SOCCER

FanDuel Premier League Matches to Target in Matchweek 37

Arsenal traveling to Stoke provides plenty of upside, but what other Premier League match can help on a small FanDuel slate?

The main slate on FanDuel this Saturday is a small four-game contest. Matchweek 37 is a double-game week for some Premier League clubs as they make up games that have been rescheduled. Beginning Friday, there will be a game every day for a week as teams work toward super Sunday and the conclusion of the season.

Matchweek 37
Saturday, May 6th
Southampton at Middlesbrough
Swansea City at Sunderland
Burnley at Bournemouth
Arsenal at Stoke City


Two relegated teams are in action on the main slate as well as Arsenal as they eye a top-four finish. With a 3-goal over/under, the matchup at the bet365 Stadium is the only game above a 2.5-goal over/under. Each game does have a favorite on the board.

Let's see where the focus should be this week.

Bournemouth vs. Burnley

Despite the small slate, this match will probably go overlooked by many. However, both teams can still finish in the top half of the table and have taken points from each of their last two matches. Both teams are coming off of a 2-2 draw, and the return fixture in December resulted in five goals.

Burnley have a concern with the normal center-back pairing and both could miss the match. James Tarkowski and Kevin Long could start together again, with Long providing greater value at just $4,600. Season statistics suggest that Burnley will absorb the pressure of the Cherries on the road given that Burnley averages just 42.5% of possession. The Burnley back line should be busy.

Stephen Ward has scored in his last two league matches against Bournemouth. The Burnley left back was forced off against Crystal Palace, but he was able to return last week.


The makeshift back line should allow for Bournemouth attackers to create plenty of chances. Striker Lys Mousset got a rare start last week that resulted in an own goal, so Josh King may be pushed to the lone striker role. King is one of the most expensive players on the slate at $10,400 and averages close to 20 points a game.

Marc Pugh and Ryan Fraser are expected to play outside in the midfield and should be relied upon to force the play in the offensive area. Fraser has been slightly more productive than Pugh while appearing in more matches for Bournemouth, but both average around 12 fantasy points per game. They are both priced under $6,000 and could eclipse their respective season averages in a match that should see goals.

There have been more than 2.5 goals in five of the last six matches for Bournemouth, and they have been known to concede at home. The Cherries have scored 12 goals in their last five home matches.The odds are high that both teams will find the net.

Stoke City vs. Arsenal

Stoke have lost only one of their eight home games against Arsenal, but the Gunners have much more to play for over their last three matches. Arsenal have a game in hand that will be made up on Tuesday and could help them clinch a top-four finish depending on the result on this road fixture at Stoke.

Stoke may trot out the same starting XI from last week after the draw with Bournemouth. That means Mame Biram Diouf leads the line and provides great value at $6,700. Peter Crouch, who is only a $100 more than Diouf, could start given his history against Arsenal. Crouch has scored eight goals against Arsenal, which is tied for the most against any one team.

Arsenal does have some injury concern on the back line, which could help Stoke find a rhythm to their attack. Marko Arnautovic and Xherdan Shaqiri have been in decent form, with Shaqiri the bigger value at $6,600. Still, Stoke will have to find a way to keep possession, which has not been easy this season.

Arsenal average a touch more than 56% of possession on the season. It is not surprising that Alexis Sanchez has led the team on their minor two-game winning streak. He is the week's most expensive player after scoring a goal in midweek action.


Hector Bellerin and Kieran Gibbs have added value as long as Arsenal sticks with a back three. Bellerin and Gibbs will play the wing back role and get forward while minding their defensive duties. Both are under $6,000.

Again, the odds say that both teams should score. Stoke always plays Arsenal well and still have a chance at a top half finish, but the Gunners are eyeing the Champions League, a much bigger prize.