World Cup Qualifiers: Thursday Cheat Sheet

World Cup Qualifiers: Thursday Cheat Sheet

This article is part of our Daily Fantasy Soccer Cheat Sheet series.

MATCHES (EDT)
FIFA world ranking in parentheses

4:00 p.m: Bolivia (110) v. Peru (33)
4:30 p.m: Colombia (3) v. Venezuela (46)
5:00 p.m: Ecuador (17) v. Brazil (9)
7:30 p.m: Argentina (1) v. Uruguay (12)
8:00 p.m: Paraguay (42) v. Chile (5)

ODDS REPORT

EXPECTED CORNER TAKERS

Bolivia: Martin Smedberg-Dalence
Peru: Christian Cueva, Yoshimar Yotun
Colombia: James Rodriguez
Venezuela: Alejandro Guerra
Ecuador: Walter Ayovi
Brazil: Willian, Neymar
Argentina: Angel Di Maria
Uruguay: Carlos Sanchez
Paraguay: Victor Ayala
Chile: Alexis Sanchez

PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS

GOALKEEPER

David Ospina, COL v. VEN: Colombia are the biggest favorite on the slate hosting last-place Venezuela. Keep in mind Colombia currently sit fifth in the CONMEBOL table, with the top four earning a World Cup berth. Sure, you have to pay top dollar for Ospina, but when top dollar is between $200-$500 more than the other top tier 'keepers, it's well worth the investment to lock in the five-point win bonus. Considering Venezuela have lost five of six qualifiers played, that's borderline automatic.

DEFENDER

Walter Ayovi, ECU v. BRA: Ayovi is among a rare breed of defenders tasked with set piece duties. The veteran left back can contribute crossing points through corners and free kicks, and a game against a talented Brazil attack could call Ayovi into action more than usual.

Mauricio Isla, CHI at PAR: Despite a tough road test against Paraguay, Isla is worth consideration based on his wing play out of the back. He's usually good for a handful

MATCHES (EDT)
FIFA world ranking in parentheses

4:00 p.m: Bolivia (110) v. Peru (33)
4:30 p.m: Colombia (3) v. Venezuela (46)
5:00 p.m: Ecuador (17) v. Brazil (9)
7:30 p.m: Argentina (1) v. Uruguay (12)
8:00 p.m: Paraguay (42) v. Chile (5)

ODDS REPORT

EXPECTED CORNER TAKERS

Bolivia: Martin Smedberg-Dalence
Peru: Christian Cueva, Yoshimar Yotun
Colombia: James Rodriguez
Venezuela: Alejandro Guerra
Ecuador: Walter Ayovi
Brazil: Willian, Neymar
Argentina: Angel Di Maria
Uruguay: Carlos Sanchez
Paraguay: Victor Ayala
Chile: Alexis Sanchez

PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS

GOALKEEPER

David Ospina, COL v. VEN: Colombia are the biggest favorite on the slate hosting last-place Venezuela. Keep in mind Colombia currently sit fifth in the CONMEBOL table, with the top four earning a World Cup berth. Sure, you have to pay top dollar for Ospina, but when top dollar is between $200-$500 more than the other top tier 'keepers, it's well worth the investment to lock in the five-point win bonus. Considering Venezuela have lost five of six qualifiers played, that's borderline automatic.

DEFENDER

Walter Ayovi, ECU v. BRA: Ayovi is among a rare breed of defenders tasked with set piece duties. The veteran left back can contribute crossing points through corners and free kicks, and a game against a talented Brazil attack could call Ayovi into action more than usual.

Mauricio Isla, CHI at PAR: Despite a tough road test against Paraguay, Isla is worth consideration based on his wing play out of the back. He's usually good for a handful of crosses and his low salary helps when trying to squeeze the big names into your lineups.

MIDFIELDER

James Rodriguez, COL v. VEN: James will be pulling the strings against the weakest team in the group and comes at a very reasonable salary given his involvement in the Colombian attack. Colombia are projected to score multiple goals in this one and it would be a surprise if James fails to appear on the scoresheet, whether it be in the form of a goal or assist (or both).

Martin Smedberg-Dalence, BOL v. PER: With the bulk of marquee set piece takers priced at a premium, Smedberg-Dalence brings set piece upside at a mid-tier salary. Bolivia are second-last in qualifying and need a big result against Peru if they are to make a run at a World Cup berth. Look for the veteran to be involved as Bolivia go in search of a full three points.

FORWARD

Angel Di Maria, ARG v. URU: With Lionel Messi's status up in the air, Di Maria looks to be the most obvious play coming out of the Argentina camp. Even if Messi plays, Di Maria is capable of posting big numbers in multiple stat categories. He's best known as an attacking midfielder, but with DraftKings now offering multi-position eligibility, rostering Di Maria in the forward slot is a valid cash game move.

Carlos Bacca, COL v. VEN: Bacca scored in his last international appearance to lead Colombia to a 1-0 win over USA to claim third place at Copa America. He's merely 10 days removed from kicking off his Serie A campaign with a bang, bagging a hat trick in the season opener. Considering Venezuela have allowed the most goals in CONMEBOL qualifying, riding the hot hand is advised.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Schuyler Redpath
Schuyler is a former RotoWire contributor. He writes about fantasy soccer for MLSsoccer.com.
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