World Cup Daily Plays: June 22nd, 2014
Games on Sunday:
- Belgium vs. Russia, 12:00PM EST
- Algeria vs. South Korea, 3:00PM EST
- Portugal vs. USA, 6:00pm EST
Goalkeeper
Really, aside from perhaps Rui Patricio (POR), you could make an argument for any of the keepers on Sunday. There’s a top shelf option, a pair of mid-level candidates and some punt potential in the Algeria/South Korea match.
Tim Howard (USA) – I think Howard needs to play even better on Sunday that against Ghana. Portugal is just that much more desperate than Ghana was in an opening match, and they’re attack from the first whistle. Even if there isn’t a great chance of a clean sheet, there is a definite possibilty for a lot of action to come Howard’s way and potential for a win bonus.
Thibaut Courtois (BEL) – Courtois is not cheap on both sites, let’s lead off with that. He’s got the best matchup on paper, and I doubt the Belgian defense makes the same mistakes as they did yesterday. If you’re willing to bite the bullet in other positions, Courtois is your man.
Sung-Ryong Jung (KOR) – This is a DraftStreet only value play; Jung has a $23 dollar price tag on StatClash. The South Korea/Algeria tilt on Sunday is a game that could see any number of results, even more than common sense might dictate. You could also use Igor Akinfeev (RUS) if you want to spend less in net, and hope a) Belgium pepper the Russian keeper with shots and b) that he doesn’t let a goal go through his hands.
Defenders
Looking over the options at defender, there’s a real lack of top shelf options you’d want to put your money into. Over 8k on DraftStreet for Vincent Kompany? He’s got to score to justify that. There’s no real outside backs worth paying six or seven thousand for. It’s punt, close your eyes and shoot for the moon…
Luis Neto (POR) – Bruno Alves hasn’t practiced for the last two days for Portugal, and Neto would be his replacement. Under 5k on DraftStreet and a bargain basement option on StatClash, you hope for the best. A chance to pay high on other positions. Joao Pereira is the best option for Portugal, lining up against DeMarcus Beasley, but at $7.3K on DraftStreet that’s a high price for a defender.
Yong Lee (KOR) – Especially on DraftStreet, he’s a cheap starter so you can put your money down on midfielders or forwards.
*Thomas Vermaelen (BEL) * – Belgium has the early start, so you’ll know if Vermaelen plays in the place of Daniel van Buyten. There’s a good chance of a clean sheet and the Vermaelen, the 2012 version, was hell of an option on set pieces. He’s not bargain basement, but worth a play. Jan Vertonghen is a step up and might have more of upside due to his play as an outside back.
Midfield
By far on DraftStreet, Eden Hazard is the top play, both with the highest price tag and most upside when it comes to points. Other than Hazard, it’s the mid to sub $13k cost options to choose between.
Nabil Bentaleb (ALG) – An inexpensive option, but Bentaleb is the fulcrum for Algeria in midfield and just over 10K on DraftStreet .
Dries Mertens (BEL) – Again, the early start will take out the risk of Belgium’s starting lineup. Mertens is likely to start in the place of Nacer Chadli. But aside his goal off the bench; he has a greater shot than either Marouane Fellaini or Moussa Dembele, the two sides of the other midfield question Marc Wilmots is mulling over. That, and Mertens is less expensive than either defensive midfielder.
William (POR) – There’s inherent risk here; Paulo Bento hasn’t tipped his hand for Portugal’s starting lineup. Just under $10k, if news leaks the talented Sporting Lisbon youngster gets the start, he could pay off big.
Alejandro Bedoya (USA) – Bedoya had chances against Ghana, especially as a provider down the right. He’d be the contrarian, low percentage owned option.
Forwards
There are two top end options, and the rest mid-level options in the $9-13K range. So choose one of the following, and the rest…choose the right individuals, and you’ll be in the money.
Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) and Romelu Lukaku (BEL) – Your top two options for Sunday. Ronaldo costs over $23K on DraftStreet, while Lukaku is priced at $19.5k. Both players can’t play worse can they did in their respective first matches; Lukaku disappeared for stretches against Algeria despite Belgium’s man advantage. And Ronaldo, well, his injury status is pretty well known. Do you want to gamble on his price tag on DraftStreet?
Aron Johannsson/Chris Wondolowski (USA) – There’s no decision announced by Jurgen Klinsmann yet on who replaces Jozy Altidore Sunday. Whomever does get the start faces either an injured Alves and Neto, or the latter paired with Ricardo Costa. Whomever gets the chance to start will see chances against Portugal; it’ll likely be Johannson.
Sofiane Feghouli (ALG) – Another mid-level salary for a starting forward against a questionable defense, Feghouli will try to match his output against South Korea that he did against Belgium. Plus, he takes penalties.
Eder (POR) – With Hugo Almeida out, Eder will start for Portugal. There’s a chance the starting option for a potentialy potent Portugal attack will be the beneficary of a handful of chances. There’s also a chance he repeats his poor performance against Germany against the US.