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World Cup preview and fantasy soccer roundup. Martin Konstantinov provides his recommended lineup picks for the Final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Target these players in your fantasy lineups.
Perhaps the most viewed global sporting event, the World Cup brings more than a billion fans to their television screens to watch a month of the world's most popular sport. With this comes the inevitable fantasy variant of the sport - a month-long competition that pits you against the rest of the planet. The most popular site for World Cup fantasy is the McDonalds sponsored World Cup Fantasy competition on FIFA's own website. Although it has some different rules to traditional fantasy soccer games (roll-on roll-off substitutions, unique formations, and different boosts), the basic premise of the game is the same: score as many points as you can and beat your opponents.
Here at RotoBaller, we will try to give you the best analysis possible so that you can beat your friends and take on the rest of the world by managing your team in the fantasy version of the beautiful game.
Here is the team analysis and lineup picks for fantasy drafts heading into the Final and Third-Place Playoff. At the end of the day, remember to make the decision you feel is best for the team. Good luck, and enjoy!
Six Names To Look At - Fantasy World Cup
Antoine Griezmann - F, France (Price: 10.1M)
Although he is a few goals off from the Golden Boot, Antoine Griezmann is likely the top fantasy name heading into the Final. With an expected victory against Croatia (although at this point, anything could happen), Griezmann will be at the center of any attacking moves for the French side. Whereas some players in the Third-Place Playoff will be rested after a long and grueling tournament, Griezmann is expected to play the full ninety minutes and could add to his goal tally for the tournament against Croatia and their defense.
Romelu Lukaku - F, Belgium (Price: 10M)
There is a world where Lukaku does not start the game against England; however, with the Golden Boot on the line and a brace needed to lift the trophy, having Lukaku as one of your forwards is a very good idea. With four goals in the tournament so far, Lukaku is one of the players who could start for a rotated Belgium side heading into the Third-Place match. Therefore, having Lukaku in your lineups for the playoff is a good idea if you are trying to maximize upside in the event that the Manchester United forward starts and pushes to unseat Harry Kane from his position as the top goalscorer in the tournament.
Luka Modric - M, Croatia (Price: 9.1M)
We saw it last match against England - Luka Modric was absolutely sublime in his creative and passing ability. Now, with a tough game against a superior French team, Modric will need to give everything he has in order to have a chance at victory in Sunday's match. With superior set piece ability and a knack for performing well in key moments, it will be up to Modric himself to pull Croatia to a World Cup trophy, making him a good fantasy option despite his high price point.
Paul Pogba - M, France (Price: 8.8M)
Paul Pogba, despite playing well in the knockout stages of the World Cup, has disappointed fantasy owners with his lackluster offensive performances. The center mid has not contributed with any stats thus far in the tournament, even though he has played quite well overall. However, this could change against a Croatia side that could be exposed as the match wears on. The final of the World Cup is the biggest stage to play on, making Pogba's performance in a big game almost a necessity in order for France to achieve victory.
Benjamin Pavard - D, France (Price: 4.6M)
Pavard has continued to be an absolute revelation at the position and carries a ton of momentum going into the Final. With France expected to be on the front foot, expect Pavard to get up the pitch early and often. Now, the French center-back turned right-back is a locked-in starter with the team who can produce when called upon and is available for a bargain bin $4.6M. Make sure you have Pavard in your team as he has offensive upside as well as clean sheet upside despite the big occasion against Croatia.
Lucas Hernandez - D, France (Price: 5M)
Another French fullback, Hernandez is very pleasantly priced at 5M and has performed very well thus far in the tournament for his side. The young Spain-based fullback is a good option for those who are loading up on French defenders, making him a very solid contributor in what should be France-dominated World Cup final. However, due to the nature of the game, anything can happen, making someone like Pavard's price a little bit easier to swallow.
RotoBaller Weekly XV
Team:
GK: Hugo Lloris (5.9M), Lovre Kalinic (4.4M)
DF: Lucas Hernandez (5M), Samuel Umtiti (5.9M), Benjamin Pavard (4.5M), Ivan Strinic (4.9M), Dejan Lovren (5.0M)
MF: Blaise Matuidi (7.1M), Ivan Rakitic (8.5M), Paul Pogba (8.8M), Luka Modric (9.1M), Thorgan Hazard (6.3M)
FW: Antoine Griezmann (10.2M), Romelu Lukaku (10.1M) , Adnan Januzaj (5M)
Analysis:
With this team, there might be a bit of extra risk with some of the selections that could eventually pay off. Regardless of the result, Lloris is expected to have several saves, making his points total one of the highest at the position this round. With defenders from each team in the final, you will likely be playing the French lads unless you believe in a low-scoring or contrarian result. In the midfield, having top options like Modric and Rakitic as well as offensive weapon Blaise Matuidi is a good strategy. Plus, you have an upside play in Thorgan Hazard, who could feature heavily in the third-placed match. With a similar strategy up top, you are hoping that Lukaku and Januzaj play for Belgium and balance that risk with star forward Antoine Griezmann.
That's all for this week - good luck!
