FanDuel Fantasy Soccer: Sunday World Cup Targets

MATCHES (EDT)

10:00 a.m: Russia v. Spain
2:00 p.m: Denmark v. Croatia

FORWARDS

Diego Costa, ESP v. RUS ($13,000): Besides Costa, the striker options are very limited. You're going to have to pay a small fortune for any shares of Costa, but Spain have the best odds and he's been in form to start the tournament. He was disappointing in Spain's 2-2 draw with Morocco, but had scored three goals in the first two matches. He's made a living off being in the right place at the right time, which I expect him to continue against the Russians, especially with the best goal-scoring odds on the slate.

Ante Rebic, CRO v. DEN ($9,000): Rebic was rested in the 2-1 win over Iceland, but he opened the scoring for Croatia in their now famous 3-0 win over Argentina. As mentioned, Costa is the clear option at forward and then it sharply drops off, as Artem Dzyuba ($11,000), Mario Mandzukic ($10,000) and Rebic are the next most-expensive options. I'm going Rebic because he's the cheapest of the three and I have trouble depending on Mandzukic for anything after watching his first two performances.

Yussuf Poulsen, DEN v. CRO ($8,000): Poulsen was suspended for yellow card accumulation during the final group stage match against France, but he should return to the starting XI against Croatia. The RB Leipzig attacker has played on the right wing in both of his starts and will be Denmark's outlet. Nicolai Jorgensen tends to play highest up the pitch for Denmark, but Poulsen should see much more of the ball. He's relatively goal dependent, but his mid-tier price should help justify the cost.

MIDFIELDERS

Christian Eriksen, DEN v. CRO ($11,000): Eriksen was quiet in the scoreless draw with France, as both teams opted to play for a dull draw because they had already qualified for the knockout rounds. While playing for Tottenham, Eriksen is often counted on as the primary playmaker, which is compounded when he puts on the Denmark kit, as he's far and away their best player. His fantasy floor is helped by the fact he's the only player on Denmark to take a corner kick, while also being the main creator in open play. He's expensive but is always worth consideration due to his consistent ability to make value. Luka Modric ($10,000) has a similar role for Croatia and comes a bit cheaper, but I still prefer Eriksen's floor despite not being on a favored side.

Aleksandar Golovin, RUS v. ESP ($8,500): The 22-year-old has been on the verge of breaking into Europe's elite players and helped his case in Russia's first match against Saudi Arabia. However, he was much quieter in the 3-1 win over Egypt before being rested against Uruguay. Golovin had a minor role on set pieces in Russia's first match, while Aleksandr Samedov ($6,000) has taken over that role after making the starting XI the past two matches. If Samedov is on the bench against Russia, I'll be slightly more convinced to go with Golovi,n not only for his potential set-piece shares, but due to his role as Russia's best playmaker in attack.

Isco, ESP v. RUS ($8,000): After a quiet start to the World Cup, Isco broke out with a massive performance against Morocco, as he scored a goal and created six scoring chances, good for 49.5 fantasy points. David Silva ($9,000) has a slightly higher floor than Isco and should be considered depending what else you do with your lineup, but I like Isco for the goal potential and cheaper price. Ivan Perisic ($7,000) has been solid for Croatia and is another midfielder I like if I need more budget savings.

DEFENDERS

Simon Kjaer, DEN v. CRO ($6,000): One of the main reasons Denmark have allowed just one goal through three matches is the Sevilla center-back. He's been a machine when it comes to racking up clearances, averaging over seven per match, though he's also been helped by clean sheet points, which will be difficult to count on against Croatia. Kjaer's teammate, Andreas Christensen ($5,000), is a viable pivot if you're looking for another player capable of clearances and in the Denmark back line.

Sime Vrsaljko, CRO v. DEN ($5,000): Although Vrsaljko missed the 2-1 win over Iceland, I expect him to return to the starting XI after being rested with Croatia already through to the knockout stages. In his two previous matches against Argentina and Nigeria, he scored 20.1 and 14.1 fantasy points, respectively, without a goal or assist, and while he was helped by two clean sheets, he showed a decent floor in other peripheral stats.

Sergei Ignashevich, RUS v. ESP ($4,500): As I tried to put high-priced midfielders in my lineup, I looked into cheaper defensive options who would give me extra savings. Ignashevich has managed at least 15.4 fantasy points in each game thanks, in part, to 17 clearances, and he could keep that consistency against a Spanish side likely to attack quite a bit.

GOALKEEPER

Kasper Schmeichel, DEN v. CRO ($5,000): Denmark head into Sunday's match as sizable underdogs, but I prefer the high ceiling and moderately low price of Schmeichel versus Danijel Subasic ($6,000) and David de Gea ($5,500). Schmeichel has 12 saves through three matches, while Denmark's defense has allowed just one goal. Their well-organized backline and potential for a high number of saves is the reason I'm going with Schmeichel, but if you prefer to go with the cheapest option, Russia's Igor Akinfeev ($4,500) will have a tough test against Spain, but he also has a good chance at a lot of saves.