RADIO
Welcome back to a special version of “The Kick-Off”, World Cup Edition! We are here for MatchDay 4 of the tournament and the opening matches for the 6 clubs on the slate. Today’s slate will feature two tournament favorites, Brazil at -250 versus Serbia and Portugal at -250 versus Ghana. This slate will center around Neymar and Ronaldo and you will need to get creative elsewhere in order to fit both of them into a lineup. I will guide you through this three-match slate starting at 8:00 A.M. EST.
If you have any questions on today's slate, bankroll management, GPP strategy, Cash game strategy, or anything else, don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected] or via Twitter @df_solutions or on “SLACK”.
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The World Cup Matchday 4
DraftKings DFS Goalkeepers
Rui Patricio- DK $5.7K
Opponent - Ghana
On a small slate like this, it is imperative to get the goalie right and out of the 6 different options, Patricio is by far the safest to get a win and a decent floor. The keeper stars for Roma FC of the Serie A and he is the most experienced option for Portugal. Ghana is not a strong offensive side, however, they should take enough shots to ensure Patricio sees some sort of floor. With 1 win in 4 appearances during the World Cup, there is much left to be desired, however, a bounceback is never out of the question with an injection of youth into the lineup. You could look at someone like Alisson if you want, but he will be a riskier play with Serbia’s attack.
Others To Consider (Cash/GPP): Alisson (DK $5.6K), Ati-Zigi (DK $3.7K)
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Neymar-DK $11.5K
Opponent - Serbia
Welcome to the chalkiest slate of the World Cup thus far. Everyone will be attempting to fit Neymar and Ronaldo in as best as they can with each being pivotal a player for their respective clubs. Neymar has 15 goals and 12 assists through 20 appearances in all competitions for Paris-Saint Germain this season and through 121 total appearances with Brazil, he has 74 goals and 55 assists. Those are incredible numbers at the highest level a footballer can achieve. There is no doubt that Neymar will be doing damage to Serbia in Brazil’s opening match.
Cristiano Ronaldo- DK $10.4K
Opponent - Ghana
The arguably most sought-after striker on the slate and now the transfer market is looking to finally hoist the glorious World Cup and he has a prime matchup against Ghana to open the tournament. Ronaldo is being heavily subjected to criticism and questioning right now after his infamous interview that bashed not only Manchester United as a club, but also many players and staff along with it. Since then he has mutually terminated his contract with the club only focusing on the World Cup at hand and handling any transfer details after the tournament. Not only will Ronaldo not have the weight of a club on his shoulders anymore, but now he has every reason to go prove himself further at the tournament to ensure he gets a friendly contract after it is over. Despite starting the majority of matches for Manchester United this season, the striker only had 3 goals, 2 assists and 48 shots through 12 appearances in all competitions. Some may say that these results are an outlier and that the veteran still has plenty of production left. In 188 appearances for Portugal in all competitions, he has 117 goals and 33 assists. Ronaldo will also have newcomer Rafael Leao to help shoulder some of the offensive attack, freeing up the front man to do damage where he does it best.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Son (DK $8.7K), Williams (DK $4.4K)
DraftKings DFS Midfielders
Mohammed Kudus- DK $3.3K
Opponent - Portugal
Thanks to the lack of consistency from Portugal’s defense and goaltending – despite highlighting Patricio –, we will target Ghana’s midfield which is just north of the minimum pricing. Kudus has not disappointed this season when included in the Starting XI. The attacking-midfielder has 10 goals and 2 assists through 21 appearances in all competitions this season. His production may not be as potent due to him playing more as a Number 9, than a Number 10, but he will still have ample room to work with. For a salary-saving option that could produce a ceiling game and provide the ability to pay up to get the bigger studs is a win-win.
Facundo Pellistri- DK $3.5K
Opponent - South Korea
We are blessed with such an opportunity to play Pellistri at such a low salary. The midfielder who is a prized prospect of Manchester United has yet to truly announce himself to the world at a club level or international level. However, he looks to be getting the opportunity to finally show the world the skill he has on the right-flank for Uruguay. It would not be very surprising if this is the only time he has his salary below $4K on DraftKings.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Fernandes (DK $9K), Bentancur (DK $3.9K)
DraftKings DFS Defenders
Kim Min-Jae- DK $2.8K
Opponent - Uruguay
Min-Jae is known as one of the next elite talents to come out of South Korea, starting for Napoli of Serie A. The center back is one of the best defenders in all of Serie A right now and he has recently partaken in a streak of clean sheets – 3 straight and 4 of the last 6 matches –. Min-Jae not only has precise positioning, but he has terrific game IQ and aggression. He will be rather busy going against the likes of Luis Suarez and Darwin Nunez of Uruguay, providing Min-Jae with multiple opportunities to rack up defensive peripherals.
Joao Cancel- DK $7.2K
Opponent - Ghana
We can’t write an article featuring Portugal without highlighting Cancelo. The wingback has been a revelation for Manchester City since his arrival seasons ago. Just this season through 16 appearances in all competitions, the defender has 2 goals, 4 assists, 20 shots, 13 created chances, 54 crosses, 33 tackles and 16 interceptions. Those are incredible numbers playing against some of the best attackers in the game. The best part about it is Cancelo produces twice as much at the international level. He will also have a familiar face in Ronaldo to target on crosses in what will be a fast-paced match with Ghana. If there is any defender that will garner massive amounts of ownership, it is Cancelo.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Olivera (DK $5.6K), Lamptey (DK $3.3K)
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off! Good luck in all of your contests today!
