SOCCER

Premier League: 4 FanDuel Value Plays for Matchweek 33

Crystal Palace's Andros Townsend is one of several players from teams in the bottom of the Premier League who can provide FanDuel value in Matchweek 33.

There are only three players on this weekend's six-game FanDuel slate in the Premier League who cost more than $9,000. All three are in-form strikers who have good matchups, which limits the value at the forward position.

However, there are still some options up front. Midfield may be the deepest position of them all this week when it comes to potential ceiling for low-cost players. There are also several defenders under $5,000 who could be starting in pivotal roles for mid- or bottom-table clubs. Four of the bottom five teams in the standings are in action as part of the slate.

Matchweek 33
Saturday, April 15th
Leicester City at Crystal Palace
Burnley at Everton
West Ham at Sunderland
Swansea City at Watford
Hull City at Stoke City
Manchester City at Southampton


There is a theme below, so let's see where the value is this week.

Forward

Andre Ayew, West Ham

FanDuel Price: $7,500

There is a chance that Ayew will move to the number 10 role as a creative midfielder behind Andy Carroll this weekend as West Ham travel to last-place Sunderland. That may improve his value as Carroll could win a header for a trailing Ayew to set up a scoring chance, or Ayew may find more freedom on the pitch when not playing in an advanced striker role.

Sunderland is desperate and 10 points from safety. They have not scored a goal in six matches and have given up 12 goals over that span. They only average a little over 42% of possession and have conceded 56 goals this season. The Black Cats allow a league-worst 18.2 shots per match.

Ayew has scored four goals in 10 appearances and also added an assist. This is as good of a time as any to add to those totals. With Sunderland desperate for any points, if West Ham score early, the floodgates could open.

Midfield

Andros Townsend, Crystal Palace

FanDuel Price: $6,100

Crystal Palace have won five of their last six games and escaped the relegation zone. Townsend has two goals, an assist and two man of the match awards over that time. In the Premier League's official year-long fantasy game, he has picked up the maximum bonus points in three of his last five matches. Townsend has also been near the top of the Premier League's ICT Index, which measures influence, creativity and threat.

Palace get to play a Leicester squad that traveled to Madrid to play in the Champions League on Wednesday and just gave up four goals to Everton in their last Premier League fixture. Depending on the outcome of the match against Atletico Madrid, players could be rested for the return leg on April 18th. Townsend, Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke could all have good days for Palace.

Defender

Javier Manquillo, Sunderland

FanDuel Price: $4,600

Manquillo came into last week's match when Bryan Oviedo was injured in the 39th minute and scored 10 FanDuel points. Oviedo has a hamstring strain, so Manquillo has a great chance of starting this pivotal match for Sunderland. Since the Black Cats cannot hold onto the ball, it is likely that the back line will be busy.

Manquillo has only played 11 matches this season since FanDuel started Premier League contests, but he's scored double digits in 8 of them. He was active last week with six defensive actions and a foul drawn. If he is given a full match at left back, he could have a big day.

Honorable mention goes to Watford's Adrian Mariappa ($4,800). He is coming off a 23.5-fantasy-point performance and has recorded seven combined clearances and tackles over the last two matches. He could start again depending on Watford's injury situation.

Keeper

Darren Randolph, West Ham

FanDuel Price: $6,200

By now it's clear that there is plenty of value in the West Ham and Sunderland match. Sunderland are starting to expect relegation, so there is no need to stick to a conservative game plan. However, they are very close to having nothing to play for in the final weeks of the season.

Randolph has scored over 12 points in each of his last two matches and has a great chance to record a clean sheet this weekend. He is also one of the cheapest starting keepers on the slate.

Obviously, there is a lot of focus on one match here. If Everton start any cheaper options in their front six, such as Tom Davies, they will be an option. Shane Long of Southampton will probably get the starting nod upfront. Stoke City is a much better team at home and have a good matchup, but they have struggled to score lately.

As always, be sure to check the starting lineups as they are released on Saturday morning approximately an hour before kickoff.