World Cup Fantasy – Best Players to Buy for MD3

Introduction

Matchday 3 is always the most difficult round of the group stage.

Some teams have already qualified and could rotate heavily. Others are effectively eliminated and may give opportunities to fringe players. Then there are the sides still fighting for qualification, where managers are expected to field their strongest available lineups.

As fantasy managers, we’re trying to balance all three realities.

The safest approach is targeting players whose teams still have something to play for, while also identifying assets with explosive upside through the World Cup Fantasy scouting bonus. Players marked for scouting bonus can earn an additional two points if they score four or more fantasy points, creating an entirely different layer of upside compared to standard premiums.

This article focuses on the players I believe should be at the heart of most wildcard drafts and indeed transfers heading into Matchday 3. You can’t go wrong picking from these, trust me.

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Essentials

These are the players I currently view as the closest thing to non-negotiable picks. They combine strong fixtures, solid minutes security and multiple routes to points. I will be locking all of these straight into my Wildcard team.

Cody Gakpo – (NED) – $7.7m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Tunisia

Matchday Selection: 4.9%

If there is one player who perfectly combines form, fixture and upside, it is Cody Gakpo.

The Dutch star exploded against Sweden as the Netherlands dismantled their opponents 5-1, scoring twice and grabbing an assist in one of the performances of the tournament so far. More importantly, he remains the focal point of almost every dangerous Dutch attack.

The Netherlands now face Tunisia, who have conceded nine goals across their first two matches. That alone makes Dutch attackers some of the best buys in the game.

With qualification still not completely secured, and Japan right on their heels, the Dutch line-up can be one of the more trusted.

Bart Verbruggen -(NED) – $4.7m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Tunisia

Matchday Selection: 3.2%

For me, a no brainer in goal.

The Netherlands have one of the strongest defensive units remaining in the competition and now face a Tunisia side that has struggled badly in front of goal. Dutch clean-sheet odds will likely be among the highest of the entire matchday.

The beauty of Verbruggen is that he combines super high clean sheet odds with Scouting Bonus.

Douglas Santos – (BRA) – $4.3m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Scotland

Matchday Selection: 1.4%

Douglas Santos is exactly the type of defender fantasy managers should be targeting in Matchday 3.

He offers attacking involvement as a full back, strong clean-sheet potential and, importantly, qualifies for the scouting bonus. Defenders with multiple routes to returns become especially valuable when rotation uncertainty is increasing across the tournament.

A single assist plus clean sheet could quickly turn into a double-digit return. Scotland’s play style is also a lot more defensive, which will only be heightened by the fact they are facing Brazil and only need a draw to go through. As a result, I feel the floor for defenders is safer than that of attackers.

Guela Doue – (CIV) – $3.9m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Curacao

Matchday Selection: 1.7%

With Singo likely out for the tournament, Doue’s role as a starter is all but locked in. Ivory Coast will be battling to secure qualification against arguably the worst team in the competition. Meaning points will be available on both ends of the pitch. Great news for attacking fullbacks.

His attacking instincts are particularly appealing under this scoring format. Which were on full display when he scored against France in the warm up game. Full-backs capable of producing attacking returns are often the difference-makers during these weeks, especially when ownership remains relatively low.

The scouting bonus only enhances his appeal.

 

Yan Diomande – (CIV) – $5.9m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Curacao

Matchday Selection: 1.6%

Despite not registering a return so far at this World Cup, Diomande has more than displayed not just his talent but his potential to return.

He now takes on one of the tournaments weakest teams, and could very easily register a multi-return haul. His low matchday selection should also lock him into the Scouting Bonus.

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Premiums/Non Scouting Bonus

 

The scouting bonus is exciting, but premium players still win fantasy tournaments.

These are the elite options capable of producing captaincy-worthy returns.

 

Mohamed Salah – (EGY) – $10.0m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Iran

Matchday Selection: 5.1%

Salah arrives into Matchday 3 in outstanding form after inspiring Egypt’s historic 3-1 comeback victory over New Zealand.

The Liverpool star scored once and added an assist as Egypt moved to the top of Group G. Putting his tournament total at 3 G/A across his first two games.

Following the match, both teammates and coaching staff highlighted his leadership and influence, while Salah himself stressed the importance of finishing the group strongly against Iran.

Despite creeping over the 5% threshold, few players dominate their national team’s attacking output the way Salah does.

Everything flows through him.

That makes him one of the best options available, especially against an Iran team who just conceded two against a much weaker attack in New Zealand.

 

Harry Kane – (ENG) – $10.5m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Panama

Matchday Selection: 38.6%

Maybe it’s the England fan, maybe its the records he’s chasing, maybe its role as a consistent starter in games that don’t matter much, but something tells me Kane will start. Even if he gets an earlier bath.

England’s captain already has two goals at the tournament and continues to dominate England’s attacking structure. Penalties, set pieces, shot volume and assist potential all contribute to his appeal.

Even if England manage minutes carefully, Kane remains capable of delivering significant returns in limited time. Especially against a Panama side who are ranked as one of the worst at the World Cup.

 

Vinicius Junior – (BRA) – $10.0m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Scotland

Matchday Selection: 19.8%

Vini Jr has hit the ground running with two goals and an assist in his first two games. He is one of the main focal points of Brazil’s attack and will be full of confidence heading into one of the easier fixtures of the tournament. No offence Scotland.

Brazil are just a level above Scotland, and an early goal would likely mean Scotland may have to go on the attack and further expose themselves. If the right game script develops, Vini could be in for a serious haul.

 

Julian Alvarez – (ARG) – $11.3m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Jordan

Matchday Selection: 11.3%

Alvarez has quietly become one of the best strikers on the planet, and with Argentina’s top spot locked up, I will be shocked if he is not given a start against Jordan. Especially with Messi saying he felt ‘tired’ post Austria match.

His movement inside the penalty area continues to generate chances, while Argentina’s dominance of possession provides a steady stream of opportunities.

Jordan are also one of the weaker teams at the tournament, conceding 5 goals across their two games. Wheels up for Alvarez.

 

Lamine Yamal – (ESP) – $10.0m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Uruguay

Matchday Selection %: 36.9%

Yamal announced himself to the tournament against Saudi Arabia. In my opinion he is currently the best player on the planet, and he finally got the chance to show why.

After Spain’s disappointing 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, the teenager returned to the starting lineup and scored after just 10 minutes as Spain cruised to a 4-0 victory.

What stands out most is how central he immediately became to Spain’s attack. Whenever Yamal receives the ball, something happens. A large portion of Spain’s attack flows through him.

More importantly however, is not overestimating how good Uruguay are. They conceded 3 goals between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia and defensively look very shaky. With two teams less than 3 points behind Spain in the group, getting a result against Uruguay will be vital, so we can also trust their starting lineup will remain strong.

 

Mikel Oyarzabal – (ESP) – $8.1m

MD3 Fixture: vs Uruguay

Matchday Selection: 19.4%

For very similar reasons to Yamal, Oyarzabal is up next. Oyarzabal was arguably the biggest winner from Spain’s victory over Saudi Arabia.

The Spanish forward scored twice and added an assist in a devastating first-half display. Community reaction after the game was overwhelmingly positive, with many managers immediately moving him onto their transfer radar ahead of Uruguay.

At his price point, he offers exceptional value.

 

Marc Cucurella – (ESP) – $5.1m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Uruguay

Matchday Selection: 28.9%

Spain are still yet to concede a goal at the World Cup and Cucurella continues to be one of the most attacking defenders. Usually a great combination. Spain’s defensive strength creates clean-sheet opportunities, while his advanced positioning constantly places him near dangerous areas.

Uruguay’s defence and indeed attack has looked anything but convincing so far, meanign a player like Cucurella who can capitalise on both ends of the pitch is always going to have great value.

 

Ismael Saibari – (MOR) – $6.8m

MD3 Fixture: vs Haiti

Matchday Selection: 5.9%

Morocco continue to look like one of the most organised teams in the tournament and Saibari the attacking spearhead. Scoring both of Morocco’s goals so far.

They now take on a Haiti side who just shipped 3 to Brazil. Morocco will know a big win could potentially land them at the top spot, so will no doubt be looking to attack from early.

 

Achraf Hakimi – (MOR) – $6.0m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Haiti

Matchday Selection: 24.2%

We already covered how easy a fixture Haiti is and what’s at stake for Morocco. Hakimi, potentially better than any full back at the tournament, has potential to pick up points on both ends. Morocoo are a very stubborn and well organised defence, and have plenty of talent going forward.

This could be Hakimi’s break out game.

 

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Scouting Bonus Players

These players are all great options who also carry the Scouting Bonus into their value. Apologies if you were trying to gatekeep some of these.

 

Brahim Diaz – (MOR) – $6.4m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Haiti

Matchday Selection: 4%

If Saibari is the finisher, Diaz is the provider. Assisting both of Morocco’s goals so far. What Diaz also has over Saibari however, is the scouting bonus. Even though this could get close to 5%, I think he will likely hold firm.

A great option considering the opposition.

 

Amad Diallo – (CIV) – $5.9m

MD3 Fixture: Curacao

Matchday Selection: 1.1%

Despite only registering 34 minutes in the first game, with a goal and assist across his first two games, Amad has no doubt done enough to maintain his starting spot for a vital fixture against Curacao.

He often finds himself in dangerous areas and should have a strong chance of returns as a result.

 

Crysencio Summerville – (NED) – $5.3m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Tunisia

Matchday Selection: 4.4%

Summerville completed the scoring during the Netherlands’ 5-1 demolition of Sweden and continues to thrive whenever given space to attack. Registering 2 goals and an assist already this tournament. He is one f my favourite options for MD3 as a result.

Despite a perilous 4.4% ownership, I think he should just squeak under the threshold.

Brian Brobbey – (NED) – $5.7m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Tunisia

Matchday Selection: 0.8%

Brobbey received his first start of the tournament against Sweden and took the opportunity with both hands. Not only was he a handful all game but he also came away with a brace to show for it.

The Netherlands will be keen to beat out Japan to the top spot in their group, meaning a win over Tunisia will be essential. Expect Brobbey to start again and return again. A great MD3 option.

 

Jan Paul Van Hecke – (NED) – $4.3m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Tunisia

MD3 Selection: 1.2%

Part of a Dutch defence that looks increasingly attractive from a fantasy perspective. Van Hecke is an excellent Scouting Bonus route into the Dutch defence for those who would rather take that upside than a Van Dijk or Dumfries.

 

Micky Van de Ven – (NED) – $5.1m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Tunisia

MD3 Selection: 4.3%

Similar profile to Van Hecke fantasy wise. Potentially more upside due to role at full back but slightly more expensive and closer to Scouting Bonus threshold.

 

Romelu Lukaku – (BEL) – $7.4m

MD3 Fixture: Vs New Zealand

Matchday Selection: 1.7%

Belgium have underwhelmed so far, but Lukaku remains their primary goal threat. Even with the loss of Doku, Belgium now come into this fixture with a must win mindset.

When Belgium attack, the vast majority of meaningful chances eventually arrive at Lukaku’s feet. If Belgium finally click offensively in Matchday 3, he could easily produce a solid haul.

Not least against a New Zealand side who just conceded 2 to Iran.

 

Sergino Dest – (USA) – $4.3m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Turkiye

Matchday Selection: 4.3%

With Pulisic missing the USA’s most recent game through injury, there is a strong possibility Dest will be called upon to start their final group stage game, potentially even at right wing, against an already knocked out Turkiye side which is in dissaray.

He is one of the most attacking fullbacks in world football even if he starts the back. Again, he represents another great opportunity for a clean sheet and attacking returns.

 

Ismaila Sarr – (SEN) – $6.2m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Iraq

Matchday Selection: 0.5%

One of the few bright sparks in an otherwise tricky Senegal campaign. In fairness to Senegal, they have had two of the toughest opening fixtures, potentially in World Cup history, and have still managed to score 3 goals in the process. There problems are not going forward at least.

Managers should therefore not be put off about including Senegalese attackers in their squad, and right now Sarr looks like the most dangerous following his brace against Norway.

 

Sadio Mane – (SEN) – $7.6m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Iraq

Matchday Selection: 2.3%

For similar reasons to Sarr, Mane is another excellent outside shout. Senegal need a win urgently against Iraq to keep their hopes alive, and as mentioned previously, have seemed to be able to find the net at least.

Mane finally entered the return column against Norway with an assist and also registered enough tackles to hit the threshold. He should have plenty of value coming into a must win game.

 

Nicolas Jackson – (SEN) – $6.7m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Iraq

Matchday Selection: 0.5%

Jackson’s unpredictability is part of what makes him appealing. As mentioned with Sarr and Mane, this is an absolute must win for Senegal, and going forward they have shown a clear capacity to score goals.

Like Mane he also opened his assist account against Norway, and against Iraq could definitely build on it.

 

Marcus Rashford – (ENG) – $7.5m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Panama

Matchday Selection: 2.5%

I think there is a very high possibility Rashford starts against Panama and here’s why. If England win, we will likely field a more rotated squad against Panama, and Rashford has already shown he is one of the first bench options called upon in such scenarios.

However, if we lose, then Tuchel will likely want to make changes anyway, and Rashford for Gordon will be one of the more glaring switches considering Gordon hasn’t hit the ground running like some of the other options.

What is clear however, is that whoever starts against Panama for this England attack, could be in line for serious returns, and right now, it is hard to picture a world where Rashford doesn’t get serious minutes at minimum.

 

Yahia Fofana – (CIV) – $4.2m

MD3 Fxiture: Vs Curacao

Matchday Selection: 1.3%

This one is simple, good team, goalkeeper, easy fixture. Must win game.

Nicolas Otamendi – (ARG) – $4.4m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Jordan

Matchday Selection: 2.1%

With Romero out injured and Argentina locked into the top spot, it is very hard to see a world where Otamendi doesn’t start in their final group game against Jordan. Their defence is yet to concede so far and with Jordan up next it is hard to see that streak not continuing.

 

Maxim De Cuyper – (BEL) – $4.7m

MD3 Fixture: Vs New Zealand

Matchday Selection: 2.2%

If there is one positive we can take from Belgium’s performances, it’s that their defence has seemed ok. De Cuyper also likes to get forward himself, meaning he is able to occupy the mid ground between clean sheet percentage and attacking return potential.

Noussair Mazraoui – (MOR) – $4.4m

MD3 Fixture: Vs Haiti

Matchday Selection: 2.2%

If you’re looking for a Morocco defender with Scouting Bonus who could potentially chip in with an assist then Mazraoui is your guy. While not carrying the same threat as a Hakimi type, he is still locked in as a starter and has decent attacking upside.

A great option for those on wildcard.

 

Djed Spence – (ENG) – $4.5m

MD3 Fixture: Panama

Matchday Selection: 0.4%

If England are victorious against Ghana I can easily see a world where Spence starts against Panama. He is our only out and out back up full back and can play on either side. Meaning the chances of him replacing either O’Reilly or James are quite high, and we know how much of a fan Tuchel is of him.

He demonstrated glimpses of his attacking propensity against Croatia and against a team like Panama could easily convert such a propensity into returns. This is on top of an already strong chance at a clean sheet.

 

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Conclusion

Matchday 3 is rarely about finding perfect picks.

It’s about balancing certainty with upside.

The players I would build around first are Cody Gakpo, Bart Verbruggen, Douglas Santos, Guela Doue and Yan Diomande. As well as some of the Morocco guys and Egland guys. They combine strong fixtures, solid minutes prospects and scouting bonus eligibility.

From there, the premium core of Salah, Kane, Vinicius, Alvarez, Yamal and Oyarzabal provides the explosive potential required to climb rankings.

The scouting bonus will likely decide this matchday. Managers who correctly identify the right differential attackers could gain significant ground before the knockout stages begin.

If I were selecting a wildcard today, the Dutch contingent would be my starting point, with Ivory Coast and Morocco not far behind.

 

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