This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EDT)
10:00 a.m: Uruguay v. France
2:00 p.m: Brazil v. Belgium
FORWARDS
Neymar, BRA v. BEL ($13,000):Neymar's fantasy production has been off the charts as he's managed to do it all for Brazil. In their first four matches, his floor on FanDuel has been 23.3 fantasy points, while he put up a ridiculous 53.9 in Brazil's win over Mexico. The price makes it a tough decision, especially with so many other elite options on the slate, but we haven't seen Neymar's consistent production with many other players. Gabriel Jesus ($8,500) continues to lead Brazil's attack, while Roberto Firmino's ($8,500) role as backup striker makes him an eligible pivot from Jesus.
Kylian Mbappe, FRA v. URU ($10,500): It would be tough to ignore Mbappe's 43.9-point masterclass in France's 4-3 win over Argentina. He helped seal France's come-from-behind win with two goals and appeared to be dangerous anytime on the ball. He'll have a much tougher matchup with Uruguay's back line, but as he's shown over his rise in the past two seasons, no opponent particularly fazes him. Antoine Griezmann ($11,500) is more expensive but has a firm grip on France's penalty-taking role after burying two goals (both from the spot) on two chances. Olivier Giroud ($7,500) and Ousmane Dembele ($7,000) are cheaper options in the France attack, but they have failed to produce on a level that makes me consider them unless I'm in a budget crunch.
Christian Stuani, URU v. FRA ($6,000): This pick is purely speculative due to Edinson Cavani's ($9,500) calf injury, which may keep him sidelined. Stuani replaced Cavani against Portugal and may be called upon as Luis Suarez's ($10,500) strike partner. Stuani is a high-risk, high-reward play, and only if Cavani is out. Suarez has been what most expected him to be, with two goals and one assist through four matches, and he could be considered even though Uruguay's expected goals are the lowest on the slate. It's not that I'm avoiding the Belgium attack, namely Romelu Lukaku ($11,000), I'm nervous about the health of his ankle, especially after a 9.3-point performance against Japan.
MIDFIELDERS
Coutinho, BRA v. BEL ($9,000): Coutinho will need to bounce back from a disappointing performance against Mexico, but as we've seen, he can be a match-winner on both the club and international levels. His long-range shots pose the possibility for points along with a fair amount of scoring chances created. He is the second-most expensive midfielder, trailing only Eden Hazard ($10,000), who has been having his own impressive tournament, scoring no fewer than 26.2 points in his three starts. Willian ($8,000) is coming off his best performance of the World Cup and offers good budget savings, but not enough for me to take him over Coutinho.
Kevin De Bruyne, BEL v. BRA ($8,500): De Bruyne has had at least four chances created in his three starts while adding a few other peripheral stats to keep him around the 18-point mark. His $1,500 savings from Hazard also helps, while it appears the Manchester City midfielder should take a majority of the set pieces, helping his floor.
Lucas Torreira, URU v. FRA ($5,500): Another cash-saving option in this Uruguay side is Torreira, whose defensive work doesn't make him sexiest fantasy option, but his price and ability to accumulate clearances and interceptions help when attempting to add the top-tier attacking options.
DEFENDERS
Diego Godin, URU v. FRA ($7,000): Godin may be getting older, but his World Cup performances have been vintage. He accumulates stats in all defensive categories and plays for a side that has allowed just one goal in four games. Yes, I could find other ways to spend this amount of money in this star-studded slate, but not many other players have been as steady as the Atletico Madrid center-back.
Benjamin Pavard, FRA v. URU ($5,500): I'm not heading into Friday's slate thinking Pavard will hit another wonder strike and score 30+ points again, but I'm interested in his ability to help the bottom line in clearances and tackles at a moderate price. He and Raphael Varane ($5,500) are the same price, though Pavard has been able to accrue points a higher level in his three starts.
Filipe Luis, BRA v. BEL ($4,500): There are major question marks whether Marcelo ($6,000) will be able to recover from a back injury in time for Friday's match, which could bring Luis back into the starting XI at left-back. He wasn't spectacular against Mexico, including a yellow card, but he was able to create two scoring chances to go along with a clean sheet, good for 14.9 fantasy points. Brazil's other expected outside-back starter, Fagner ($5,500), is more expensive but is coming off a 21-point outing that included five tackles, two clearances and three interceptions. Thiago Silva ($7,000) has been consistent, though he's the most expensive defender on the slate with Godin. I like the savings I get from going with Luis despite the similarities he and Fagner share.
GOALKEEPER
Fernando Muslera, URU v. FRA ($5,000): Along with Uruguay's backline, Muslera has been in top form as they've kept three clean sheets while allowing just one goal. All four teams are capable of putting up goals, but I like the organization I've seen out of the Uruguay defense. Meanwhile, Alisson ($6,000) is the most expensive keeper on the slate, while also having the best clean sheet odds. For all the defensive plaudits I've given the Uruguay defense, their attack could be without Cavani, making the match up easier for Hugo Lloris ($5,500). Finally, Thibaut Courtois ($4,500) isn't a bad fourth option at goalie, but he'll be up against the favored Brazilians.
