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After a 2-0 loss to Manchester City on Wednesday, Aston Villa return to Villa Park to host Newcastle United on Saturday night in a Premier League fixture. Here is a look at options for Captain and the flex positions of your roster for this DraftKings showdown.
Set your DraftKings lineup here: EPL Showdown $35K Counter Attack [$10K to 1st] (AVL vs NEW)
Captain
Jack Grealish ($17,100)
There is no other player in the Premier League that is fouled as often as Grealish. His dribble penetration and skill is one of the reasons defenders are always cautious of sticking a foot out to combat him. Occasionally, that affords him extra space in the box. So far, he has seven assists to lead Villa. He also has five goals on 40 shots taken, second in his club in both metrics.
Other to consider: Callum Wilson ($13,500)
High-priced flex options
Callum Wilson ($9,000)
Wilson is leading Newcastle in all of the main categories this season: goals scored (8), assists (3) and shots taken (29). He has been Newcastle’s most influential weapon in the final third, which is why he was brought in from Bournemouth. Wilson has averaged 11.3 DKFP per game, another indicator of his proficiency from an offensive standpoint.
Anwar El Ghazi ($11,800)
Although El Ghazi’s minutes for Villa will be restricted going forward with the return of Ross Barkley ($8,800), we’re still in the midst of the busiest period in English soccer. With the quick turnaround, El Ghazi could get the start after coming off the bench in the midweek game. Considering he has scored five goals on 27 shots taken, he could be a crucial asset if he indeed gets manager Dean Smith’s nod.
Bertrand Traore ($9,600)
One important disclaimer to start is that Traore rarely plays the entire 90 minutes. He is often taken off in the second half. Still, he will be a vital target because of Newcastle’s leaky defense. Traore had three shots in a 2-0 loss against Manchester City on Wednesday, of which one was on target. If he gets some space on the left flank, he could be lethal. He also takes corners for Aston Villa.
Other to consider: Ross Barkley ($8,800).
Value flex options
Ollie Watkins ($7,600)
Even though Watkins has been a bit quiet in the last few weeks, he will be glad to return to Villa Park after some tough games. He is currently leading Aston Villa in two key offensive metrics: goals scored (6) and shots taken (44). He has also won 63 aerial battles this season, most for his club. That throws some light on how Aston Villa play soccer, aiming to find Watkins from the flanks in open play.
Emiliano Martinez ($8,200)
Villa has been excellent defensively this season, having conceded just 18 goals so far at an average of just over one goal per game. Newcastle, on the other hand, has scored just 18 goals in 18 games. There is a clear lack of penetration in the final third, apart from Wilson. Also, Martinez has kept eight clean sheets this season, second most in the Premier League.
Other to consider: Ryan Fraser ($7,800)
Set your DraftKings lineup here: EPL Showdown $35K Counter Attack [$10K to 1st] (AVL vs NEW)
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Nikhil Kalro is the Founder and CEO of Altletics Esports.