SOCCER

3 FanDuel Premier League Under-the-Radar Plays for Matchweek 18

Zack Bussiere  —  @ZackBussiere Dec 20th, 2018
Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse the slideshow

Ashley Young, Defender, Manchester United

Salary: $7,000

As is usually the case on slates with numerous elite attacking options, high-priced defenders will likely carry low ownership this weekend. Young's production and involvement in the Manchester United attack is more like that of a midfielder, especially in matches they are favored in, which is the case against Cardiff. With that in mind, he represents an excellent way to gain exposure to Manchester United while rostering a defender with one of the best ceilings on the slate.

It remains to be seen how the change in managers will impact Manchester United, but it would be almost impossible for it to cause them to play more defensively. It's more likely that they play a more open style of soccer and press forward against a Cardiff side that has conceded 33 goals in 17 matches this season, the second-most in the Premier League. While it hasn't produced the desired result, Manchester United have been scoring lately, with nine goals in their last four matches, including six against non-elite opponents.

It is possible that Luke Shaw ($5,000) returns from injury and forces Young to the bench. If this happens, Shaw will be more popular due to his lower salary -- but only slightly because of the limited flexibility available with Manchester United having the afternoon match. Pairing Young (or Shaw) with Romelu Lukaku ($12,000), who is likely to be the least owned of the Manchester United forwards, is an intriguing option for tournaments this weekend.


Zack Bussiere is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Zack Bussiere also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username zbuss1. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his/her personal views, he/she may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his/her personal account. The views expressed in his/her articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.

Prev