Euro 2024 Fantasy Preview: Matchday 2 Tips and Top Captaincy Picks

June 18, 2024

The FPL Manual shares insights on the best Euro fantasy tips, top captaincy picks and injury update ahead of Matchday 2.

"Never write off the Germans," they say, and this was evident when the host nation defeated Scotland 5-1 in the opening game in Berlin. Matchday 1 was filled with splendor, with Spain and Romania securing a 3-0 victory over Croatia and Ukraine respectively, while Belgium suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat against Slovakia.

RotoBaller remains your favorite outlet for the best fantasy news worldwide and continues to dive into UEFA Euro 2024. In this article, we will look at the top fantasy tips to consider, as well as provide insights using statistics and metrics on what to expect ahead of the upcoming fixtures for Matchday 2.

Join me, the FPL Manual, as we analyze the top captaincy picks, best tips for your fantasy team, and injury updates to keep an eye out for in the next round.

3 - Romania have earned their biggest ever victory in a major tournament (World Cup/EURO), while their 29% possession is the lowest on record (since 1980) for a winning side in a match at the UEFA European Championship. Tricolorii. #ROMUKR #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/CiJJD9Ntul

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 17, 2024

Matchday 2 Euro Fantasy Tips

Invest in Germany, Belgium, and Croatia Attacks

Euro fantasy managers are strongly recommended to target attacking assets from Germany, Croatia, or Belgium. According to projections, Germany is expected to generate an expected goal (xG) of 2.5, with Belgium following closely at 2.10 xG and Croatia at 1.90 xG.

The prospect of Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz, and Jamal Musiala leading the attack for Germany presents an explosive selection of players for Euro Fantasy managers. Croatia and Belgium will be looking to secure their first wins in Euro 2024 in their respective groups. Recommended players to select for Matchday 2 include Luka Modrić, Lovro Majer, and Andrej Kramarić from Croatia, and Romelu Lukaku, Leandro Trossard, and Kevin De Bruyne from Belgium.

#euro2024: projected goals and clean sheet odds for the second round of group games, via spread betting markets pic.twitter.com/iCriAYimv3

— Rob T (@robtFPL) June 17, 2024

Matchday 2 Top Captain Picks

The second gameweek of Euro 2024 offers a diverse set of enticing captaincy choices to set from. Players like Kevin De Bruyne against Romania and Spain's captain Alvaro Morata taking on Italy make a strong case for the armband. However, my top three picks are:

Kai Havertz (€7.5m) - Germany

Contributing a goal and an assist in the opening game against Scotland, Kai Havertz gave Euro Fantasy managers a solid start with 9 points. The Arsenal forward was instrumental in maintaining Germany's attacking threat, providing crucial link-up play and displaying a solid performance throughout the match.

Following their 5-1 victory and with Hungary up next, King Kai ascends to the top of the captaincy list, bolstered by a strong home advantage.

Kai Havertz’s game by numbers vs. Scotland:

100% shot accuracy
100% aerial duels won
12 passes completed
2 shots
1 assist
1 goal

Another top class display at 9. ⚪️⚪️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/wQZzky0uON

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) June 14, 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo (€10m) - Portugal

Although the 39-year-old has yet to score against Turkey on the international stage, it’s crucial to remember Cristiano Ronaldo's unparalleled pedigree in important games. Holding the global record for most international goals, Ronaldo will be aiming to add to his tally against the Crescent-Stars.

As of this writing, Portugal is preparing for their first game against Czechia. This match will provide a clearer picture of Ronaldo’s form and his potential to be the special one for the armband.

CR7⃣#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/NcLf2FuyZv

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 18, 2024

Jude Bellingham (€9.5m) - England

Continuing his domestic form into Europe's biggest tournament, Jude Bellingham's lone goal secured three points for the Three Lions in a 1-0 victory against Serbia. Bellingham delivered 12 points for Euro Fantasy managers who entrusted him with the armband, earning an additional three points for winning the Player of the Match award.

Facing Denmark next, the Englishman is a strong candidate for captaincy in Matchday 2.

1 - Jude Bellingham is the first player to score for the England men's team at both the World Cup and European Championship while playing his club football outside of England. Law. pic.twitter.com/HEC1QlTVob

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 16, 2024

Euro Fantasy managers have the ability to change captains on a daily basis during each gameweek, allowing us to have a wider range of options on any given day. Feel free to select any other enticing captain that was not mentioned above.

Differential Captain Pick (<10% ownership)

Patrik Schick (€7m) - Czechia

The winner of the UEFA Euro 2020 Best Goal award is a compelling option for this week. With favorable fixtures in Matchday 2, Czechia is expected to secure a win against newcomers Georgia.

Currently owned by only 2% of managers, Patrick Schick is an excellent differential captaincy choice.

🇨🇿🙌 After almost 800k votes, Patrik Schick's long-range stunner vs Scotland is UEFA EURO 2020 Goal of the Tournament! ⚽️💥#EUROGOTT @GazpromFootball #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/qBENMPj25b

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 14, 2021

Injury Update and Suspended Players for Matchday 2

The latest update provides a comprehensive overview of the injury statuses and availability of key players ahead of the second round of fixtures for UEFA Euro 2024.

Spain's defender Aymeric Laporte, who missed the first game against Croatia due to discomfort, is back in training. Albania's forward Jasir Asani, however, was absent from training due to injury and is doubtful for the match against Croatia.

Scotland's defender Ryan Porteous has been handed a two-game ban following a red card for a rash tackle in the opening match, classified as serious rough play. French captain Kylian Mbappe sustained a broken nose in the game against Austria and is unlikely to feature in Matchday 2 against the Netherlands as he undergoes treatment.

❗️La cloison nasale de Kylian Mbappé a été replacée dans le vestiaire. Avant même d’aller à l’hôpital.
➡️ Il va effectuer des soins et porter un masque. Le staff ne devrait pas prendre de risque vendredi contre les Pays bas même s’il est apte
🔹Forfait contre la Pologne pas acté pic.twitter.com/Nuf8nwtvXb

— Fabrice Hawkins (@FabriceHawkins) June 18, 2024

Join Our League

Once again, join our RotoBaller.com league. Hit any of our writers up over the next two weeks, we will give you the code (also in the graphic below), and you'll be good to go. Good luck for UEFA Euro 2024 Fantasy, RotoBallers!