DraftKings
14 May 2016 3631 comments
Mark Mark
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Back in February we introduced you to the arrival of Draft Kings – a hugely successfully Daily Fantasy Sports site in the US – to the UK.

We’re delighted to announce that we’re all set to work with the game over the Euro 16 tournament, providing player recommendation articles prior to each set of matches.

With that in mind, we thought we’d bring the game back to your attention with a guide to playing their Premier League contests over the final day of the Premier League season.

As we stated in our introductory article, Draft Kings’ contests require an 11 player line-up to be selected with a fixed salary cap of $50,000, this squad or “roster” must include players from at least three different teams but beyond that there is no restriction on how many players from each club you can select.

The team must include a goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and two forwards. There are then two ‘utility’ spots that can be filled by players from any category apart from a second keeper.

The points are rewarded based on Opta data so if you’re a member, you’ll have the advantage of being able to scan our tables in order to gain a potential edge.

We’ve actually created a public stats table to this effect here, which offers a view on the per minute totals across some of the key elements of the Draft Kings scoring matrix. These include Interceptions, Tackles Won, Shots on Target, Fouls Won and, perhaps most significantly, Crosses.

The reward for a cross (via open play and set pieces) is particularly unique, making full-backs from mid-table teams that rely on aerial balls into the box a focus of your attention – it’s also the key reason why you’ll see the likes of Dimitri Payet at the top of the price list.

Be sure to peruse the full Draft Kings scoring matrix here.

Gameweek 38 Targets

As mentioned, we’ll be on hand to provide some pointers via future Draft Kings articles.

True to form, we’ve identified some key targets for Sunday’s clashes which look to have the potential to provide the nucleus of a successful Draft Kings XI.

At the back we’re getting sentimental and are currently looking at Everton’s Tim Howard as our stopper, although his price of $4000 is somewhat off-putting.

If you’re looking to save pennies, we favour Crystal Palace’s Julian Speroni at $3200 who should reap in points from saves given Southampton’s current form – he made ten stops in his only other league appearance against Manchester United this season.

At the back we like the look of Liverpool’s Brad Smith given that he can be acquired for just $2800. The second string left-back looks likely to get the nod in a much-changed Liverpool lineup at the Hawthorns and has averaged a cross every 18.5 minute and a tackle won every 25.5 minutes in his two league appearances so far.

We currently have Smith alongside the crossing and clean sheet potential of Everton’s Leighton Baines ($5000) and Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand ($4400).

In midfield we just couldn’t ignore the current hot property that is Dusan Tadic ($6600), a player featured in Tom Fenley’s Weekly Shop article earlier in the week.

Tadic is on fire and averaging a cross every 11.7 minutes over the season. His team-mate Steven Davis ($4600) is another option, however: he goes into the Palace meeting off the back of two goals at White Hart Lane having averaged a cross every 12.3 minutes over his last four Gameweeks, which surpasses even Tadic over the same spell.

Elsewhere in the middle of the park we’ve gone for Eden Hazard (who looks cheap at $5600), purely on form and his ability to draw fouls. We’ve liberated some funds for his acquisition by looking to his team-mate, Bertrand Traore.

He’s keenly priced at just $2700 and yet he looks guaranteed a start up front for Chelsea in the absence of Diego Costa. Traore’s statistics are also eye-catching. While his opportunities have been limited to eight appearances, mainly from the bench, he’s impressed in those matches: he ranks top amongst midfielders for minutes per shot on target 59.2, and, having fired in a goal attempt every 25.4, he’s ranked fourth.

Another Everton player – Kevin Mirallas ($3500) – is also tempting us.

The Belgian scored a superb individual goat at Leicester last time out and, over a stuttering season has averaged an effort on goal every 25.6 minutes (ranked fifth amongst midfielders) with a cross supplied every 23.8 minutes.

In attack, we’re currently looking at Southampton’s Shane Long ($6000), another player picked out in Tom’s Weekly Shop, with support from Olivier Giroud ($5900) and Christian Benteke ($4700).

Giroud looks a certain starter against the ultra obliging Aston Villa rearguard and boasts a strong minutes per shot statistic (25.5 ranking sixth for strikers).

Similarly, Benteke has produced some solid numbers when he’s had his opportunities, firing in an effort on goal every 26.4 minutes, and we fancy plenty of goals in the final day encounter at the Hawthorns.

Those are some of the names currently under consideration for our lineups. We’ll doubtless be tweaking our right up until kick-off and you can do the same – using the teamsheet announcements to pounce on any bargain acquisitions.

Your lineups can be submitted into contests for an entry fee and can be saved so that they can be imported easily into other games.

There are various formats on offer, the tournaments or leagues (often referred to as GPP’s or Guaranteed Prize Pots) are the large entry competitions which have the largest pots. The head-to-head section provides a list of stakes for one-on-one battles, you can choose how much you would like to risk and view available opponents. Double-ups or 50/50s are quite self-explanatory with half the entries getting a twofold return on their fee.

We’ll be submitting a few teams to the 15k Striker Finale with, as you’d expect, a $15k prize pot on offer, including $1k to the winner, with prizes dished out right down to 1175th spot.

If you’re lucky enough to have your Fantasy Premier League lineup sorted already, be sure to give Draft Kings a go in preparation for Euro 16.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

3,631 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. ralfb
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    With payet and defoe apparently at risk of not playing,
    Would you o two transfers for -4 or play the currently benched lanzini and only get tadic for payet?

  2. Syd.
    • 17 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Jon Ola Sand (c)

    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      tc

      still get more than Carroll

  3. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Chasing a 40 point lead in a cash league. Any changes here for a hit, or good to go??

    DDG
    Bellerin / Smalling / Gabriel
    Sanchez / Payet / Mane (c) / Townsend
    Aguero / Kane / Carroll

    Robles; Mahrez / Lovren / Simpson

  4. George Sillett
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    A eurovision corrupt voting contest would not need any crap singers to appear on it

  5. Sadio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Lack of Southampton, Aguero, Giroud, Lukaku and Vardy concerns me.

    What to do with this lot?

    De Gea
    Gabriel | PvA** | Cresswell
    Sanchez | Payet** | KDB | Hazard | Mahrez
    Kane | Deeney

    (Mannone - Sturridge** - Simpson - Clyne**)

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Sell Sturridge and Payet if you like. Good attackers mean you could just sell one.

  6. Jay_
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Second lowest points for the UK from the general voting public televote, surprise. surprise, no one likes us.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Was their song any good?

      1. Jay_
        10 years, 1 month ago

        It's nothing to do with the song on the 2nd part of the voting, it's all geographical and political

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 17 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Guess the answer is no.

          1. Jay_
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Poland got 7 points for their song from the singing judges, got the 4th highest on the televote

      2. Ayew Serious
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I'm not watching but surely that's a matter of opinion.

    2. the axolotl
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      awful awful song notwithstanding

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers for being honest 🙂

  7. A.T
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    3 good things about Australia.

    1) Neighbours
    2) Home and Away
    3) it's a fookin long way away.

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      You spelt bad wrong

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Oh dear if you watch 1) and 2) 😛

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      crocodile dundee?

      1. A.T
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah ok throw him in too 🙂

    4. A.T
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I tell a lie. Prison Cell Block H is TV at its finest.

      1. v12w12
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Quality

    5. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Holly Valance
      Kylie Minogue
      Olympe Valance
      Margot Robbie

      1. A.T
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I've met Holly Valance. Rates herself very highly to say the least. I still would though 😉

    6. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      nicky whealan

      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        her too

    7. v12w12
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Under belly

    8. Sjaugen
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      * Their internet sucks
      * I had to thrust fund home as Sidney is expensive

      Other that that it's pretty baller on exchange studies

  8. Nicks93
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    A) Mane
    B) Lanzini + 4 pts

    1. v12w12
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      B

  9. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    UK third from last but at least we beat ze Germans

  10. LABILLEPOGBATHEGOAT
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you guys put as captain for this week?
    Martial - BOU (H)
    Aguero - SWA (A)
    Tadic - CRY (H)
    Bellerin - AVL (H)
    DDG - BOU (H)

    1. v12w12
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Tadic for me

    2. Numb
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero

  11. v12w12
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Will Iheaonacho start tomorrow you reckon?

    1. Numb
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Not sure, he was very poor last game.

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No, played badly v Gooners, bench.

      1. v12w12
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Chees fellas

  12. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Australia are winning, end it already

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Can you please post 'Omg Australia' when they win

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I can't do it, I don't even know how they are in it 🙁

  13. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Starting lineup is as follows with 1FT and lots ITB:

    Mannone (Robles)
    Smalling Bellerin Gabriel
    Hazard Townsend Payet Sanchez
    Deeney Defoe Carroll

    Thinking of Defoe and Payet to Aguero and KDB for a hit, thoughts?

    Also have the probable no keeper situation - should this take priority over one of the above?

    Thank you

  14. Park the bus
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Who should be priority to get rid of out of Barkley and Willian with my free transfer?

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I don't think Willian will start so him

  15. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Bulgaria 80/1 placed 😯

    Raging I didn't do an each way bet....

  16. KOLASINA(C)
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Poland score from jury: 3rd
    Poland score from public televote: 25th

    what went wrong

    1. KOLASINA(C)
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      ahh, the opposite, but well

  17. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Repost - anyone? Any more changes needed here (for a hit) to chase a 40 point gap in a mini league?

    DDG
    Bellerin / Smalling / Gabriel
    Sanchez / Payet / Mane (c) / Townsend
    Aguero / Kane / Carroll

    Robles; Mahrez / Lovren / Simpson

  18. mad_beer ✅
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone who posts this time of night on an evening like this is sad.

  19. Optimus.
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    if austrlia win eurovision im going to stick a euro on them to win euro 2016

  20. CCaddy
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    My team after this weeks transfer is

    Ddg

    Smalling kos rose

    Sanchez fabregas hazard lanzini

    Aguero Carroll long

    Robles Kone pva payet

    Would you do payet -> tadic (-4)? Or leave as it is?

  21. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Ukraine win

    1. KOLASINA(C)
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      yep

  22. KOLASINA(C)
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    AUSTRALIA IS LOSING IT XD

  23. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    ukraine win, oh well

  24. Syd.
    • 17 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Unlucky Australia 🙁

  25. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Australia (C) FAIL

    LOL @ OWNERS

  26. the axolotl
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    uuuuuuuuuuuuuukkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnneeeeeeeeeeee

  27. KOLASINA(C)
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    lol@ Australia captainers

  28. KOLASINA(C)
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    UKRAINEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

  29. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Ukraine pulled an Aguero

  30. Sjaugen
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Drug tests in ESC? Ie will Russia be disqualified?

    Lols at WADA etc