SOCCER

Premier League: 4 FanDuel Value Plays for Matchweek 7

Charlie Austin has been in excellent form for Southampton. What other low-cost options can provide value on this weekend's EPL slate?

Matchweek 7 in the Premier League brings with it a lot of fantasy value. With an international break looming, some injured players, such as Kevin De Bruyne, may get an extra rest, while a few regular starters will begin suspensions this week, as well.

That means some lesser-utilized players will be stepping into bigger roles. It also means there won't be as many chalk value plays, so hitting on the right one will be key to winning this weekend.

Forward

Charlie Austin, Southampton

Price: £5.9 million

This one comes with a caveat as Austin has yet to fully secure his place in the starting lineup for Southampton under Claude Puel. However, his form cannot be denied as he has scored five goals over the last four matches in all competitions, all of which were Southampton victories. He has registered eight shots on target in that time period and also tallied an assist. Austin has put up close to 32 FanDuel points per match in Southampton's last two Premier League games.


Some are even saying that Austin is a better option for England than Wayne Rooney. While that may not be a jump worth making right now, Austin is certainly the best striker option for Southampton at the moment.

Puel continues to put Nathan Redmond in the striker's role, so right now it seems the choice to play alongside Redmond is either Austin or Shane Long. Long's frustration is clear, so Puel may shake things up. If he does, the hot hand of Austin could get the nod this weekend versus Leicester City.

Leicester have conceded 11 goals through six matches. If you're into narratives, there is also a bit of history between Leicester and Austin as Jamie Vardy mocked Austin during last April's match. That could be the extra motivation that Austin needs to continue his goal-scoring streak.

Midfield

Stewart Downing, Middlesbrough

Price: £7.3 million

Downing is coming off his best match of the year against Tottenham, an outing which resulted in 23.5 FanDuel points. Downing and Middlesbrough travel to West Ham, a team that has conceded 19 home goals since April. West Ham have allowed 16 goals this season, the most of any team in the Premier League.

Although Middlesbrough's attack has not been a constant threat, it seems to be running through Downing. He put in four crosses against Tottenham and recorded an assist. As the team has settled into top-flight play, Downing has become more of the focus, and they are starting to rely on the 32-year-old midfielder. That has been a good thing for Boro as Downing has created 12 scoring chances, the most on the team.

Downing has also seen some time on corner kick duty this year, adding to his value. He could go overlooked this week, but he has a favorable matchup against the worst defensive team in the league.

Defense

Juan Zuniga, Watford

Price: £4.6 million

Zuniga was the hero in week four as a substitute. He scored in the 83rd minute, less than 60 seconds after coming into the match, to help Watford see off Manchester United.


Zuniga has a good chance to start this week with Daryl Janmaat injured. Jose Holebas had to pass a late fitness test to get in the match last week and is one yellow card away from suspension.

Manager Walter Mazzarri may flip his starters against Bournemouth and insert Zuniga at right wing back in a 3-5-2 formation. That increases the odds that Zuniga will rack up the crosses against the Cherries.

Pay close attention to the team news as Nordin Amrabat could slot into the right wing back role. Amrabat is listed as a midfielder on FanDuel, but he could still provide value. Holebas or Sebastian Prodl are also good value options should Zuniga not start.

Goalkeeper

Loris Karius, Liverpool

Price: £5.7 million

With value available in so many matches this week, it may not be the best time to pay down at the keeper position. However, Karius finds himself in a good spot against Swansea. Jurgen Klopp has already confirmed that Karius will start. The German keeper suffered an injury in the preseason and is now getting his chance to win the starting job over Simon Mignolet.


With Liverpool second in the league in possession and Swansea in 13th, Karius will likely not be tested too frequently. Also, no team has scored more away goals in 2016 than Liverpool. Therefore, a win looks likely for Karius. The clean sheet also looms as Liverpool have shut out Swansea in two of their last three Premier League encounters.