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Fox World Cup Game – Analysing The Remaining Players

With a shrinking player pool and little time left to make up ground, it’s time for some differentials to shine in the Fox World Cup game. Here is my analysis of the remaining players and my tips on ways to rise up the rankings before the tournament comes to an end.

Formations

If you are expecting goals galore in the semi-finals then go with a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 formation. If you think the remaining four teams will keep it tight and look to secure a clean sheet then go with a 5-2-3 or 5-3-2 formation. With a variety of formations to choose from, your chosen formation will be a differential in itself. It is also worth noting that the Fox game has added in some cheap players from teams that have already been eliminated to help construct a team within budget during these latter stages.

Goalkeepers

Manuel Neuer is the standout option here. Priced at 160k, the same as Brazil’s Julio Cesar and Argentina’s Sergio Romero and just 10k more than Dutch stopper Jasper Cillessen, the German will be in the majority of teams. He has also racked up the most saves (18) out of the four keepers left, and has acquired four bonus points, more than the other remaining goalkeepers. My advice would be to pick Neuer – it’s a no brainer and it’s a better idea to pick differentials further up the pitch.

Defenders

German defenders look the best options here. A clean sheet against a Neymar-less Brazil wouldn’t surprise anyone. However, as highlighted above where Neuer has had to make the most saves, their defence maybe isn’t as solid as some people think it is. Philipp Lahm, Benedikt Howedes, Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng will be popular picks so a possible differential approach will be to avoid German defenders altogether.

Clean sheets are difficult to pick when there are four strong teams left, so if you’re seeking differentials, defenders with goal threat are what you should be looking for. Top of this category is David Luiz (175k), who is likely to be on free kicks and possibly penalties in the absence of Neymar. His magnificent goal against Colombia in the quarter finals is also fresh in the mind. Brazil’s Marcelo (175k) is also an attacking threat from left back.

From Argentina, Marcos Rojo (160k) frequently makes runs up the left flank from his fullback position and will be fresh after serving his suspension against the Belgians. He has already scored once in this World Cup and has a strong assist threat. Ezequiel Garay (160k) is a big goal threat from corners.

If Daley Blind (135k) plays as a left wing back, his potential for attacking returns dramatically increases. His two assists against Spain in the first gameweek highlight his attacking potential. Ron Vlaar and Stefan De Vrij (both 135k) go up for corners and both had decent chances against Costa Rica.

Midfielders

Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller are the two obvious candidates in midfield. If you’re going with a 5-2-3 formation, these two look like must-haves.

From Argentina, Angel Di Maria is the only midfielder who has produced attacking returns. However, he  won’t play against Netherlands, which gives the opportunity for Enzo Perez (190k) or Maxi Rodriguez (205k) to take his spot. Perez seems to be the favourite after replacing the Real Madrid man in their win over Belgium. Javier Mascherano and Biglia/Gago are too defensive and should be avoided.

Excluding Robben, Wesley Sneijder (230k) is the only real fantasy prospect from the Dutch midfield. After hitting the woodwork twice against Costa Rica, attacking returns seem imminent. Georginio Wijnaldum (135k) looks set to extend his recent run of starts and is the cheapest midfielder left in the game. He’ll likely be on the bench for most fantasy-football managers as he doesn’t carry much attacking threat.

Germany give us a few interesting options, with four of their midfielders notching goals already. Muller (270k) looks like a must, but Andre Schurrle (215k), Mario Gotze and Mesut Ozil (both 255k) could all be handy differentials. From these options, Ozil looks like the only certain starter, but if Gotze or Chelsea man Schurrle are in the starting XI (we’ll see the German team before the deadline) they could be explosive differentials.

Neymar’s injury may give Willian (215k) a starting berth for Brazil. A tricky, skilful attacking midfielder, he’ll be looking to impress alongside his Chelsea teammate Oscar (270k). Primarily a defensive midfielder, Fernandinho (215k) has scored already and will look to push forward as Luiz Gustavo anchors the Brazilian midfield.

Forwards

With Lionel Messi likely to be in every team, his Argentinian teammates Gonzalo Higuain (325k) and Sergio Aguero (310k) will be differentials. Higuain had his best performance of the World Cup against Belgium and looks to be finding some goalscoring form. Aguero is likely to start on the bench considering his recent injury, but may get some time to impress in the second half.

Robin Van Persie (295k) is a popular pick alongside Messi in the template Fox team. After notching three times already, he’ll be the focal point of the Dutch attack. Memphis Depay (175k) will probably start again and has scored two sublime goals already.  Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (245k) is almost certain to see some game time off the bench but is a risky fantasy pick.

Brazil will look to Fred (310k) to find the back of the net in the absence of their leading goalscorer Neymar. After average performances previously, he isn’t a popular pick but could come up with the goods if you predict Brazil to score against the Germans. Hulk (295k) will likely be on some free kicks and corners and adds the spark to the Brazilian attack. His performances have improved as of late.

Miroslav Klose (245k) could find himself back on the bench if Low decides to push Muller back to the striker role. He is another risky pick and will likely be the first to be subbed if he starts.

Remember we will have the luxury of seeing the German and Brazilian teams before the FOX deadline, so if possible you should wait until then before you pick your differentials from these two sides.

13 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Conrad.
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    im hoping Schurrle starts, b/c at the moment i'm looking at getting Hulk or Fred in my team 🙁

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    1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I have Hulk....

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  2. Keatz21
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Can someone please tell me when you use the wildcard, does it have to be done in 1 sitting or do you have unlimited transfers till lockout. I don't want to wait till team lineups incase I sleep in. Lockout starts at 5:45 am for me in Australia. Cheers

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    1. President John F. Keninnsie
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Unlimited transfers til lockout.

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    2. Walrus Eggs
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Unlimited transfers until lockout.

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      1. Keatz21
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks guys much appreciated

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  3. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    I have 13 out of 23 who will play....too much of a gamble?

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    1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I have 14... 9 first game, 5 second

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  4. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    I have 5 def 4 mids and 3 fwds......probably one mid short.....

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  5. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    5 first game, 9 second

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  6. Leaf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Alexis Sanchez 🙂

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  7. asquishypotato
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Liverpool had better sign Shaqiri now, then it will be a battle of who got the better world cup signing!

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    1. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Not that this is relevant to the article! Good read though! Have a feeling I'll punt on Huntelaar...

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