France
Odds to Qualify from Group: 1/20
Qualification: France qualified for the World Cup with 23 points from 10 games but needed a final round victory against Belarus to ensure first place ahead of Sweden. France were impressive in various games during the campaign, beating Bulgaria 4-1 and Netherlands 4-0. However, they failed to break down group minnows Belarus and Luxembourg at points and will be looking for more of a killer instinct as group favourites.
Injuries and Team News: The downside to France having such a large surplus of talent is that a number of big names won’t make the plane to Russia. Didier Deschamps has elected to leave out Premier League duo Alexandre Lacazette and Anthony Martial, as well as Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema who hasn’t recovered from a sex-tape/blackmail scandal in 2015. Laurent Koscielny and Dimitri Payet might have made the final 23 if it wasn’t for injuries late in their domestic seasons – they won’t be ready in time.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
The majority of the defence look nailed-on but the left-back spot is up for grabs. Benjamin Mendy would’ve likely secured the spot had he not missed the majority of Manchester City’s title winning campaign through injury – he’ll have to compete with Lucas Digne who has stepped up in his absence. Mathieu Debuchy looked a threat for Djibril Sidibe’s spot at right-back but the former did not make the final 23. Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante and Blaise Matuidi are widely expected to be the midfield three. Now that Payet is injured, Olivier Giroud may come in to the team with Griezmann as wide forward or pushed back slightly with a 4-2-3-1 formation deployed. Ousmane Dembele, Nabil Fekir, Thomas Lemar and Florian Thauvin will all be in contention for a place on either wing. This is clearly an area where France have strength in depth.
Fantasy Potential: 4/5. France do not have the most difficult group on paper. This is not to say that Peru, Australia and Denmark do not carry some threat (this will be explored shortly) but they have nowhere near the abundance of talent ‘Les Bleus’ carry in almost all areas of the pitch. France are not rock solid at the back but if you’re interested in their backline, it may be best to opt for Hugo Lloris over centre-backs Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti who both offer little goal-threat than other teams’ defenders in their expected price range. Sidibe offers some assist threat on the right with 7 in 26 games in Ligue 1 this season just gone. Pogba has shown his effectiveness when positioned further forward for Man United this season and recently stated he wants to be the ‘boss on and off the pitch’ this summer – he could be in for a big tournament and looks set to start. Griezmann is the most nailed-on attacker in the team and is coming off another electric and perhaps final season with Atletico Madrid, scoring 29 and assisting 15 goals in 45 games for the Spanish outfit. Griezmann appears a great option at any price point.
Prediction: If France can put it together, they should top the group with ease. The opening game or two could set the tone for their tournament.
Odds to Qualify from Group: 1/20
Qualification: France qualified for the World Cup with 23 points from 10 games but needed a final round victory against Belarus to ensure first place ahead of Sweden. France were impressive in various games during the campaign, beating Bulgaria 4-1 and Netherlands 4-0. However, they failed to break down group minnows Belarus and Luxembourg at points and will be looking for more of a killer instinct as group favourites.
Injuries and Team News: The downside to France having such a large surplus of talent is that a number of big names won’t make the plane to Russia. Didier Deschamps has elected to leave out Premier League duo Alexandre Lacazette and Anthony Martial, as well as Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema who hasn’t recovered from a sex-tape/blackmail scandal in 2015. Laurent Koscielny and Dimitri Payet might have made the final 23 if it wasn’t for injuries late in their domestic seasons – they won’t be ready in time.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
The majority of the defence look nailed-on but the left-back spot is up for grabs. Benjamin Mendy would’ve likely secured the spot had he not missed the majority of Manchester City’s title winning campaign through injury – he’ll have to compete with Lucas Digne who has stepped up in his absence. Mathieu Debuchy looked a threat for Djibril Sidibe’s spot at right-back but the former did not make the final 23. Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante and Blaise Matuidi are widely expected to be the midfield three. Now that Payet is injured, Olivier Giroud may come in to the team with Griezmann as wide forward or pushed back slightly with a 4-2-3-1 formation deployed. Ousmane Dembele, Nabil Fekir, Thomas Lemar and Florian Thauvin will all be in contention for a place on either wing. This is clearly an area where France have strength in depth.
Fantasy Potential: 4/5. France do not have the most difficult group on paper. This is not to say that Peru, Australia and Denmark do not carry some threat (this will be explored shortly) but they have nowhere near the abundance of talent ‘Les Bleus’ carry in almost all areas of the pitch. France are not rock solid at the back but if you’re interested in their backline, it may be best to opt for Hugo Lloris over centre-backs Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti who both offer little goal-threat than other teams’ defenders in their expected price range. Sidibe offers some assist threat on the right with 7 in 26 games in Ligue 1 this season just gone. Pogba has shown his effectiveness when positioned further forward for Man United this season and recently stated he wants to be the ‘boss on and off the pitch’ this summer – he could be in for a big tournament and looks set to start. Griezmann is the most nailed-on attacker in the team and is coming off another electric and perhaps final season with Atletico Madrid, scoring 29 and assisting 15 goals in 45 games for the Spanish outfit. Griezmann appears a great option at any price point.
Prediction: If France can put it together, they should top the group with ease. The opening game or two could set the tone for their tournament.
Australia
Odds to Qualify from Group: 7/2
Qualification: Australia needed a record 22 games and a final play-off victory against Honduras to qualify for the World Cup this year after Saudi Arabia beat them to second in the group and an automatic qualification spot. The campaign was filled with rumours that boss Ange Postecoglou would resign from his post, which he later did, being replaced by Bert van Marwijk (yes, the same one who was part of the Saudi Arabia manager merry-go-round we touched on previously). Van Marwijk will be replaced after the World Cup.
Injuries and Team News: Long-standing midfielder Tim Cahill has made the provisional squad, though he’s been forced to defend his inclusion after many suggested it had sentimental and/or commercial ties. 19 year-old Melbourne City attacking midfielder Daniel Arzani has had a quick rise to prominence and will be hoping his spot in the provisional squad will remain when the final squad is confirmed.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
It’s difficult to pinpoint who will start for the Socceroos this time around - due to a change in manager and heavy competition for places, it’s somewhat of a guessing game. Those who participated in FPL last season will likely look fondly on Brighton shot-stopper Mat Ryan and Huddersfield set-piece taker Aaron Mooy who were budget-friendly options at points - both will start. Captain Mile Jedinak is secure in the middle, Matthew Leckie has made the right-wing position his own and Tomi Juric looks likely to be given the nod up top.
Fantasy Potential: 1.5/5. Australia are unlikely to make much of a splash in Russia. There is uncertainty on the right formation and personnel and they face a big task against France in their first game. Their defence should probably be avoided completely but Mooy will cost little and may chip in with an assist or two if someone can step up to finish the chances he creates. Jedinak plays defensively but is on penalties and scored a hat-trick against Honduras in the vital qualifying play-off.
Prediction: Australia are the bookies favourites to finish last in Group C and it’s hard to disagree as they look weak both at the back and up front.
Odds to Qualify from Group: 7/2
Qualification: Australia needed a record 22 games and a final play-off victory against Honduras to qualify for the World Cup this year after Saudi Arabia beat them to second in the group and an automatic qualification spot. The campaign was filled with rumours that boss Ange Postecoglou would resign from his post, which he later did, being replaced by Bert van Marwijk (yes, the same one who was part of the Saudi Arabia manager merry-go-round we touched on previously). Van Marwijk will be replaced after the World Cup.
Injuries and Team News: Long-standing midfielder Tim Cahill has made the provisional squad, though he’s been forced to defend his inclusion after many suggested it had sentimental and/or commercial ties. 19 year-old Melbourne City attacking midfielder Daniel Arzani has had a quick rise to prominence and will be hoping his spot in the provisional squad will remain when the final squad is confirmed.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
It’s difficult to pinpoint who will start for the Socceroos this time around - due to a change in manager and heavy competition for places, it’s somewhat of a guessing game. Those who participated in FPL last season will likely look fondly on Brighton shot-stopper Mat Ryan and Huddersfield set-piece taker Aaron Mooy who were budget-friendly options at points - both will start. Captain Mile Jedinak is secure in the middle, Matthew Leckie has made the right-wing position his own and Tomi Juric looks likely to be given the nod up top.
Fantasy Potential: 1.5/5. Australia are unlikely to make much of a splash in Russia. There is uncertainty on the right formation and personnel and they face a big task against France in their first game. Their defence should probably be avoided completely but Mooy will cost little and may chip in with an assist or two if someone can step up to finish the chances he creates. Jedinak plays defensively but is on penalties and scored a hat-trick against Honduras in the vital qualifying play-off.
Prediction: Australia are the bookies favourites to finish last in Group C and it’s hard to disagree as they look weak both at the back and up front.
Peru
Odds to Qualify from Group: 2/1
Qualification: After a 36 year absence from the competition, Peru came through a two-legged play-off with New Zealand to book their place at this year’s World Cup. Their campaign involved some controversy after they played out a draw with Colombia that favoured both countries and sent Chile crashing out at the group stage. In the same game, David Ospina pushed an indirect free-kick by Paolo Guerrero into his own net; had he not touched it the goal would not have stood and Peru may well have the game. Peru also gained points they hadn’t won on the pitch due to Bolivia’s fielding of an ineligible player. It might have been an odd road to Russia, but Peru have made it.
Injuries and Team News: Peru have been dealt an almighty blow with news that captain and attacking force Paolo Guerrero will miss the World Cup after testing positive for a cocaine derivative due to drinking contaminated tea. Despite numerous disciplinary panels accepting his lack of intent in taking an illegal substance and FIFA accepting his account of events, the Court of Arbitration for Sport has justified the extended length of his ban on the basis of negligence. Guerrero and his supporters won’t go quietly though, so stay tuned on his story in the run-up to the competition. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and defender Alberto Rodriguez have been selected despite being in the process of recovering from injuries.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
Of course, Guerrero will be replaced in the starting 11 if his ban is upheld. Rumours that veteran Claudio Pizarro would step-in in his absence were quashed after boss Ricardo Gareca left him out of the squad. Greater responsibility will be left on the shoulders of Watford’s Andre Carrillo and Lokomotiv Moscow’s Jefferson Farfan in the forward positions in a potential re-shuffle. 4-4-2 has been the deployed formation in recent friendlies with Farfan playing up top with either Carrillo or Raul Ruidiaz. Defensively, Peru should line-up as projected.
Fantasy Potential: 2/5. Peru have been relatively solid at the back throughout qualifying, conceding 13 in 10 games including top opposition such as Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. Left-back Miguel Trauco grabbed a couple of assists in the recent friendly against Iceland, so if Peru can stay fairly steady at the back, he might be a nice enabler. Farfan will likely be cheap on any fantasy site this year and if listed as a midfielder could be a budget OOP option if he starts up front.
Prediction: Peru with Guerrero would be a really nice underdog pick to get out of this group. Their appeal is damaged by his absence but I fancy them to finish above Australia and could certainly run Denmark close for 2nd place.
Odds to Qualify from Group: 2/1
Qualification: After a 36 year absence from the competition, Peru came through a two-legged play-off with New Zealand to book their place at this year’s World Cup. Their campaign involved some controversy after they played out a draw with Colombia that favoured both countries and sent Chile crashing out at the group stage. In the same game, David Ospina pushed an indirect free-kick by Paolo Guerrero into his own net; had he not touched it the goal would not have stood and Peru may well have the game. Peru also gained points they hadn’t won on the pitch due to Bolivia’s fielding of an ineligible player. It might have been an odd road to Russia, but Peru have made it.
Injuries and Team News: Peru have been dealt an almighty blow with news that captain and attacking force Paolo Guerrero will miss the World Cup after testing positive for a cocaine derivative due to drinking contaminated tea. Despite numerous disciplinary panels accepting his lack of intent in taking an illegal substance and FIFA accepting his account of events, the Court of Arbitration for Sport has justified the extended length of his ban on the basis of negligence. Guerrero and his supporters won’t go quietly though, so stay tuned on his story in the run-up to the competition. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and defender Alberto Rodriguez have been selected despite being in the process of recovering from injuries.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
Of course, Guerrero will be replaced in the starting 11 if his ban is upheld. Rumours that veteran Claudio Pizarro would step-in in his absence were quashed after boss Ricardo Gareca left him out of the squad. Greater responsibility will be left on the shoulders of Watford’s Andre Carrillo and Lokomotiv Moscow’s Jefferson Farfan in the forward positions in a potential re-shuffle. 4-4-2 has been the deployed formation in recent friendlies with Farfan playing up top with either Carrillo or Raul Ruidiaz. Defensively, Peru should line-up as projected.
Fantasy Potential: 2/5. Peru have been relatively solid at the back throughout qualifying, conceding 13 in 10 games including top opposition such as Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. Left-back Miguel Trauco grabbed a couple of assists in the recent friendly against Iceland, so if Peru can stay fairly steady at the back, he might be a nice enabler. Farfan will likely be cheap on any fantasy site this year and if listed as a midfielder could be a budget OOP option if he starts up front.
Prediction: Peru with Guerrero would be a really nice underdog pick to get out of this group. Their appeal is damaged by his absence but I fancy them to finish above Australia and could certainly run Denmark close for 2nd place.
Denmark
Odds to Qualify from Group: 4/6
Qualification: Denmark booked their flight to Russia via the playoffs. They finished 2nd in Group E behind Poland, gaining 20 points from a possible 30. They had some largely disappointing games in their road to qualification, most notably a home loss to Montenegro and a home draw against Romania, leading 1-0 against the 10 men before conceding at the death. Despite this, they beat Poland 4-0 towards the end of the campaign and hammered Republic of Ireland 5-1 in the second leg of their play-off, which included a hat-trick from star midfielder Christian Eriksen. He grabbed a vital 11 goals in the qualifying campaign.
Injuries and Team News: Denmark have no injury concerns of note. Manager Age Hareide has yet to trim down a 35-man provisional squad.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
Andreas Christensen may not have done enough to get in ahead of captain Simon Kjaer or Andreas Bjelland, after losing plenty of minutes towards the end of the domestic season. Versatile full-back Jens Stryger Larsen appears to be deployed on both flanks for the national team and has been starting regularly at right and left back. The front four look set to start though there is competition for Nicolai Jorgensen as the lone striker.
Fantasy Potential: 2.5/5. With Peru and Australia looking less than dangerous going forward, Leicester stopper Kasper Schmeichel offers clean-sheet potential. Yussuf Poulsen, Pione Sisto and Jorgensen all have their merits, but haven’t offered consistency in direct attacking returns for club or country. Thomas Delaney is one to keep an eye on – he bagged hat-tricks for both Werder Bremen and Denmark last season. However, the box-to-box midfielder may be assigned a more disciplined role in Russia. Eriksen scored 14 goals and assisted 13 for Spurs last season, contributed numerous goals for his country and will take the majority of set-pieces in Russia. He looks the obvious pick.
Prediction: Similarly to Peru and Australia, Denmark have had a mixed bag of results. The difference is they have a world-class player in Eriksen, a midfielder capable of turning it on when it really matters. Denmark look likely to make it to the round of 16 if he shows up.
Odds to Qualify from Group: 4/6
Qualification: Denmark booked their flight to Russia via the playoffs. They finished 2nd in Group E behind Poland, gaining 20 points from a possible 30. They had some largely disappointing games in their road to qualification, most notably a home loss to Montenegro and a home draw against Romania, leading 1-0 against the 10 men before conceding at the death. Despite this, they beat Poland 4-0 towards the end of the campaign and hammered Republic of Ireland 5-1 in the second leg of their play-off, which included a hat-trick from star midfielder Christian Eriksen. He grabbed a vital 11 goals in the qualifying campaign.
Injuries and Team News: Denmark have no injury concerns of note. Manager Age Hareide has yet to trim down a 35-man provisional squad.
Projected XI (Taken from ESPN):
Andreas Christensen may not have done enough to get in ahead of captain Simon Kjaer or Andreas Bjelland, after losing plenty of minutes towards the end of the domestic season. Versatile full-back Jens Stryger Larsen appears to be deployed on both flanks for the national team and has been starting regularly at right and left back. The front four look set to start though there is competition for Nicolai Jorgensen as the lone striker.
Fantasy Potential: 2.5/5. With Peru and Australia looking less than dangerous going forward, Leicester stopper Kasper Schmeichel offers clean-sheet potential. Yussuf Poulsen, Pione Sisto and Jorgensen all have their merits, but haven’t offered consistency in direct attacking returns for club or country. Thomas Delaney is one to keep an eye on – he bagged hat-tricks for both Werder Bremen and Denmark last season. However, the box-to-box midfielder may be assigned a more disciplined role in Russia. Eriksen scored 14 goals and assisted 13 for Spurs last season, contributed numerous goals for his country and will take the majority of set-pieces in Russia. He looks the obvious pick.
Prediction: Similarly to Peru and Australia, Denmark have had a mixed bag of results. The difference is they have a world-class player in Eriksen, a midfielder capable of turning it on when it really matters. Denmark look likely to make it to the round of 16 if he shows up.
UPDATE (5/06/18): Australia – Tim Cahill kept his place in the squad to make the final 23. Peru – As previously alluded to, the Paolo Guerrero ban was not set in stone. Just a few days ago, his ban was lifted by a Swiss tribunal while they consider his appeal. This gives Peru a huge lift going into a tricky group. Denmark - Andreas Bjelland will now miss the World Cup through injury. Andreas Christensen now has a far better chance of starting next to Captain Simon Kjaer.