2 FanDuel Premier League Matches to Target in Matchweek 1

The 2017-18 Premier League season kicks off on Friday night when Arsenal host Leicester City. However, the main slate on FanDuel includes six games from Saturday's schedule.

This will be the first full year for EPL contests on FanDuel. They will be celebrating the start of a new season in England's top tier with a $10,000 Wonder Strike contest on the main slate.

There are still a lot of uncertainties with the teams on the slate, whether that be from injuries, lineup questions, or transfers on the horizon. Therefore, there is no reason to get cute with the matches to target this week. Both of the ones we'll look at have a three-goal over/under and a clear favorite.

Chelsea vs. Burnley

Last year's champion begin their season at home as big favorites. It makes sense to target Chelsea players despite injury and suspension concerns. Eden Hazard is still out after breaking his ankle in June, while new arrival Tiemoue Bakayoko is recovering from minor surgery. Victor Moses earned two yellows in the Community Shield and is unavailable for the season opener.

Alvaro Morata could start against Burnley this weekend, and he will likely be highly owned if he makes the team sheet. He will cost $10,500, which is tied for the third most-expensive player on the entire slate. If Morata does start, it is unclear where he will play -- he could line up on the left side with Michy Batshuayi as the lead striker. Regardless, Morata will consistently pop up in and around the box.

All other Chelsea attackers will have value in this match, as well. Burnley was horrible on the road last year, as they only won one match away from Turf Moor, while giving up nearly two goals per game. Pedro and Willian started in the Community Shield, and are both in play. Marcos Alonso proved valuable on the wing last season and will resume that role this season.

Even though Chelsea is expected to dominate, there is value throughout the Clarets lineup. Remember, blocked shots, clearances, and interceptions are valuable stat categories on FanDuel. Jack Cork, at just $4,500, is expected to shield the Burnley backline. The expected backline are all priced at $5,500. Tom Heaton was the top keeper across many fantasy Premier League platforms last season, and he will likely be called into action often versus Chelsea.

Brighton vs. Manchester City

Newly promoted Brighton have a tall task to start off their Premier League campaign. The mood at Amex Stadium will be rocking to start the last game of the day, but there's always the possibility that it will turn sour.

The hosts will be without forward Sam Baldock and midfielder Beram Kayal. However, five new signings are available for the Seagulls as they face City in the first competitive match between the two clubs outside of a League Cup tie in 2008. That includes Pascal Gross, a creative midfielder that could be in line for set pieces, depending on the health of Anthony Knockaert. Gross is only $5,000, and has a better chance of seeing playing time this weekend.

As with Burnley, the Brighton back line will be busy. Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy were rocks for one of the stingiest defenses from last year's Championship. Markus Suttner is the most affordable of the predicted back line at $4,500.

There's more potential for goalscoring points on FanDuel from the City attackers. Sergio Aguero is the most expensive player on the slate, and he has five goals in six previous opening-day matches. Gabriel Jesus is $1,000 cheaper and will play alongside Aguero in a 3-5-2.

The most underpriced City player in Matchweek 1 might be Danilo. He should play as a wing back on the left side and get forward often. The former Real Madrid player is listed as a defender on FanDuel and has the potential to smash value at his $6,000 price tag.

Manchester City are picked by many to win the league and they should start off on the right foot.