This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EDT)
11:00 a.m: Russia v. Portugal
2:00 p.m Mexico v. New Zealand
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Guillermo Ochoa, MEX v. NZE ($5,900): New Zealand failed to score a single goal in the 2009 Confederations Cup, and the attack looked very poor when held scoreless against host nation Russia. Mexico allowed two goals in its opening match against Portugal, but this game should be much different tactically. New Zealand will look to sit back defensively and break on the counter against Mexico, which may not allow for many saves for Ochoa, but the clean sheet, and especially the win, are very likely possibilities.
DEFENDER
Miguel Layun, MEX v. NZE ($6,200): Layun only managed to send in three crosses last game against Portugal, but Wednesday's match should be much different. New Zealand will be defending in its own end for most of the game, which affords the opportunity for fullbacks like Layun to join the attack and send crosses in. Also, Layun often takes corner kicks and set pieces. He has been listed as a midfielder for DraftKings slates before, but in this slate it is a gift to get him as a defender.
Yuri Zhirkov, RUS v. POR ($4,600): Zhirkov took half of Russia's corners in its first game against New Zealand, and he got up the left side often. The hosts played with five defenders, with Zhirkov playing as a left wing-back, which allows him to get higher up the field on a more consistent basis.
Cedric Soares, POR v. RUS ($5,400): Cedric scored against Mexico, but he failed to send in a single cross. Russia is not much worse than Mexico, but still, with the pressure on Portugal to win, Cedric will likely be directed forward much more.
MIDFIELDER
Carlos Vela, MEX v. NZE ($8,400): Vela was the focal point of the Mexico attack for much of the game against Portugal, though he was subbed off in the 61st minute. Mexico are heavy favorites against New Zealand, and El Tri win need to win, so Vela will likely be granted a full 90 minutes given his importance to the attack.
Alexander Samedov, RUS v. POR ($6,000): Samedov played as a wing-back and shared corner kick duties with Yuri Zhirkov, accumulating 12 crosses in their first match of the tournament. He was on the ball for much of the match, and Portugal sometimes likes to sit back and concede possession, which would allow for Samedov to move up and send the ball in.
Andres Guardado, MEX v. NZE ($3,900): Guardado is a really cheap midfielder with some attacking upside due to his role as a corner kick taker, and he often takes set pieces. As a part of a heavy favorite, he could very well have a couple of opportunities to score or assist, and at his price, he has a good chance of hitting value.
FORWARD
Cristiano Ronaldo, POR v. RUS ($11,900): Ronaldo failed to hit the mark last game, taking just one shot. Although he helped provide the game's first assist, he was deeply disappointed with his performance and it may have been somewhat of a malaise after winning the double with Real Madrid. In last year's Euro Cup, he failed to score in the opening match, yet he had a fine tournament. Portugal just played the next-best team in its group, now it only gets easier.
Ricardo Quaresma, POR v. RUS ($8,200): Quaresma was his active self Sunday, amassing six shots (three on goal), seven crosses and four fouls drawn to go along with a goal. He typically produces plenty of peripheral stats, but sometimes you need a goal or assist to go along with it to meet his price. That being said, he may be at the start of a run here. He has plenty of talented back-ups, chomping at the bit to get on the pitch, so he is well aware that he needs to produce.
Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, MEX v. NZE ($7,100): Chicharito looks to be in form after seeing his touches on the ball last game. He made very few mistakes against Portugal, and he played out of position for much of the game. Raul Jimenez manned the center forward position, which pushed the all-time leading goalscorer to the left wing. Head coach Juan Carlos Osorio changed the formation to a 4-4-2 late in the first half, which allowed Chicharito to move into the middle, where he found himself in front of the net to score his goal. Osorio will likely play Hernandez centrally in this one, which bodes well for his fantasy outlook against the lowest-ranked team in the competition.
