RADIO
Welcome back to a special version of “The Kick-Off”, World Cup Edition! We are here for Match Day 5 of the tournament, featuring a full four-game schedule.
Today’s slate will feature the second set of games for Group A and Group B teams. Most notably, the USA closes the day of play against England at 2:00 PM EST. I will guide you through this four-match slate starting at 6:00 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 reach out to Brandon at [email protected] or via Twitter @df_solutions or on “SLACK”.
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The World Cup Matchday 5
DraftKings DFS Goalkeepers
Edouard Mendy- DK $5.4K
Opponent - Qatar
It is imperative to get the goalie right and out of the 8 different options, Edouard Mendy is by far the safest to get a win and a decent floor. The keeper plays for Chelsea FC of the Premier League and he is the most experienced option for Senegal. Mendy has struggled recently in both club and international competition, but he remains supported by his Senegalese teammates, including captain Kalidou Koulibaly. The thirty-year-old keeper let in two late goals as Senegal dropped their tournament opener to the Netherlands, 2-0. Qatar is tiers below any other World Cup team and Senegal should not have any issues handling them, making Mendy a safe play.
Others To Consider (Cash/GPP): Noppert (DK $5.2K), Pickford (DK $5.6K)
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Harry Kane- DK $10.1K
Opponent - USA
I would have been in disbelief if you told me that England would have exploded for six goals in their tournament opener and Harry Kane scored none of them. Kane slotted two assists in 76 minutes as The Three Lions steamrolled Iran 6-2. In Friday's featured match against the United States, England's clinical forward is a favorite to find the back of the net. The Tottenham Hotspur averages 0.67 goals per game while representing the English. Wales did not test American goalkeeper Matt Turner much in the USA's World Cup opener. Turner made two difficult saves and allowed a penalty kick to be converted. England's offense creates abundant opportunities and Kane has a great chance of being on the receiving end of one.
Enner Valencia- DK $7.6K
Opponent - Netherlands
Enner Valencia introduced himself as a household name this World Cup by opening the tournament with a first-half brace as Ecuador defeated the hosts Qatar 2-0. The 33-year-old playing for Turkish club Fenerbahce S.K. is the penalty kick taker for Ecuador and shows up big for his country. Valencia has scored on 50% of his shots taken at the World Cup (5/10), marking the highest conversion rate for any player in the World Cup with at least five goals in the past 50 years. The captain has scored three times with his head at World Cups, making him an excellent opportunistic scorer against a stout Dutch defense. Even with Virgil van Dijk lining up across from him, Enner Valencia is a high-upside selection for your lineup.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Depay (DK $9.9K), Pulisic (DK $9K)
DraftKings DFS Midfielders
Frenkie de Jong- DK $4.8K
Opponent - Ecuador
Frenkie de Jong displayed his talent in the Netherlands' World Cup opener, a 2-0 win over Senegal. It took the Dutch 84 minutes to break the ice, but de Jong delivered a beautiful ball into the box for Cody Gakpo to flick onto the frame. The 25-year-old Barcelona midfielder is the pulse of this Netherlands team. The Dutch can practically lock up a Group A first-place finish with a win tomorrow against Ecuador. De Jong led the Netherlands with 62 completed passes in their tournament opener. Expect Frenkie to dominate in a game where no midfielder will match his talent.
Tyler Adams- DK $3.7K
Opponent - England
Adams at $3,700 seems like highway robbery. The 23-year-old captain for USA was all over the field in their World Cup opening tie against Wales. Adams commanded America on the field for all ninety minutes and was the most impactful player on the field. USA's starting CDM remained cool, calm, and collected all game long and had a crucial tackle on Gareth Bale late in the game. If USA has a chance to upend group-favorite England, it will be directly because of Adams' integral role.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Mount (DK $5.2K), Sarr (DK $7.2K)
DraftKings DFS Defenders
Luke Shaw- DK $5.8K
Opponent - USA
Shaw is one of the most expensive defenders for Friday's slate, and rightfully so. The 27-year-old had an assist in England's World Cup opener and is one of the best fullbacks on the attack in the tournament. Shaw has three goals over the past two years representing England. The Three Lions run a 4-3-3, matching the United States and contrasting with USA's first opponent, Wales, who ran a 3-4-3. America won't be able to account for everyone on the English squad, perhaps opening up opportunities for the outside back to wreak havoc.
Virgil van Dijk- DK $4K
Opponent - Ecuador
Isn't it crazy that the 2019 Ballon D'or runner-up sits at $4,000 for Friday's slate? The Dutch pitched a shutout in their tournament opener against Senegal and look to do so against Ecuador. VVD remains one of the best defenders in the world even after an ACL injury forced him to miss the first seven months of the calendar year. Now fully healthy, VVD and Netherlands sit in a great position to make a deep run this World Cup. Expect Virgil van Dijk to deliver another consistently great performance this Friday.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Koulibaly (DK $3.3K), Sabaly (DK $4.8K)
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off! Good luck in all of your contests today!
