What to expect from the quarter finals
The World Cup is advancing to the latter stages of the competition, so we look ahead at what to expect from the quarter finals. We focus on team form and standout players from each team from a World Cup Fantasy perspective.
Taking a look at what to expect from the quarter finals could be very beneficial to World Cup Fantasy players. Picking out team form and standout players can aid in making some of the most important decisions like transfers, captaincy and chip strategy.
Brazil v Croatia
The first match to play is Brazil v Croatia. Brazil have feared no-one in the World Cup and that is reflective of their all-out attack tactic whilst the Croatian’s have been more conservative and patient in the way they play.
Brazil will look to attack with the likes of strikers Richarlison (£7m), Neymar (£10.5m) and Vinicus Junior (£10.5m). Croatia will be doing what they do best and counterattack with the likes of midfielder Ivan Perisic (£7.5m).
If Croatia defend and counterattack well then they could have a good chance to win the game but one early goal from Brazil and things could get very difficult for the European side. Backing offensive assets from both sides could be ideal whilst avoiding defensive assets.
Argentina v Netherlands
Argentina were one of the favourites to win the competition prior to the World Cup. Although that was the case, they have failed to meet the high expectations of performance fans expected. The South American’s have put a lot of reliance on striker Lionel Messi (£10.5m).
Messi has contributed to most of Argentina’s goals whereas their opponents, Netherlands, have several different attacking routes. Strikers Memphis Depay (£8.5m), Cody Gakpo (£7m) and defender Denzel Dumfries (£6m) should all be considered by fantasy managers.
Argentina will look to dominate possession whilst Netherlands will hope to catch them on the break. The expectation is that both teams score but it could be a very tight match in terms of score line.
England v France
England have become one of the highest scoring teams in their progression to the quarter finals. The English have goal threats everywhere and the likes of midfielders Bukayo Saka (£8m) and Phil Foden (£8.5m) have been absolutely key to that.
France have been scoring but like Argentina, the French have heavy reliance on one player. Striker Kylian Mbappe (£11.5m) has been mesmerizing during the World Cup campaign and absolutely detrimental to France. If Mbappe does not bring his best game, France could struggle to score goals.
Keeping Mbappe quiet is key for England but the threat they carry in multiple players could cause France more problems than France do England anyway. We expect goals from England and Mbappe but managers could still invest in the likes of defenders Luke Shaw (£5m) and Theo Hernandez (£5m) due to their attacking threat.
Morocco v Portugal
Morocco have defended well throughout their current campaign but can lack goals at times. When the goals do come the likes of defender Achraf Hakimi (£5m) and midfielder Hakim Ziyech (£7.5m) tend to be involved.
Portugal have been better than may thought they would be and finally look like their using the talent they have at their disposal in a progressive way. The Portuguese have been scoring plenty of goals and midfielder Bruno Fernandes (£9.5m) has been key.
Morocco will look to sit back whilst allowing Portugal to dominate the ball. The African side are expected to catch Portugal on the break whilst also using their strength in set plays. The match feels unpredictable so backing defenders, attackers or both, could be a good play.
Looking to get ahead of the competition? We look at some of the best differentials in World Cup Fantasy right here.
