SOCCER

FanDuel Premier League Matches to Target in Matchweek 30

On this weekend's expanded main slate, we have a lot of enticing options in the clash between Arsenal and Manchester City, a match that features the slate's highest over/under.

This week is the biggest slate of Premier League matches on a FanDuel to date. There are nine matches to pick from, but only one of them -- which we'll get to later -- has an over/under higher than 2.5 goals. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United are the biggest favorites, with each listed as a 1.5-goal favorite.

Manchester United hosting West Bromwich Albion is likely to be one of the chalkier games on the slate. Antonio Valencia, who has had clean sheet or attacking returns in all but one of his last eight should be one of the most used defenders this weekend. However, the focus of this post will not be on Old Trafford. Instead we'll look at earning points late and finding a gem among the matches that may go overlooked.

Matchweek 30
Saturday, April 1st
Crystal Palace at Chelsea
Sunderland at Watford
West Brom at Manchester United
Tottenham at Burnley
Stoke City at Leicester City
West Ham at Hull City
Bournemouth at Southampton
Sunday, April 2nd
Middlesbrough at Swansea City
Manchester City at Arsenal


Here we go.

Southampton vs. Bournemouth

This has the potential to be a great pivot on this big slate, and it is the last match of the day on Saturday.

These teams combined for four goals in the reverse fixture in December. Southampton have at least one goal in each of their last six matches, and they've scored at least once in each of their past six home matches. Bournemouth have scored at least one goal in their last four matches, and they've netted at least once in each of their last five away matches. There has also been more than 2.5 goals scored in Southampton's last six games, and WhoScored has this match finishing 2-2.

Southampton could name the same starting XI for the fourth Premier League match in a row. However, Manolo Gabbiadini is doubtful after sustaining an injury on international duty. Shane Long or Jay Rodriguez, both under $8,000, could start in his place. Also, Martin Caceres is in line to make his debut in defense. He is $5,100 on FanDuel and could provide good defensive action points if in the starting lineup.

The Southampton midfield has been a good source of points in recent weeks. Dusan Tadic had a 65-fantasy-point game against Watford at the beginning of March. James Ward-Prowse is coming off a 32-FanDuel-point performance.

For Bournemouth, Tyrone Mings is still suspended. Ryan Fraser, Junior Stanislas and Harry Arter are expected to be fit ahead of the clash with the Saints. Eddie Howe may not worry too much about integrating any of them into the side as his team has won their last two matches.

Josh King has been the danger man, scoring eight goals in his last eight matches. He also added an assist in the Cherries' last match, a 2-0 win over Swansea. King's $8,900 price tag is the highest in this match, speaking to the value available at St. Mary's Stadium on Saturday.

Arsenal vs. Manchester City

This is the match with a 3-goal over under. It also happens to be the last match being played on the slate, and it's a matchup that has seen only one clean sheet in their last five matches against each other. The last seven Premier League matches between these perennial top-four teams have averaged just under four goals per game.

Player pricing in this matchup is not as bad as one may think. Sergio Aguero and Alexis Sanchez are the only two players over $10,000. Aguero is fighting for his place in the City squad and was dropped to the substitute bench for Argentina's World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Sanchez was a star in international action this week. Sanchez played the full match in both of Chile's games over the last week, so any injury issues are a thing of the past.

Manchester City have some injury concerns as Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus are sidelined long-term, and Kevin de Bruyne is doubtful. These injuries open the door for the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, David Silva, Leroy Sane and Yaya Toure to have an impact on the match. Iheanacho is the most expensive at $8,700. Silva is $200 cheaper and averages close to 19 FanDuel points per match.

After three consecutive clean sheets, Manchester City have given up four goals in their last two matches. Arsenal have given up at least three goals in three of their last four matches across all competitions. This fixture should be a good one for entertainment value and your FanDuel lineup.