away from that matchup and signing another quality striker option at a discount price in Murray. He is Crystal Palace’s best option up front and while we don’t expect a high-scoring game against Norwich City, he certainly has the potential to do some damage while priced at just under $6K. Crystal Palace did manage 47 goals in 38 games last season.
FLEX: Matt Ritchie, Bournemouth
Salary: $4,900
With $5K left for our FLEX position, we will go back to Bournemouth for a sleeper play in Ritchie, who dominated the Championship last season with 15 goals and 17 assists. The newly promoted side will be looking to make an immediate splash. They have a favorable matchup to kick things off. Ritchie could be one of the best sleeper plays of the day leading the Bournemouth attack through the middle.
