Premier League: 4 FanDuel Value Plays for Matchweek 9

Plenty of attacking options made an impact last week in the Premier League as FanDuel lineups that were heavy with Manchester City players rose to the top. Man City is a part of Matchweek 9's six-game main slate, with five of the first six players on the pricing list being from that squad.

Fewer top teams are showcased on this week's slate, meaning only 12 players are priced at or above $9,000. Roster construction will not be as tough this week, but City players have another favorable matchup. If you hope to continue to ride the momentum of a team that is on track to set a record for scoring, then the following players will come in handy.

Which value plays can you use to afford those high-priced players?

Forward

Jordan Ayew ($7,000): Leicester are winless in their last five and have allowed 13 goals this season, so Swansea's Ayew hopes to feast on the Foxes' back line. Ayew contributed an assist on one of two goals by Tammy Abraham last week as he lined up on the left side of an attacking front three.

Leicester have not put up much resistance this season -- they are second in the league in shots allowed per match. They are also in flux as they try to figure out the best formation for the personnel with Robert Huth still battling injury. To make matters even more complicated, they may head into this match against Swansea without a permanent manager after Craig Shakespeare was let go following Matchweek 8.

Ayew is more of a creator -- he averages just over one shot per match -- but he has a high pass-success percentage and is fairly good in aerial duels. He has scored a goal in each of his League Cup appearances this season. Ayew was credited with three shots last week and has consistently been earning FanDuel points for drawing fouls (he's drawn 15 fouls over the last five matches).

Ayew is clearly a catalyst for the Swansea attack and has a good match up against a team still trying to figure out their identity.

Midfielder

Andros Townsend ($6,000): Crystal Palace earned their first win of the season last week with Townsend lined up in a forward role with Wilfried Zaha. It proved very disruptive to Chelsea, as these two continuously opened up passing lanes and made darting runs through the offensive zone. With Christian Benteke still out, Townsend should again be part of a front two against Newcastle.

Zaha was the man of the match last weekend in his return, but it was Townsend's work rate that allowed Zaha to be so effective. Townsend came very close to scoring right before the half while giving fits to the Chelsea back line. He also got credit for two tackles and an interception, a nice bonus for an attacker.

Newcastle have only conceded eight goals, but they are second in the league in clearances, meaning teams are consistently threatening. Also, they have likely not faced a team with a strike force with the combined pace of Townsend and Zaha.

Defender

Craig Dawson ($4,500): Dawson is one of the lowest-priced defenders and, perhaps, the lowest of any of those that will start this weekend. The West Brom right back is coming off his best match of the season, having scored 20 FanDuel points and will get to face a Southampton squad that has only managed seven goals this season.

Dawson's natural position is at center back and West Brom is hoping to sign a player in the winter transfer window to move Dawson back there. Despite uncertainty on the back line, Dawson has been excellent the past two weeks in an unfamiliar role. Despite being second on his team in average clearances and interceptions per match, his price has remained low, unlike teammate Ahmed Hegazi.

Dawson was credited for 10 defensive actions last week against Leicester. He is not known for his offensive contributions, but the right back spot has afforded him more time on the ball -- he has drawn four fouls and created one chance in the last two matches.

West Brom versus Southampton is always a gritty, defensive affair. Of all teams that have met in at least seven Premier League seasons, this fixture has the lowest goals-per-match ratio. Southampton also like to have the ball at their feet while West Brom owns the lowest average possession percentage in the league. That sets up well for Dawson to be busy at a very low price.

Goalkeeper

Julian Speroni ($4,000): Speroni is a legend at Crystal Palace, so fans were happy to see him back in net last weekend. He recorded four saves and was not at fault for the goal that Chelsea scored. Poor marking led to the goal off a corner kick.

Regular starter Wayne Hennessey picked up a knock last week, allowing Speroni to start. While Hennessey's injury was never considered serious, his team did finally pick up a victory. This should allow manager Roy Hodgson to bring Hennessey back slowly.

Despite not seeing much of the ball, Newcastle is seventh in shots per match. However, they have only scored nine goals this season. Speroni is the lowest priced of any keeper expected to start, so a few saves on an attack that struggles to convert is all it takes to get value.

Keep an eye on the keeper situation at West Brom this weekend, as even more cost savings may be available. Ben Foster is out, but his backup, Boaz Myhill, has struggled early in the week. Alex Palmer, who is not currently available on FanDuel, could be thrust into action.