The Euro 2016 knockout stages get up and running tomorrow, with a trio of matches for DraftKings managers to construct their eight-man teams around.
Fortunately, DraftKings allows us to take in the teamsheets before each fixture, adjusting our eight-man squads accordingly in order to seek out those potential last-minute bargains.
Switzerland and Poland get the action underway at 2pm. Runners-up of Group A and C respectively, the duo were unbeaten over their first three fixtures and scored two goals apiece, with the Poles one of only two sides yet to concede in the tournament.
At 5pm, Group B winners Wales take on Northern Ireland for a place in the last eight. Chris Coleman’s side clearly carry the greater threat – joint-top scorers in the group stages with six goals, they have fired more attempts on target than any side. Ireland, meanwhile, have allowed their opponents 61 efforts over the first three fixtures – no other side has conceded more.
In the late 8pm match, Croatia and Portugal go head to head. The former are regarded as dark horses for the tournament after coming from behind to beat Spain and clinch Group D, though the Portuguese won’t make it easy – Fernando Santos’ men have registered more attempts on goal than any country so far and notched three times against Hungary in their previous outing.
Here’s our selection of DraftKings targets to help guide your picks ahead of Saturday’s contests.
Matchday 4, Day 1 Picks
Darijo Srna – Croatia – $6800
The veteran full-back has been somewhat unfortunate not to play a part in any of Croatia’s five goals so far. Srna’s raids down the right produced 28 crosses over the group stages – top amongst defenders and better than any team-mate – whilst he’s also created six scoring opportunities for Ante Cacic’s side ahead of their showdown with Portugal.
Aaron Ramsey – Wales – $8400
Thriving in a central support role in Chris Coleman’s 3-4-2-1 set-up, the Wales midfielder’s all-round style of play is perfectly suited to DraftKings. Ramsey has served up a goal and two assists so far and, with corner kick duties in hand, is Wales’ number one for crosses. Given that he’s attempted more tackles than any player over the group stages, the Arsenal man will be difficult to ignore against Northern Ireland tomorrow afternoon.
Ivan Perisic – Croatia – $6400
With Srna and Ivan Rakitic providing the creativity, the right winger has played a significant part in Croatia’s progress to the knockout stages. After failing to net against Turkey in the group opener, Perisic has since produced two goals and an assist in the last couple of fixtures and fired eight efforts inside the box – more than any midfielder. With Mario Mandzukic struggling for form and fitness, Perisic’s eye for goal could prove the difference against Portugal.
Gareth Bale – Wales – $11100
The Wales attacker is joint-top scorer for the tournament so far, having found the net in all three group matches. Bale is thriving as his nation’s main attacking threat and has produced 12 attempts on target to date – that’s more than double all but one player in Euro 2016 so far. That sort of form makes him our pick of the premium-priced strikers as Chris Coleman’s side look to book their place in the final eight.
Arkadiusz Milik – Poland – $9500
Pre-tournament, many expected Robert Lewandowski to provide Poland’s main goal threat but the Bayern Munich man has been a bitter disappointment to date, failing to register a single shot on target. Milik, on the other hand, has looked far livelier than his strike partner. Having scored the winner against Northern Ireland, he’s produced more than double the number of shots and efforts inside the penalty box than any of Adam Nawalka’s side as they square up to Switzerland.
Nani – Portugal – $9200
A far more budget-friendly option than Cristiano Ronaldo ($12700), Nani is neck and neck with his team-mate on two goals apiece. Although Ronaldo’s tally of 30 attempts is top for the tournament, he’s offered less threat than Nani from close-range – indeed, the latter’s 12 shots inside the box is more than any player over the group stages. Opponents Croatia may be slight favourites but Portugal will be looking to hit on the counter and, as evidenced by their three-goal haul against Hungary, have the firepower to progress.
DraftKings contests for Saturday’s matches are now available, including a $4 entry “Sweeper” with a $15k prize pot.
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