This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EDT)
4:30 p.m: USA v. Panama
7:00 p.m: Martinique v. Nicaragua
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Brad Guzan, USA v. PAN ($5,700): The Americans are the top favorite for Saturday's slate, which makes Guzan the chalk play of the day. Although the Americans are fielding a second-string squad, they still have enough quality to beat Panama, and soundly. Head coach Bruce Arena always makes sure his sides are tight at the back, and there are good enough defenders on the roster to earn a clean sheet.
DEFENDER
Graham Zusi, USA v. PAN ($5,700): Zusi has had a great year at right-back for both Sporting Kansas City and the national team. He played as a right winger for his first eight years in MLS, but this season he has played at the back. He still gets involved in the attack, though as a midfielder he took more corners and set pieces. However, his setup play is very strong.
Michael Amir Murillo, PAN v. USA ($4,100): Murillo plays right-back for the New York Red Bulls in MLS, starting six games while filling in for Connor Lade and Sal Zizzo. His production of crosses is noteworthy, along with his fouls drawn, while he recorded 15 fantasy points in his one start for Panama.
Matt Hedges, USA v. PAN ($3,700): Hedges is the aerial threat that the Americans will look to utilize against an undersized Panama side. If you need to save money in defense in order to pay up for goalkeeper and the attack, then Hedges fits the bill with a sub-$4,000 salary.
MIDFIELDER
Kellyn Acosta, USA v. PAN ($6,500): Acosta stole the show in the United States' friendly against Ghana. He was a very strong presence in the midfield, winning almost every tackle he faced in the center of the pitch, and his attacking play was superb. He took corners and set pieces, including one he placed in the bottom right corner of the goal to put the U.S. up 2-0. He does not play as a front four attacking player, which is the drawback, but he can provide in many ways, which gives him a good chance to hit value.
Joe Corona , USA v. PAN ($4,700): Corona was the center of U.S. attack against Ghana. He played in the no. 10 role, and his only shot led to a goal after it was deflected into the air and onto the foot of Dom Dwyer. Arena has put his confidence in Corona as the center attacking mid, and he will be in a handful of opportunities to assist or score Saturday.
Jordy Delem, MAR v. NIC ($3,600): Delem, who plays his club soccer for the Seattle Sounders, primarily features as a right-back in MLS, but he has been listed as a midfielder on DraftKings for most of the year. With so few quality options to choose from for the midfield and forward spots, Delem offers a viable bargain with contrarian appeal.
FORWARD
Dominic Dwyer, USA v. PAN ($9,100): Dwyer has been given the keys to the lone spot up top for the Americans. He puts himself in the right places, but it is just the matter of finishing that prevents him from producing more consistently for Sporting Kansas City. He scored his first international goal in his debut against Ghana, but he could have had more. All he needs is one to hit value, and he should have plenty of chances to get it Saturday.
Steeven Langil, MAR v. NIC ($6,200): Langil played in the UEFA Champions League with Legia Warsaw last season. When he started, he piled up the crosses, though he played more of a reserve role for the team. He is an athletic winger who brings a bit of quality to a rather unknown Martinique side.
Paul Arriola, USA v. PAN ($5,100): Although Arriola was not much of a factor in the Ghana match, but he is a very capable young player. He starts on the right wing, is very strong defensively, and has a knack for coming up with big goals. Along with Delem and Corona, there is contrarian appeal with Arriola.
