Groups C and D come to a conclusion this evening, with DraftKings managers afforded eight teams to assemble their squads from.
As witnessed with the France and England starting XIs over the past two evenings, the line-ups carry an air of unpredictability in the third round of fixtures and staying alert to any alterations prior to kick-off is key to success.
Crucially, DraftKings allows us to take in the teamsheets before each match, adjusting our eight-man squads accordingly in order to seek out some last-minute bargains.
Germany may be top of Group C but Joachim Lowe could be reluctant to mix it up as he looks to cement that spot at the summit.
Sitting above Poland only on goal difference after a goalless draw last time out, the World Champions face a stubborn Northern Ireland that roll up on the back of a shock 2-0 win over Ukraine. Michael O’Neill’s men boast a significant threat from dead-ball situations and scored more goals than any side from set-pieces in qualifying.
Top scorers on the road to Euro 2016, Poland will be looking to take advantage of Mykhaylo Fomenko’s whipping boys, though a second-placed finish would still hand them a favourable clash with Switzerland in the next round.
Spain are already through to the last 16 on the back of successive wins but need to avoid defeat to Croatia in order to finish top of Group D. Bearing in mind that the runners-up face the winners of Group E – which is likely to Italy – Ante Cacic’s side will be keen to go on the offensive.
Turkey and Czech Republic do battle in the other 8pm kick-off. Both sides sat in the top three for shots conceded inside the box over the first two rounds of fixtures, suggesting that goals could be on the menu.
Here’s our selection of DraftKings targets that could prove key to their nations’ prospects over the upcoming four fixtures.
Burak Yilmaz – Turkey – $5000
A must-win match against Czech Republic affords Turkey’s talisman the opportunity to open his account for the tournament. Top scorer for his country in qualifying, the fit-again Yilmaz’ eye for goal could make the difference as Fatih Terim’s men look to scramble off the Group D basement in the early 5pm kick-offs.
David Silva – Spain – $8100
Although he’s yet to play a part in any of Spain’s four goals, the playmaker boasts some impressive underlying numbers. Top for crosses and second when it comes to chances created for Vicente del Bosque’s side, Silva’s five attempts on goal has been bettered only by Alvaro Morata as he faces a Croatia backline still reeling from the weekend capitulation against Czech Republic.
Kamil Grosicki – Poland – $6200
A key player for Poland in qualifying, the left winger produced more crosses than any team-mate and was second only to Robert Lewandowski for both shots inside the opposition box and attempts on target. Handed a first start last time out after recovering from a minor injury, Grosicki will be looking to torment an unconvincing Ukraine defence that’s been breached twice in both their opening fixtures.
Julian Draxler – Germany – $6600
At a price of $6600, the winger affords DraftKings managers a relatively budget-friendly route into Joachim Lowe’s attack. Draxler has produced more successful crosses than any Germany player and sits second for attempts inside the box, underlining his threat ahead of the clash with Northern Ireland.
Jonas Hector – Germany – $4800
The Germany left-back has provided a constant threat down the flank for Joachim Lowe’s side. Only two defenders supplied more crosses than Hector’s 13 over the first two rounds of fixtures, a tally bettered by Toni Kroos for the World Champions. With Northern Ireland set to sit back and soak up the pressure, Hector should be allowed the space to raid forward and pose problems in the final third.
Artur Jedrzejczyk – Poland – $4200
The Poland defender looks a solid option for the utility spot in our eight-man squads. Up against a Ukraine attack that’s drawn blanks in their first two fixtures, Jedrzejczyk has delivered more crosses than fellow full-back Lukasz Piczszek and has also equalled his team-mate for interceptions.
DraftKings contests for Tuesday’s matches are now available, including a $3 entry “Striker” with a $10k prize pot. The deadline for today’s contests is 5pm UK time.
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