Richard Masana 
This article focuses on 6/18 La Liga Picks for DraftKings and FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Daily Fantasy. We consider tournament tactics, statistics, pricing, and attempt to tackle this highly variable Daily Fantasy format so we can gain an edge on the field at large.
6/18 La Liga
We are coming off a big soccer day with the return of EPL but now it’s back to La Liga. We have a two game slate with the later matchup between Real Madrid and Valencia, the headliner. Real Madrid comes in as a strong -265 home favorite, but this game won’t necessarily be a walk in the park for them. In the earlier game, Real Sociedad is a -110 favorite against Alaves.
Eden Hazard is back for Real Madrid and trying to compensate for what has otherwise been a lost season for him. With one less game played, Real Madrid sit five points short of Barcelona in the La Liga Table.
6/18 La Liga Best Bet
Real Sociedad (-104) at Alaves (+315) – Under 3 Goals (-120) – 2:00 PM ET – Thursday 6/18 – *REAL SOCIEDAD*
The Betting Game Plan
Alaves is in the bottom third in scoring in La Liga and the home edge here is negated by no fans. I think when compared to the Real Madrid game with the odds on RM so high, there is more value with this bet and the -104 money line odds on RS. It is not however without risk so I would not combine it with a second higher risk play on a parlay. If you can hold your horses for one more day, Barcelona is much safer.
6/18 DraftKings Point Per Dollar Rankings
Top Five
- 1. Toni Kroos – Real Madrid – $8,500 – It is concerning that he only had four points outside of his goal last time out. Particularly given the fact he only has four goals across 25 appearances this season. However, Kroos still handles the set pieces for Real Madrid and generally gives us a higher floor than the other options.
- 2. Karim Benzema- Real Madrid – $8,600 – Benzema has been struggling as of late, but still has -124 goal scoring odds, according to the DraftKings sportsbook. With Real Madrid favored once again, this is a great chance for him to snap out of the recent funk.
- 3. Eden Hazard – Real Madrid – $8,000 – If Eden Hazard is back to his old self and finally getting acclimated at Real Madrid, this price tag is an absolute bargain. The breakout is happening any game now and it could be this one. Hazard has +161 scoring odds, second best on the slate.
- 4. Marcelo – Real Madrid – $6,200 – Normally, I’d think Marcelo would get to rest up after starting last game and Mendy and Carvajal would be in there. However, Carvajal got dinged up “more below” so it might be Marcelo time once again. He just sends in loads of crosses, hoping to make the magic happen.
- 5. Ferland Mendy – Real Madrid – $5,500 – Dani Carvajal was injured and left halfway in last game. Mendy has been a usual starter anyway. Across 70-90 minutes he gives us a nice floor, playing as a wingback.
Best of the Rest
- 6. Willan Jose/Alexander Isak – Real Sociedad – $6,800/$7,000 – Whichever one is in, both have the best goal odds outside of Benzema and Hazard listed above.
- 7. Vinicius Junior/Rodrygo- Valencia – $6,300 – It is unlikely Gareth Bale would start at this point, given his sour relationship with the club. So it is likely one of these two on the wing opposite Hazard. They both make for terrific tournament plays.
- 8. Martin Odegaard – Real Sociedad – $7,300 – The Barcelona loanee is a talented young player. However, without any set pieces and slumping, this seems like an overpay.
- 9. Portu- Real Sociedad – $6,600 – Portu, unlike Odegaard, is handling set pieces for Real Sociedad. That gives him a decent floor making him a better cash play.
- 10. Victor Camarasa – Alaves – $3,800 – Value is needed and the former EPL man at Cardiff City, fits the bill. He has not been tearing it up at Alaves but is a decent player and helps make builds fit.
- 11. Alex Remiro – Real Sociedad – $5,300 – My favorite goalie on the slate, facing low scoring Alaves.
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