FanDuel Fantasy Soccer: Saturday-Sunday World Cup Targets

MATCHES (EDT)

Saturday, 10:00 a.m: Belgium v. England
Sunday, 11:00 a.m: France v. Croatia

FORWARDS

Antoine Griezmann, FRA v. CRO ($12,500): Backing Griezmann over the less expensive Kylian Mbappe ($11,500) should be worth it in the end. On most set pieces for France, Griezmann has scored or assisted in four of six matches (five matches if you don't count the Denmark snoozer). He's a safer bet to make the score sheet and create chances, while Mbappe is all about creating from the run of play. He's been great in the tournament and will draw plenty of fouls, but as seen in the Uruguay win (zero fantasy points), he's not a lock to create chances, and drawing fouls doesn't do anything for fantasy scoring.

Michy Batshuayi, BEL v. ENG ($7,500): If you don't want to guess between Griezmann and Mbappe, go with whoever starts in Saturday's match for Belgium. If Romelu Lukaku ($9,500) starts, he's the choice, but I think Batshuayi will be the guy up front. He's been solid in limited appearances, scoring against Tunisia, and while he only had one shot on goal in the first match against England, neither side wanted to win. This time around, the over/under is at three goals (the first match was under 2.5) and Belgium are slightly favored.

Harry Kane, ENG v. BEL ($12,000): Kane loves scoring goals. He needs to score goals. Tottenham may not be happy if he plays in a meaningless match, but already with six goals in the World Cup, he has a chance to top Gary Lineker for most ever by an England player. The hope is that this match is like every other third-place contest with nothing to play for; in fact, the last time a third-place match in the World Cup had fewer than three goals was back in 1974. Sure, there's a chance Belgium win in a 3-0 rout, but England have played a good tournament and will get their chances. If Kane is in, they'll go through him. If Jamie Vardy ($6,000) or Danny Welbeck ($6,000) is in, I'd go a different route. If you want to ride on Mario Mandzukic's ($10,500) recent success, go ahead, but this is the best back line he's seen.

MIDFIELDERS

N'Golo Kante, FRA v. CRO ($6,500): Kante has no upside and is only worth using in cash games, yet he's the first midfielder considered. Paul Pogba ($8,500) may have slightly more upside, but his floor is only about three points higher and that's not a reason to spend a couple thousand more. As for Luka Modric ($9,000), who I've trusted all tournament, it could be another troubling fantasy day after 11.2 points against England. He's not going to get many opportunities against Kante and Pogba in the middle, and that leaves him in the same range as the previous match, unless you're counting on him to connect from a set piece. Kante can supply close to the same floor at a cheaper price.

Kevin De Bruyne, BEL v. ENG ($9,000): If De Bruyne and Eden Hazard ($9,500) are in the lineup then I'll probably use both. If it's Adnan Januzaj ($5,000), "Youri Tielemans ($5,000) and someone else in the starting XI, I'll consider both, but may only use one. In the same mold as Batshuayi, I think Belgium will get more opportunities than the previous meeting. In that match, Tielemans was on the ball more, while Januzaj was on more set pieces. With few French and English midfielders to consider, take your pick of the Belgians.

Ivan Perisic, CRO v. FRA ($7,500): For Croatia to have a chance, Perisic has to have a similar performance to what he did against England. Once again, Croatia will attack with Perisic and Ante Rebic ($8,000) on the wings, and that will either work or not. Perisic has a low floor, which is the main problem that keeps him as mainly a GPP play (11.2 fantasy points without the goal and assist), and prior to the England match he only had three chances created and two shots on goal in the previous four.

DEFENDERS

Samuel Umtiti, FRA v. CRO ($5,500): Take away the goal last match and Umtiti still had a solid fantasy outing thanks to seven clearances. Raphael Varane ($6,000) is a little easier to trust in that aspect, and that's why he's more expensive, but both will be plenty busy. Croatia will try and send crosses in all match, which should lead to numerous clearances for the center-backs. In fact, after the three England center-backs combined for 29 clearances last match, I may consider both Umtiti and Varane.

Domagoj Vida, CRO v. FRA ($6,500): There will be loads of cheaper defenders to use in Saturday's match, but if you want a guy you know will be active, it's Vida. His price shot up $1,500 since last match, yet he is still worth it after scoring at least 16 fantasy points in four of his five starts. He should rack up clearances once again because he'll be on the same side as Mbappe, who will likely spend all match going right at Vida. That probably won't result in good things for Vida in real life, but all he needs are clearances, tackles and interceptions to make value.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, ENG v. BEL ($3,500): This play may be too easy because of price, and it could result in over 50 percent ownership no matter the game. With Kieran Trippier ($8,000) likely out due to injury, Alexander-Arnold should take the spot at right back where he'll also be on the majority of set pieces. He managed 11.2 fantasy points in his first start against Belgium, but this match is expected to be more open, so there will be more opportunities for Alexander-Arnold to create while also having to run back to defend Belgium's potent attack.

GOALKEEPER

Hugo Lloris, FRA v. CRO ($5,500): Lloris may be the only goalkeeper on the slate with a chance for a clean sheet. England and Belgium are expected to run full speed at each other, while spending the same price on Danijel Subasic ($5,500) is an odd strategy. France have four clean sheets in six World Cup matches and locked down their last two opponents, both of whom have an arguably better attack than Croatia.