SOCCER

Premier League: 4 FanDuel Value Plays for Matchweek 16

Douglas Smith  —  @DFresh39 Dec 13th, 2016
Wilfried Zaha is in the midst of a stunning run of form, and he gets to face a Manchester United side without Antonio Valencia.

The Wednesday slate for matchweek 16 in the Premier League on FanDuel is its biggest since it debuted in the United States earlier this season. There are eight games on tap that mainly pit teams on opposite sides of the table. Finding the right value will be key as options increase and many look to target big names.

Chelsea stars are sure to be among those selected the most as they travel to Sunderland. Tottenham hosts Hull City in another match up of teams at opposite ends of the table. However, it is again players from the lower half of the table that provide the most value.

Forward

Alvaro Negredo, Middlesbrough

FanDuel Price: $7,400

This one requires some interpretation as the update on Negredo's hamstring injury is that he may not be risked against Liverpool. Aitor Karanka stated that he will put the best team on the field on Wednesday, but he also said he knows the schedule will get busy. Pay attention to the team news as Negredo's likely replacement, Jordan Rhodes, is only $4,800 and would also be a good value play despite playing a top team.


The history of this fixture is a bit dated, but Boro have conceded only once in their last seven home matches against Liverpool. March 2002 is the last time that the Reds have won at Middlesbrough. Five points from their last four matches has shaken Liverpool's confidence, and their defense is still shaky. Liverpool has given up six goals in their last two matches. Keeper Loris Karius is under scrutiny for his performance in those matches, especially given the quality of the goals scored by West Ham last week.

Negredo obviously has the ability to score goals. However, he has recorded at least one clearance in seven straight games and has recorded passing points on FanDuel in all but one game this season. Negredo has created 11 chances and puts half of his shots on target. The way Middlesbrough plays always makes Negredo a target. They will be direct, get the ball out wide to supply crosses and attempt a few long balls.

Midfield

Wilfried Zaha, Crystal Palace

FanDuel Price: $6,200

Crystal Palace has been involved in some of the wildest matches this season, and they have scored 10 goals in their last three matches. Zaha's form is a big part of the offensive surge as he has scored three and provided six assists this season. Two of those goals have come in the last three weeks.


Palace and Zaha have shown the ability to score this year despite producing many of the same stats in the build up. Zaha has improved his own shooting percentage by 14 percentage points over last year. He has also created 15 chances over the last seven matches.

He will get a match with one of his former teams in Manchester United, so the revenge narrative is in play. United has seen improved individual play in their defense lately, but Antonio Valencia will be out due to suspension. Zaha could be deployed on the left to exploit Valencia's absence, and considering his recent form, he's probably under-priced.

Defender

Jose Fonte, Southampton

FanDuel Price: $5,200

The former Crystal Palace man has one single-digit performance on FanDuel all season. Fonte's solid play has led Southampton to set the price for any potential suitors that may come asking during the January transfer window.

Fonte is averaging eight defensive actions per game while winning half of his duels. He has been credited with 27 clearances in his last four Premier League matches. He tied a season high with five interceptions last week. It was Southampton's third clean sheet in their last four matches. There is also a small chance that Fonte could score off a set piece as Stoke has allowed the second-most headed goals this season.

Keeper

Darren Randolph, West Ham

FanDuel Price: $6,100

Randolph has been between the sticks for four Premier League matches against some of the toughest competition in the league. In the 1-1 draw with Manchester United, Randolph was credited with seven saves to salvage a point for the Hammers. West Ham's holiday schedule is much less daunting, providing Randolph with a chance to cement his place as the top keeper.


This is Randolph's first chance to establish himself as the number one since coming over from Birmingham two seasons ago. Randolph has managed to get points from saves in three of the four matches and will now take on a Burnley side that has scored just once on the road. Burnley has also failed to win a Premier League match in London.