FanDuel Soccer: EPL DFS Under-the-Radar Plays for 2/20/21

If you have played daily fantasy sports for a while, you know the importance of being contrarian in large-field tournaments. Recognizing which players are going to be popular and finding others who you think have a similar point projection but will be much less popular can really separate yourself from your opponents.

The same goes for DFS EPL. Even though the large-field tournaments aren't quite as large as they are for other sports, there is still value in identifying quality under-the-radar plays.

This article will discuss FanDuel's main Saturday slate, which starts at 10:00 a.m. EST and features three matches.

Matchweek 24 features one big-six side in Liverpool. The defending league champions (-210) are the largest favorites on the slate, with Burnley (+100) the next closest, and Fulham (+115) right behind them.

From an odds perspective, this slate revolves entirely around Liverpool. Confidence in the defending champions had waivered after three consecutive losses, but an impressive bounce-back performance against RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Tuesday may see that confidence return. The lack of other elite options on the slate will make Liverpool's stars popular regardless of their recent league struggles, but a fade is certainly still worth considering. Was Tuesday a sign of a turnaround or an outlier performance resulting from their backs being against the wall? I'm inclined to believe it's the former, as Liverpool is simply too good to not get things turned around.

With all that in mind, here are two players to consider on this slate -- especially for tournament formats -- who may fly under the radar.

Ashley Westwood, FWD/MID, Burnley

FanDuel Salary: $10

The odds say Burnley are slight favorites in this one, but their recent play relative to West Brom's paints a more optimistic picture. Burnley is undefeated in their last three Premier League fixtures, with five goals scored across those matches, while West Brom is winless in their last six matches with just two draws during that span. West Brom's 23 away goals conceded this season is the third-most in the league behind only Southampton and Leeds.

Westwood is a fixture of Burnley's 4-4-2 formation, having started and played the full 90 minutes in 23 of their 24 matches this season. His role in the center offers less upside than other positions, but as a central figure of the second-largest favorite on a short slate, he deserves consideration for large-field tournaments this weekend. He comes into Saturday off a match against Fulham that saw him produce one shot on goal and create three chances.

For his salary, he provides solid value, even if the upside isn't tantalizing. He slots in well next to lineups that center on Liverpool's high-salaried stars. His split role with Dwight McNeil ($15) on free kicks further solidifies his involvement in Burnley's attack.

David McGoldrick, FWD/MID, Sheffield United

FanDuel Salary: $18

It would be fair to say not much has gone well so far this season for either side involved in Saturday's clash between Fulham and Sheffield. Both sides are currently in the relegation zone and at least six points away from 17th place on the table. However, both sides have shown some signs of life over their recent fixtures. Fulham has just one loss in their last six while Sheffield managed to secure two wins and a couple of one-goal losses to Manchester City and Chelsea. All that to say, there is a glimmer of hope for this dismal fixture.

McGoldrick has been a bright spot for Sheffield this season and his salary reflects that. At $18, he is the fifth highest-salaried player on the slate, which should keep his popularity very low given the negative perception of Sheffield United's attack. Roberto Firmino ($18) should draw most of the attention in this section of the salary table, but as an under-the-radar play, McGoldrick has some appeal against a Fulham side that is allowing 1.41 goals per home match this season.

McGoldrick is in the midst of a five-game goal-scoring drought, but it's not for lack of trying. Over his last three matches, he has produced a combined 8 shots, with 5 on goal, and created 2 chances. Against a Fulham side that has shown improvement recently but is far from a defensive stalwart, similar production could lead to his goal-scoring drought being broken.