Spain the Fantasy favourites against Ronaldo’s Portugal

A large portion of World Cup Fantasy managers are hoping that Spain will overcome their recent managerial sideshow and beat Portugal tonight.

Coach Julen Lopetegui was dismissed by the nation’s football federation earlier this week and was replaced by Fernando Hierro, casting doubt on whether they will live up to their potential in Russia.

But 21 percent of McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy managers were undeterred by Spain’s problematic build-up to the tournament, and opted to sign goalkeeper David De Gea (£6.5m) for Gameround 1.

Even though Spain’s defence is going up against Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.0m) in Sochi, a further 20 percent have backed his Real Madrid colleague Sergio Ramos (£6.5m). Jordi Alba (£6.5m), Gerard Pique (£6.0m) and Dani Carvajal (£5.5m) were chosen by six percent too.

Ronaldo himself, the joint-third most expensive player in the game, sits in just eight percent of squads ahead of the big match, but is the most popular forward for the encounter.

All but one of Spain’s forwards are registering zero percent ownership, with Diego Costa (£9.0m) on one. That supposedly un-owned contingent includes David Silva (£9.5m) who was perhaps controversially not classified as a midfielder.

There is still plenty of interest in Spain’s attacking players, though. The modestly priced Isco (£8.5m) is in 21 percent of squads while Marco Asensio (£6.0m) has 12 percent ownership.

Differentials in Portugal’s squad include Bernardo Silva (£8.0m) and Pepe (£6.0m), who both have three percent ownership for the match.

STARTING LINE-UPS

PORTUGAL (4-4-2): Rui Patricio; Guerreiro, Fonte, Pepe, Cedric; Moutinho, Carvalho, Fernandes, B Silva; Guedes, Ronaldo.

SPAIN (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Alba, Ramos, Pique, Nacho; Koke, Busquets; Iniesta, Isco, D Silva, D Costa.