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Fantasy Focus: Bargains, bounty and boosters
Just like that we’ve arrived at the final round of group matches at the FIFA Club World Cup™.
32 matches played, 99 goals scored and hundreds of fantasy points accrued, some in expected places and others very much not.
Through the first two matchdays – thanks in no small measure to having feasted on the amateurs from Auckland City FC first up – FC Bayern München players are dominating things, both in real life and the virtual one.
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Four of the six highest scoring players are from the Bavarian giants, with midfielder Michael Olise’s ($9.4m) tally of 28 points putting him one ahead of ageless SL Benfica wonder Angel Di Maria ($7.3m).
Interestingly, it’s been in defence and midfield where the most prolific points accumulators are to be found, with 13 of the top 30 highest scorers being at the back and 10 in the middle. Despite the hefty price tags of many, only five of the top 30 options are forwards, with Juventus FC starlet Kenan Yildiz ($7.3m) leading the way with 27.
Palmeiras’ Weverton ($4.9m) and Al Hilal’s Yassine Bounou ($5.0m) are the only keepers on the list.
Owners now have transfer choices to make before the deadline for matchday three, while the deployment of boosters can also be crucial to flying up the ranks. Many owners will have been saving the wildcard for this stage, especially with unlimited transfers able to be made before the Round of 16. There are other boosters in play here though that could be smartly used on matchday three.
The 12th man Booster
Will allow you to select 1 additional player to score points for your team in a matchday. When selected, the 12th man cannot be substituted, captained or transferred. You can select any player to be your twelfth man, as long as that player is not already part of your squad. Budget or team restrictions do not count here.
Maximum Captain Booster
Will allow you to get double points from whichever player scores the most points from your starting 11. This player will automatically be assigned the captaincy.
Making savvy moves in the transfer market is also critical at this point of the game and with that in mind, FIFA has five players to target.
Weverton ($4.9m) GK | Palmeiras | Next opponent: Inter Miami CF
The Brazilian veteran has kept a clean sheet in both of Palmeiras' games so far, scoring a total of 19 points. This makes him an appealing option against an Inter Miami team that struggled for goals in their first game, although they did look much sharper in a 2-1 win over FC Porto on matchday two. Provided his backline can help keep Lionel Messi in check, there is a good chance that Weverton will keep a clean sheet for a third consecutive game.
Juan Pablo Freytes ($4.1m) DEF | Fluminense FC | Next opponent: Mamelodi Sundowns FC
The Argentine central defender has been one of the best value picks in the tournament so far. With 19 points from the first two games, Freytes is one of the defenders with the best statistical output, at a very affordable price point. In their final group outing, against Mamelodi Sundowns, Flu know that a draw will secure a knockout stage berth and thus this could be a clash where the Brazilian side are looking to keep things tight.
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Alex Telles ($5.1m) DEF | Botafogo | Next opponent: Atlético de Madrid
Botafogo are well on their way to becoming one of the surprise teams of this Club World Cup and Telles has played his part in their success so far. The left-back received the scouting bonus in both of Botafogo's opening fixtures and also contributed an assist against Seattle. However, Atléti will definitely be a tricky opponent in the next game with the Spanish side possibly needing to chase goals to progress. That could though leave space on the counter and it's there that Telles also provides a huge threat.
Arda Guler ($6.5m) MID | Real Madrid C.F. | Next opponent: FC Salzburg
Guler came off the bench at the break in Madrid's opener and earned a starting spot in the next game thanks to a solid performance. The 20-year-old repaid Xabi Alonso's faith in him, scoring a goal and also collecting the scouting bonus. Real Madrid are clear favourites in their next match against FC Salzburg and the Turkish international will be looking to build on his performance against CF Pachuca.
Kenan Yildiz ($7.3m) FWD | Juventus FC | Next opponent: Manchester City
There is definitely a sizeable challenge awaiting Juventus in their final outing against a Manchester City side looking for victory to leapfrog them at the head of the section. Nevertheless, the basketball-loving starlet's eye-catching 27 point haul to date, and an affordable price tag are good arguments for transferring in the Turkish star ahead of matchday three. Three goals, two assists and the scouting bonus in both appearances at the Club World Cup clearly suggest that Yildiz is very much one of the stars of the tournament.
