Best 12th Man Options for World Cup Fantasy – MD2

The 12th Man chip is one of the most exciting tools available in World Cup Fantasy. It allows managers to temporarily add an extra player to their squad for one Matchday without using a transfer, giving you access to another premium asset and potentially a huge points haul.

If you’re wondering when to use your chips, check out our guide on the best time to play each chip.

For me, Matchday 1 and 2 have always been the standout opportunities for the 12th Man chip. Historically, group stages produce the biggest mismatches and the highest-scoring games of the tournament. Once the knockout rounds arrive, matches become tighter, more cautious and often lower scoring. Right now, we still have elite teams facing weaker opposition and plenty of opportunities to attack.

With that in mind, here are the best 12th Man options for Matchday 2.

 

Best Premium Options for MD2 12th Man

Kylian Mbappé / Michael Olise vs Iraq

If you already own Kylian Mbappé, then Michael Olise becomes an outstanding 12th Man candidate. If you own Olise, then Mbappé is the obvious answer.

In truth, doubling up on the French attack is perfectly viable. It is in fact what I will be doing. Bringing in Mbappe as my 12th man. As had been my plan from the start.

France looked devastating in their opening victory over Senegal and now face an Iraq side that could struggle to contain the sheer quality available to Didier Deschamps. Mbappé always carries captaincy-level upside and greed, while Olise’s creativity and ability to provide goals and assists make him an excellent complementary option.

Sometimes the simplest answer is the correct one. Back elite players from elite teams against weaker opposition.

 

Harry Kane vs Ghana

England were one of the standout attacking sides of Matchday 1 and everything still runs through Harry Kane.

The Three Lions looked fluid, aggressive and full of confidence, with Kane at the heart of almost every dangerous move. Meanwhile, Ghana looked underwhelming in their opening match and struggled to offer much defensive resistance.

England appear to have built their attack around getting Kane into scoring and assisting positions and, when that happens, few players in world football are better at executing.

The ceiling here is enormous. A goal and maybe a shots on target bonus feels like the minimum expectation, while a big double-digit haul is absolutely on the cards.

 

Vinícius Júnior vs Haiti

Haiti are among the lowest-ranked teams at this World Cup and Brazil should dominate possession and create plenty of opportunities.

Vinícius Júnior already looks in great form after finding the net against Morocco. He played with confidence, constantly attacked defenders and looked determined to make his mark on the tournament.

Brazil’s attacking talent means chances should arrive regularly, and Vinícius has the explosiveness to turn a good performance into a huge fantasy score very quickly.

If you’re looking for a premium who already has a goal under his belt, and will no doubt be looking for more, then Vini is an excellent shout.

 

Erling Haaland vs Senegal

Senegal started the tournament with optimism, but the defeat to France may have taken some momentum out of their campaign.

Now they face Erling Haaland after an already grueling battling.

Norway’s superstar showcased his elite finishing in Matchday 1. The frightening thing with Haaland is that he doesn’t require many opportunities. One half chance can quickly become one goal, and one goal can rapidly become two or three.

Few players possess a higher ceiling in football.

Against a Senegal side that may still be recovering from their opening setback, Haaland looks like one of the strongest 12th Man selections available. He just always seems likely to score.

 

Scouting Bonus 12th Man Options

Enner Valencia vs Curaçao

Ownership: 1.5%

Despite losing their opening match, Ecuador now have arguably the best fixture of Matchday 2.

Curaçao currently look like the weakest team in the tournament. Germany scored seven goals against them and exposed defensive problems all over the place.

Ecuador need a response after Matchday 1 and should approach this game with a much more attacking mindset.

Enner Valencia remains their focal point. His movement inside the box, experience and ability to create chances for teammates make him a genuine double-return candidate.

If Germany could score seven, it’s easy to imagine Valencia producing a goal, an assist or perhaps even more.

 

Ayase Ueda vs Tunisia

Ownership: 0.7%

Tunisia suffered one of the heaviest defeats of Matchday 1 and appeared to lose concentration once the game began to get away from them.

Japan are arguably an even better team than Sweden, especially if recent results are anything to go by, and Ayase Ueda remains the central figure in their frontline.

He consistently gets into dangerous positions and benefits from the creativity surrounding him.

Should Tunisia switch off again, Ueda could be one of the surprise stars of Matchday 2.

 

Patrik Schick vs South Africa

Ownership: 0.7%

South Africa’s tournament has gone from bad to worse.

They struggled badly in their opening game and now enter Matchday 2 with further issues after suspensions to key players Sithole and Zwane.

Mexico had little trouble creating opportunities against them and Czechia themselves definitely posses enough quality to do so. Despite losing to South Korea, Czechia showed an ability and confidence going forward.

That confidence could translate into fantasy points and opportunities for Patrik Schick.

As the focal point of the Czech attack, Schick has the potential to deliver one or two goals against a South Africa side that currently appears to be in disarray.

 

Final Thoughts

When using the 12th Man chip, always prioritise attackers.

Matchday 1 reinforced an important lesson: attackers possess the highest ceiling in fantasy football. Defenders and midfielders can provide steady returns, but the explosive scores almost always come from forwards and elite attacking players.

This chip is designed for upside.

Target goals, target favourable fixtures and don’t be afraid to chase the big hauls.

Sometimes all it takes is one extra attacker to transform an average Matchday into a memorable one.

 

Check out our World Cup section for more World Cup Fantasy Tips