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. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Defoe -> Martial for a hit

    Do it? I'm chasing a lead of 18 pts... Rival has Liverpool players and injured players so I could take advantage of it

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

      only do it if you think Defoe isn't going to play. I think he will personally. Martial could just as easily be rested / get reduced minutes.

      1. DV8R
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Any other alternative to Martial then? I have 8.3m to spend

    2. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I think Defoe will play

    3. Jay_
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Don't think it's worth it tbh, if you've got Payet lose him for a hit, Defoe a handy sub incase of inevitable absentees

      1. DV8R
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Already got rid of Payet

        But I am using the AOA Chip so I want all of my front 8 to play... Defoe is my only doubt

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

    Payet news gives a fine chance for some mii-league clinching bench-wankery me feels

    Is anyone taking a hit to avoid playing 4-4-2?

    For me it's
    A) Hit Milner > Tadic
    B) Play Simpson

    Darlow
    Rojo Bellerin Cresswell
    Lanzini Payet Sanchez Fabregas (milner)
    Aguero Defoe Giroud

    1. Fowler23
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yep do it.

    2. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I'd take the hit and go A

    3. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Take the hit

    4. bigbudgie
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers all. Nice consensus

  3. general_franco
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Bellerin + A. Valencia or Bellerin + Gabiel?

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

      ^Gabriel

    2. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Former

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

        Thanks. Better to spread the risk.

    3. Thomas Magnum
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      The second one

    4. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Bel + Gab

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

        +1

  4. Swan - Villa Proud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Ozil or Mane? Already havevTadic and Sanchez

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

      Mane

    2. Jay_
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Mane is my C, Ozil is my V, I'd say Mane if your not going to captain either

      1. Swan - Villa Proud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers. Nope C on Sanchez

    3. bigbudgie
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Mane

  5. jimlad
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Likelihood of coutinho starting? Should I play rashford over him?

    1. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Almost 0%

    2. michudagawd
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No chance of Coutinho playing any part. Klopp will play a second string team.

  6. davies
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Is Rojo out?

    1. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

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

        Acc. to who?

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

        whaaaaaat?!

  7. Jay_
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Spent the whole season chasing TV, peaked at 112.4 and and now 110.6. Only a few occasions had 0.0itb. Wasn't even worth it, will be the richest man in the 2015/16 graveyard. Another lesson learned.

    1. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Well done though Jay. Lots of budget players outperforming their price and hence risk g faster.

      1. Jay_
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers mate

      1. Jay_
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Ha, been following him all season. Been top for a long time, I meant of people that actually care about rank too

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

      Last 2 seasons have been pointless having a high TV imo - especially with Kane last year (4.5) and Mahrez this year.

      1. Jay_
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Yep Mahrez, Vardy and Alli were just pure bargains. Jumped on Alli at 4.9. Strange he only ever peaked at about 6.3

      1. Jay_
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Wow, that's unbelievable, all the way up to 113.7 with only 20 points worth of hits. That man has played some season.

        1. Jay_
          10 years, 1 month ago

          And of course a rank one can only dream of!

  8. sully29
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    How likely is Benteke to play tomorrow?

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

      Id say so, yip

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

    Kane or Giroud -4?

    1. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Giroud

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

      Giroud if need be

  10. BlzE_94
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Still can't decide between playing Defoe or Lanzini

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

      Lanz I think

    2. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Would lean more towards Lanzini atm.

  11. Clintymints
    • 17 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    20 points off first. Brought in Aguero, Giro and Tadic for Kane, Studge and Payet.

    Have to go Aguero cap right? ...rival will surely go Alexis!

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

      Yip, sounds like a plan

    2. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Might as well.

    3. Clintymints
      • 17 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Thx guice xx

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

    Who would you start?
    A: Mangala
    B: Fuchs

    1. DOG GOD IT - KEANE 16
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Mangs

  13. Boo Ya Ka Sha
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    If you weren't worried about your ML, but just your overall ranking. Who would be your ideal captain?

    1. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Sanchez

    2. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Depends where you currently are.

      1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        316

        1. sully29
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Sanchez then.

    3. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Sanchez

  14. waldo666
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    So with this new Payet information should I stick with Coutinho -> Tadic or now transfer Payet out instead?

    1. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Who are you going to bench in both instances

      1. waldo666
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Lanzini

        1. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Think I'd do Couthino out then just incase Payet plays

          1. waldo666
            • 15 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah that's the way I was leaning mate, cheers

  15. zizoo10
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    What on earth do i do with FT?

    Darlow
    Cress • Gabriel • Rose
    Sanchez • Ozil • Haz • Lanzini
    Kun • Defoe • Martial

    Robles • PAYET* • Simpson • CLYNE*

    A) Payet > Mane/Tadic, bench lanzini/haz
    B) Robles > Howard
    C) Clyne > Smalling, bench cresswell

  16. Ibracadabra´s Spell
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    I have a 85 point lead in my private league with friends.

    I will play 11 but with NO FTs and Mignolet and Defoe as doubts for a start.

    A) Play safe with no hits and Simpson or Reid instead of Defoe
    B) Defoe to Long for -4

    1. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      B.

    2. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      May as well have some fun imo

    3. OptimusBlack
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      B

    4. Ibracadabra´s Spell
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah I agree, let´s go! Thank you all. 🙂

  17. Zoostation
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    ML is won. Plan always was top 10,000, now at 7,600 and would love top 5000.

    With that goal in mind is it worth doing Lanzini to Mane for a -8 or just hold?

  18. Scheister
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Get rid of Payet or firmino? Either one a possibility of playing? ...don't have a lot of wiggle room on the bench

    1. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Don't think either will play so whichever you like.

  19. sully29
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Have my MLs won, 35 points off 10k. Figure I might as well make one last desperate lunge for it.

    Milner + Payet + Defoe > Tadic + Arnautovic + Benteke (-8)?

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

      Why not. Giroud or Long not bad options either...

    2. Jay_
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Very, very similar position to me, I done the -8. Not expecting to crack 10k, in fact, expecting a red, but at least we've gave ourselves a shot. Don't die wondering

    3. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      That's what I wanted to hear. Thanks guys!

  20. Scheister
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    A) Ayew
    B) Mane
    C) Mata
    D) Noble
    E) Arnie

    1. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Probably B.

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

        Think I'm leaning that way too. Now Payet or Firmino out?

  21. cruzex
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    what??????? payet is out???????? omfg

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

      lol

  22. davies
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Any suggestions?

    (0FT - 0.8 ITB)
    Darlow
    Rojo - PVA - Gabriel
    Sanchez (C) - Hazard - Payet - Mahrez
    Aguero - Giroud - Martial

    Robles - Milner - Reid - Simpson

    Cheers.

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

      Payet > whoever to get 11 out.

      1. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        ^this
        Is Rojo confirmed out? Or just rested - if rested I'd play Reid before him

  23. OptimusBlack
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Payet , Caroll , Defoe > Redmond, Kane , Long

    Yaaaay

    Naaay

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

      Wouldn't get Redmond in - already relegated and terrible away form.

    2. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      -4 or -8 ?

  24. Nickofoz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Repost from last page, made an error sorry!

    A) Carroll -> Long (Lanzini off the bench if Payet doesn't play)

    B) Payet -> Tadic/Mane

    At the moment leaning towards A but I'd appreciate some thoughts 🙂

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

      A

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

      B for me

    3. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      B

    4. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      B

      1. Nickofoz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers all!

    5. 8ball
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      has there been any indication Payet will not start?

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

        The Scout tweet for one.

      2. Nickofoz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Heavy rumours on Twitter and has been reported by multiple sources

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

    Take it yaya will start tomorrow? Anyone fancy a punt on him?? He's scored 4 in his last 4 games against Swansea!

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

      ...or today I should say!

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

      He's also a lazy bugger. Big no from me

    3. 1314
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      for a player who no longer need to care about the team next season , hmm a huge risk..

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

        Cheers guys

    4. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Noooo

  26. 1314
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    made the transfer yesterday before the Payet news, took out Lazini instead of Payet for -4 >.< my front 8 now :

    Sanchez-Ozil-Haz-Tadic (Payet)
    Kun-Defoe-Carroll

    Just play them , or take another hit for Payet (as Defoe and Carroll are risk not to start) ?

    1. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Hold imo

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

      Hold

    3. Jay_
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I did the same too with taking Lanzini out yesterday. Debating losing Payet today and in the end decided to go for it. Blessing in disguise with an excuse to get a tasty mid in

      1. 1314
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        my rival is trailing 12 points behind aiks..

      2. 1314
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        so did u double up Tadic-Mane ?

    4. 1314
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      thanks all !

  27. Live Lad
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Carroll/ Defoe + Coutinho/ Payet to Mane/ Tadic + Giroud? for a hit

    Leaning towards Defoe + Coutinho (out)

    1. 1314
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I would lose Cout + Payet

  28. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts please? For Payet & Carroll out for.... (-4)

    A) Martial & Mane
    B) Long & KDB
    C) Giroud & Tadic

    1. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      C

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

      C

    3. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      C

    4. Jay_
      10 years, 1 month ago

      C is the safe option, A is the devilishly enticing option

    5. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks everyone

  29. Hy liverpool
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Captain

    A. Mane
    B. Tadic
    C. Kun
    D. Giroud

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

      C

    2. Jay_
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. 1314
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      would go for C

    4. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      C

  30. Tansey
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Milner + Borini -> Mane/Tadic + Aguero/Benteke?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Mane kun

    2. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Mane & Augero

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

      Tadic and kun