RADIO
With two games in the Round of 16, today's showdowns are Russia vs Spain and Denmark vs Croatia. Due to the multiple games being played, lineups are back to their normal constructions. Below we bring you seven players you should consider as World Cup DFS lineup picks for Matchday 17 (on July 1st, 2018).
Not all are top-tier options, as there is a range of DFS value picks, sleepers and high-risk players mixed in.
Consider all of these players for your DFS lineups; however, at the end of the day, it is always your decision. Good luck, RotoBallers.
WC DFS Forwards to Consider
Mario Mandzukic - F, Croatia (DK - $7,100, FD - $TBD)
With an enticing matchup against Denmark, Croatia should be on the front foot for the majority of the game. Croatia have been playing some of the best football of the entire tournament, and it shouldn't be long before star forward Mario Mandzukic is able to find the back of the net. Given his prowess for scoring at the club and international level, Mandzukic is an excellent option in GPP formats due to the likelihood of him finding the back of the net against a subpar Danish defense.
Artem Dzyuba - F, Russia (DK - $6,300, FD - $TBD)
If you pass on Mandzukic and Spaniard Diego Costa, a good contrarian play is Russian forward Artem Dzyuba. Dzyuba has scored three goals in the tournament thus far, but was shut out against a superior Uruguayan side in the last Group Stage match for the hosts. Dzyuba is the likely starter in the Round of 16 and should be considered a solid Tournament play with scoring upside against a Spain side that doesn't have the home field advantage of Russia.
WC DFS Midfielders to Consider
Luka Modric - M, Croatia (DK - $8,700, FD - $TBD)
Luka Modric has been one of the highest performing players in the entire tournament, with two goals to his name and no lack of evidence for his massive impact on Croatia's positive performances. Modric is just as likely as anyone else to score from Croatia and is the assist king for the Croatian side, playing as their main creative outlet. Consider Modric as a high-ownership GPP option in today's slate who should be able to provide several points regardless of the format.
David Silva - M, Uruguay (DK - $7,400, FD - $TBD)
A great value on DraftKings, Spanish midfielder David Silva has yet to break out this tournament. Nevertheless, a game against Russia could be his curtain call, as the Manchester City midfielder has been exceptional for his club team this season and has still played well for Spain thus far. Silva plays in a more advanced position for Spain than for his club team, making him an excellent value for his price on both sites.
WC DFS Defenders to Consider
Dani Carvajal - D, Spain (DK - $5,600, FD - $TBD)
While most will be quick to select Spanish left back Jordi Alba, it is right back Dani Carvajal who could provide more value. Carvajal is an excellent option who has gotten up the pitch several times so far this tournament. With a clean sheet a good probability for Spain against Russia, expect Carvajal to feature heavily on both the defensive and attacking sides of the pitch.
Dejan Lovren - D, Argentina (DK - $3,800, FD - $TBD)
Once again, you are going with upside here, as Croatia's center backs have been playing well thus far and have the easiest matchup of the day against Denmark. However, Lovren still has significant value, especially if he is able to score from a corner or provide several clearances, which he is known to do. Lovren is a good, cheap option who is more of a Tournament play on DraftKings but a solid player to consider on FanDuel.
WC DFS Goalies to Consider
Igor Akinfeev - G, Russia (DK - $3,900, FD - TBD)
A good theme for goalkeeper consideration in the Round of 16 is to pick the cheapest starter. The difference in points is not as massive as the price point value that you generate when you select a guaranteed starter for over $1,000 less than the top option. This gives you more flexibility to choose the rest of your lineup and banks on the fact that Russia, as hosts, have a solid chance to play a good game against an aging Spanish side. Regardless, Akinfeev should be called on to make several saves, giving him considerable upside if the team is able to produce a solid result against Spain.
Good luck this weekend!
