RADIO
Welcome back to “The Kick-Off”! We are here for Gameweek 2!!! We get to continue to cherish the return of our beloved Premier League season for yet another year. This year will be filled with new players, new clubs and just as many upsets and superb victories as every year carries. Today’s slate will be primarily occupied by Manchester City, the overwhelming favorite, -1200. I will guide you through this four-game slate starting at 10:00 A.M. EST.
Please Be Advised: This writeup does not cover the late game on FanDuel because of the differences in the DraftKings and FanDuel slates.
If you have any questions on today's slate, bankroll management, GPP strategy, Cash game strategy, or anything else don’t hesitate to email me at bmwvolleyball94@gmail.com or via Twitter @df_solutions or on “SLACK”.
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The Kick-Off - EPL Matchweek 2
[H] Arsenal (-225) vs [A] Leicester City (+550): Total: o2.5
We have a tale of two stories starting off the slate for GW2 of the new season. Leicester has barely been involved in any transfer activity and the players that have, were all departures, namely keeper Kasper Schmeichel who has left for Ligue One. Rumors continue to flow that midfielder Youri Tielemans is also on the move too. Leicester’s first match against Brentford last week did not go well after conceding two second-half goals to walk away with a draw at home. Now they must travel to Emirates Stadium the home of one of the most promising defenses in the league and a revamped offense hungry for goals. There is no reason that Arsenal should not take all three points here.
Expected Outcome: Arsenal 2-0
Forwards
Gabriel Martinelli-DK $8.8K || FD $16
Although his salary is barely less than both Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka, Martinelli is being highlighted here. The winger looks to be one of the most promising players for Arsenal this season. After all of the hype of Gabriel Jesus transferring from rivals Manchester City, it seems that Martinelli may be receiving a big boost from an experienced striker who happens to share the same nationality. Last season, Martinelli finished with 6 goals, 6 assists and 52 shots through 29 appearances.
Midfielders
James Maddison-DK $9.5K || FD $17
Maddison did not disappoint in his first showing last weekend against Brentford, albeit his team dropping two points late in the match. He assisted once, produced six shots and took five crosses. The midfielder has kept his form from the end of last season when he was carrying his club’s offense at times. It looks as if Maddison has completely taken over all set-pieces again with rumors of teammate Tielemans possibly departing the club. This boosts Maddison in a large way and he is a viable play on either DraftKings or FanDuel no matter the matchup.
Defenders
Oleksandr Zinchenko-DK $6K || FD $14
Zinchenko has been a massive transfer to Arsenal and a massive boost to the club. The defender instantly shores up the left side of the pitch and provides a huge supporting role in the offense for both Martinelli and Jesus. Whether he plays as a midfielder or a fullback, Zinchenko will constantly be a producer for the Gunners. In his first match with his new club, he assisted once, took one shot, sent one cross, made one tackle and intercepted three times.
[H] Brighton & Hove Albion (+135) vs [A] Newcastle United (+210): Total: u2.5
Both clubs are coming off wins to start the season, however, Brighton is high on form after beating Manchester United at the Theatre of Dreams for the first time in the club’s history. Striker Danny Welbeck also had a great performance for the Seagulls and just missed out on a brace. Meanwhile, the Magpies squad continued to mesh well together and newly acquired keeper Nick Pope posted a shutout in his debut for Newcastle. This matchup will be a test for both sides and a share of the spoils could be in play.
Expected Outcome: 1-1
Forwards
Callum Wilson-DK $6.9K || FD $18
There is no true striker you can rely on in this match, but if you had to choose one, it would be Callum Wilson. The Magpies have a slightly better offense and Wilson is known for his goal-scoring capabilities whereas, Danny Welbeck-DK $7.6K || FD $17 has gone from club to club searching for form. Wilson’s salary is also less than Welbeck’s salary which makes this decision a little easier to make. In Wilson’s season debut against Nottingham Forest, he bagged one goal, took four shots and sent one cross.
Midfielders
Allan Saint-Maximin-DK $6.3K || FD $15
We would go the route of Pascal Gross-DK $9.7K || FD $15 for the midfield position, but his salary is outrageous after his season debut performance that carried the Seagulls past the Red Devils at Old Trafford. Therefore, we find ourselves once again on the lesser of the two midfielders, Saint-Maximin of the Magpies. The winger did not produce a goal or an assist against Nottingham Forest last weekend, but he did open ample space for teammates Wilson and Joelinton to work in. This is one of Saint-Maximin’s strengths and he could do damage against the more ‘aggressive’ formation that Brighton runs.
Defenders
Kieran Trippier-DK $6.2K || FD $14
To close out this matchup preview, we will end with yet another Newcastle United player, Trippier. The fullback or more so wingback will be plenty active going up against Leandro Trossard of Brighton. Trippier saw the majority of set-pieces in the season debut and he should continue to see that at minimum against Brighton. If there was one player that should hit value from Newcastle without batting an eyelash, it will be Trippier. Last weekend, he produced one shot, sent 10 crosses, made one tackle and intercepted four times.
[H] Manchester City (-1200) vs [A] AFC Bournemouth (+4000) Total: o3.5
Without a doubt, this is the match to stack on the slate this weekend and EVERYONE will be on them. Manchester City and more so Erling Haaland did not disappoint last weekend in their season debut. They won comfortably and Haaland bagged a brace in his first competitive match in the English Premier League. Things will not be any different here and Manchester City can potentially top their performance from last weekend against the newly promoted Cherries who are no stranger to the dominant powerhouse that City is.
Expected Outcome: Manchester City 3-0
Forwards
Erling Haaland-DK $11K || FD $23
Deservingly so, Haaland is the highest salaried striker on the slate for both DraftKings and FanDuel. The youngster aforementioned, bagged a brace in his Premier League debut last week, while also ripping off five shots. He has already made a name for himself throughout the world and it looks like his stardom will only grow exponentially while playing at the Etihad.
Midfielders
Kevin De Bruyne-DK $10K || FD $22
Lineup construction will be rather difficult this weekend with Manchester City’s dominant force being on the slate. If those that are for some reason scared of Haaland’s high salary, they can pivot to the catalyst of the Manchester City offense, De Bruyne. The midfielder continues to be a focal point of all things offense for City and he will now be the main provider for new teammate Erling Haaland. If there were ever doubts, there should not be any doubts after that statement. De Bruyne should also continue to oversee the majority of set-pieces if not all of them.
Defenders
Joao Cancelo-DK $6.5K || FD $15
Cancelo remains one of the top defenders in the Premier League and for very good reason. He plays up and down the entire pitch in virtually any role he needs to. This makes him a very special defender that offers a lot of value and versatility, as well as a high ceiling at times. He truly becomes valuable on FanDuel’s platform due to their chances-created scoring metric which he will see plenty of, delivering crosses to Haaland all season. Bournemouth is subject to poor defense on the flanks and Cancelo could have a field day tearing up and down the left side of the pitch.
[H] Southampton (+125) vs [A] Leeds United (+210) Total: o2.5
Jesse Marsch's side got off to an excellent start last weekend with a season-opening win against Wolverhampton. While Southampton saw quite the opposite result, with a 4-1 thumping from Tottenham. The host's defense was suspect at best and they will now be pinned against another strong and improved offense. Will Southampton be able to bounce back to hold the young and fast Leeds side?
Expected Outcome: Leeds 2-0
Forwards
Patrick Bamford-DK $5.2K || FD $17
Bamford did not have a crazy performance in his first game back from injury and season debut. The striker has the potential to lead the Leeds line long-term, but he has yet to fulfill that expectation. Bamford had two shots last match and thanks to his lack of production, his salary has been reduced. This is a perfect spot to pay down at to fit the Manchester City studs.
Midfielders
James Ward-Prowse-DK $8.9K || FD $18
Southampton did not play well at all against Tottenham last weekend, but Ward-Prowse still managed to lift the team where he could in dire circumstances. Ward-Prowse is the offense for Southampton and he remains on all set-pieces making him a valuable midfielder. In the loss last week, he scored once, produced two shots and sent seven crosses. Leeds does have an improved side, but Ward-Prowse has shown time and time again that he can produce against any club.
Defenders
Rasmus Kristensen-DK $4K || FD $10
Kristensen did not have a terrific showing in his debut for Leeds, however, he still holds long-term potential and we will go back to him this weekend. Southampton did not look good defensively and Kristensen loves to push up the flank to provide offensive support. If you recall, last weekend I mentioned Ryan Sessegnon from Tottenham for the same reason. Now it is Kristensen's turn to do the same. In Kristensen's first showing, he had one cross, one tackle and two interceptions.
[H] Wolverhampton (+125) vs [A] Fulham (+220) Total: u2.5
Wolverhampton is surprisingly the favorites in this meeting, albeit not by much. The hosts struggled to find consistency and success against Leeds last weekend and they get to host the newly improved Fulham this weekend. A club that held Liverpool to a draw and at one point was winning the match. Fulham has bolstered their already lethal attack with winger Manor Solomon from Shakhtar Donetsk and they also added two major pieces to their midfield with Andreas Pereira from Manchester United and Joao Palhinha from Sporting CP. The club just also just made two recent acquisitions with Kevin Mbabu from Wolfsburg and Bern Leno from Arsenal. Bench boss Marco Silva is being given all the tools to succeed this season and he will get another chance to shine against Wolverhampton here.
Expected Outcome: Fulham 2-1
Forwards
Aleksandar Mitrovic-DK $7.7K || FD $18
Although more of a GPP play, Mitrovic is a great option at forward this weekend. The striker showed impressive composure twice against Liverpool, once in the air and another on a penalty. There is a reason he continues to lead the Fulham attack. Last season Mitrovic led the Championship in goals with 43, the next highest was Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth with 23 goals. That is a 20-goal difference between the Golden Boot winner and second place!
Midfielders
Andreas Pereira-DK $4.1K || FD $11
This is officially the ultimate paydown spot to fit Manchester City in the lineup. There is little to no reason that Pereira should have such a low salary, however, we will not complain. The midfielder took one shot and sent six crosses in his debut for Fulham. That easily gets him to value if he replicates that performance at a minimum. Wolverhampton was not as solid defensively against Leeds and Fulham will look to take advantage as well with the ball flowing through Pereira.
Defenders
Johnny-DK $4.4K || FD $9
You can take your pick between Johnny and teammate Rayan Ait-Nouri-DK $5.2K || FD $. Either way, you can't go wrong. We will side with Johnny though because his salary is less and he will prove more valuable in this matchup. The defender is a true versatile wingback that offers support both defensively and offensively without risking errors on either end. This has proven key to once again providing stability to Wolverhampton's defense. After Johnny initially left once his loan ended with the club, Wolverhampton struggled to find a true fit for the left-back, eventually bringing Johnny back to the club permanently. In his appearance last weekend, he took one shot, sent two crosses, made two tackles and intercepted three times.
Goalies
Ederson-DK $5.9K || FD $15
If you are looking for a goalie that will be north of 20% ownership this gameweek, here you go. Ederson is the top keeper of choice on the slate and for good reason. He is playing against Bournemouth who although did keep their own clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Aston Villa, does not have the firepower to break down the title winners. Ederson and City also kept a clean sheet last weekend against a stronger offense from West Ham. It would be surprising to see City concede here.
Illan Meslier-DK $4.4K || FD $9
Outside of Ederson, the only other 'safe' play is Ramsdale, however, we will go with a lesser salaried keeper for our second choice. Meslier will once again make the article after posting a solid outing against Wolverhampton last weekend. The keeper made impressive save after impressive save and he still posted a double-digit fantasy outing despite conceding a goal. Meslier also has increased support in front of him which will only help his value this season.
Expected Corner Takers:
Arsenal: Odegaard/Saka
Leicester City: Maddison
Brighton & Hove Albion: Gross
Newcastle United: Trippier
Manchester City: De Bruyne
Bournemouth: Tavernier
Southampton: Ward-Prowse
Leeds United: Harrison/Aaronson
Leeds United: Aaronson
Wolverhampton: Neto/Gibbs-White
Fulham: Pereira
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off! Good luck in all of your contests today!
