This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EDT)
11:00 a.m: Cameroon v. Australia
2:00 p.m: Germany v. Chile
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Johnny Herrera, CHL v. GER ($4,800): Chile should be considered as the favorite to win the whole tournament, with Germany fielding a second-string squad and Portugal starting off the competition with a draw against Mexico. So, if they're going to be the best, they have to beat the best, or at least one of the best, and Thursday will be bring an opportunity to do so. Alexis Sanchez sat out the opening match against Cameroon, but he should be back for this one to help bolster the attack. The defense is one of the best in the world, and the 10 players protecting Herrera are sure to be working harder than any other unit in international soccer.
DEFENDER
Joshua Kimmich, GER v. CHL ($6,000): Kimmich is a versatile defender who has the ability to move up into the midfield the play as an attacker, which he has often done for Bayern Munich. He contributed an assist last game, and though he is playing against a much tougher Chile side this time around, he should be considered as the top defender of the slate.
Mauricio Isla, CHL v. GER ($4,600): Isla moved up into the attack a ton last Sunday, and he almost found the back of the net on a shot attempt in the first half. Chile loves to push its fullbacks up the field, which means Isla and Jean Beausejour have a good chance of meeting value.
MIDFIELDER
Arturo Vidal, CHL v. GER ($7,100): Vidal is a much different player for his country than he is for Bayern Munich. With Chile, he is depended on to make cutting runs through the middle of the field to get on the end of the deliveries sent in by the fullbacks and wingers. He broke the deadlock against Cameroon with one of those runs to finish a cross with a header. Germany is ripe for the picking at the moment, and Vidal will be the reason Chile earns at least a point.
Aaron Mooy, AUS v. CMR ($5,800): Mooy is the engine for the Socceroos. Everything goes through him, as he mans the center of the pitch and hinges from side to side, moving the ball to his teammates. He is on corners and set pieces, and against the weakest opponent of the group stage, Mooy should have plenty of opportunities to put up fantasy production. He is underpriced for this slate and is a fine piece to complete your fantasy squad.
Tomas Rogic, AUS v. CMR ($3,900): Rogic plays for Celtic, where he has participated in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League. He scored seven goals and had three assists in 15 starts in the Scottish Premiership. He looked very dangerous last game against Cameroon, and he could have had more than his one goal in the game. Against arguably the worst team in the group, Rogic should have even more opportunities to find the back of the net.
FORWARD
Alexis Sanchez CHL v. GER ($10,200): Alexis did not start last game, as he hobbled out of training just days before with an ankle injury. However, he subbed in with more than 30 minutes left, and it took just 20 minutes for him to find a cutting Vidal, who put his delivery in the back of the net. If he starts, he will be a cause for concern for Germany all game.
Eduardo Vargas, CHL v. GER ($5,600): Vargas thought he had his first goal at the end of the first half, but the video assistant referee reversed the goal due to an offside call. He had several chances after the reversed goal, and he eventually found the net in the closing minutes of the game to put the match away. Strikers like Vargas often go on scoring streaks in tournaments like these, and he could be at the start of one as he heads into Thursday's game.
Christian Bassagog, CMR v. AUS ($4,900): Bassagog was the player of the tournament for the Africa Cup of Nations, and while he did not have many opportunities to showcase his talent against Germany, Thursday's matchup should be much less one-sided. He will be on the ball much more, and it looks as if he thrives on the counter attack.
