This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EDT)
7:00 p.m: Trinidad & Tobago v. Panama
9:50 p.m: Mexico v. Costa Rica
10:30 p.m: USA v. Honduras
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Jaime Penedo, PAN v. TT ($5,000): I'd expect most people to back Tim Howard ($5,700) for obvious reasons, but I'm not ready to trust that USA back line just yet. While Howard has the better odds to win, I think Penedo has much better value given that Panama hasn't allowed a goal in two qualification games. Already with a win at Honduras, a few more points for a win isn't out of the question for Penedo, either. Still, if you have the money, Howard is worth it.
DEFENDER
Geoff Cameron, USA v. HON ($3,600): Cameron doesn't like playing right back, but all signs point to him getting the start there and that's good enough for such a cheap price. With a great clean sheet possibility as well, this price is much better than most other defenders, especially if he's out wide.
DaMarcus Beasley, USA v. HON ($4,700): As for the USA's left side, there's almost no question that Beasley will fill that spot unless Bruce Arena really wants to mix things up in a must-win game (he doesn't). Of course, Jorge Villafana ($4,500) is in contention as well, and that'll definitely be something to monitor ahead of the match.
MIDFIELDER
Sebastian Lletget, USA v. HON ($4,700): This one is close to a no-brainer, mainly because of price. The other reason is that Arena really likes him; at least that's how it appears. He played one half in Arena's first match as coach and then the full 90 against Jamaica, and he's got a few attacking qualities that should help against Honduras. He's so cheap because he wasn't on the roster in the previous qualification matches, but that'll change after these two.
Christian Pulisic, USA v. HON ($8,000): Why so many Americans? Well, with only three matches and the United States being one of the bigger favorites, it only makes sense to back them. But instead of looking at Jozy Altidore or Clint Dempsey (who may not be ready for 90 minutes), it may be best to focus on the guys that set up the attack. Pulisic has looked great for Borussia Dortmund this season and deserves another Hex start, likely on the wing.
Carlos Vela, MEX v. CRC ($7,900): Similar to Pulisic, Vela is having a great season in Europe, but for Real Sociedad in Spain. Used mostly as an attacking midfielder, he has seven goals in addition to taking corners. With Chicharito up front, it wouldn't be surprising if the two connected in Mexico's first home match of the Hexagonal, even with how well Costa Rica is playing.
FORWARD
Chicharito, MEX v. CRC ($8,800): The big talk is that Chicharito needs one more goal to match Mexico's goal record, but he's been at that mark since last summer, failing to score in his last four appearances. This is as good of a chance as any playing at Estadio Azteca. There is the problem of his extended goal droughts this season for Bayer Leverkusen, and he's now on a run of six matches without a goal. That's probably the main reason to select Altidore above him, but if Mexico goes off at home (which is possible), you know Chicharito will get at least one of those.
Romell Quioto, HON v. USA ($6,200): I had Raul Jimenez ($6,800) here, but couldn't pass up the in-form Quioto, who has scored in his first three MLS matches this season for Houston. To go with that, he scored in Honduras's last qualification match. The worry is that he won't get many chances against the Americans, but it shouldn't be that surprising if he gets a chance or two against their defense. As a bonus, he's also taking corners, which should help him from being a complete dud even if he doesn't score.
