Daily Fantasy Premier League 2015: Best EPL Lineup Picks Week 25
It's hard to say the Premier League is back for Week 25, because it never really left. After an action-packed weekend of derbies and close-knit affairs, England's top-flight league returns on a quick turnaround for a midweek slate.
Rest is in order for certain players, which can add to unpredictability, but there are several can't-miss studs to target. Here's the optimal lineup for the EPL in Week 25 on DraftKings.
| GK | Brad Guzan (AST) | Hull | 7.1 | $4,200 |
| D | Branislav Ivanovic (CHE) | Everton | 9.6 | $4,900 |
| D | Andrew Robertson (HUL) | Aston Villa | 4.2 | $4,200 |
| M | Mesut Ozil (ARS) | Leicester | 9.5 | $8,300 |
| M | Juan Mata (MAN) | Burnley | 8.2 | $6,800 |
| F | Jermain Defoe (SUN) | QPR | 11.2 | $6,300 |
| F | Robin van Persie (MAN) | Burnley | 10.0 | $9,800 |
| Flex | Remy Cabella (NEW) | Crystal Palace | 6.1 | $5,500 |
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Sunderland F Jermain Defoe ($6,300)
All Jermain Defoe does in the EPL is score goals, and that's never been on better display than in his first few matches with an improving Sunderland club.
He failed to score in his first league appearance against Tottenham but dazzled in his next two, scoring a goal in each. It's no coincidence that Sunderland haven't dropped a match since he appeared in the Jan. 31 game against Burnley.
| 2/7: at Swansea | 1 | 0 | 2 | 14 |
| 1/31: Burnley | 1 | 0 | 2 | 15 |
| 1/17: at Spurs | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
With relegation still a real possibility, Defoe sounds intent on continuing his recent tear against QPR, per the Press Association, via The Guardian: “QPR are a team really fighting as well but we just have to play like we did here because I thought we played well. We created some chances but football’s about results and you have to put on a performance.”
QPR are struggling as much as any squad in the league, having dropped four matches in a row. Having conceded more goals than anyone in the EPL, they will struggle again versus Defoe's vision and ability in the box.
Manchester United F Robin van Persie ($9,800)
It's put up or shut up time for Manchester United as they chase a top-four finish, which means a favorable matchup against Burnley could not have come at a better time for Robin van Persie and Manchester United's attack.
Late heroics were needed to salvage a point against West Ham over the weekend, but the Red Devils will be aggressive early with a chance to grab three points. While the Dutch striker struggled mightily the last time out, he tends to bounce back from such performances with his best play.
The Burnley defense ranks 16th overall in the league, which is a recipe for success for RVP and Co.
Arsenal M Mesut Ozil ($8,300)
The Gunners' recent emergence hit a snag with a defeat to Tottenham over the weekend, but the triumphant return of Mesut Ozil will assure no lingering struggles for Arsenal.
He hit the ground running in his return against Aston Villa, notching both a goal and an assist in a 5-0 win. Even in the loss to Tottenham, it was Ozil who got Arsenal the early lead with a clinical score. Arsenal News captured a striking comparison to his recent form:
Arsenal are poised to get back to the win column in a big way in Week 25, going up against Leicester City at home with a chance to remain dangerous in the top four. With a chance to seize the moment against a porous club, Ozil will shine.
Chelsea D Branislav Ivanovic ($5,900)
When it comes to can't-miss defensive studs, look no further than Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic week after week.
It's hard to find a consistent attacking presence among defenders, but Ivanovic has been just that. His three assists on the season have come in his last five league appearances, and he netted an all-important goal in Chelsea's narrow win at Aston Villa over the weekend.
| 0.1 | 0.33 | 1.2 | 11.3 |
It's the consistency Ivanovic brings to the defense that makes him an obvious selection even with a sky-high price for a defender. He has secured double-digit fantasy point totals in eight of his last 10 matches.
Everton haven't scored more than once in their last five EPL matches, so expect Ivanovic to batten down the hatches on defense as well.
Aston Villa GK Brad Guzan ($4,200)
If you're looking for goalscoring, avoid Aston Villa. But in their offensive haplessness, a defensive identity has shone through, as they've given up fewer goals than anyone else in the bottom half.
They face another offensively struggling squad in Hull City this week, who have scored the second-fewest goals in the league. Hull produce only 12 shots per game at home on average, which translates to a relatively simple day for Brad Guzan in net.
Team rankings and stats courtesy of WhoScored.com unless otherwise noted
