With just four matches remaining in the Euro 2016 group stages, we bring you news of a DraftKings competition that’s exclusive to Fantasy Football Scout readers.
This free-to-enter contest comprises all Wednesday evening’s matches and offers $100 in prize money. Cash payouts are awarded to the top four Fantasy managers, with the winner earning $50.
Click here to find out more and get involved.
There’s eight teams to choose from as the group action comes to a close. Fortunately, DraftKings allows us to take in the teamsheets before each match, adjusting our eight-man squads accordingly.
The final two fixtures in Group F get underway at 5pm, with all four teams still jostling for a place in the knockout stages.
Highly fancied to finish at the summit, Portugal have yet to win a match though will be guaranteed a top two finish if they triumph against Hungary.
Iceland and Austria square up in the other early fixture, with the battle for second place of particular interest to Roy Hodgson, given that England will play the Group F runners-up in the first round of the knockouts on June 27.
Later in the evening, Group E winners Italy have been pitted against defending champions Spain in the Last 16 and are expected to make numerous changes for their encounter with Republic of Ireland, whilst Martin O’Neill’s men desperately need a result to boost their chances of progressing.
Belgium and Sweden go head-to-head in the other 8pm kick-off as Marc Wilmots’ side seek a second successive victory. Having lost to Italy in their opener, the Red Devils know that a victory tonight would pit them against the winners of Group F – the kick-off times means they’ll know their likely opponents before taking to the pitch in Nice.
Here’s our selection of DraftKings targets that could prove key to Wednesday evening’s action.
Romelu Lukaku – Belgium –$9400
The Belgium frontman returned to form in the previous match by bagging a brace in the win over Republic of Ireland. After losing their opener to Italy, Marc Wilmots’ side can’t afford to take it easy and Lukaku will be brimming with self-belief as the Red Devils looks to secure second place against out-of-sorts Sweden.
Alessandro Florenzi – Italy – $6300
Handed a first start of the tournament against Sweden last time out, the Italy midfielder produced more successful crosses than any team-mate in the 1-0 win. With Antonio Candreva expected to be amongst a number of regulars rested, Florenzi looks poised to claim corner kick duties for tonight’s encounter with a Republic of Ireland outfit still reeling from a 3-0 loss to Belgium.
Laslo Kleinheisler – Hungary – $5400
The midfielder is second only to Balazs Dzsudzsak for crosses amongst the Hungary contingent across the opening pair of matches. Kleinheisler has equalled his team-mate for attempts on goal, with six apiece, whilst his trickery on the ball has seen him fouled more than any of Bernd Storck’s players. With opponents Portugal desperate for a win, Hungary will look to hit on the counter and Kleinheisler’s threat in the final third could be key.
Christian Fuchs – Austria – $5900
Austria’s left-back has produced at least double the number of crosses than any team-mate ahead of their clash against Iceland. Fuchs’ defensive qualities saw him sit first for both successful tackles and interceptions on the road to Euro 2016 and his all-round style of play makes the Leicester defender a solid acquisition for our eight-man DraftKings line-ups.
Raphael Guerreiro – Portugal – $4800
The Portugal full-back has created a chance every 37.8 minutes over the first couple of fixtures – quicker than any defender in the tournament. Guerreiro’s raids down the left also supplied 13 crosses and with more successful tackles accrued than any team-mate, his all-round style of play looks a likely source of points as Fernando Santos’ side go in search of a vital victory against Hungary. It’s worth keeping an eye on the teamsheets, though, as Guerreiro failed to train yesterday.
Jan Vertonghen – Belgium – $4700
Belgium’s left-back has offered a steady source of creativity down the flank, with a total of 12 crosses second only to Kevin de Bruyne. Vertonghen – who sits second for interceptions amongst Marc Wilmots’ squad – now faces a Sweden side that’s failed to register a single shot on target over their first two fixtures.
DraftKings contests for Wednesday’s matches are now available, including a $3 entry “Striker” with a $13k prize pot and The Fantasy Football Scout free contest. The deadline for today’s contests is 5pm UK time.
If you’ve yet to try DraftKings, we published a selection guide earlier this summer which should help in assembling your eight-man squads.
DraftKings is available only to those aged 18 or over. Be sure to take note of their Terms and Conditions here and play responsibly.
