FanDuel Premier League Matches to Target in Matchweek 36

The Premier League presents a much more normal schedule for its next set of fixtures. That means a bigger main slate on FanDuel than in recent weeks as six of Saturday’s seven games make up the competition.

Four of the matches have an over/under of 2.5 goals, and no team on the slate is a large favorite. Chelsea are given the edge over Swansea, but it appears most at Chelsea just want to the season to end despite being in range of fourth place.

Swansea are likely one of four teams that consider this weekend’s fixture a must-win match. There will be plenty of desperation on the slate, so let’s see how that can play out on FanDuel.

Southampton vs. Bournemouth

Southampton have never lost at home to Bournemouth in any competition, but they are currently without a win in their last nine matches at St Mary’s. The Saints need the win to keep hope that they can survive the drop.

Both teams have been scoring lately but not getting the results. Southampton have scored two goals in two of their last three matches while Bournemouth have scored twice in three of the last five. Southampton have lost four of their last five, with Bournemouth losing their last two games (to Manchester United and Liverpool).

Bournemouth will not have the level of desperation of Southampton, but the Cherries want to end the season on a high note. The two teams are separated by only 30 miles, which sparks a rivalry, as well.

Although the odds expect a low-scoring game with both teams scoring, it should be a back-and-forth affair. Both teams are expected to start in an attacking formation with a back three. Southampton will likely push two defenders out wide while only one natural defender slips outside for Bournemouth.

Shane Long is the danger man for Southampton, and he in good form over the past three matches. He should be paired with Charlie Austin as the duo look for crosses from Ryan Bertrand and Cedric Soares.

Bournemouth were not involved last week, so they should be rested. Callum Wilson continues to lead the team in goals over Josh King. Lewis Cook should get a chance to feature in the midfield with Junior Stanislas out. Stanislas’ prowess on free kicks will be missed, with Ryan Fraser likely to step in.

Over the course of the season, these are two of the worst-rated defensive teams in the league. Add in the urgency of the match, and there is a chance for riskier play and mistakes on both sides. Regardless, it should be an open contest with points spread across the field.

Crystal Palace vs. Leicester

These teams have combined for 11 goals in their last three league matches. Leicester have the upper hand in recent history, but Palace did win the earlier match this season. The 3-0 Palace win in that one still stands as their largest win of the season.

To some extent, these teams are on a similar track over the last five matches. They both come off a 0-0 draw in their last match and have two wins in the last five. Both teams have scored eight goals in that time.

Statistics also show that there should be goals in this match. There have been over 2.5 goals scored in both Leicester’s last eight away matches as well as Palace’s last three home games. Palace have conceded at least two goals in those three home games, as well.

Leicester have nothing left to play except for a focus on next season while Palace still needs to secure safety. That and playing at home should give Palace the advantage. Having an in-form Wilfried Zaha helps, too. Although he tends to go down at the slightest contact, he has been a menace since returning to the field. He should be deployed in a front two alongside Andros Townsend.

Still, Palace are a poor defensive team with a -18 goal differential. They tend to give up early goals while Leicester tend to score early. The main goal threat, Jamie Vardy, has a goal in six of his last eight games, including one for England in a friendly. His speed makes him an outlet that can turn defense to offense quickly for Leicester.

Since Leicester are better know for their counter attacks and they have been on a poor run of form, their defensive-minded players will also have value. Defenders Ben Chilwell and Harry Maguire are on form while Wilfred Ndidi is always busy shielding the back line. Chilwell had a 20-FanDuel-point game last week while Maguire's average is nearly 17 points. Ndidi had an impressive defensive showing last week, which amounted to a 32-point performance. They should all be vital this weekend at Selhurst Park.

Palace should be in control, but they lack consistency and Vardy can strike at any time. This should be one of the more entertaining matches on the slate.

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.