World Cup 2022 Fantasy team reveal – Matchday 5

The quarter-finals take place on Friday and Saturday, so here is Marc Jobling with his FIFA Fantasy team reveal.

After taking an eternity to discover my new FIFA Fantasy ranking, I’m pleased that a Matchday 4 that felt underwhelming brought a rise up to 5,870th.

Using a Wildcard for the second round of group games meant that each deadline until now has essentially been a Free Hit chip. These quarter-finals will be the first time I’m reduced to ‘only’ transfers.

Thankfully, just two of my 15-man squad were eliminated in the round of 16 – Dani Olmo and backup goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda.

Team reveal

Below is what I’m currently on pre-transfers.

During the final match of the round, I made sure to use my two remaining Matchday 4 transfers. Out went Olmo and Davy Klaassen for Lucas Paqueta and Ivan Perisic.

It’s still a real chore having to find five midfielders whilst, at the same time, limiting yourself to three forwards. I’m not even confident in Paqueta and Perisic.

Going through the final eight nations, there aren’t many players that I’m interested in buying. Defensively, clean sheets are tough to plan for, as every remaining team is strong and confident. No more whipping boys that feel inferior and therefore sit back.

A Portugal defender could come in for Borna Barisic, although having just $1m spare will require a downgrade elsewhere.

In midfield, I don’t back Alexis Mac Allister to succeed but both Angel Di Maria and Bukayo Saka cost more. Perhaps Hakim Ziyech or Sofiane Boufal will get a shot.

Likewise, Dutch forwards Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo are appealing. Not sure I want to remove any of my current front three, though.

As of now, Mac Allister will go down to Boufal, with that extra $1m allowing Barisic to become Raphael Guerreiro.