This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EDT)
4:30 p.m: Panama v. Martinique
7:00 p.m: United States v. Nicaragua
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Brad Guzan, USA v. NIC ($6,000): Guzan is the obvious chalk play at keeper. Nicaragua is one of the worst teams in the tournament, and there are a few key players who should return to the starting lineup for the US. It's very unlikely that Nicaragua scores, and if for whatever reason Guzan doesn't start, simply pick his backup. Saturday looks to be a day to pay up at keeper, as the Panama-Martinique contest could be tighter than many think.
DEFENDER
Graham Zusi, USA v. NIC ($6,000): Zusi is a player likely to return to the starting XI. Although it is more likely that Jorge Villafana returns to the left side, Zusi has a good chance of replacing Eric Lichaj, who impressed at right-back last outing.
Jorge Villafana, USA v. NIC ($5,800): Justin Morrow started in the last match at left-back, and he had a fine game, but Villafana offers much stronger service on the left side with his brilliant left foot. If he starts, he is the top defender on the slate.
Antoine Jean-Baptiste, MAR v. PAN ($3,800): Jean-Baptiste has been a solid value play in the first two rounds and his cross count indicates that he may having an assist coming his way. Martinique most likely need something from this game if they are going to advance to the next round, and that means the fullbacks will be pushed up the field. His six crosses against the United States was an impressive total, and he played as a wing back in that match, which allowed him to get further up the field.
MIDFIELDER
Kelyn Rowe, USA v. NIC ($8,600): Rowe was spectacular in his first two international caps, and he is likely to return to the lineup after being rested last match. There is a chance he is rested once again due to the favorable matchup, but watch out for Rowe for the rest of the way, as he looks to be in fine form, and taking the initiative to impress for a spot in the next World Cup.
Gyasi Zardes, USA v. NIC ($8,200): Zardes may not have been the most clinical when he was in dangerous positions last game, but there is something to be said about how many chances he created. He finally got himself an assist in the second half, but out of all the chances he had, he played just one other quality cross. His lack of precision is a real scare going forward, but if he is in the lineup against Nicaragua, he could easily have too many chances to not either score or assist.
Yoel Barcenas, PAN v. MAR ($5,200): Barcenas was the most active player in the Panama attack. He could very easily be rested similar to the way many Costa Rican players were omitted from the lineup Friday. If he starts, he offers a high floor due to his numerous peripheral stats; if he doesn't, look for Armando Cooper to fill in.
FORWARD
Dominic Dwyer, USA v. NIC ($10,300): Dwyer did not play in the United States' last match, and they barely escaped with a victory. Maybe head coach Bruce Arena will be more aggressive this time out and start Dwyer, who will likely score if that is the case.
Gabriel Torres, PAN v. MAR ($7,400): Torres is the main man for Panama. This will be a bit of a tougher matchup for Panama, as Martinique beat Nicaragua 2-0 in the first round, but Torres will should still have plenty of chances to add to his tournament goal total.
Kevin Parsemain, MAR v. PAN ($7,000): Parsemain is the joint leading goalscorer in the tournament and now faces the second-best team in the group after scoring a brace against the top team. He is the all-time leading goalscorer for Martinique, and he is a real source of quality and leadership for the side. He will be a chalk play on Saturday, undoubtedly.
