Welcome to our latest visit to the Weekly Shop, where we will help guide your selections for daily and weekly Fantasy Football squad building. For this round we’re looking at both FanDuel’s and DraftKing‘s player lists.
As with last season’s article, we divide the player analysis into two parts: I’ll assess the key targets that no squad should be without in “Better Buys”, before seeking out those one-shot “Poundstretcher” prospects that can provide us with points whilst liberating crucial funds.
For those new to FanDuel our recent strategy guide will help familiarise yourself with their scoring model and key strategies for success. We also have a player selection guide for DraftKings newcomers, which provides key tips on building the eight-player line-ups for their contests.
Better Buys
A pair of keepers that stand out for both formats are West Ham’s Adrian (FanDuel £7.9m, DraftKings $5,400) and Burnley stopper Tom Heaton (FanDuel £8.2m, DraftKings $5,000).
Adrian has 12 saves to his name this term and faces a lacklustre Watford side that has struggled in front of goal. Only Burnley has fewer goal attempts than the Hornets, making a clean sheet highly likely for the Spaniard.
Meanwhile, saves are the calling card of Clarets keeper Heaton. He’s made 18 so far, more than any other stopper, which gives investors the added security of accruing save points even if Hull manage to breach the Burnley defence. Heaton has the best per match average for keepers in FanDuel (21.17) and a healthy average points per game in DraftKings of 12.7.
We favour busy centre-backs in FanDuel with Curtis Davies (FanDuel £7.6m, DraftKings $3,600) is a giant among men in this regard. Last Gameweek he was fourth in the FanDuel points per million table and so far he’s recorded a staggering 67 clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBI), way ahead of second placed Scott Dann (FanDuel £8.8m, DraftKings $3,500) who’s on 36 in total.
The Palace defender is another stellar pick this week, with Middlesbrough his opponent on Saturday. In FanDuel, his five shots on target catches the eye, while in DraftKings his kind price tag makes him an attractive enabler in the utility slot.
Elsewhere, we have a pair of familiar full-backs we’re considering for their attacking prowess.
Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin (FanDuel £8.1m) has registered 11 interceptions and created three chances this season – he looks to be outstanding value at $4,700 in DraftKings for the Emirates clash with Southampton.
Chelsea travel to Swansea looking for a fourth straight win and right-back Branislav Ivanovic (FanDuel £8.1m) could be set for attacking returns having provided 14 crosses and had three attempts on goal so far.
Despite the hefty price-tag Eden Hazard (FanDuel £13.5m) will inevitably be a popular pick this week for the full-slate contests. The Belgian has recorded 14 shots with six on target so far, helping him to an impressive 33.42 point average in FanDuel.
Dimitri Payet’s (FanDuel £11m, DraftKings $9,400) short cameo at the Etihad and 45-minute run-out for France in midweek adds another premium midfielder to our shortlists. However, arguably Hammers team-mate Michail Antonio (FanDuel £9.7m, Draftkings $7,600) offers far better value. The England winger’s back to back goals over the last two Premier League games make him the current standout pick in the West Ham attack.
Your DraftKings selection should ideally target players who supply from the flanks as they are awarded 0.75 points per cross, even if unsuccessful. Andros Townsend (FanDuel £10.2m, DraftKings $7,600) certainly fits the bill here, with Palace’s summer signing making 25 crosses this term. He’s also had 12 goal attempts to add to his appeal for the trip to Middlesbrough.
Arsenal are awash with options for the visit of Southampton. Mesut Ozil’s (FanDuel £10m, DraftKings $8,900) goal at Watford puts the German firmly on the radar. But we’re leaning towards Santi Cazorla (FanDuel £10.2m, DraftKings $7,400), who has penalties in his locker and is particularly suited to DraftKings thanks to his 15 crosses so far this season.
Alexis Sanchez’s (FanDuel £13.5m, DraftKings $9,400) goal and two assists against Watford should also see plenty of interest. While listed as a forward in FanDuel, he is one of a number of players to benefit from Draftkings’ flexible position rule, which allows the attack minded Chilean to be fielded in either a forward or midfield slot.
Diego Costa (FanDuel £10.1m) is another big price Chelsea option who has to come under consideration. He visits one of his favoured opponents, Swansea City, having scored five times against them in the last two seasons. He makes the journey to the Liberty in sensational form, netting twice this term and firing a brace for Spain in midweek.
Investing too heavily in strikers in FanDuel comes with a health warning, though. In FanDuel’s points per million table there are just three forwards in the top 30, so it may be worth spreading the funds elsewhere in the XI.
Poundstretchers
Keep an eye out on the team-sheets for Middlesbrough’s Victor Valdes (FanDuel £6.2m, DraftKings $4,000). If the Spaniard returns from the sidelines in time for the visit of Crystal Palace he provides a bargain route into a ‘Boro defence looking for back-to-back clean sheets.
The visit of Tony Pulis’ West Brom provides the Bournemouth back-line with a decent opportunity to record a first shut-out of the campaign. Keeper Artur Boruc (FanDuel £6.5m, DraftKings $5,300) saved a penalty and picked up three saves against the Eagles last Gameweek. We also like the look of Charlie Daniels (FanDuel £7.5m, DraftKings $5,400) who has registered 12 crosses, a nice omen for his DraftKing prospects.
If you’re not sure on Adrian as your Hammers defensive asset, or are looking for a double up on Slaven Bilic’s defence, we’re keen on both James Collins (FanDuel £5.7m, DraftKings $3,500) and Arthur Masuaka (FanDuel £5.9m, DraftKings $5,100) to provide strong value as they host a shot-shy Watford.
Centre-back Collins has the third highest points per game average for defenders in FanDuel, while Masuaka promises returns at both ends of the pitch, making nine tackles and also hitting seven crosses so far this term. The full-back also provided the assist for Michail Antonio’s consolation header at the Etihad last time out.
Mauricio Pochettino has concerns over the availability of Danny Rose heading into Spurs’ trip to Stoke City, so that could bring left-back Ben Davies into play as an option in both games. He’s kindly priced in FanDuel at £4.7m with a $3600 fee in DraftKings.
James Milner (FanDuel £10.9m, DraftKings $7,000) is another that has racked up the crosses, firing over 16 for Liverpool so far. The midfielder has the added bonus of spot kicks and an average of 29.88 FanDuel points. Even though he is being fielded out of position at full back by Jurgen Klopp, Milner remains worthy of consideration in both formats.
Hull City’s stand-out performer in midfield, Robert Snodgrass (FanDuel £8.2m, DraftKings $6,500) bagged a hat-trick against Malta for Scotland mid week making him a tempting pick for the trip to Burnley. His 10 goal attempts, six chances created and 10 crosses in the league bodes well for the Hull man’s trip to Turf Moor.
With combative midfielders a factor in FanDuel’s scoring, we have to look again at Southampton’s Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (£5.5m). Although unlikely to earn attacking points in Southampton’s trip to the Emirates, the Dane will be charged with breaking up Arsenal’s fluidity. We saw Højbjerg return a massive 28.25 points in the Gameweek 2 trip to Manchester United and there’s every chance that he could put on a similar display in his second away day.
Jack Wilshere is one we’re monitoring for FanDuel numbers – although currently uncertain as to his role for Bournemouth, a debut against West Brom looks likely and, given his kind £5.1m price tag, he could be worth a gamble given his potential level of involvement for Eddie Howe’s men.
Another deadline day capture, Wilfried Bony, looks keenly priced at just £5.1m in FanDuel. The Ivorian looks a certain starter for his new side Stoke City and, although the Spurs rearguard will be difficult to break down, his price point makes Bony an ideal enabler. Despite a disappointing campaign, he registered a shot on goal every 21.8 minutes for Manchester City last season – only Sergio Aguero and Daniel Sturridge threatened more frequently.
City’s Kelechi Iheanacho is another gamble but, at £6.1m, one worth considering given that the Nigerian seems likely to be handed the opportunity to lead the line at Old Trafford in Aguero’s absence. The 19-year-old scored eight goals last season, from just seven starts and 19 appearances from the bench.
Finally, Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud (FanDuel £7.3m, DraftKings $7,700) could be set to start against Southampton at the Emirates, although be sure to check in with the team-sheets prior to kick-off. The Frenchman is kindly priced for the match-up with the Saints and will be keen to get off the mark with competition for starts in the Gunners’ lineup intensifying.
We have both FanDuel and DraftKings Focus articles coming up later in the week where I’ll be revealing line-ups and looking more closely at some of the key-picks, suggesting further differentials and budget options.
If you’ve yet to register accounts in these games you can sign up for FanDuel here and DraftKings via this link. Check in with Friday’s articles to get a view on this weekends contests and offers in both games.
