Welcome to the DFS Army Soccer Starting XI! This is the place to start your research as we’ll go game-by-game breaking down every match-up. For this week, the game-by-game breakdown is for VIP members along with coaches notes from both theDFSniper and TreyJ989, complete with player picks, confidence ratings, and in-depth advice for each slate. If you’re not a VIP member, join today and use code GOAL for 20% off!
If you’re new to DFS Soccer and want to get a better handle on the basics, watch this introductory video as we get you ready to start cashing in your soccer contests. theDFSniper also put together a five-step guide to constructing cash game lineups, give it a quick read before heading into head-to-heads and double-ups.
One last thing before we get rolling, Follow the soccer staff on Twitter @TreyJ989 and @theDFSniper
Starting XI Breakdown
Norwich (+250) @ Burnley (+100)
Draw (+280) | Total: Over 2.5 (-150)
Norwich is fresh off a win over the defending league champs. Norwich plays an exciting brand of attacking football that gets compounded when you have another attacking team. That’s not Burnley. Expect Burnley to soak up as much pressure as Norwich wants to throw at them and try to hit back in a counter when the moment presents itself. This should be an effective strategy for a team that won’t commit as many numbers forward as Manchester City. I like the home side. The only injury of note is Johann Berg Gudmundsson. He is facing a late fitness test and could make his return to the lineup. This game looks to setup well for a lot of periphal points. I may look for this one to come in under the total, however.
BUR 5-Star Plays: None
BUR 4-Star Plays: McNeil (DK) Barnes (both) Pope (both)
GPP Note: This is a team I will look to stack. Chris Wood is also in play
NOR 5-Star Plays: None
NOR 4-Star Plays: Buendia (DK)
GPP Note: a 1-off is playable in GPP from their attacking core.
Sheffield United (+500) @ Everton (-163)
Draw (+275) | Total: Under 2.5 (-125)
Everton is a solid favorite at home and they are catching a Sheffield United team that is sputtering, despite their results. To their credit, however, they are slowly gaining some points early on this season behind a decent defense. Everton is a tale of two teams. They struggle on the road only to turn around and come good for the home fans, albeit in a small sample size. I’m going to give Everton the edge but I dont think it is as wide as the sportsbooks would have you believe. Everton should get back Richarlison after he left with tightness in his hamstring and Sheffield will be without their spark plug off the bench, Billy Sharp, after he was sent off with a red card.
SHU 5-Star Plays: None.
SHU 4-Star Plays: None.
GPP Note: I am interested in a one-off here and there as Everton’s defense has not lived up to the hype.
EVE 5-Star Plays: Digne (DK)
EVE 4-Star Plays: Sigurdsson (DK)
GPP Note: Everton’s scoring is spread out and exposure to Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison is warranted. Digne is in-play in gpp on Fanduel.
Watford (+2000) @ Manchester City (-1000)
Draw (+1000) | Total: Over 3.5 (-150)
Watford heads to the Etihad to take on a Man City team that is less than fresh. Last weekend, City lost at Norwich and then had a midweek match in the Ukraine. Watford only has to worry about domestic competition. If I was a watford player or coach I would be itching to get this match started. City has won the English Premier League for 2 years running and this is the first time they look vulnerable. They are without Stones and LaPorte so they are left with Otamendi and Fernandinho at center back. Its passable, but not ideal. Both teams are in play.
WAT 5-Star Plays: Kabasele (FD)
WAT 4-Star Plays: None.
GPP Note: I fancy a one-off here in GPP with Gray or Pereyra.
MCI 5-Star Plays: KDB (both), Aguero (both)
MCI 4-Star Plays: Sterling (both)
GPP Note: Ben Mendy should be back at left back and he is worth some exposure on DK. Everyone will have City stacks. The ways to differentiate will be how you attack other games or by going with a 1-off and hoping the game duds. I dont see it going the latter way with City at home.
Brighton (+200) @ Newcastle (+150)
Draw (+220) | Total: Under 2.5 (-163)
This is an odd choice for the primetime game, but it should be competitive. Brighton is playing a more exciting game under their new manager and newcastle is proving they arent complete fodder. Their season prospects are still terrible but at least they will go down swinging. The only injury news of note is that Brighton return their left wing, Martin Montoya, to the lineup and Fabian Schar looks to be over his calf injury for Newcastle. For me, this looks to be a defensive game for both clubs. It should play under the 2.5 goals. The best assets look to be in defense or at keeper.
BHA 5-Star Plays: None.
BHA 4-Star Plays: None.
GPP Note: Goals could be at a premium. I will have shares of G-Def stacks from both sides.
NEW 5-Star Plays:
NEW 4-Star Plays: Dubravka (both), Atsu (DK, if on set-pieces)
GPP Note: Goals could be at a premium. I will have shares of G-Def stacks from both sides.