World Cup Soccer DFS Picks for DraftKings (12/2/2022) - MatchDay 12

Welcome back to a special version of “The Kick-Off”, World Cup Edition! We are here for MatchDay 12 of the tournament and the final matches of Group Play.

Today’s slate will feature two clubs who have won their respective groups – Brazil & Portugal – and another two matches that each club has everything to play for. This slate will center around a Brazil stack and you will need to get creative elsewhere in order to ship a GPP. I will guide you through this four-match slate starting at 10:00 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”.

The World Cup Matchday 12

Vegas Odds for the Day

DraftKings DFS Goalkeepers

Ederson- DK $5.7K

Opponent - Cameroon

It would come as no surprise to see Ederson get a spot start with Brazil’s trip booked for the Round of 16 and the club also the winner of the group. The backup to Alisson, Ederson is just as good in the net, continuously backstopping Manchester City to titles, fame and glory. He also happens to be having a slightly better season than Alisson as well, conceding 3 fewer goals. Cameroon had quite the eventful outing against Serbia, however, Brazil is a much different story and Ederson has a very good chance of a clean sheet here.

Others To Consider (Cash/GPP): Milinkovic-Savic (DK $4.9K), Ati-Zigi (DK $4.1K)

DraftKings DFS Forwards

Gabriel Jesus-DK $7.9K

Opponent - Cameroon

Brazil is expected to make multiple lineup changes, as aforementioned and Jesus looks like another addition to the Starting XI. The Arsenal man has slowed down as of late in domestic play but he will be getting a big opportunity to showcase what he has at the International level. Through 13 appearances this season, he has 2 goals, 3 assists, 40 shots, 16 created chances, 7 crosses, 18 tackles and 5 interceptions in all competitions. Cameroon gave up 3 goals against Serbia’s offense and Brazil is much more potent, providing ample opportunity for Jesus to net his second World Cup goal.     

Rafael Leao- DK $8.9K

Opponent - South Korea

At the time of writing, Portugal is not expected to make any lineup changes, despite winning the group with one match to play. However, I would expect Ronaldo to sit at the very least, so he can rest and prepare for the Round of 16. Whether he or teammate Joao Felix sits, I fully expect Leao to get his first start in the tournament. So far, Leao has come off the bench in both matches against Ghana and Uruguay, scoring 1 goal, taking 3 shots and making 1 interception in 34 minutes – for those that did not watch the match, Leao provided the game-winning goal against Ghana –. Leao has not had the greatest of seasons in domestic play this year where he has, 4 goals, 2 assists, 34 shots, 21 created chances, 28 crosses, 3 corners, 5 interceptions and 6 clearances in all competitions. However, this would be the perfect time to give the young striker a confidence boost.            

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Mitrovic (DK $8K), Nunez (DK $6.7K)

DraftKings DFS Midfielders

Raphina- DK $9.6K

Opponent - Cameroon

Another Brazilian has made their way into the article and thanks to his expected ownership on the slate and value to the Brazil National Team. Raphina has taken over for Neymar in every aspect possible. The midfielder plays on the opposite flank as Neymar did, but he has taken over set-pieces and all creative measures. In two starts at the World Cup, Raphina has 3 shots, 3 created chances, 12 crosses, 6 corners and 5 tackles. As the prime contributor for Brazil, it is imperative to consider Raphina on a small slate.              

Bruno Fernandes- DK $9.5K

Opponent - South Korea

It is hard to say if Bruno will be sitting this match out or not, with little to offer in terms of midfield depth with a similar capability for Portugal. The midfielder is by far the Player of The Tournament with 2 goals, 2 assists, 6 shots, 3 created chances, 10 crosses, 5 corners and 2 tackles through 2 appearances. South Korea let Ghana’s midfield run rampant in their 3-2 loss to them and the same thing is on the cards for Portugal. If Bruno does start, he may be one of the biggest producers on the slate.          

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Tadic (DK $8.5K), Kudus (DK $6.4K)

DraftKings DFS Defenders

Guillermo Varela- DK $3.5K

Opponent - Ghana

There are not many ‘value’ options at the defense position on this slate, most likely pushing a large amount of ownership to Varela. Not only is he expected to play wingback again, but Uruguay is also expected to run a 3-5-2 formation, giving Varela every opportunity to provide on both ends of the pitch and have a ceiling game. Through 2 appearances – 1 start –, Varela has 1 created chance, 5 crosses and 1 interception. Uruguay will need to win this matchup and Varela should be a big part of their pressing play.            

Kim Moon-Hwan- DK $4.2K

Opponent - Portugal

Moon-Hwan has been one of the best players for South Korea in the tournament, providing ample support on both ends of the pitch. The ex-LAFC player and now Jeonbuk Hyundai player possesses a two-way game, helping support the opposite side of teammate Heung-Min Son. In two appearances for Moon-Hwan at the World Cup, he has 3 created chances, 11 crosses, 3 tackles, 2 interceptions and 6 clearances. This is a must-win match for South Korea where Moon-Hwan should be a big part of any offense and they are not afraid to upset Portugal, as they did just that in 2014 when they eliminated them in Group Play.         

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Cancelo (DK $5.2K), Lamptey (DK $3.9K)

Thanks for reading The Kick-Off! Good luck in all of your contests today!