FanDuel Premier League Matches to Target in Matchweek 5
The main FanDuel slate for the Premier League will again be a set of six games that take place on Saturday. Matchweek 5 in the Premier League begins on Friday when Bournemouth hosts Brighton. The early game on Saturday that is not part of the slate will be struggling Crystal Palace hosting Southampton.
| Matchweek 5 |
|---|
| Saturday, September 16th |
| Leicester City at Huddersfield |
| Burnley at Liverpool |
| Stoke at Newcastle |
| Manchester City at Watford |
| West Ham at West Brom |
| Swansea City at Tottenham |
Three of the six games on the slate have an over/under of three goals. Each of those games has a big favorite, as well, so Tottenham, Liverpool, and Manchester City players will be targeted heavily despite each team playing on Wednesday in Champions League matches.
Will any of them feature in a match to target? Let's get to it.
Liverpool vs. Burnley
There will be a lot of focus on Liverpool players in this match, but Burnley deserves respect. Liverpool's catalyst, Sadio Mane, is suspended while the team comes off a 5-0 defeat last weekend and a 2-2 draw in the Champions League. Joe Gomez managed two get yellow carded twice on Wednesday to add to Liverpool's disciplinary problems.
.@robbiemustoe explains why Sadio Mané's challenge deserved the red card. pic.twitter.com/d9dYcpFgjC
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 9, 2017
Gomez has been a part of a defensive rotation that has failed to end Liverpool's woes in front of their own net. Jurgen Klopp has used a different back five, including the goalkeeper, in each game. Regardless, whoever starts at outside back for the Reds will be considered as a solid play as Burnley are generally not easy to break down, so the outside defenders will need to get involved.
For Burnley, the Clarets could exploit openings with newcomer Chris Wood and striker Sam Vokes. Wood is averaging 27.3 FanDuel points in two games and costs just $7,500. Vokes is $1000 cheaper and is known for his ability in the air. Burnley's new strike partnership along with winger Robbie Brady should be on your radar Saturday.
Even though Burnley deserves respect in this match, Liverpool's attack is still very dangerous. Philippe Coutinho came on with 14 minutes left on Sunday after Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah scored, and he was a late sub Wednesday in mid-week Champions League play. All three of Firmino, Salah and Coutinho should feature on Saturday with Salah's pace needed to make up for the absence of Mane. Firmino averages a touch more than 25 FanDuel points per game.
Liverpool can create fireworks at both ends of the field. Unfortunately for them, that usually means defensive lapses, making this an intriguing game on the slate.
West Brom vs. West Ham
It is always good to swerve away from big ownership on FanDuel, and heading to the Hawthorns to finds some players should do just that. There have been 10 goals scored in the last two meetings of these clubs, so history alone says it is worth a look.
Part of the appeal of this match is that there are only two players above $9,000. Chicharito is the most expensive player in this match, but he may not be the most appealing West Ham striker. Andy Carroll returned last week as West Ham went to a 3-4-3 formation and picked up their first win of the season. Andre Ayew notched a goal and assist from the bench and could also be pushing for inclusion. Carroll and Ayew are both priced under $7,500.
West Brom have more lineup issues than their opponents this week. Ahmed Hegazi was taken off last week as Kieran Gibbs made his first appearance for the Baggies. Grzegorz Krychowiak got his debut last week in midfield, but the addition of Gibbs to the back-line adds more pieces to the center-of-the-park puzzle. Salomon Rondon and Jay Rodriguez are still fighting for ownership of the lone striker role.
Needless to say, it will be vital to wait for the team sheet for West Brom, but they will offer value against a team that has allowed 10 goals thus far across four league matches. The Hammers also give up slightly more than 15 shots per game. On top of that, West Brom have continued their home form from last season, having taken four points in two home matches.
Given the uncertainty of the match, it would be good to construct a roster of players you may want from other games and plug in West Brom or West Ham options once the team sheet is released about an hour before kickoff. Both teams will likely offer affordable options with plenty of upside.
