English Premier League (EPL) Fantasy Soccer Picks: Arsenal vs. Manchester United DraftKings DFS Showdown Strategy

After a shocking defeat to Sheffield United, Manchester United heads to London to face a resurgent Arsenal team at Emirates Stadium on Saturday. We break down DraftKings’ soccer showdown slate with suggestions for Captain and the FLEX positions.

Set your DraftKings lineup here: EPL Showdown $35K Counter Attack [$10K to 1st] (ARS vs MU)

Captain

Bruno Fernandes ($17,400 CP)

Fernandes continues to lead Manchester United up the table this season. He has enjoyed a sensational season so far, leading United in three crucial areas of analysis: Goals scored (11), assists (7) and shots taken (66). Also, six of his last eight converted penalties have opened the scoring.

Others to consider: Bukayo Saka ($16,200 CP)

High-priced FLEX Options

Bukayo Saka ($10,800)

Saka has broken new ground this season as one of Arsenal’s best young players. In fact, he has taken the most shots for Arsenal this season with 41. He has scored five goals and he has also scored the second goal in three games in 2021. He is tasked with most set-pieces, including corners and free kicks, which gives him the additional chance of chipping in with an assist.

Alexandre Lacazette ($9,600)

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ($9,400) unlikely to play any part in this game with an illness, Lacazette will have the extra responsibility of leading Arsenal’s attack. He has done that admirably this season, leading his club in goals scored (8) on just 27 shots taken — an impressive 29.6% conversion rate. He is also one of five players on this slate to be averaging a double-digit fantasy output (10.5 DKFP per game).

Marcus Rashford ($8,800)

Rashford has been an instrumental part of United’s new-look attack this season. However, he has run himself into the ground during this busy December-January period. After a 2-1 loss to Sheffield in the previous game, he will have some more work on his plate in London against Arsenal. He is second on Manchester United in goals scored (7), assists (5) and shots taken (46).

Others to consider: Anthony Martial ($7,400)

Value FLEX Options

Paul Pogba ($7,200)

There was a period towards the end of 2020 that Pogba just didn’t look engaged. Come the new year, there is a new vigor in his play. He has scored a few delightful goals from outside the box already, including one against Fulham with his left foot. He is also moving into the box a lot more to take a shot on goal. He has averaged 7.7 DKFP per game, which is likely to only go up if he can maintain his recent play.

Harry Maguire ($4,800)

This is a bit of an instinct play. Manchester United will be desperate to win after losing to bottom-placed Sheffield United in the previous game. Also, Arsenal is missing Aubameyang and some obvious firepower in the final third. As a result, it’s likely that Maguire could have a slightly easier time at the back. He is currently leading Manchester United in passes completed (1,291), aerial battles won (86), interceptions (39) and clearances (73).

Others to consider: David de Gea ($6,800)

Set your DraftKings lineup here: EPL Showdown $35K Counter Attack [$10K to 1st] (ARS vs MU)

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Nikhil Kalro is the Founder and CEO of Altletics Esports.