This article is part of our Copa America series.
MATCHES (EDT
Friday, 8:00 p.m: Peru v. Colombia
Saturday, 7:00 p.m: Argentina v. Venezuela
Saturday, 10:00 p.m: Mexico v. Chile
ODDS REPORT
EXPECTED CORNER TAKERS:
Peru: Christian Cueva, Yoshimar Yotun
Colombia: James Rodriguez
Argentina: Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Gaitan
Venezuela: Alejandro Guerra
Mexico: Hector Herrera, Andres Guardado
Chile: Alexis Sanchez
PLAYERS OF INTEREST
GOALKEEPER
Claudio Bravo, CHI v. MEX: The Chile-Mexico match is almost a pick 'em, and I'll go for the goalkeeper who is cheaper and won the tournament last year. Chile haven't been great, while Mexico have looked like a juggernaut, but everything changes in the knockout round and I'll side with the guy who should be lower-owned.
DEFENDER
Mauricio Isla, CHI v. MEX: Isla has sent in 10 crosses over the last two games, adding seven tackles in the three games during the tournament. There aren't many high-upside defenders on the slate, but plenty of attacking players, so it's probably best to save as much as possible at this position.
Nicolas Otamendi, ARG v. VEN: Argentina have the highest clean sheet odds and Otamendi has made himself a real asset on set pieces. Depending on a goal from a centerback is hardly prudent, but with a potential three-point shutout bonus, he's worth the salary savings.
Yoshimar Yotun, PER v. COL: The clean sheet bonus is highly unlikely, and there's also no guarantee that Yotun will start. However, he provides a low cost fullback if he does get the nod, and
MATCHES (EDT
Friday, 8:00 p.m: Peru v. Colombia
Saturday, 7:00 p.m: Argentina v. Venezuela
Saturday, 10:00 p.m: Mexico v. Chile
ODDS REPORT
EXPECTED CORNER TAKERS:
Peru: Christian Cueva, Yoshimar Yotun
Colombia: James Rodriguez
Argentina: Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Gaitan
Venezuela: Alejandro Guerra
Mexico: Hector Herrera, Andres Guardado
Chile: Alexis Sanchez
PLAYERS OF INTEREST
GOALKEEPER
Claudio Bravo, CHI v. MEX: The Chile-Mexico match is almost a pick 'em, and I'll go for the goalkeeper who is cheaper and won the tournament last year. Chile haven't been great, while Mexico have looked like a juggernaut, but everything changes in the knockout round and I'll side with the guy who should be lower-owned.
DEFENDER
Mauricio Isla, CHI v. MEX: Isla has sent in 10 crosses over the last two games, adding seven tackles in the three games during the tournament. There aren't many high-upside defenders on the slate, but plenty of attacking players, so it's probably best to save as much as possible at this position.
Nicolas Otamendi, ARG v. VEN: Argentina have the highest clean sheet odds and Otamendi has made himself a real asset on set pieces. Depending on a goal from a centerback is hardly prudent, but with a potential three-point shutout bonus, he's worth the salary savings.
Yoshimar Yotun, PER v. COL: The clean sheet bonus is highly unlikely, and there's also no guarantee that Yotun will start. However, he provides a low cost fullback if he does get the nod, and he took a few corners while playing 45 minutes earlier this week.
MIDFIELDER
James Rodriguez, COL v. PER: James has arguably the the highest upside of any midfielder on the slate, as he is on corner duty, takes a bunch of shots and is on penalties. If Colombia get on the scoresheet, and it would be more surprising if they didn't, James will be involved.
Angel Di Maria, ARG v. VEN: Di Maria did not play in Argentina's last group stage match due to injury, but it's not considered serious and he should be back in the starting lineup Saturday. He takes most of Argentina's crosses and free kicks (as long as they're not in Messi-range), giving him a very high floor if he plays long enough.
Jesus Manuel Corona, MEX v. CHI: Corona has been a very active attacker, taking 10 shots and adding nine crosses in the last two games. Oh, and he has a goal and an assist over that span while never playing more than 75 minutes. With Javier Aquino out, there could be more to do for Corona.
Alejandro Guerra, VEN v. ARG: Argentina may be heavily favored, but they are still vulnerable in defense, which could allow Guerra to break through for a few shots and crosses. But really, his lower salary is the biggest benefit.
FORWARD
Lionel Messi, ARG v. VEN: Messi has yet to start in his two Copa America appearances, but he's apparently fully fit now and should be good from the opening kick. No player has a comparable upside, which is why he's by far the most expensive option.
Sergio Aguero, ARG v. VEN: If you're looking for big (but not Messi) upside, Aguero figures to be that guy from Argentina, as Gonzalo Higuain continues to struggle finding the back of the net. Aguero is not cheap, but he provides significant savings for those looking to pass on Messi.
Alexis Sanchez, CHI v. MEX: Alexis' floor may be the highest of any forward, as his corner duty allows him at least five points right off the bat. Add in that he's at the top of Chile's attack, and he should be in fine position for shots on goal. It's worth noting that Mexico's defense has been excellent during the tournament, but they haven't faced a side like Chile yet. A few may be drawn to Eduardo Vargas, but if he's not scoring goals, his fantasy production will be extremely low.
Paolo Guerrero, PER v. COL: Some may be drawn to Colombia's Carlos Bacca due to their win odds, but going with the opposing striker may be the right move. Guerrero scored 19 and 21 fantasy points in the first two games, respectively, before being held in check by Brazil, though that match was more about Peru holding Brazil out than attacking. If Peru want to score the upset Friday, they'll have to do so by attacking Colombia hard, which means plenty of shots from Guerrero.
