Euro 2016: Semifinal Cheat Sheet

MATCHES (EDT)

Wednesday, 3:00 p.m: Portugal v. Wales
Thursday, 3:00 p.m: Germany v. France

ODDS REPORT

EXPECTED CORNER TAKERS

Portugal: Joao Mario, Ricardo Quaresma
Wales: Gareth Bale
Germany: Toni Kroos
France: Dimitri Payet

PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS

GOALKEEPER

Rui Patricio, POR v. WAL: With the France v. Germany match likely to be very tight, with not a ton of scoring, it's probably best to just suck it up and pay for the most expensive keeper against a Wales side that is without two starters due to suspension, including Aaron Ramsey, who has been just as good, if not better, than Gareth Bale.

DEFENDER

Chris Gunter, WAL v. POR: Gunter has been a very solid fantasy producer, as he's able to accumulate stats across numerous categories. With the Portugal attack centered around Cristiano Ronaldo, Gunter could be free on the wing to send in crosses, much like he did in setting up a goal during Wales' surprising 3-1 win over Belgium in the quarters.

Jonas Hector, GER v. FRA: Hector has been Germany's best fantasy-defender during the tournament, and there's little reason to think he can't keep it going against a France side that's been excellent in attack but continues to have questions in defense.

MIDFIELDER

Dimitri Payet, FRA v. GER: If there's a midfielder to pay up for, it's Payet, who has arguably been the best player in the entire tournament. Germany have had questions along their back line (much like France, actually), but Payet shoots enough in addition to his corners and crosses that he has an incredibly safe floor and a very high ceiling.

Julian Draxler, GER v. FRA: With Mario Gomez ruled out due to injury, Draxler could reclaim his starting job, providing decent attack upside with a lower price than his midfield counterparts. Fantasy players could be drawn to Toni Kroos because of his role on corners, but his attacking upside is very limited.

Renato Sanches, POR v. WAL: Sanches showed the world why he was such a huge transfer target this summer (he eventually spurned Manchester United for Bayern Munich) by scoring an excellent goal against Poland in the quarterfinal. The 19-year-old didn't get much playing time in the tournament's early matches, but his spark is certainly needed against a Wales side that has been decent defensively.

Joao Mario, POR v. WAL: Fantasy owners looking for a safer floor than Sanches can turn to Mario, who is likely to start on the wing and take more of Portugal's crosses. His upside isn't as high, and you'll have to pay up for the higher minimum production.

FORWARD

Antoine Griezmann, FRA v. GER: The German defense has been very good during the tournament, but there may not be a hotter player than Griezmann, who has three goals and two assists in his last two games.

Gareth Bale, WAL v. POR: With Ramsey suspended, Bale will take on an even bigger piece of the attacking pie, likely taking corners in addition to already heavy responsibilities. Hal Robson-Kanu provides access to the most-forward player for Wales, but Bale's upside is certainly higher.

Cristiano Ronaldo, POR v. WAL: Speaking of upside, Ronaldo could take 20 shots in this game as he tries to carry Portugal into the final. We haven't seen the huge game from him yet, but it certainly could come against a depleted Wales side.