SOCCER

FanDuel Premier League Matches to Target in Matchweek 28

Liverpool are the highlight of the slate on Matchweek 28, and their clash with an improving West Ham team makes this fixture the most alluring on the day.

After a week of cup action, the Premier League returns on Saturday. Two teams are not in action this weekend, but FanDuel will still have a six-game main slate on Saturday. The relegation battle will again be in focus.

Matchweek 28
Saturday, February 24th
Newcastle at Bournemouth
Swansea at Brighton
Southampton at Burnley
West Ham at Liverpool
Huddersfield at West Brom
Everton at Watford


Liverpool are the biggest favorite of the slate, which is likely not a surprise. The match at Liverpool also has the biggest total of the slate with three games sitting on an over/under of just two goals.

Since it sticks out so much on this slate, let's start at Anfield

Liverpool vs. West Ham

Liverpool have scored four goals in each of the last two league games against West Ham, but the Hammers have scored at least two goals in three of the last five. Liverpool have netted the second-most goals in the league, but they have given up 31 goals. That is the most among the top-five teams, which is something an improved West Ham team surely knows.

The three most expensive players on the slate are from Liverpool. Mohamed Salah is averaging nearly 31 FanDuel points per game while Roberto Firmino's average is up to 24.1. Sadio Mane is third on the price list and averages almost 20 fantasy points per game, but he is coming off a hat trick on Valentine's Day in the Champions League against Porto. Salah and Firmino both scored in that game, as well.

Salah scored twice and Mane added two assists in the return fixture earlier this season against West Ham. Even though these players are priced high, they warrant attention with their production, especially at home. Liverpool are undefeated in their last 15 home Premier League matches.

West Ham will have an uphill battle on the road. They have a lengthy injury list that includes Manuel Lanzini, who was the goal scorer in the return fixture. However, West Ham have lost only 2 of their last 11 matches across all competitions. There have also been more than 2.5 goals in six of the last seven West Ham away matches.

Chicharito has scored a goal in three of his last four Premier League games, taking advantage of the Hammers' injuries. Despite his recent form, his price is only $7,500, making him a nice value play for the weekend as he plays in the middle of the West Ham attack.

Michail Antonio has scored in three of his four appearances against Liverpool, but he may not start in the front three. Joao Mario, priced at $7,000, should make his fourth appearance for West Ham and round out the front three.

Watford vs. Everton

Everton holds the edge in this matchup, but this fixture has ended 3-2 in two of the last three EPL meetings between these clubs. There is a bit of uncertainty with this fixture, as well, with neither team coming in with great form as well as Everton's struggles on the road. There have been more than 2.5 goals in each of Everton's last three away matches. The same total in Watford's last five home games signifies this game should not go scoreless.

Gylfi Sigurdsson returned to the starting lineup in the last matchweek and tallied a goal and an assist. He should start on the left side of attack, but he will likely have plenty of freedom to roam. With Watford having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven home matches, the Everton front four have great appeal. However, Sigurdsson has the highest points per game total of any of the players expected to start on Saturday.


Cenk Tosun has had some trouble adapting to the Premier League, but he feels he benefited from Everton's recent training camp. He is expected to start again at the front of attack, partially because of the long list of injuries that Everton face.

Watford's list of injuries may be even longer than their opponent's. Will Hughes, Kiko Femenia, and Younes Kaboul are close to returning and may see playing time against Everton.

The safest bet for Watford is Abdoulaye Doucoure. He is having a good season and has influenced the offense more under new manager Javi Gracia. His touches in the box have doubled under Gracia, which has increased his shot production. He now averages a bit more than 22 FanDuel points per game and is priced at $9,500.

This game comes with great all-around appeal despite both teams looking set for a mid-table finish.



Douglas Smith is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Douglas Smith also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username aquemini03. 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.