DraftKings contests return this weekend and, having touched on our early selection thoughts in last night’s Weekly Shop, we’re now on hand to reveal our hand-picked eight-man squad.
There are two start times for DraftKings’ Premier League contests this weekend. The larger prize pools can be found in the seven-fixture slate, which kicks-off at 3pm on Saturday and misses out the match at Old Trafford.
There are also contests beginning at 4pm on Sunday, covering West Ham’s match-up with Southampton and the Monday night encounter between Burnley and Watford.
You can check out our player selection guide for some thoughts on general strategy and sign up for an account through this link.
We’ve also set up a Fantasy Football Scout League to keep track of how the Scouts and community get on; you can join up here.
Our Team
GK Ben Foster $4700
D James Milner $6600
D Glen Johnson $3600
M Kevin De Bruyne $10,100
M Jason Puncheon $6400
F Son Heung-Min $5900
F Sadio Mane $7500
UTIL Alex Iwobi $5000
Key Picks
We’ve gone for West Brom’s keeper between the sticks as the Baggies prepare to visit bottom club Stoke City. Ben Foster ($4700) has made 18 saves so far, with two clean sheets over five appearances, earning him an encouraging score of 9.6 DraftKings fantasy points per game (FPPG). If Tony Pulis can engineer a win against the Potters off the back of their 4-2 victory over West Ham, then Foster will also be in line for that five-point win bonus.
James Milner ($6600) has been reclassified as a defender in DraftKings after cementing the left-back slot in Jurgen Klopp’s team. After delivering 25 crosses in four appearances this season to earn an 11.3 FPPG, we’re willing to take a risk on his relatively hefty price-tag. Spot-kick duties also add to his appeal for the Anfield clash with Hull City.
The outlay on the Reds full-back has meant we’ve had to find a bargain for our second defender slot. Former Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson ($3600) returned from injury at Crystal Palace last weekend and made three tackles (worth a point apiece), fired in a shot on goal and provided a pair of crosses. He should have more license to get forward as Mark Hughes’ men seek a precious first win over West Brom.
Despite the considerable investment required, Kevin De Bruyne ($10,100) is an indispensable pick on DraftKings. The Belgian’s 18 goal attempts and 17 chances created over five matches have returned two goals and three assists. A healthy 32 crosses, worth 0.75 points on DraftKings, are also a key factor. Arguably the Premier League’s star performer to this point, we’ve built our DraftKings line-up around him ahead of Manchester City’s trip to Swansea City.
Andros Townsend ($8800) may have recorded more crosses (41) and carry a greater goal threat, but we’ve opted for Jason Puncheon ($6400) to cover Crystal Palace’s vibrant midfield; the former Southampton winger looks good value. A master on dead-balls, Puncheon has supplied 35 crosses, serving up two assists, while seven shots so far indicate that a first goal of the campaign is imminent.
The news of Harry Kane’s absence has thrust Son Heung-Min ($5900) and Vincent Janssen ($8100) into the spotlight ahead of their visit to newly promoted Middlesbrough.
We’ve opted for the South Korean in this line-up following a pair of glittering performances against Stoke and Sunderland. A brace and an assist in the Potteries demonstrated that the Spurs forward can deliver; he also provided 15 crosses, with seven attempts on goal in Sunday’s victory over the Black Cats.
Having set our sights on a Liverpool forward ahead of their Anfield meeting with Hull City, we were faced with a selection headache.
Only Arsenal and Manchester City have found the net more often than Jurgen Klopp’s side, while the Tigers have conceded more shots both in and outside of the box than any other team. Hull’s early season resilience will certainly be tested again on Merseyside having shipped four goals to Arsenal at the KCOM Stadium last time out.
While Roberto Firmino ($7600) presented a serious temptation, we’ve opted for the more explosive goal threat of Sadio Mane ($7500).
Finally, Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi ($5000) claims our utility slot. The Gunners’ starlet was hugely impressive in last weekend’s win over Hull City which should see him retain a starting role against Chelsea.
There were, however, a few alternatives in a similar price range that also came close on the back of recent form. For a little more outlay it’s possible to include Nacer Chadli ($5,700), who exploded into life for West Brom with a brace and a pair of assists in their victory over West Ham. Jordan Henderson’s ($4,600) stunning goal and three crosses at Chelsea also made the Liverpool midfielder a budget option to consider.
This Week’s Games
DraftKings’s biggest pot this weekend is the $27,000 Sweeper contest which has a $4 entry fee and can be entered with multiple line-ups. The first prize is $2,500.
There’s also the $15,000 Golden Boot game which has a $27 buy-in – top spot is $2,000 and this has a 642-player limit.
If you prefer entering multiple line-ups for lower entry fees than consider the $750 Quarter Arcade, this has $60 for the top entrant and buy-ins of $0.25.
Sunday EPL 4pm – 2 games – details to be confirmed
NFL Offer
DraftKings is also running an offer for the NFL, where entrants can get two free tickets to the NFL match at Wembley next weekend.
All you have to do to take part is register an account and email DraftKings at promotions@draftkings.com to say who you think will be the highest scoring NFL player this weekend.
