FanDuel Soccer: EPL DFS Under-the-Radar Plays for 12/12/20

If you have played daily fantasy sports for a while, you know the importance of being contrarian in large-field tournaments. Recognizing which players are going to be popular and finding others who you think have a similar point projection but will be much less popular can really separate yourself from your opponents.

The same goes for DFS EPL. Even though the large-field tournaments aren't quite as large as they are for other sports, there is still value in identifying quality under-the-radar plays.

This article will discuss FanDuel's main Saturday slate, which starts at 10:00 a.m. EST and features three matches.

Matchweek 12 features three-big six sides in Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea, and it is highlighted by a Manchester Derby. United enter this weekend fresh off being eliminated from the Champions League on Tuesday, while City and Chelsea both won their groups and secured their place in the Round of 16. Chelsea (-145) is the largest favorite on the slate, followed by Manchester City (-140). Newcastle (+155) round out the slate as slight home favorites against West Brom.

All eyes will be on Manchester on Saturday, but Chelsea's stars will likely be the most popular players on the slate. Everton is in the middle of a tough run of form, while Chelsea has maintained their impressive start to the season. Despite the presence of three big-six sides on the slate, there really isn't a clear favorite among them. Manchester United and Everton will likely go overlooked given their recent form, but they aren't large underdogs and are both playing at home.

With all that in mind, here are two players to consider on this slate -- especially for tournament formats -- who may fly under the radar.

Jonjo Shelvey, FWD/MID, Newcastle

FanDuel Salary: $9

Despite lacking the star power of Saturday's other two fixtures, Newcastle's clash with West Brom has several paths to fantasy production on both sides. Both Newcastle and West Brom have been terrible at the back recently, with each side averaging 1.7 goals conceded per match over their last six, tied for fifth-worst in the Premier League. With the other two fixtures on the slate potentially resulting in hard fought contests, there could be goals on both sides of this one, and there are some affordable options.

Shelvey finally returned from a groin injury that had kept him sidelined since October to start and play the full 90 minutes in Newcastle's last fixture all the way back on November 27th. He produced 18.8 FanDuel points in a two-goal loss to Crystal Palace, taking two shots, placing one on goal and creating two chances. In his six starts this season, only once has he failed to register a shot and create a chance. When active, he has split corner duties with Sean Longstaff ($8) and has a commanding role on free kicks.

Coming off an extended rest, Shelvey should be fully fit for this one and is a value at his salary. Consider pairing him with Callum Wilson ($18), who will not fly under the radar but will likely be less popular than he should be due to the other options in his salary range.

Mason Greenwood, FWD/MID, Manchester United

FanDuel Salary: $14

Coming off their midweek elimination from the Champions League and with questions swirling about the future of their manager and several stars, the public is acting like the sky is falling on the red half of Manchester. While they have had their fair share of struggles and their elimination was a disappointment, they have also shown flashes of promise and are worth considering when the public is expected to be off them completely. Facing a City side that is unbeaten in their last five, this is certainly one of those times.

Greenwood's salary is low for his expected role at the top of United's attack. Despite their recent struggles, one thing United's recent fixtures haven't lacked is goals. They have scored in all of their previous eight matches and are averaging 2.25 goals per match over that stretch. An injury to Edison Cavani should allow Greenwood to play extended minutes in this one, and on a short slate, it takes just a single goal against the run of play for him to be worth a roster spot.

Greenwood himself has struggled so far this season with just two goals in 12 appearances, but he's coming off back-to-back 90-minute outings which resulted in FanDuel outputs of 24.3 and 10.0. His upward momentum following last season has certainly slowed, but the talent is still there, and if he's going to go overlooked in a spot where he could see extended minutes on a short slate, he's well worth considering for large-field tournaments on Saturday. Consider adding him to game stacks with two City forwards to capitalize on United's poor defense and create a more unique lineup.