Monday evening hands DraftKings managers the final two Group B fixtures to consider as both England and Wales look to book a place in the knockout stages.
As evidenced by France’s starting XI last night, which saw Didier Deschamps make five changes to his line-up, rest and rotation is sure to play a part in this final round of matches.
Fortunately, DraftKings allows us to take in the teamsheets before each fixture, adjusting our eight-man squads accordingly.
This could be particularly pertinent tonight, given the growing reports that suggest England could make up to six alterations, with the likes of Nathaniel Clyne ($4600), Ryan Bertrand ($4500), Jack Wilshere ($5100) and Jordan Henderson ($4700) all worthy of our consideration if selected.
Roy Hodgson has a real dilemma up front for England’s showdown with Slovakia after Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge both emerged from the bench to grab a goal apiece in the 2-1 comeback win over Wales. The duo will be pushing for a start as the Three Lions look for a victory that would ensure they finish top of the group.
Slovakia duo Marek Hamsik and Vladimir Weiss both bagged a goal and assist against Russia last time out and carry the main threat to England’s chances.
Bottom of the table Russia are still in with a shout of progressing. Indeed, a win over Wales, coupled with a triumph for England, would clinch second spot for Leonid Slutsky’s side, though they face a tough task to stop Gareth Bale from scoring for the third successive outing.
We’ve assessed this evening’s couple of encounters to help steer your DraftKings selections ahead of Monday’s contests.
Daniel Sturridge – England, – $9200
The Liverpool frontman may well be set for his first start of the tournament after grabbing a late winner over Wales. Introduced after the break, Sturridge produced four attempts against Chris Coleman’s side – more than any team-mate – and his eye for goal could prove pivotal against a Slovakia backline that’s mustered a single clean sheet in their last six outings.
Aaron Ramsey – Wales – $7700
An all-round option in the centre of the park, Ramsey has attempted more tackles than any player in the tournament and sits joint-top amongst all midfielders for efforts on target. The number one for corners under Chris Coleman, he’s produced more crosses than any Wales player so far and also supplied an assist in the opening 2-1 win over Slovakia.
Oleg Shatov – Russia, – $7100
Russia’s main man for dead-ball duties supplied seven crosses and earned an assist in the 2-1 loss to Slovakia last week. Stationed in a central support role, Shatov – who served up seven goals and eight assists for Zenit St Petersburg in 2015/16 – looks a key figure as Leonid Slutsky’s side attempt to get the better of Wales and clinch a slot in the knockout stages.
Chris Gunter – Wales, – $3800
The Wales defender offers a budget-friendly option for the utility slot in our eight-man DraftKings line-ups. Not only has Gunter seen more of the ball in the final third than fellow wing-back Neil Taylor, he’s matched the Swansea City man for crosses and betters him for successful tackles ahead of tonight’s crucial head-to-head with Russia.
DraftKings contests for Monday’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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