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Everton will look to build on a fantastic start to the new English Premier League (EPL) soccer season, while Manchester City will seek immediate respite after a 5-2 loss on Sunday. Two games constitute DraftKings’ main EPL slate on Saturday. We break down the slate with picks to consider from each position.
Set your DraftKings fantasy soccer lineups here: EPL $40K Counter Attack [$10K to 1st]
Forwards
Studs
Raheem Sterling ($9,200)
Sterling is in fine form. He scored a brace against Burnley in the EFL Cup. Without a regular central striker, Sterling will likely keep his slot in the starting XI despite playing 90 minutes only a few days back. He has been in sprightly form after the resumption of the Premier League after what was quite a despondent first half of the year, which included no goals.
Values
Dominic Calvert-Lewin ($8,100)
Everton has a new confidence, a new strut about its new style of soccer. Some sharp business moves in the offseason has resulted in a much-improved squad, capable of challenging for European spots. This is Everton’s best start to an EPL season for a quite a while. A lot of that success has come down to Calvert-Lewin converting his chances. He is the joint leading-scorer this season, with five goals.
Others to consider: Patrick Bamford ($6,000).
Midfielders
Studs
Kevin De Bruyne ($11,100)
Firstly, De Bruyne is arguably the best midfielder in the Premier League this season. That should be compelling enough for his selection. After Manchester City’s humiliating 5-2 loss to Leicester City at home in the previous game, De Bruyne will come out fired up to win this one. Also, De Bruyne has already scored from the penalty spot this season. Leeds United has conceded three penalties already this season.
Values
Phil Foden ($7,500)
Foden didn’t start in the midweek EFP Cup game against Burnley. With Gabriel Jesus out, manager Pep Guardiola will need all the offensive depth he can get. Foden will likely get the start here. He has combined well with De Bruyne towards the latter half of last season. He has started this season with equal aplomb this season, at least displayed through his dribbling skill.
Others to consider: James Rodriguez ($8,300)
Defenders
Studs
Lucas Digne ($6,600)
Apart from being a solid defender at the back, Digne will create chances for Everton. He is the designated setpiece-taker for Everton, which will generate additional fantasy value because those chances can easily turn into goals with a quality attacking core. Against Brighton at home, Everton will also fancy a clean sheet.
Values
Nathan Ake ($4,200)
Ake is a willing attacking option for dead-ball situations. He scored from the six-yard box against Leicester from a corner, which kept Manchester City in that game, albeit very briefly. His speed and decisiveness at the back is the main reason he should be backed on this slate because it’s likely Manchester City keep a clean sheet here against newly-promoted Leeds.
Goalkeepers
Ederson ($5,900)
Here’s a stat that will change very soon: Ederson is currently averaging -1.1 DKFP per game. That is primarily due to a disappointing performance against Leicester in the previous game. There were multiple games last season when Ederson was hardly required to make a save. That might not be the case here, but he should keep a clean sheet nonetheless.
Others to consider: Jordan Pickford ($5,500)
Set your DraftKings fantasy soccer lineups here: EPL $40K Counter Attack [$10K to 1st]
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Nikhil Kalro is the Founder and CEO of Altletics Esports.