This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EDT)
11:00 a.m: Mexico v. Russia
11:00 a.m: Portugal v. New Zealand
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Rui Patricio, POR v. NZL ($6,000): Patricio is the starting goalkeeper for Portugal (-1400), the biggest favorite of the day. If you can fit him then definitely play the chalk at keeper, for it is a 10+ fantasy points waiting to happen.
DEFENDER
Cedric Soares, POR v. NZL ($6,200): Cedric is soaring in price, but justifiably so. He scored in his first game and then nearly reached the same total of fantasy points in the next one thanks to peripheral stats. He possesses many abilities to produce fantasy points, and against the weakest team in the group it should be expected that he reaches double-digit points.
Miguel Layun, MEX v. RUS ($5,700): Layun sat out last game due to head coach Juan Carlos Osorio's decision to make eight changes to the starting lineup, but he will likely return to the starting XI on Saturday. Mexico need a result, so look for Layun to be involved in the attack, and active on corners and set pieces.
Yuri Zhirkov, RUS v. MEX ($5,100): Zhirkov takes half of Russia's set pieces, and he will be called upon to put in quality service as Russia needs a win at home to advance to the semi-final. Listed as a defender, Zhirkov is a good way to get exposure to an attacking player without using an attacking position in your lineup.
MIDFIELDER
Ricardo Quaresma, POR v. NZL ($9,100): Quaresma was benched for the match against Mexico, but he could return Saturday. Portugal is the team to stack in this slate, and if Quaresma starts, he will hit value.
Aleksandr Samedov, RUS v. MEX ($6,400): Samedov shares set-piece duties with Zhirkov, and he is often used in the run of play as an outlet for the attack. He is sure to swing in plenty of crosses, and he may even get an assist, given his number of deliveries throughout a given game.
Andres Guardado, MEX v. RUS ($3,900): Guardado is very low-priced, and he plays a role in the Mexico attack, which gives him a good chance to hit value. He often takes corners and set pieces, which makes him the top value play of the slate. He was rested last game but is likely to return for this one.
FORWARD
Cristiano Ronaldo, POR v. NZL ($12,800): Ronaldo's price keeps rising, but you can never label Ronaldo as "overpriced" because of his upside. He got his first goal last game against Russia, and now he faces the worst team in the group. If he is in the lineup, he is virtually a must-play given his hunger for goals and the inferiority of the opponent.
Andre Silva, POR v. NZL ($8,500): Silva is Ronaldo's partner in crime, though he has yet to score a goal in the tournament. Ronaldo has dubbed him as the "heir to the throne," and it is up to him to prove it. If Silva gets the start, he is another player to add in a Portugal stack. Ronaldo is the top dog, with Quaresma and Silva right behind.
Carlos Vela, MEX v. RUS ($8,000): Vela was rested in the New Zealand match, but he should return to the lineup against Russia. He is a major part of El Tri's attack and will be given plenty of opportunities to prove he's a lock for a starting spot in the semi-final and beyond.
