The third DraftKings contest of the quarter-finals hands us two matches over Saturday and Sunday evening to assemble our eight-man squads from.
Italy take on Germany in Bordeaux at 8pm this evening for a place alongside Portugal and Wales in the last four.
Despite a 2-0 win over Spain in the Round of 16, Antonio Conte’s are slight underdogs for tonight’s match. With just a single goal conceded over their four fixtures, though, it’s fair to say The Azzurri’s defensive display will be vital in keeping the Germans at bay.
Joachim Low’s unit have been even more resilient than their opponents and kept a clean sheet in every match so far. Indeed, with more shots and attempts inside the box than any side over the first four rounds of fixtures, the World Champions look in ominous form at both ends of the pitch.
Hosts France go head-to-head with Iceland in tomorrow night’s encounter in the Stade de France.
Both sides registered 2-1 comeback wins in the previous round after conceding early penalties against Republic of Ireland and England respectively.
Didier Deschamps’ side will be expected to dominate proceedings – Iceland have mustered just 28.9% possession so far in the tournament, less than any other side. The tournament favourites, France have produced more than double the number of attempts on goal (75 to 31) but the pair are level for goals scored, with six apiece, thanks to Iceland’s impressive 19.4% goal conversion rate.
Having previously put Thomas Muller forward as a candidate from tonight’s match for yesterday’s contests, here’s another set of names from that encounter, together with a trio of prime targets for Sunday’s final last eight clash.
Antoine Griezmann – France – $9400
Joint-top scorer for the tournament, the France forward benefitted from a change of position during the comeback victory over Republic of Ireland last time around. Having started that match on the right, Griezmann shifted into a central support slot and, firing eight attempts, scored both his side’s goals in the 2-1 triumph. The Atletico Madrid man looks in fine form for the clash against Iceland and could well retain his new role as Didier Deschamps’ side look to book a place in the last four.
Dimitri Payet – France – $10000
The France playmaker’s average of 7.3 minutes per cross over the first four fixtures is quicker than any player in the tournament. Number one for dead-ball duties, Payet has created 17 scoring opportunities for Les Bleus and his eye for a killer pass could prove the difference as the tournament favourites attempt to break down a stubborn Iceland rearguard.
Toni Kroos – Germany – $7400
Thanks to his role as a deep-lying playmaker in Joachim Low’s 4-2-3-1, Kroos has produced more touches and passes than any player in the tournament. Given that Germany have averaged 70.1% possession so far, we expect them to dominate this evening’s encounter against Italy in Bordeaux, with Kroos set to see plenty of the ball as The Azzurri look to sit deep and frustrate. Sitting top for crosses and joint-top for attempts on target, the Real Madrid man offers DraftKings managers an excellent all-round option for our eight-man squads this evening.
Giorgio Chiellini – Italy – $3400
The Juventus centre-half has been fundamental to a series of displays that have seen Italy concede just a single goal in their first four fixtures. Chiellini – who notched the opener in a 2-0 win over Spain last time out – sits second for interceptions and joint-top for successful tackles amongst Antonio Conte’s charges. He’s also been fouled more times than any team-mate and, at a price of $3400, looks excellent value as The Azzurri look to spring another shock and send Germany tumbling out.
Birkir Saevarsson – Iceland – $3100
Iceland’s hard-working right-back could be one to consider for the utility slot in our eight-man squads. Setting you back just $3100, Saeversson has produced twice the number of successful tackles (eight to four) as fellow full-back Ari Freyr Skulason and also betters him for interceptions, by seven to four. Considering that he’s likely to be up against Dimitri Payet on the flank, Saevarsson looks set for a busy night as the underdogs seek to extend their fairytale tournament on Sunday evening.
Spots in DraftKings contests for Saturday and Sunday’s matches are still available, including the $3 entry “Striker” with an $8k prize pot.
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