Sunday marks the start of the final round of group matches, posing DraftKings managers a new challenge when compiling their contest squads.
The teamsheets become far less predictable at this point in the tournament. Teams such as France head into their final group encounter having already booked their place in the knock-out phase; they may now look to manage resources in preparation for challenges ahead.
That will inevitably lead to changes to the regular line-up, ensuring that managers need to stay on their toes and react prior to kick-off. Fortunately, DraftKings allows us to take in the teamsheets before each match, adjusting our eight-man squads accordingly.
Didier Deschamps already showed his hand, changing up his starting XI for the win over Albania by dropping both Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann to the bench.
He will doubtless be considering options ahead of a clash with Switzerland which will ultimately decide who wins the group.
The Swiss may well be content with the point that would seal the runners-up spot. However, Romania are still in contention and facing an Albanian side who are yet to register a point.
Even the Albanian’s can earn passage should they muster a win, although they will need to boost their goal difference to have the opportunity of finishing amongst the top four third placed sides.
It’s a scenario that could yet lead to fireworks on the final day of Group A.
Here’s our selection of DraftKings targets that we’ve identified as likely impact players over Sunday’s contests.
Antoine Griezmann – France, – $9500
The Atletico forward emerged from the bench to snatch a crucial opener against Albania and could now earn a recall. Griezmann fired 32 goals for his club last season and was expected to be a leading light in the French bid for the trophy. Should Deschamps include him in his starting XI, the onus will be on Griezmann to perform and we suspect that he may just rise to the occasion.
Fabian Schar – Switzerland, $3600
The Swiss seem likely to sit back against the French and rely on set-pieces as their main threat. No other side scored more goals direct from corners in qualifying than Vladimir Petković’s side and Schar has already profited from such a scenario in their opening win over Albania. France has shown fragility defending set-pieces so Schar looks well placed to make his mark again.
Gabriel Torje – Romania, $6200
The diminutive midfielder was brought into the side against Switzerland having missed out in the opening day defeat to France. A quick-footed attacking player, although he failed to score or assist in qualifying, he produced more crosses and goal attempts than any other team-mate. Torje was a bright spark in the Swiss stalemate, supplying nine crosses and winning two tackles. He’ll be expected to retain his start for the Albania clash, providing a strong option for our squads in a match that Romania have to win.
Emir Lenjani – Albania, $4700
Lenjani was the only player to play a part in more than one of Albania’s seven goals scored in qualifying. A left-back for his club Nantes, he’s been converted to a winger for his country and will be a likely key figure against the Romanians. Despite playing at full-back in France, Lenjani averaged more completed crosses per match than any Nantes team-mate and ranked second for crossed balls and goal attempts for Albania during qualifying.
DraftKings contests for Sunday’s matches are now available, including a $3 entry “Striker” with a $10k prize pot. The deadline for today’s contests is 8pm UK time.
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