Matchday 3 gets underway this evening, with Fantasy managers treated to four games for each of the next four days. The final two fixtures in Group B are first up at 5pm. Joint-leaders Holland and Chile go head-to-head to decide who will finish at the summit, though the Dutch are definitely at a disadvantage with Robin Van Persie suspended, whilst defending champions Spain and Australia will both attempt to pick up points before heading home:
Holland:Cillessen; Janmaat, Vlaar, De Vrij, Blind; De Jong, Sneijder, Kuyt; Robben, Lens, Wijnaldum
Chile: Bravo; Silva, Medel, Jara; Isla, Aranguiz, Diaz, Mena; Gutierrez; Sanchez, Vargas
Louis Van Gaal makes a total of three alterations from the side that started against Australia. Bruno Martins Indi and Jonathan de Guzman join the suspended Van Persie on the sidelines, with Dirk Kuyt, Jeremain Lens and Georginio Wijnaldum all drafted into what looks like a 4-3-3 formation. Arjen Robben owners will be optimistic of further returns after the Bayern man notched three times in the opening two fixtures.
Chile manager Jorge Sampaoli makes just one change from the side that defeat Spain in Matchday 2. Juventus’ Arturo Vidal is replaced by Felipe Gutierrez in a continuation of the 3-4-1-2, with Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas both looking to mantain the form that has produced a goal and assist apiece so far.
Spain: Reina; Juanfran, Ramos, Albiol, Alba; Koke, Alonso, Iniesta; Cazorla, Torres, Villa,
Australia: Ryan; McGowan, Wilkinson, Spiranovic, Davidson; Jedinak, McKay; Leckie, Bozanic, Oar; Taggart
After seeing his side concede seven goals and fail to pick up a single point in what has been an embarrassing defence of the trophy, Vicente del Bosque axes seven players from the XI that faced Chile last week. Only Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso keep their places as the champions attempt to save face before exiting the tournament.
Ange Postecoglou makes two changes from the side that narrowly lost to Holland. Australia’s chances are dealt a bitter blow this evening with Tim Cahill suspended up front – Adam Taggart is set to lead the line, with Oliver Bozanic replacing Mark Bresciano in the attacking midfield three in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
At 8pm, Brazil face Cameroon and Mexico square up to Croatia as Group A comes to its culmination. All bar the Africans have a chance of progressing and, despite drawing a blank against Mexico last time around, the hosts are heavily backed to return to form and turn on the style in order to ensure they finish at the summit – Neymar owners will be desperate for points, whilst Fred’s starting berth is perhaps at risk following a pair of disappointing displays.
The Mexico-Croatia match looks far more evenly matched. One of only two sides to keep a clean sheet in both their opening matches, the Mexicans may struggle to keep out an attack that put four past Cameroon last time around, with Mario Mandzukic’s return from suspension proving pivotal for Nico Kovac’s side. Oribe Peralta carries the main threat for the North Americans, who need only a draw to ensure their progress to the knockout stages.
