Sunday affords DraftKings managers a trio of Euro 2016 fixtures to construct their squads around as Groups C and D get up and running.
Our next set of player recommendations assess what’s on offer tomorrow as in-form pair Turkey and Croatia square up in the early two o’clock slot before Poland take on Northern Ireland and Germany go head-to-head with Ukraine later in the evening.
Croatia and Turkey both boast fine recent records. The pair have tasted defeat just once in their last 13 and 16 fixtures respectively and Croatia warmed up for their opener with a 10-0 trouncing of San Marino in midweek.
World Champions Germany fired more shots and attempts on target than any side on the road to Euro 2016, whilst Poland arrive as the top scoring team in qualifying.
We’ve assembled our player tips for Sunday’s DraftKings contests below, focusing on a mix of big-money names that are likely to be key figures, along with a sprinkle of value alternatives that may just prove equally vital to our eight-man line-ups.
Matchday 3 Player Picks
Darijo Srna, Croatia – $6100
The Croatia captain’s raids down the flank look vital to his side’s prospects against Turkey. Srna sat third top for crosses amongst defenders in qualifying and has maintained that form in the last four friendlies by earning a trio of assists. Turkey are clearly susceptible to aerial balls – they conceded 22 headed attempts over the group stages, the fourth-worst defensive record – and with target man Mario Mandzukic back in top form, Srna’s supply line could prove decisive.
Jakub Wawrzyniak, Poland – $4100
With three clean sheets in their final four friendlies, Poland’s defence looks worthy of consideration against a Northern Ireland outfit that has scored more than a single goal in just one of their last seven. An injury to first-choice left-back Maciej Rybus has allowed Jakub Wawrzyniak to start two of the final three friendlies. Priced at a kind $X, he produced a cross every 30.4 minutes in qualifying, quicker than the pricier Lukasz Piszczek on the opposite side of the back-four for Adam Nawalka’s side.
Toni Kroos, Germany – $6700
An all-action option in the centre of the park, Kroos was ranked amongst the top five midfielders for both attempts on goal and chances created in the qualifiers. Having averaged 73% possession on the road to France, Germany are likely to dominate proceedings against Ukraine, with Kroos’ ball-winning abilities key to breaking up their opponents’ rapid counter attacks. Number one for corner kicks, the Real Madrid man offers a secure pick at a time where Joachim Lowe is mulling over the make-up of his attack.
Yevhen Konoplyanka, Ukraine – $7100
The Ukraine wide man approaches the tournament in fine fettle after bagging two goals and a pair of assists in his last four outings. Konoplyanka’s pace and trickery on the break will be a vital weapon against Germany if Mikhail Fomenko’s side are to upset the world champions – he won more fouls than any player over the qualifiers. As his nation’s chief creator from open play and dead ball situations, Konoplyanka will be tasked with unlocking a backline that’s managed just a single clean sheet in their last nine matches.
Robert Lewandowski, Poland – $11,200
Given that Thomas Muller could be utilised on Germany’s right flank against Ukraine, we’re turning to Poland’s talisman as our premium DraftKings forward for Sunday’s matches. Top scorer in qualifying with 13 strikes, Lewandowski also supplied a trio of assists and played a part in 51% of his side’s goals. Opponents Northern Ireland can be expected to sit deep and soak up the pressure but considering they mustered a mere three clean sheets on the road to France, the Bayern Munich frontman should be afforded plenty of opportunities to get off the mark.
DraftKings contests for Sunday’s matches are now available, including a $3 entry “Striker” with a $5k prize pot.
DraftKings is available only to those aged 18 or over. Be sure to take note of their Terms and Conditions here.
