FanDuel Fantasy Soccer: Monday World Cup Targets

MATCHES (EDT)

10:00 a.m: Egypt v. Saudi Arabia
10:00 a.m: Russia v. Uruguay
2:00 p.m: Portugal v. Iran
2:00 p.m: Morocco v. Spain

FORWARDS

Mohamed Salah, EGY v. SAU ($10,500): If Salah starts, he makes more sense than Cristiano Ronaldo ($14,000) considering they have the same odds to score. Salah looked close to normal in his return from a shoulder injury last match and should get more chances against Saudi Arabia, especially with this being the first match Egypt are favored in. At this price, you can't do better and if Salah doesn't start he plays early so you can change it up if needed.

Cristiano Ronaldo, POR v. IRN ($14,000): Fading Ronaldo is never an easy thing to do, and it doesn't help that Iran are in need of a win. That could lead to numerous breakaways for Ronaldo (and Portugal) and a brace or hat trick is always in play. The problem is in his high price and if Iran play their normal defensive style for the first 75 minutes. Outside of the early goal last match, Ronaldo didn't do anything against Morocco. If you spend the money, know there's risk in not scoring, but also know the potential of another huge performance because he is behind Harry Kane in the Golden Boot race.

Diego Costa, ESP v. MOR ($12,000): The prices on this slate are a bit surprising and give little reason to back the Uruguayans. Luis Suarez ($12,500) was priced the same against Saudi Arabia and is more expensive than Costa even as a smaller favorite and worse odds to score. Morocco played well in their first two matches but are already eliminated while Spain could take a draw and advance. Costa played well in the first two matches, scoring three goals, and as the biggest favorite on the slate, he's a good place to turn if you don't want to spend on Ronaldo.

MIDFIELDERS

Roman Zobnin, RUS v. URU ($8,000): Zobnin isn't an exciting play, but he provides a nice floor at a decent price, which is what's needed if one of your top forwards doesn't score. If you don't include the assist, Zobnin is still averaging close to 18 fantasy points per match because of defensive stats like tackles (11) and interceptions (six). As the enforcer in Russia's midfield, that's not expected to change even as an underdog.

Isco, ESP v. MOR ($7,500):Isco didn't work in the last match (5.6 fantasy points), but I still believe he's a better value than David Silva ($9,500), who has a higher floor by only five or so points. That's not enough to use Silva, especially with Isco having the same goal odds and being the main corner taker for Spain. Making Isco even better is that Morocco conceded both goals in this tournament from corner kicks.

Aleksandr Samedov, RUS v. URU ($6,500): Money has to be saved somewhere if you go big at forward, and that'll likely be the most popular method. I'm not saying Russia will win with these midfielder picks, but they make the most sense price-wise in a match that should be even. The selling point for Samedov is that he was the main corner taker last match and finished with 10 crosses and three chances created. If he takes corners again, he's a great value and should have a solid floor.

DEFENDERS

Ahmed Fathy, EGY v. SAU ($5,500): Instead of spending up on other defenders, Fathy is priced in a good range. He's averaging 18.5 fantasy points and has shown a decent floor with two chances created, five interceptions and 11 tackles. Now as a favorite, Fathy could have clean sheet upside in addition to his regular stats, which makes him easier to trust than someone like Sergio Ramos ($7,500) or Diego Godin ($7,500).

Mario Fernandes, RUS v. URU ($4,500): It's a bit surprising that Fernandes' price still hasn't gone up despite showing a solid floor in the first two matches and an assist against Egypt. He's created a chance in each match along with a few clearances and interceptions, and being an underdog doesn't matter much for a fullback, especially one that comes cheap and consistently racks up points through other avenues.

Morteza Pouraliganji, IRN v. POR ($4,000): If you need to save money, any of the cheap defenders work. Due to Iran's defensive nature, Pouraliganji will always have opportunities to accrue defensive stats, with three blocks and seven clearances through the first two matches. He doesn't provide much else, but if he can reach double-digit fantasy points, he'll make value.

GOALKEEPER

Mohamed El-Shenawy, EGY v. SAU ($4,000): If you want to fill up in field positions, El-Shenawy is a logical place to turn at minimal price as a small favorite. He may not get many saves because Saudi Arabia only have two shots on goal in their first two matches, but that also means a clean sheet is in play for Egypt and hopefully a win if Mohamed Salah wants to exit the World Cup on a high.