With the Premier League kicking off, Fanduel’s daily fantasy competitions returns. Jorginho and Antonio Rudiger lead the way for Chelsea in this EPL Toe Poke lineup, with a few ex-Blues littered in as well.
Chelsea’s transfer window ended up better than expected, so now it’s time to go from reality to fantasy for this week’s Fanduel EPL Toe Poke competition.
FWD: Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham) – 8,500
The big man will want to impress the Fulham fans on his debut, along with all the other new arrivals. It’s a common theme in this fantasy lineup. With the likes of Ryan Sessegnon and Andre Schurrle providing service he’ll have plenty of opportunities to net one or a few. Quality value for the price.
FWD: Wilfred Zaha (Crystal Palace) – 10,500
The numbers say Wilfred Zaha will be part of whatever production Crystal Palace can muster versus Fulham. Go ahead and put all yout eggs in the “this match is going to be high scoring” basket. Zaha is easily the most dangerous player on Crystal Palace and cheaper than Alvaro Morata, who has obviously had trouble finishing chances.
MID: Joringho (Chelsea) – 8,500
Throughout the preseason (yes, I’m aware its just preseason) Jorginho has been stellar over the ball. As the deep-lying playmaker for Maurizio Sarri’s midfield, his passing will be on point. It all comes down to whether or not anyone up top can finish one of his delicious passes. His Fanduel value comes from passes, key passes and assists.
MID: Ruben Neves (Wolves) – 7,500
Ruben Neves is a cheap midfield option who can provide goals. The Portuguese playmaker will surely be pumped up, and his newly-promoted squad will want to get off on the right foot with a convincing win over an unconvincing Everton team flush with talent and no direction. Neves will control the match and Wolves will dominate.
MID: Andre Schurrle (Fulham) – 7,500
Welcome back to the Premier League, Mr. Schurrle! Making his debut for Fulham and making a mark on his return to the Premier League is enough motivation to select Schurrle in the hopes he will make his return party into a real banger with some goals or assists. Mitrovic is a finisher and Schurrle will get the ball to him plenty of times. Ryan Sessegnon an equal value pick for this position.
DEF: Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea) – 5,000
The German has been very solid in the back throughout the preseason. He appears set to be one of Sarri’s starters in the back line, probably partnered with Andreas Christensen (please no Luiz, please no Luiz, please no Luiz). His fantasy value comes from clearances, blocks, and the possibly of a goal off a corner or long free kick. An uncreative Hudderfield will allow Rudiger to venture forward a little.
DEF: Christopher Schindler (Huddersfield) – 6,000
Last year he was a top ten fantasy pick for defenders in interceptions, clearances, and blocked shots. He will have a very busy day with Chelsea having a ton of possession and repeated attacks upon the Huddersfield back line. Schindler is all defensive value here, unlikely to have any goal opportunities. But against a team like Chelsea he will produce defensively.
GK: Asmir Begovic (Bournemouth) – 5,500
The ex-Chelsea keeper has the best odds to get the clean sheet. He will face Cardiff City, who likely will not score, so his value is high simply because of their opponent. Bournemouth won’t have many clean sheets this season, so don’t miss out on one of the few they do deliver.
Does this look like your team? Let us know below or share your lineup on Twitter!