FanTeam

FanTeam World Cup 2022 Fantasy team draft: Riskier punts with the ‘Safety Net’

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There are just days to go until the 2022 FIFA World Cup starts, so it’s time to start nailing down those picks for FanTeam’s World Cup Fantasy game.

There are two different types of game depending on your level of interest, with the single-entry version set up for those of you who don’t want to compete against managers who submit dozens of cover-all-bases teams.

We’ve covered the rules and scoring system in a separate article, so now we hear from one of our own – Az – and how he plans to set his team up in Matchday 1.


I’ve been playing FanTeam for the last few years now, and I have to say, I’m incredibly impressed with the slickness of their offering for the World Cup game this season.

I’ve dabbled in both single-team and multi-team tournaments over the last year but prefer to have one team to focus all my attention on. The player classifications (e.g. Messi, Neymar as midfielders) and Safety-Net feature make this an incredibly accessible game and I’m also looking forward to playing some of the “daily” matches, too.

ENTER YOUR OWN FANTEAM TEAM HERE

Az’s team for the FanTeam single-entry tournament

For my team, I’ve been able to select a variety of talismans for their sides, as well as some slightly more left-field punts thanks to the safety net.

Goalkeeper and Defender

In goal, I’ve selected cult hero Guillermo Ochoa (£5.0m). Incredibly, this is Ochoa’s fourth World Cup tournament and the 136-capped Mexican comes in at an attractive price for a team that will harbour hopes of qualifying for the last 16 after having done so in all of the veteran goalkeeper’s last tournament appearances. The first game against Poland will be crucial for Mexico’s chances of progression, as Argentina are firm favourites for the group, but Ochoa should rack up the save points across his group matches whatever the results.

In defence, Kieran Trippier (£7.0m) is an expensive acquisition but club form, set-piece threat, England’s defensive set-up and what looks like a relatively straightforward group (gulp!) make his selection an easy one. Similarly, Thomas Meunier (£6.5m) is the most attacking option for a Belgium side with attractive games against Canada and Morocco – and a final group game against Croatia, who lack a recognised international striker with Mario Mandzukic unavailable. The Safety Net feature means that even if he isn’t fit to start, I’ll still get a Belgium defender playing in his stead.

READ MORE: FanTeam World Cup Fantasy strategy – and how the Safety Net works

For my final defensive spot, I like the look of Achraf Hakimi (£5.5m), who scored two free-kicks at the latest AFCON and who plays in an attacking-looking side alongside the likes of Sofiane Boufal and Hakim Ziyech.

Alphonso Davies (£5.5m) is another option at the same price, often playing as a number 10, but he comes into the tournament with a bit of an injury doubt and the Safety Net isn’t as useful here as his understudies are far less attractive options in your side.

FanTeam's World Cup 2022 Fantasy game has launched 1

Midfield

Lionel Messi (£12.0m) was the first name on my teamsheet. I’m expecting Argentina to go all the way in this tournament and if that’s going to happen, it is highly likely that Messi will light up the tournament in what is surely his last-ever World Cup. With a midfield classification, and a first game against Saudi Arabia, I think it will take a brave FanTeam player to ignore the GOAT.

In Raphinha (£9.5m) and Leandro Trossard (£9.0m), I’ve gone for cut-price alternatives to the big guns of Neymar (£13.0m) and De Bruyne (£10.5m). This is where the Safety Net feature really comes into its own, as both players are probably too risky to select in other Fantasy World Cup formats – but in FanTeam, the pair have good options below them if they don’t start. If Trossard doesn’t start, for example, I’ll have one of Yannick Carrasco (£8.5m), Youri Tielemans (£8.0m) or Thorgan Hazard (£7.5m) subbed in. If Raphinha misses out, Lucas Paqueta (£9.0m), Antony (£8.5m), Gabriel Martinelli (£8.0m) or Rodrygo (£7.5m) come in. Plenty of options to cover me if the teamsheets are different to what I expect.

My final midfield spot goes to Akram Afif (£6.0m). I wanted to select a “home” player for this tournament, as the backing of the Qataris will be a huge motivating factor for the side who will have some hope of getting out of the group but will know that the first match against Ecuador will be one they will likely need to win. Afif is widely regarded as the most talented player in the side and has set pieces in his locker. Almoez Ali (£6.0m) is another option but is classified as a forward.

FanTeam's World Cup 2022 game has launched

Forwards

There are some really good options for our forward lines in FanTeam, and I had a hard job selecting these. Kylian Mbappe (£12.5m) is of course very expensive but his 118 goals in 128 appearances for PSG, and a goal every other game for France, speaks volumes. At 23 years old, this is a real chance for Mbappe to stake a claim as the “best player in the world”. Tournament success for France, paired with a Golden Ball/Boy award for Mbappe will see him reach a new level of elite status. He’ll have to achieve this without Messrs Kante and Pogba in midfield but while this may harm France’s chances later in the tournament, I’m fully expecting them to win their group and for Mbappe to be in the mix for top goalscorer.

Darwin Nunez (£9.0m) is a bit of a fun one, and after watching him for Liverpool so far this season, I can only describe him as “chaos”. I really like the look of Uruguay’s group, however, and I’m expecting lots of goals against South Korea and Ghana especially, while Portugal come into the tournament under a bit of a cloud of distraction due to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent interview. I’m actually tipping Uruguay to score the most goals in the group stages, and that surely means big points for Nunez, with only the aging Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani as competition for the striker role(s).

Lastly, with just £8.0m left in the bank, I had to take a punt on Gareth Bale. It might be a bit of a nostalgic pick, as I’m not expecting much from Wales this tournament, but any hopes they have rest on his shoulders. He has declared himself fully fit, and will know that a win against the USA will put them in good stead in the group. The extra motivation against England in the final MD is also a big factor too.

ENTER YOUR OWN FANTEAM TEAM HERE

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Az One half of the FPL BlackBox YouTube series with Mark Sutherns.Former Membership Strategy Manager for FFS  Follow them on Twitter

103 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    This World Cup is a bit of an epic fail really.

    1. lilmessipran
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I don't think he is active on this forum these days.

    2. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      In which of the multitude of possible ways do you mean?

  2. I Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Hazard, Musiala or Perisic?

    The rest of my midfield is KDB, Eriksen, Bergwijn and Zielinksi.

    1. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Musiala

      1. I Member
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Yeah that's who I'm on atm. Bit worried he might not start but probably still worth the risk for MD1.

  3. I Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on Gavi at 7m?

  4. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Best FWD for 8.5m or less?

    1. I Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I'm on Martinez and Richarlison but also like Nunez and Raphinha.

      1. I Member
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Lautaro Martinez if I had to pick one.

      2. Karan14
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Not sure if either Richa or Martinez are nailed to even start MD1. Brazil have a lot of options and Alvarez could get some mins off Martinez.

    2. GreennRed
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Batshuayi

    3. Bis_78
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      DEPAY

  5. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    No alcohol at World Cup stadiums in Qatar, very sober atmosphere it will be.

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      At least they have plenty of notice. Especially to their sponsor.

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      They'll have to get extra pissed beforehand then 😉

      I'm sure there won't be any arrested English fans...

      1. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        90% of the English "fans" there will be Pakistani construction workers without a passport who have been given the afternoon off to wear a brand new state-provided Kane shirt.

    3. Wild Rover
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Except in the corporate areas 🙄

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Money buys everything.

  6. I Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Good to go here? Feeling fairly settled.

    Martinez
    Dumfries, Shaw, Trippier, Maehle
    KDB, Eriksen, Bergwijn, Zielinski
    Messi, Martinez

    Rochet; Musiala, Richarlison, Sosa.

  7. Piggs Boson
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Where will the first upset come?

    I reckon Denmark tops the group above France. Giving England a route of Senegal, Denmark, Portugal before beating Netherlands in the final.

    Everyone complains it was 'easy route' and got 'lucky' while a loud chorus of Atomic Kitten booms in the background.

    😛

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I’d rather we played France than Denmark tbf

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Don't worry Hojbjerg and Eriksen will be serving suspensions.

    2. lugs
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Iran against England potentially, also Senegal vs Netherlands, lastly Brazil have a potential banana skin vs Serbia imo

    3. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I fancy Belgium and Germany to s*** the bed early doors against Canada and Japan respectively.

      1. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        1 down, 1 to go.

  8. Philosopher's Stones
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    No alcohol, homophobia, threating journalists. And the games haven't even started yet. This world cup is going to be one of it's kind.

    1. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I want two same sex people to run on to the pitch during the final and start kissing in the centre circle.

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Trying not to kink shame

      2. DavvaMC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

  9. Original Sin
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Please RMT. Argentina supporter, so had to take all 3 ARG players.

    Pasveer
    Dumfries Shaw Maehle Otamendi Sosa
    Eriksen Bergwijn Olsen
    Messi Martinez

    Rochet KDB De Arrasca Neymar
    1.0 ITB

    Planning to use 12th man chip to bring in Mbappe for MD1

    1. The Tinkerman
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Nice. You’re sure Otamendi starts?

      1. Original Sin
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Ya from whatever i have read so far.

    2. Mozumbus
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Who not Rodrigo?

  10. The Tinkerman
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Decided to go for two premiums since can only change captains once. How does it look?

    Martinez, Rochet
    Trippier, Dumfries, Pavard, Marquinhos, Sosa
    KDB (C2), Foden, Bergwijn, Modric, Khazri
    Messi (C1), Lauturo, Richarlison

    Plan to WC GW3. 12th man Mbappe in first week.

    1. Jambot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I thought you could change captains every day?

      1. trinzoo
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Of course you can!

      2. The Tinkerman
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        You can change an unlimited number of times before your captain plays, but only once after that.

        1. I Member
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Not true.

          1. The Tinkerman
            • 9 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            That is what the rules say? And the interpretation of the rules on this site? Do you have another source?

            1. I Member
              • 9 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              No I think you're right. I was wrong. Apologies.

  11. Hangman Page
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Ecuador everyone's second team on Sunday?

    1. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I've got Caicedo for some early points...

    2. Mozumbus
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Estupinan here

  12. teddy.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Anyone playing any other games?

    I'm currently doing:
    Fifa
    Sky
    Fanteam
    TFF
    GSC

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Guy playing 5 different fantasy games and still not one of them is Sorare, wow

  13. Float
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    I'm still unclear on whether you get a new captain every day or only get to change it once. Can anyone confirm?

    1. OLA
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      No one can. This game is absolutely disgrace

    2. Float
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Okay, apparently Andy Let's Talk FPL has asked someone reliable who works at FIFA or something and made this thread clarifying rules:

      https://twitter.com/LetsTalk_FPL/status/1593574000755630080?t=a-kfhYlaL8w6mHdG8RtLdQ&s=19

      1. GreennRed
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        You're a star and a gentleman. Nice one Float 🙂

      2. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Thanks for sharing. But what the actual hell is the deal with transfers lol! I plan to WC in week 2. Does that mean I can use my 2 free transfers during the actual gameweek? i.e. I could have Pavard for Australia game, teamsheets get announced and he's not playing, and then swap him for say Theo Hernandez, who is listed as playing, 10 minutes before kick off?

        Such a total mess.

        1. I Member
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          No of course not. Any transfers you make after the MD1 deadline would be for your MD2 team.

          1. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Well it actually does look like that is the case, so 2 transfers to make DURING MD1. 2 during MD2 and 2 during MD3. So it means you can take risks on players that aren't nailed.

            1. I Member
              • 9 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              I've just seen Andy's tweet. This is so confusing.

              1. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 4 Years
                1 year, 10 months ago

                Maybe they're waiting until all the keepers have been added until they decide on writing the rules 🙂

  14. FCHaalandaise
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 10 months ago

    F....the....world....cup

    Anyone got a post break squad/wildcard squad to break down?

    1. lugs
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      nah, i've only made one transfer, won't think about any other transfers until Christmas day probably when the team news is in

  15. GreennRed
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Best 9m or less midfielder that isn't Sane, Skov Olsen, Bergwijn, Casemiro or Musiala?

    1. Mozumbus
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Kimmich?

    2. lugs
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      currently giving Valverde a close look, in great form for Madrid, though he doesn't seem to produce for Uruguay yet, though this could be his breakout tournament

      1. I Member
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Think he has a more defensive role for Uruguay than he does for Madrid. Could still be good though.

    3. jayzico
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Saribo

    4. BBC_TF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      pedri/ bernardo silva

    5. BBC_TF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      and modric obviously

    6. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      De Maria

    7. GreennRed
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Thanks lads.

    8. DavvaMC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Di Maria?

  16. Mozumbus
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Private league, 30+ managers already from around the world
    https://play.fifa.com/fantasy-classic/leagues/82582/settings

  17. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Lot of people suggesting Twitter will go down soon with so many staff layoffs / resignations, supposedly the app is already slowing down. Goodbye early team news!

    1. GreennRed
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Mastodon FF 😉

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Sorry I don't really listen to heavy metal

    2. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      It's posted on Instagram anyway tbf.

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Reddit?

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        I fear I'm too old for these suggestions! Why can't I just have my daily dose of football news and videos and images of cats and other animals in humorous situations and be left to myself

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Simple man, I like.

    4. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Good riddance to both those things.

      1. FCHaalandaise
        • 1 Year
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Seconded

  18. jayzico
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Anyone tell me most nailed on/top scorer midfielder for

    A. Spain
    B. Germany

    Thanks a million chaps

    1. BBC_TF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Spain: most nailed is pedri / top scorer probably asensio or pedri
      Germany: Gundogan / ?

    2. jayzico
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Thanks a million brother. Man, ypu've a bigger years thingy than me

    3. I Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Pedri and Sane

  19. BBC_TF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Bruno looked very sharp and without ronaldo will be on pens and dead balls. we also know he is a form player and one needs to catch him while he is hot.

    so i am trying to fit him in.

    how does that look for MD1?

    Martinez - Rochet
    Dumfries - Trippier - Maehle - Sosa - Salisu
    Bruno - Modric - Bergywin - Skov Olsen - De Paul
    Messi - Neymar - Kane - Mbappe 12th man

    1. BBC_TF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      i wish i had Di Maria but De Paul represents outstanding value.

    2. I Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Without Ronaldo? Ronaldo will definitely play.

  20. BBC_TF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    i really think that the risk of the first game being rigged for qatar is high hence no CS for ecuador and low scoring in my view!

    1. lugs
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      you could be right, the corruption at Fifa is so blatant they probably don't care how obvious they make it at this stage

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      After pulling Ecuador in the work sweepstakes and feeling my chances of getting the booby prize for worst team were short, someone said this to me and I didn't feel I could legitimately say "nah that won't happen"

    3. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      If you can afford to buy a world cup, you should feel confident that you can buy out the Ecuadorian FA/one measly ref.

  21. jayzico
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Most nailed Brasil mid?

    1. BBC_TF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      this is really hard. Raphinha/Paqueta/Vinicius/Anthony fighting for 2 positions.

      Casemiro/Neymar are the only certainty.

      Based on past games Raph and Paqueta. But Anthony has form.

      1. BBC_TF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        i personally just have neymar and wait to see who plays in mid and defence

      2. jayzico
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Yup. This Paqueta dude. Does he not play in epl?

        1. BBC_TF
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          he is a great player. can score and assist

    2. jayzico
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Casimiro too defensive

      1. GreennRed
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        He'll do well on tackles and key passes bonus points. At Real he did well in UCL for ball recovery bonus.

    3. I Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Casemiro

    4. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Fred

  22. Kloppage Time
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Hey Guys, how many manual substitutions can you make in a matchday?

    1. BBC_TF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      4

  23. Jonesfromthere
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Best 4.5 mil keeper to pair with Rochet?

    1. GreennRed
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Martinez for MD1.
      Going with Dominguez though wouldn't say he's the best but frees up a few quid.

    2. DavvaMC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Pasveer?