Soccer Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-05-23

SportsPulse.com DFS Weekly Soccer Picks: Game Week 12

Welcome back, DFS fanatics! It’s your SportsPulse.com analyst, here to guide you through another thrilling slate on DraftKings and FanDuel. This week presents some intriguing matchups, and identifying the right players to anchor your lineups can be the difference between a cash finish and a top-tier payout. Let’s dive into my top picks for success.

Top 3 Players to START This Week

1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City): After a relatively quiet fixture last week by his standards, Haaland is primed for a massive bounce-back. Facing a struggling Fulham defense that has conceded 8 goals in their last three away games, the prolific Norwegian striker is an absolute must-start. His underlying stats remain elite, and he’s due for a multi-goal performance. Don’t overthink it; he’s your captain lock. 2. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich): Musiala has been in sublime form, bagging 3 goals and 2 assists in his last four Bundesliga appearances. This week, Bayern hosts a mid-table side known for giving up space in midfield, which is where Musiala thrives. His dribbling, shot volume, and creative output make him a high-floor, high-ceiling play, especially in a game Bayern is expected to dominate offensively. 3. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool): The attacking full-back is finding his rhythm again. With a home fixture against Nottingham Forest, a team that often sits deep, Alexander-Arnold's crossing and set-piece responsibilities will be crucial. He's recorded an assist in two of his last three games and his clean sheet potential against a weaker attack boosts his points floor considerably. Expect him to be heavily involved in Liverpool's offensive pushes.

1. Romelu Lukaku (AS Roma): While Lukaku has shown flashes, his consistency is still a concern, and this week's away fixture against a robust Inter Milan defense is a tough one. Inter has kept clean sheets in 60% of their home matches this season, and Lukaku’s reliance on service might be limited against such a strong backline. There are better options at his price point. 2. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): Fernandes is always tempting, but Manchester United faces a tricky away trip to Newcastle, who boast one of the league's stingiest home defenses. Newcastle plays a high-pressing, intense game that often stifles creative midfielders. With his recent fantasy returns being inconsistent and facing a formidable opponent, his significant salary makes him a risky play this week.

1. Santi Giménez (Feyenoord): At a modest salary, Giménez has been a revelation in the Eredivisie, with 9 goals in his last 7 league appearances. This week, Feyenoord travels to face a team that has conceded at least two goals in four of their last five home games. Giménez is a prime candidate to exploit this shaky defense and offers fantastic goal-scoring upside for his price. 2. Piero Hincapié (Bayer Leverkusen): The young defender offers an excellent blend of defensive contributions and potential attacking involvement at a bargain price. Leverkusen is at home against a struggling Union Berlin side, increasing his clean sheet probability. Hincapié is active in aerial duels and has shown an ability to join the attack, making him a great salary-saver with a solid floor and unexpected upside.

Evan Ferguson (Brighton & Hove Albion): Most managers will shy away from Brighton strikers, especially with a perceived tough matchup against Tottenham. However, Tottenham has shown vulnerabilities at the back, particularly against dynamic movement, and Ferguson is a clinical finisher who often goes overlooked. He’s due for a goal, and his low ownership could provide a massive leverage play if he finds the back of the net. Don’t be surprised if the young Irishman pops off this week.

Good luck with your lineups, and remember to always check for last-minute

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