Who to pick?

For anyone who played Draft Fantasy Football last year, the more game time generally equals the more points. Don’t get starry eyed when someone like Salah isn’t picked first. Picking players that are likely to make it through the group is key. 

Draft Fantasy Football can be won or lost with the defence. While your rivals around you eye as many potential goal scorers as possible from midfield and attack, head to the backline once you’ve established your two or three attacking mainstays. It will be worth it…

Goalkeeper

Top picks

Hugo Lloris (FRA) – He didn’t have the best time of it toward the back end of the season with Spurs, but Lloris is still one of the worlds best and France have a relatively easy group. Expect at least two clean sheets in the opening three group games.

David De Gea (SPA) – He could be the first on the team sheet if Spain go all the way. When clean sheets to keepers are as valuable as goals for a striker then it could be worth taking a punt on De Gea with Spain expected to make it all the way.

Outsider pick

Sergio Romero (ARG) – Not many will be seeking out anyone from Argentina’s backline. Despite being a team which boasts most of its talent in the forward positions, Argentina’s group could possibly be as easy as France’s. Once the likes of Messi and Aguero get snapped up, don’t expect your rivals to be heading back to Argentina for their defence.

Top picks

Nicolas Otamendi (ARG) – The Manchester City centre back has come of age this season, and is a lot more rational than he has been in the past. His decision making has improved, and he’s always a danger from set pieces. He reads the game well and picks up plenty of points from the Kante rule.

Sergio Ramos (SPA) – For all his faults, he wins games and has the ability to chip in with goals at important times, a big point money maker for a defender. Again, a part from Portugal, expect Spain to win their group without conceding too many.

Thomas Meunier (BEL) – Meunier has been playing second-fiddle to Dani Alves at PSG for most of the season, but should Martinez opt for a four man defence, Meunier is sure to feature at right back. It is possible Martinez, who has an abundance of attacking talent to choose from, will opt for a back three of Vertonghen, Kompany and Alderweireld or Vermaelen, so this is an under the radar pick up.

Samuel Umiti (FRA) – I expect France to be a major force in this tournament so I’m going to back plenty of their players. Umtiti has been a mainstay in the Barcelona backline which has seen them only concede 29 goals from their 38 La Liga matches this year.

Outsider picks

Danilo (BRA) – Another South American team not famous for their defending, but hope Brazil pick up clean sheets in their group early. 

Joshua Kimmich (GER) – The Bayern Munich right back has quietly gone about his work and has established himself as Joachim Lowe’s first choice right back. Even when he’s shifted to a back three he’s been the right sided centre back. Might quietly be able to sneak him in late on in the draft pick…

Thiago Silva (BRA) – It might finally be the time for Brazil to get back on top of the world and they will need a stand out performance from their captain. Always a threat in the air going forward and can handle the big occasion.