Premier League: 4 FanDuel Value Plays for Matchweek 26
The EFL Cup final between Manchester United and Southampton takes place on Sunday, so several originally scheduled Premier League matches for this weekend have been moved. The result is a six-game slate on FanDuel.
Eight of the 12 teams in action on the slate are in the lower half of the table. Three of the games do not feature any player over $8,000 on FanDuel. This gives plenty of options for value despite some teams missing out on the week. However, this week's value mainly sits with relative newcomers and a player returning from injury.
Forward
M'Baye Niang, Watford
FanDuel Price: $6,400
The AC Milan transfer is hard to miss on the pitch as he sets up behind Troy Deeney as his main attacking support since Odion Ighalo was sold. Over the last three matches, Niang has fired six total shots with three being on target while creating three total chances. His 20 dribbles in that time span is more than any other Watford player.
Niang has clearly taken on the responsibility of catalyst for the Watford attack. Along as he refrains from putting himself at risk for injury he will be a key player for the remainder of the season.
It is a small sample size, but Niang is Watford's highest-rated player this season, per WhoScored.com. He is averaging 20.6 points per match on FanDuel, which is aided by drawing at least one foul in each match and creating three chances over the last two matches.
Watford faces West Ham this weekend, and the Hammers only have eight clean sheets across all competitions dating back to July. West Ham has allowed eight goals over their last four league games. Niang can use his pace and strength on the ball to exploit the leaky Hammers' defense.
Midfield
Alfred N'Diaye, Hull City
FanDuel Price: $5,400
Hull is one of only eight sides with guaranteed fixtures this week and Matchweek 28, so many season-long fantasy team owners have been scrambling to find value with the Tigers. They are a rejuvenated side that have found success counter attacking down the flanks under Marco Silva. With 75% of Hull's chances coming from the edge, it gives N'Diaye plenty of opportunities to get on the end of a cross.
N'Diaye scored 43.5 FanDuel points in his debut with Hull against Liverpool. In that match he was credited with nine defensive actions. He paired with Tom Huddlestone as the defensive grouping in the midfield, but he was able to move quickly from box to box. N'Diaye was moved further forward in a flat midfield line against Arsenal two weeks ago, but the team overall fared worse.
This week's opponent, Burnley, are far less intimidating than Arsenal, and Hull have won their last two home matches. The fixture looks evenly-matched, but Burnley has allowed a league-high 18.5 shots per game. N'Diaye could exploit Burnley's defense for another goal while putting in a solid defensive effort.
N'Diaye's teammate Evandro will likely start with Sam Clucas suspended, and he also provides high value with a salary of just $4,700.
Defender
Arthur Masuaku, West Ham
FanDuel Price: $4,800
The option of Masuaku comes with a caveat as he has just recently returned to full training and, although he is available for selection, may not be able to play an entire match. It is also the case that Masuaku will have to check Niang, so there are points on both sides of this match up.
The French defender has been one of West Ham's best players, but his appearances have been limited. He believes his team has a major point to prove and are out for revenge against Watford. Masuaku will also be trying to get the better of fellow Frenchman Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Before his MCL sprain, Masuaku was averaging 20.3 FanDuel points starting on the left side of defense. In his last match against Arsenal in early December, Masuaku was credited with four tackles, three interceptions and five clearances.
Keeper
Ben Foster, West Brom
FanDuel Price: $6,400
The keepers are bunched up again in FanDuel pricing. Unless Steve Mandanda makes a surprising start for Crystal Palace following his lengthy spell on the sidelines, most of the starters are above $6,000.
Ben Foster gets the nod here as West Brom host Bournemouth. He is second in the Premier League in saves on the year. West Brom is unbeaten in their last four matches while Bournemouth have lost three straight in the Premier League.
West Brom has earned 23 of a possible 37 points at home, and the Baggies have won six of their last seven matches at the Hawthorns. Given the lack of price differential, it makes sense to go with trends and back Foster between the posts.
