The spot-kicks have been despatched, the Fantasy clean sheets are in the bag and Italy, deservedly, have clinched a place in the last four against Germany on Thursday evening. Now we have a three-day break in proceedings before Spain square up to Portugal on Wednesday and, with eight free transfers available to Fantasy managers in the McDonald’s game, plenty of options are being assessed prior to the 7.30pm deadline on June 27:
With so many doubts over who will lead the line for the defending champions, last-minute transfers are likely to come into play on Wednesday. The teams will be announced prior to the deadline, affording Fantasy managers the chance to tinker with their lineups before deciding on final selections.
Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas have started two games apiece in the middle of the attacking three and both have returned two goals thus far – whoever gets the nod against Paulo Bento’s side will surely see a flurry of transfers before 7.30pm. David Silva looks the only real secure starter of Spain’s classified forwards in the McDonald’s game but has failed to produce any returns in his last couple of appearances. Xabi Alonso’s brace against France will see him pick up plenty interest, while Andres Iniesta’s owners are desperate for an upturn in performance, bearing in mind the midfielder has provided just a single assist over the tournament to date. Turning to the backline, and Jordi Alba in particular, could prove dividend – the left-back is the highest scoring player in the McDonald’s game and rolls up on the back of a 10 point haul against the French.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the obvious option for Portugal. Three goals in his last two games attests to his current form, with the 11.0 priced forward also hitting the woodwork a total of four times against Holland and Czech Republic. Up against Real Madrid team mate Alvaro Arbeloa on the flank, he has the potential to cause the Spaniards plenty of problems if Portugal can get their counter attack game working as they did against the Dutch. Nani is more of a differential with 14% ownership to Ronaldo’s 42% and has provided a pair of assists so far, while Hugo Almeida is likely to lead the line in light of Helder Postiga’s hamstring injury. Joao Moutinho has also matched Nani’s attacking returns, while Pepe’s resilience at the back, in addition to a goal against Denmark, has earned him 20 points, the same amount as Ronaldo.
