English Premier League: Picks, DFS core plays and strategy (7/8)

The English Premier League (EPL) is back in action and FTN has you covered! For this three-match slate, which includes Manchester City and Wolverhampton, as well as every other slate, I’ll be offering a DFS catered approach to help pack your bankroll with profit.

Newcastle United (+2100) @ Manchester City (-950)

1:00 p.m. ET Thursday, July 8

Aside from a few messy results, Manchester City’s attacking prowess has looked immaculate since returning. Even if the final product isn’t there, they are creating chances hand over fist. After a 1-0 loss in which they outpaced Southampton 3.40 xG to 0.63, Pep should rally his troops for a statement game, even with the Premier League race wrapped up. Exposure to City attackers in DFS is a must in any type of build.

Wolverhampton (+115) @ Sheffield United (+295)

1:00 p.m. ET Thursday, July 8

Sheffield have had up-and-down results since the June return. With a big win against Tottenham but a big loss against Newcastle, it’s hard to gauge them at the moment. Wolves, on the other hand, have been very stout defensively while looking anemic going forward. It’s hard to say why that is. We’ll have a very tight one on our hands without doubt, probably ugly for DFS, but I see Wolves’ firepower finally showing up and getting them a much-needed win.

Burnley (+305) @ West Ham United (-105)

1:00 p.m. ET Thursday, July 8

West Ham have their backs against the wall against relegation which typically can lead to an open match. Burnley going ahead means West Ham will be forced to push mass numbers forward, which could leave more gaps in their defense. A West Ham lead would give Burnley room to push forward. Either way, I think we see both teams score while still being fairly tight.

DFS Breakdown

Salaries and picks are per DraftKings

Core

The Lock – Raheem Sterling ($8,900) – Sterling is currently expected to start at striker for Manchester City with Foden and Mahrez on the wings. It’s a position he hasn’t yet played for City this season in the EPL, but one he can obviously thrive in. It’s basically an auto goal assuming he starts up top. If it’s Jesus, the Brazilian would be our new lock. Sterling is solid regardless though.

Cash Core – Kevin de Bruyne ($11,700) – With City such big favorites, any cash lineup sans KDB is already behind the pack. The Belgian splits set pieces with Mahrez, creates chances for fun and really just does it all. Near 12K is a hefty fee, but City’s goal expectation is through the roof, just as high as KDB’s point expectation is. The fade is viable in tournaments due to the heap of midfield viable players.

GPP Core – David Silva ($7,500) – With so much chalk running toward Manchester City (for good reason), Silva could go under the radar a little bit. He’s been integral in City’s build-up. Sooner or later, he’ll nab himself an assist and/or a goal en route to a GPP winning score. Promise you that.

Player Pool

Name / Position / Team / Salary	Rationale
Riyad Mahrez / M/F / MCI / $10,000	Just another sick option for Manchester. I prefer to use Mahrez when KDB is sitting but obviously he’s strong regardless.
Jarrod Bowen / M/F / WHU / $9,500	Has a firm grip over West Ham’s set-pieces right now. Cresswell or Noble could cut into them at a moment’s notice though, which scares me. He’s not cheap enough to use in cash anymore despite the strong matchup.
Michail Antonio / M/F / WHU / $8,300	Great player, great person, in a great spot. First priority if wanting West Ham exposure.
Phil Foden / M / MCI / $8,100	The City wunderkind has been fantastic lately and should, theoretically, have even more success in this spot. Just remember that ALL City attackers can’t hit.
João Moutinho / M / WOL / $6,900	Questionably cheap. Very strong for cash games but a solid fade for tournaments given expected ownership.
Oliver Norwood / M / SHU / $5,000	Again, questionably cheap. He’ll take all of Sheffield’s corners when on the pitch, but doesn’t offer any upside.
Ben Osborn / M / SHU / $3,100	Preferred salary saver, which is needed on this slate with so much City goodness. He’s been starting in place of Fleck and would take set pieces if Norwood subs off again.
Benjamin Mendy / D / MCI / $5,200	Does best in matches where City struggles to score, which probably will not be the case in this one. Regardless, a strong option at D.
Aaron Cresswell / D / WHU / $4,900	West Ham have decent odds to keep a CS, and Cresswell has taken some set pieces lately while being a menace in open play at times as well.
George Baldock / D / SHU / $4,800	Consistently churns out good results. Not an ideal spot but certainly not an unavoidable one.
Erik Pieters / D / BUR / $4,000	Pieters has been starting on the left wing for Burnley lately. Cheap enough to continue to use.