SOCCER

FanDuel Premier League Matches to Target in Matchweek 10

A lot of teams are looking to make a statement in week 10 of the Premier League, but which ones will help you take down the competition?

This weekend brings a chance for soccer DFS players in the United States to play on FanDuel in a six-game Premier League slate scheduled for Saturday.

The slate features the Manchester teams trying to get back on track, two of last years top teams facing off, and some of the stingiest defenses in the league. It also features eight of the top 12 teams in the league looking to make a statement.

However, the first game to focus on will feature teams going in opposite directions and feel like a bit of a broken record.

Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool

Liverpool have made their way into the recommendation list before, but that is not without reason. They have one of the most explosive offenses in the league with 20 goals scored. They are tied for top of the league in points and get to face a Crystal Palace team that has allowed seven goals in their last four matches. Liverpool also sport the joint-best away record in the Premier League this year.


Liverpool have been led by Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho. They have had a part in 60% of Liverpool's goals this season. As seen in the above video, Coutinho has the better offensive stats, but Mane continues to earn FanDuel points for his higher work rate on defense.

Mane has scored in three of his four Premier League matches against Crystal Palace. He is coming off his best game of the season, scoring 42.75 FanDuel points. It was his third game in eight appearances scoring more than 35 points. Mane is averaging 24.1 points and will cost $8,200 this week.

Coutinho is the second most-expensive midfielder at $10,300. He is averaging 29.1 points per match after scoring 41.5 points last week, which was his third game over 40 points this season.

Coutinho and Mane were given a break in midweek EFL Cup action to prep for this weekend's match. They joined Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino on the bench, so the main attacking core of the Reds should be more than ready to face a team that has yet to keep a clean sheet this season.

Obviously, there is no need to get sneaky and target a Palace defender. However, they have scored in their last nine matches against Liverpool. Christian Benteke will be looking to score against his old club. Benteke has three goals and played all but six minutes in Premier League matches this season and is one of the best values at striker this week.

If Jason Puncheon is unable to go, Yohan Cabaye will fill the number 10 role. He would also be on corners. Cabaye put in a great defensive effort last week in defeat helping him tally almost 50 FanDuel points. His $7,400 price tag becomes very appealing if Puncheon cannot go.

Backing over two-and-a-half goals in this game is the smart play, but the Reds should not be the only team finding the net.

Watford vs. Hull City

This match is on the opposite end of the spectrum, and most of the attention should go to Watford, rather than be spread across attacking options on both teams. Hull have scored one goal or fewer in each of their last seven games, and their main offensive weapon, Robert Snodgrass, is sidelined. Meanwhile, Watford have a chance to record three consecutive clean sheets.

It is fairly easy to see where the signs are pointing on this game. Watford keeper Heurelho Gomes is a top-choice keeper at $5,800. He made five saves last week and comes in with back-to-back games with at least 20 FanDuel points. Gomes is ninth in the league in total saves.


Recent defensive play by Watford is worth noting, but the defender with the most potential is the offensive-minded Jose Holebas. He has been featured in a wing back role this year. Holebas is $6,100 and averages 27.1 points per match thanks in part to a 40-point effort two weeks ago. Holebas will have a chance to expose Ahmed Elmohamady, who is playing deeper than normal. Holebas' offensive exploits have him sitting second in WhoScored's monthly player rankings in all of the Premier League.

Up top, it will be Troy Deeney who will try to keep his scoring touch against Hull. Deeney has scored in each of his last three appearances against the Tigers. Deeney is $6,400 but comes off two fairly disappointing efforts. He will work against some of the slowest players in the Premier League. The Watford captain is looking to recreate his 38-point performance from three weeks ago. Add in that Deeney is on penalty duty and this matchup with Hull becomes even more enticing.

If you need to save money, think about adding Hull's Tom Huddlestone. He will likely be on set piece duty with Snodgrass out for four weeks. Huddlestone is only $4,800 and has five double-digit point games this season.