Monday’s Euro 16 action sees holders Spain begin their bid to retain the crown, as DraftKings managers prepare squads for another round of contests.
The Spanish head into their Group D encounter with Czech Republic, desperate to shake off the recent shock defeat to Georgia – their first reverse in 12-matches.
Over in Group E, the Republic of Ireland get their campaign underway as they clash with Sweden, while Monday concludes with a lip-smacking encounter as much-fancied Belgium collide with an Italian side with just two wins from their last six.
We’ve sifted through the six squads to provide another round of DraftKings picks, selecting an array of talent across the various positions and price brackets.
Matchday 4 Player Picks
Jordi Alba, Spain – $4700
The relentless running and attacking threat from the Spanish left-back looks a worthy investment. Vicente del Bosque’s unit allowed a paltry three goals in qualifying and have maintained that form with just four conceded from their last six friendlies. While doubts linger over the starter on right of the defence, Alba looks an assured prospect on the opposite flank after ranking third for crossed balls and second for interceptions for Spain during qualification.
Mikael Lustig, Sweden – $3800
Sweden’s rearguard has conceded just four goals in seven friendlies since qualifying via a play-off victory over Denmark. The Celtic defender is established in that defence, providing frequent raids from right-back. Lustig claimed a pair of assists in qualifying and, after scoring five goals in Celtic’s domestic campaign, he notched in the recent 3-0 win over Wales, registering an impressive four efforts on goal.
Nolito, Spain – $7100
The Celta Vigo wideman heads into the tournament as Spain’s in-form attacking prospect. A bag of tricks on the flank, the 29-year-old has worked his way into del Bosque’s plans by offering significant goal threat from out wide. Nolito fired a brace in the warm-up encounter with Bosnia, following that up 72-hours later with another two goals in the rout of South Korea. He’s topped their charts for goal attempts with 13 efforts in five appearances over Spain’s last six friendlies, whilst laying on nine opportunities for team-mates – second only to Cesc Fabregas in the Spanish ranks.
Emil Forsberg, Sweden – $5200
There’s no question that team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimović will tempt huge investment for Monday’s contests but, if you’re looking to differentiate your squad, you could do well to consider Forsberg as an emerging talent. The 24-year-old winger contributed six assists and eight goals in Red Bull Leipzig’s promotion to the Bundesliga and is attracting scouts from Liverpool, among others. Like Lustig, he’s impressed in warm-up matches, notching against the Welsh just eight days ago.
Kevin de Bruyne, Belgium – $10,200
De Bruyne looks impossible to ignore ahead of Belgium’s clash with Italy. The Manchester City wideman created more chances than any other player in qualifying, amassing 106 crosses in Belgium’s campaign – more than double his nearest rival. He also fired in more goal attempts than any team-mate, on his way to claiming five goals. De Bruyne has maintained that form over Belgium’s warm-ups, providing more crosses and goalscoring opportunities than any other player over the pre-tournament friendlies.
DraftKings contests for Monday’s matches are now available, including a $3 entry “Striker” with a $7k prize pot.
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