FanDuel Soccer: EPL DFS Helper for 4/9/22

As always, we're covering FanDuel's main slate, and that kicks off at 10 a.m. EST on Saturday.

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Positional Breakdown
Forwards/Midfielders

There aren't any true smash spots on this four-match slate, so that creates a lot of viable paths we can take when building our lineups.

In a fierce chase for the top four, Arsenal need to win at home versus Brighton, so motivation won't be lacking. Getting a piece of the Gunners is a good place to start on this slate. Brighton are in a serious rut and have won just once since January 8th. Brighton's usually study defense has struggled of late, conceding at least 2.0 expected goals (xG), per FBRef, in each of their last three matches versus big-six sides.

Plucking one of Bukayo Saka ($19), Alexandre Lacazette ($17), Emile Smith-Rowe ($18) or Martin Odegaard ($16) gives you a good shot to get in on any goals Arsenal score. I'll say this, though -- I won't be stacking the Gunners. In this spot, they don't quite meet the criteria we're looking for when searching for sides we can stack. Lacazette typically handles penalties while Saka is one of the main corner takers. Saka leads the team in goals (nine) in EPL play while sitting second in assists (five).

The other three matches are all more evenly balanced, but Chelsea figure to be pretty popular.

The catch with the Blues, however, is that they've stunk since the international break. Chelsea got thumped 4-1 at home by Brentford last weekend and then got rolled 3-1 at home by Real Madrid on Wednesday in the Champions League. Traveling to Southampton won't be an easy match as the Saints have been playing like a top-half team most of the campaign.

With that said, Chelsea are capable of netting a few if they're on, and I expect them to field a strong XI as they search for form heading into the second leg of their clash with Real Madrid. Also, on a four-match slate, it's likely the Blues' studs still see a high draft percentage despite their poor form.

It wouldn't be surprising to see Romelu Lukaku ($17) get a start as the Blues look for a spark in attack. Christian Pulisic ($16), Mason Mount ($19) and Kai Havertz ($17) are quality plays if they start. Timo Werner ($15) probably wouldn't be too popular if he gets in the lineup but could deliver the goods if he can find space in behind a Saints team that loves to press.

The Spurs-Villa game should be a good one. Tottenham have a lot to play for as they battle Arsenal for fourth, and Spurs have looked good of late, scoring multiple goals in six straight league games, with four-plus goals in three of those outings. Harry Kane ($19) and Son Hueng-min ($20) are the go-to attackers for Tottenham. Son has totaled at least 36.0 FanDuel points in four of his last six outings. Dude is scorching.

There have been at least three total goals in four of Aston Villa's last five EPL matches. Phillipe Coutinho ($18) has been excellent since coming over in January, and Ollie Watkins ($15) has three goals over Villa's last six EPL contests.

Added time -- We should never sleep on any Leeds match. At Watford in an important bottom-of-the-table battle, Leeds and Watford both have some appealing targets. For Leeds, Raphinha ($18) and Rodrigo ($15) stand out. On the Watford side, Emmanuel Dennis ($17) is a player I will prioritize on this slate. ... Dejan Kulusevski ($17) is a great GPP target. The Tottenham winger won't be nearly as popular as Son and Kane, but he's hit the ground running since coming to North London.

Defenders

Cedric Soares ($8) is a low-salary way to get a piece of the Gunners' attack. Soares should start at full-back, and he's put up at least 7.8 FanDuel points in seven of his past eight appearances, with outings of 18.8 and 18.6 FanDuel points in that span.

Chelsea's full-backs always offer high ceilings, and that will be no different against the Saints in a match that could be pretty open. Reece James ($15) and Marcos Alonso ($14) are easier to get to on this slate than they usually are because there aren't as many elite high-salary attackers in great spots.

Brighton center-backs Lewis Dunk ($10) and Joel Veltman ($9) should be busy at the Emirates. Veltman might not start if Adam Webster ($11) makes a return from injury. Whoever starts at center-back for Brighton is a modest-salaried way to get a decent floor.

Added time -- Sergio Reguilon ($13) has at least 25.0 FanDuel points in two of his last four games. ... Villa's Ezri Konsa ($8) will likely be among the lowest-salaried starters. ... Leeds' defenders usually produce well in fantasy. Diego Llorente ($9) and Liam Cooper ($10) are a safe bet for double-digit FanDuel points.

Goalies

The best chance for a win and/or clean sheet is with Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale ($13). Brighton have long been an ideal matchup for goalies as they generate chances but struggle to put the ball into the back of the net. That gives keepers facing Brighton an opportunity to amass a good amount of saves while still keeping a clean sheet. Ramsdale figures to be the chalk goalie.

Edouard Mendy ($12) might be where I land in most of my lineups. The Chelsea keeper is super talented, and with the Blues struggling, the masses may be scared away. But for most of Thomas Tuchel's tenure, Chelsea have been stellar defensively. Using Mendy is betting on the Blues to bounce back at Southampton.

The rest of the slate is pretty wide open when it comes to goalies. I am intrigued by Watford's Ben Foster ($9). The Hornets desperately need to win against Leeds, and Watford gave a good showing last weekend at Anfield. Watford's meh defense and Leeds' style should result in Foster being called into action a good amount, giving him a shot to rack up saves.

Added time -- I just have no clue how the Villa-Spurs match will go, but both keepers -- Hugo Lloris ($11) and Emiliano Martinez ($9) -- are quality goalies who could turn in a productive fantasy day if they get the win bonus.