u/HaroldDoesTCG

Goalkeeper

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Ugurcan Çakir (4.2m; 1.3%)

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Çakir is widely expected to be Turkey's starting goalkeeper over Bayindir. Turkey open to Australia before playing Paraguay and USA. Through 2026 Turkey have only conceded 1 international goal so far.

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Defender

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Vladimir Coufal (3.6m; 3.3%)

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One of Czech Republics starting 5 defenders. Likely one of the cheapest starting defenders on Fantasy WC this year at 3.6m. Czechia have a solid group playing Korea, South Africa and then Mexico. Coufal is a good enabler and with fixtures could be a solid selection.

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Midfielder

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Lucas Paqueta (6.5m; 0.5%)

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In my opinion super under rated and under selected. Paqueta starts for Brazil regularly. Scoring slightly under a goal/assist every other game, considering Brazils fixtures MD2 and MD3 could be a solid selection compared to other offensive Brazilian attackers.

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Forward

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Folarin Balogun (6m; 0.9%)

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Balogun is USA's focal point in attack, and is their primary goalscorer. In 27 caps for USA Balogun has hit 13 goal contributions (9 goals and 4 assists) just under a goal/assist every other game. USA play Czechia, South Africa and then Mexico last. Could grab a couple of goals in the group and enable upgrades elsewhere.

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Bonus

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Endrick (5.5m; 2.5%)

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Endrick likely won't start MD1, however, he will almost definitely come off the bench. In my opinion he has outperformed Cunha in the international friendlies, sharing equal minutes alongside Thiago and Cunha. Endrick has a crazy minutes to goals ratio and is a huge issue for sides off the bench, as demonstrated with his goal the other day. At 5.5m, could be an absolute steal. Wouldn't be surprised if it's Endrick's breakout tournament and can see him possibly ousting Cunha / Thiago for the starting spot. Through his career he has average a goal every 160 minutes (every 1.5-2 games) over 158+ games.

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Goalkeeper

Angus Gunn (3.6m; 1.6%)

Gunn is widely expected to be Scotland's starting goalkeeper at the WC. Scotland's opening fixture is against Haiti, following a 4-0 blitzing of Bolivia, where Gunn played 90 mins. At 3.6m he is likely one of the cheapest starting keepers at the WC (Dubravka Equivalent)

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Defender

Manuel Akanji (5m; 4.9%)

Guaranteed starter for Switzerland, in a group where they are expected to finish first. Switzerland play Qatar, Bosnia and then Canada. Has the ability to chip in with the occasional goal and assist but wouldn't rely on them. Switzerland COULD take 3 clean sheets in the group stage.

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Midfielder

Hakan Calhanoglu (7.1m; 2.6%)

A lock for Turkey, in a strong group, and Calhanoglu is their primary set piece taker. 22 goals and 19 assists across his 104 caps. Big game player. Turkey play Australia, Paraguay and USA.

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Forward

Darwin Nunez (7.5m; 1.6%)

Starting striker for Uruguay. Many will remember him missing open goals for Liverpool. With the bonus and Uruguays fixtures he could be incredibly overlooked. Uruguay open against Saudi Arabia before playing Cape Verde and then Spain.

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Bonus

Leroy Sane (7.4m; 1.3%)

Sane looks more attractive following Karl's injury. Has a tendency to start down the right hand side for Germany, minutes were less secure before Karl's injury. 5 goals and 4 assists in his last 15 national team games.

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Brazil's starting right back Wesley was injured last night in Brazil's match against Egypt last night and has been ruled out of the World Cup.

Atlanta midfielder Ederson, who just joined Manchester United, is called up instead.

Lennart Karl has gone to hospital after suffering an injury ‌in Germany training.

"Lenny was injured today.​We have to see what it ⁠is. It does not look ⁠good. We will go to the hospital to get scans calmly. He needs to process the situation himself. We need a diagnosis first and we will inform you whether ⁠we can hopefully continue with him ​or nominate someone else." - Julian Nagelsmann

EDIT: Lennart Karl to miss the world cup through injury. Assan Ouedraogo is reportedly the replacement call up.

Goalkeeper

- Camilo Vargas (Columbia, $4.3m, 4.3% selected)

Starting goalkeeper for Columbia, strong fixtures MD1 and MD2 against Uzbekistan and DR Congo

Midfielder

Nico Williams (Spain, $7.8m, 3.9% selected)

Nico was a doubt for MD1, but started first team training again a couple of days ago, around 2 weeks before Spain's opening game. I'd keep an eye if he makes an appearance in upcoming friendlies.

Forward

Breel Embolo (Switzerland, $7.5m, 2.3% selected)

Embolo is Switzerlands starting striker, and main goalscoring threat. A strong side in a weak-ish group alongside Qatar, Bosnia and Canada. 7 goals and 2 assists in last 15 for Switzerland. Could be a great pickup with the 2pt bonus.

Bonus

David Alaba (Austria, $4.6m, 2.1% selected)

Alaba is key for Austria, and has been throughout most of his senior career. Averages a goal or assist every 4 games for country. With fixtures, bonuses etc...could be a decent pick. Expected to compete for top of the group with Argentina and have a strong side.