The Premier League returns from the international break with seven games on the schedule this week and while there are plenty of options available to us in DraftKings competitions the best approach remains a narrow one with a focus on the best value on the board. We narrowed down our selections based on the best possible combination of star power and sleeper value options from the teams that we think have the best chance to win their respective matchups. Here is a look at the optimal EPL fantasy lineup for Saturday’s DraftKings Premier League daily leagues.
GK: Hugo Lloris, Tottenham
Salary: $5,600
Lloris has been one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League all season so it should be no surprise that he is the highest-priced option on the board with Tottenham set to take on West Ham United this weekend. West Ham is gloating just above the relegation line right now at 3-2-6 and their 11 goals scored this season is only better than the three teams below them in the table. Meanwhile, Hotspurs has conceded just six goals through its first 11 games, so this pick could take advantage of the perfect storm with Lloris a fine candidate for a clean sheet win this weekend.
D: Jan Vertonghen, Tottenham
Salary: $3,500
After outlining the favorable situation that Tottenham will be in, it only makes sense to turn to Hotspurs for one of its best value plays on the board. Vertonghen has been incredible consistent throughout 11 games and he should be a strong value pick for Saturday’s EPL fantasy action at just $3.5K.
D: Gael Clichy, Manchester City
Salary: $3,500
Manchester City is another top club in a favorable position heading in to this weekend when they play Crystal Palace. CP has dropped four in a row heading in to this weekend and will have a tough time breaking through against the Manchester City defense with Clichy among those looking to shut things down at the defensive end of the pitch.
M: Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City
Salary: $9,000
After making some smart vale selections to fill out our defender positions, we have all of the money we need to start our midfield plays out with one of the best options on the board in De Bruyne. He might be one of the most expensive options on the board but De Bruyne is also an outstanding pick for a Manchester City side that could score goals in bunches against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
M: Roberto Firmino, Liverpool
Salary: $8,700
FIrmino currently ranks third behind only Eden Hazard and Pedro of Chelsea in fantasy points among Premier League midfielders this season and his five goals is tied with Philippe Coutinho for the team lead. Liverpool has been absolutely on fire with three straight wins and Firmino will be in an excellent position to add to his goal scoring total against a Southampton side that is winless over its last three contests.
F: Sergio Aguero, Manchester City
Salary: $9,200
After locking in Vertonghen and De Bruyne, it makes a lot of sense to turn back to Aguero as another excellent option for Saturday. Aguero is second to only Diego Costa of Chelsea in the Premier League scoring race with eight goals this season and he will have plenty of opportunities to add to his total against Crystal Palace this weekend.
F: Jamie Vardy, Leicester City
Salary: $6,800
Vardy has been relatively quiet for Leicester City with just two goals and two assists through his first 11 appearances this season but it feels like it is only a matter of time before the defending league champions pick up the pace. Vardy is available at a very reasonable price at under $7K so it is worth taking a chance on him to break out in EPL fantasy versus Watford this weekend.
FLEX: John Stones, Manchester City
Salary: $3,300
With just under $4K left over to address our final FLEX position, it makes sense to turn back to the Manchester City defense and another value sleeper play in Stones. We have already outlined the favorable position that City will be in versus Crystal Palace this weekend and Stones appears to have the highest upside of the players we can still afford for our final FLEX position for this week’s EPL fantasy competitions.
