West Ham United will be looking for a third successive win when it hosts Aston Villa at the Olympic Stadium on Monday night. We break down the players to consider for your DraftKings roster from Monday’s soccer showdown game.
Set your DraftKings lineup here: EPL Showdown $35K Counter Attack Special [$10K to 1st] (WHU vs AVL)
Captain
Jack Grealish ($15,900)
In terms of fantasy output, Grealish is unmatched on this slate. He is averaging a stunning 22.2 DKFP per game, built on a stellar offensive season. He was linked to several clubs in the offseason, including Manchester United. Staying at Aston Villa has undeniably helped his confidence. He is currently tied for second in the EPL with five assists, and he’s also scored four goals. The offense tends to run through him, which is evident based on his 299 completed passes this season, third-highest in Aston Villa.
Others to consider: Ollie Watkins ($13,800)
High-priced flex options
Ollie Watkins ($9,200)
Only two players (Dion Dublin with nine and Dean Saunders with seven) have scored more goals in their first nine games for Aston Villa than Watkins (six). That’s not the only metric in which he is leading his club this season. He has also won 35 aerial battles, thereby creating a clear target in the six-yard box for his midfielders.
Jarrod Bowen ($10,800)
With Michail Antonio ($11,200) still questionable, Bowen will play a bigger part in the final third for West Ham. He has scored three goals this season, tied for highest on West Ham. That’s directly played a part in his commendable fantasy output of 11.7 DKFP per game. He is also leading West Ham in shots taken (20). Bowen has been given more time on the pitch and is now seeing more of the ball. These are also vital intangible factors to consider in fantasy roster construction.
Sebastien Haller ($8,800)
Haller scored the game-winning goal in West Ham’s previous game, which was a 1-0 finish over Sheffield United. That goal broke a five-game streak without a goal for him. He has scored six goals this season, with two in the Premier League (both in the second half). Like Watkins, Haller has also been a force in the air, winning 29 aerial battles, second-most for West Ham.
Others to consider: Aaron Cresswell ($8,400)
Value flex options
John McGinn ($6,600)
McGinn won’t score too many goals this season. He is the provider for Aston Villa’s attacking midfielders and forwards. He has racked up four assists this season, which has increased his production to 11.2 DKFP per game. That’s not too bad for a player that costs as little as $6,600. When you’re looking for balance of your fantasy roster, McGinn will solve a few headaches because he is a pivotal part of Aston Villa’s midfield.
Lukasz Fabianski ($6,200)
At home, West Ham has been frugal at the back. The team has conceded just three goals this season at home, fewest in the EPL. West Ham has conceded just 10 goals this season, too — second-fewest in the league. Fabianski has also kept four clean sheets this season. This defensive stability should continue, even against a rejuvenated offensive line-up in Aston Villa.
Others to consider: Trezeguet ($5,800)
Set your DraftKings lineup here: EPL Showdown $35K Counter Attack Special [$10K to 1st] (WHU vs AVL)
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Nikhil Kalro is the Founder and CEO of Altletics Esports.