SOCCER
FanDuel Premier Leagues Matches to Target in Matchweek 4
The Premier League returns with the Manchester Derby, but what matches should we focus on for DFS?

The opening match of the Premier League weekend is the headliner as the Manchester Derby leads the list of fixtures, which are spread out over three days this week. Both Manchester squads are 3-0-0, but a suspension for Sergio Aguero a little of the luster off the rivalry.

The atmosphere at Old Trafford should be great, and while it should be a good match, it is not the best one to target this week in terms of DFS.

Instead, let's look at a couple matches that make for more fantasy-friendly clashes.

Stoke City vs. Tottenham

There has been at least three goals scored in the last four matches between these sides. The over/under is set at 2.5 goals for this fixture at bet365 Stadium. Spurs have won five matches there, more than any other Premier League team.

Tottenham remain unbeaten in Premier League play and will have new acquisition Moussa Sissoko ready to make his full team debut. A Sissoko debut likely means a rest for Erik Lamela, who played 67 minutes for Argentina in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

At £8 million on FanDuel, Sissoko is reasonable investment despite not being a big goal threat. He did register 57 key passes last season and could be deployed on the right side of an attacking midfield line. Tottenham is a big favorite, so Sissoko may be able to find space to operate in this favorable matchup. He will likely go under-owned, so an assist could help move your team to the top in tourney settings.

Harry Kane will be in the spotlight as he has failed to score this year, but he seems ready to silence his critics. He may even have more fuel after being disappointed and upset with his FIFA 17 rating.

Kane had two goals in last April's rout of Stoke, and he comes in injury free after starting for England during the international break.



In the back it looks like Danny Rose will be given time to rest for the opening of Champions League play, which starts next week. Ben Davies will likely take his place and offers salary relief on defense at just £4.7 million. Given Stoke's putrid offensive start to the season, the other stalwarts in the Tottenham back line, Kyle Walker, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, are all in play.

A contrarian play would be employing new Stoke signee Wilfried Bony as a forward. Bony has scored in both of his previous starts against Spurs and will only cost £5.1 million. If Bony hits the score sheet, Joe Allen will be the likely provider. Allen is just £6.1 million and has averaged nearly 13 FanDuel points per game.

Liverpool vs. Leicester City

Liverpool has won more matches against reigning Premier League champions than any other team. When Leicester enters Anfield this weekend, they will try to be the first defending champion to beat Liverpool at their home stadium since 2007. The betting lines are actually moving to Liverpool in another game with a 2.5 over/under in goals.

Liverpool has conceded six goals, but the Reds have completed 1,500 passes to this point in the season. Liverpool has covered more ground than any other team in the league, with Roberto Firmino second in the league among all players. In other words, there is plenty of action on both sides of the ball in a Liverpool match.

Jurgen Klopp is trying to get Philippe Coutinho back in time to feature in the match. He has averaged over 30 FanDuel points per game thus far. However, James Milner is just behind Coutinho in average points and will continue taking set pieces. Milner is also £1.6 million cheaper than Coutinho. Just remember that Milner is still listed as a midfielder on FanDuel despite being the first-choice left back.

Adam Lallana deserves a look in this matchup. He has nine shots on goal, eight of which have come in the box. He is £9.5 million and has averaged 23 FanDuel points per game.


On the other side of it, Jamie Vardy has scored six goals in his last seven Premier League games, and he scored both goals against Liverpool last February, including one of the best goals of the season


Vardy's price has remained under £10 million for Matchweek 4, but if he produces this week, his salary will likely be higher moving forward. Vardy is the only viable forward option for Leicester as Islam Slimani is still not available on FanDuel.

Pay close attention to the team news for Leicester City as Claudio Ranieri must start juggling his lineup with Champions League play on the horizon. Aside from Riyad Mahrez, the midfield could have a new look. Andy King played 90 minutes for Wales on Monday, but he could spell one of the regular starters if Ranieri wants to start squad rotation early.

As always, Christian Fuchs is a viable candidate for your back line as he usually takes longer free kicks and is a stalwart defensively. He is the most expensive Leicester defender at £9.2 million, but he is averaging 16 points per match.

If you are playing the full slate through Monday, Chelsea and Everton can bring value at the back end of the week, but if you're just focusing on Saturday, zero in on these two fixtures.

Related News

Premier League: 4 FanDuel Studs to Target for Matchweek 4

Austan Kas  --  Sep 8th, 2016

Who Has the Edge in the Manchester Derby?

Ben Fisher  --  Sep 8th, 2016

Jack Wilshere's Loan to Bournemouth Is a Smart Move for Everyone Involved

Evan Reier  --  Sep 8th, 2016