Happy Tuesday, RotoBallers! We are here for MatchDay 9 of the World Cup. This is when the tournament kicks into high gear. All 32 teams have played two games apiece, and almost every knockout spot is still up for grabs. Today, we get our first four-game slate in Qatar as Group A, and Group B finish their round robins.
Group A starts things off at 10 am ET as the Netherlands, Senegal, and Ecuador battle it out to advance. The Dutch are a heavy favorite against Qatar (already eliminated) and should top the group. Meanwhile, Ecuador-Senegal is quite a dogfight in the desert as the African side must win to qualify for the next round. In Group B, it's even more complicated. Every team could go through or be sent home. For the USA against Iran, it's simple: win, and they're in.
The DraftKings World Cup DFS Soccer contests lock at 10:00 am ET for the 11/29/22 slate. Make sure to get your lineups in early. Also, don't forget to check out the rest of our World Cup coverage on Rotoballer with team and match previews, along with our betting and DFS advice. If you have any further questions or want to chat about the World Cup, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @EuanOrYouOut.
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DraftKings DFS Goalkeepers
Andries Noppert - $5,900
Opponent - Qatar
I've spent most of the World Cup playing out the games in my head. Theorizing that if Team A is the underdog, then their goalkeeper will get a lot of save points. Honestly, it's done me more harm than good. Andries Noppert has the shot-stopping ability (10 saves in two games) and the opponent (Qatar) to be well worth this price. So take your 10-11 points from the Dutch keeper, be happy, and find the value in your squad elsewhere.
Others To Consider (Cash/ GPP): Matt Turner ($5,400), Danny Ward ($3,800)
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Christian Pulisic - $9,000
Opponent - Iran
With everything on the line for the United States, Christian Pulisic is one of the best plays on the slate in cash games. The American talisman is averaging 17 FPPG but hasn't found the back of the net in Qatar. However, against England, the 24-year-old was much more aggressive and direct, taking four shots in another 90-minute appearance.
Pulisic took 13 corners against Wales and England, and his chance-creation ability gives him a solid floor against Iran. Furthermore, the Persian Stars concede the second-most big chances through the center of the park (nine), which could enable another moment for Pulisic to pull apart the defense with his world-class passing.
THE @USMNT TAKES THE LEAD 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
TIM WEAH PUTS USA ON TOP pic.twitter.com/vinlFUxWGZ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2022
However, DFS managers should be wary of playing Pulisic in tournaments. With the United States playing, his roster rate will be insanely inflated with more players than usual. So, if you're looking to take down the big one, fading the star of the USMNT may be the way to play.
Gareth Bale - $6,600
Opponent - England
After a 64-year wait to return to the World Cup, Wales hasn't been overly impressive. They saved the day with a penalty against the United States and were run off the field by an impressive Iran unit. Still, $6,600 for Gareth Bale is mighty tempting. The primary free kick and penalty taker for any country deserves a look. And with Wales forced to throw everything they have at England, Gareth will have to be the man to bail his country out and accomplish this great escape.
Others To Consider (Cash/ GPP): Harry Kane ($9,500), Enner Valencia ($8,500), Steven Bergwijn ($7,300)
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DraftKings DFS Midfielders
Cody Gakpo - $10,600
Opponent - Qatar
The Netherlands has the best odds at a win and the highest-implied goal total of the eight teams. However, the Dutch team could be slightly under-rostered, with many DFS players favoring Team USA and their leanings toward the familiar EPL products.
Gakpo should be chalk considering his start to the 2022 World Cup. The soon-to-be Man United man has two goals through two games and has 15 corners to his name in 180 minutes. His teammate, Memphis Depay, has better goal-scoring odds, but he is $500 more expensive and didn't start the previous contest versus Ecuador. Plus, the 23-year-old is midfield and forward eligible, offering more flexibility in our roster construction.
Harry Wilson - $5,300
Opponent - England
After a disappointing defeat to Iran, Wales has the most work to do out of any Group B squad. To advance, they must beat England by four goals. They don't have the overall quality to go toe-to-toe with England in the open field, so the Dragons will need to get creativity via the dead-ball situation. Harry Wilson's dominated the set pieces for Wales so far in this tournament, and their YOLO mentality, plus his budget-friendly salary, make him a worthy tournament play.
Others To Consider (Cash/ GPP): Bukayo Saka ($7,900), Ismaila Sarr ($6,700), Jordan Henderson ($3,000)
DraftKings DFS Defenders
Kieran Trippier - $7,000
Opponent - Wales
It's hard to believe we've made it this long into the DFS picks without an England player, but that ends here. While England only has to avoid being destroyed by the Dragons of Wales, we should expect a response from this team after their timid 0-0 draw with the USA. Manager Gareth Southgate will want his squad to get their mojo back before the knockout rounds, and a win guarantees them the top spot in Group B.
With all that being said, Kieran Trippier is a fantastic cash-game play. He's one of the main set-piece takers for his country and has 10 crosses and three assisted shots in his first two games. Throw in the fact that Wales has the second-lowest implied goal total behind Qatar, and it's a perfect recipe for some cash game lineups. Unfortunately, his elevated price point will mean some sacrifices elsewhere, but outside of Christian Pulisic, there isn't a better floor play on the Tuesday schedule.
Ismail Jakobs - $4,600
Opponent - Ecuador
This match is a must-win for Senegal, whereas Ecuador will be happy with a draw and getting through to the next round. The South American side is already defensively-stout and won't be too bothered to press forward. This provides Ismail Jakobs and the rest of the Senegal defense with a clean-sheet boost.
Adding to Jakob's appeal is his involvement at the attacking end of the field. He had five crosses and an assist in his country's 3-1 win over Qatar and averages 8.1 FPPG. That's the eighth-highest mark among all defenders, but his $4,600 salary is the 24th-highest on the four-game slate. So take advantage of this mispricing and continue to gain value so you can roster more heavy hitters.
Others To Consider (Cash/ GPP): Luke Shaw ($6,800), Antonee Robinson ($6,300), Virgil van Dijk ($5,000)