The 2018 World Cup is winding down and it’s been a successful one for the DFS Army. But don’t worry the edge for Soccer contests doesn’t end with the World Cup as the 2018-2019 English Premier League starts August 11 – make sure and join us in Slack all season long! The semifinals will be a two-day slate, making the Research Station and our projected formations as well as our discussions in Slack Chat all the more important. The below is a preview of each game and my thoughts on the top player from each team. Not a VIP? Join now and use code “SNIPER” for 10% off membership. See you in Slack!
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– Odds
– Project Totals
– Set Piece Takers
– Projected Formations
For those of you new to DFS soccer, I’ve created an introductory video: DFS Soccer Introduction & Strategy
Need help constructing a cash game lineup? Check this out – Soccer Strategy: Five Steps to Building a Cash Lineup
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Game-By-Game Breakdown
France vs. Belgium
Both of these teams came through for us in a BIG way in the quarterfinals, particularly Belgium and Kevin De Bruyne who became a lock play for a lot of us in the Army based on the release of the formation vs. Brazil. However, France comes into this contest as the favorite and the more sound team defensively and one who will look to control the midfield and limit the upside of the Belgians star powered front-line. However, both teams have an implied team total over one goal and I expect some good back-and-forth action.
My top play on the Belgium side will ultimately depend on their formation and personnel as Thomas Meunier is sure to miss the next match based on yellow card accumulation. If De Bruyne again lines up in an advanced position then I’ll find a way to afford him in cash. If he is slotted into a holding midfielder top of role then I’ll look to Eden Hazard to be the most reliable option while I always reserve Romelu Lukaku for GPPs. On the French side, a lot of people were burned by Kylian Mbappe last time out and while he’s absolutely in my player pool, I will again prefer Antoine Griezmann thanks to his role on set pieces providing a higher floor in addition to being the primary penalty taker.
England vs. Croatia
England continues their run through this tournament and took care of business with a 2-0 win over Sweden in the quarterfinals. This team actually breaks out pretty easily for fantasy purposes with Harry Kane as your boom or bust option, which I’ll reserve for GPPs. Kieran Trippier and Ashley Young combine for my favorite cash plays on DraftKings as they are defenders who are responsible for corners and cross in open play. On FanDuel, the top cash option is a little harder so I’m going to throw a bit of a curve ball if you’ve read my other content and know how I feel about the variance of goal keepers. But in this case, Jordan Pickford is tied as the least expensive goalie on FanDuel but is the largest favorite on the slate – sign me up.
Croatia on the other hand offers a well balanced attack and has a line of four midfielders that are all dangerous on the attach. By default, in cash games I look right to the set piece taker and the top player on the penalty kick sheet – Luka Modric. Modric has 18 crosses (DK) and 12 chances created (FD) in the last two games to go along with two goals and one assist in the tournament. Also, if England end up on the attach he is capable of doing the defensive work in the middle of the field to accrue points that way.
That’s what I have for you today, good luck and I’ll see you in Slack tomorrow morning! Remember, a ton changes based on confirmed lineups & formations. Not a VIP? Join now and use code “SNIPER” for 10% off membership.
