Dugout Discussion

Big money for Mbappe as injured Cavani misses out

Just eight matches remain of this year’s World Cup, the first of which gets underway at 3pm in Nizhny Novgorod as Uruguay take on France in the opening quarter-final.

Kylian Mbappe‘s (£9.0m) two-goal performance in Les Bleus’ 4-3 win over Argentina has attracted over 430,000 new Fantasy managers (the highest number of the round) and the 19-year-old forward is now the most-owned French asset, having been selected by 30.8% of those who are playing McDonald’s FIFA.

Antoine Griezmann (£10.0m) has yet to score from open play at this year’s tournament but simply being on spot-kick duties for his country in this World Cup of penalties means he warrants consideration. The Atletico Madrid forward, who has already scored twice from 12 yards, is owned by 17.4% of Fantasy managers.

The curious case of N’Golo Kante (£6.0m) drags on. While the Chelsea star admittedly remains the cheapest route into the French midfield, his lack of goal involvement (no goals, assists, shots or big chances created) has not deterred over a fifth of McDonald’s FIFA bosses from drafting the defensive midfielder into their squads.

Benjamin Pavard‘s (£4.5m) wonder strike in the win over Argentina, coupled with his budget price tag, has attracted the interest of over 150,000 new managers: the full-back now has a double-digit ownership, along with Raphael Varane (£6.0m) and Hugo Lloris (£6.0m).

Edinson Cavani (£9.5m) produced an excellent display in the 2-1 win over Portugal, scoring twice, but the Uruguayan striker misses out this afternoon with a calf injury.

Cavani’s strike partner Luis Suarez (£10.0m), who has two goals and an assist to his name at this summer’s World Cup, is owned by just 8% of McDonald’s FIFA managers. Suarez and Cavani have had more big chances than all of France’s squad combined this summer.

Diego Godin, Jose Gimenez and goalkeeper Fernando Muslera (all £5.7m) have been backed by 30.6%, 14.5% and 14.4% of McDonald’s FIFA managers respectively. Uruguay have yet to concede a goal from open play in 2018, with Pepe’s header from a corner-kick in the last-16 tie with Portugal the first goal Uruguay have conceded at this World Cup.

Uruguay XI (4-3-1-2): Muslera; Caceres, Gimenez, Godin, Laxalt; Nandez, Torreira, Vecino; Bentancur; Suarez, Stuani

France XI (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez; Pogba, Kante; Tolisso, Mbappe, Griezmann; Giroud

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968 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Excellent header by Varane tbf,.but Uruguay were defending so well before that. Hard done, I feel. Wonder what Tabarez will be saying to his players. . .

    1. Andy_Social
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Anti-football. Not as bad as Colombian dark arts, but I've gone cold on Uruguay watching them here. Vive La France!

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      There's only so long you can defend for against that kind of pressure.

      France have been amazing. Quick, strong, intelligent... this side will take some beating.

  2. Moxon
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Half time question lads. Best Burnley defender?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      All priced the same now and quite rightly! Marginally Tarko for me.

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Keep a eye on pre-season. Long is interesting at 4.5m if we think he will be a regular starter

      1. Andy_Social
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I think the first-choice 4 are well established. Wish I knew which keeper will be #1 though.

      2. Sif
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Long will not start, people fell for this last pre-season when he was 4.0

        Will be Tarks & Mee center back and If Mee goes his replacement (eg: Dawson) will be a starting XI signing.

    3. Richd
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Itscominghome

    4. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Ward. Has both goals and assists in him.

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        This

    5. Moxon
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers lads, seems like there's no wrong answer

    6. Boomerang V
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Ward was fantastic last season until he got injured

  3. Reggie Nainggolan
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Lucas Torriera. What a player. Can take set pieces too

    1. Andy_Social
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Coming to Arsenal? Can he dislodge Elneny???

    2. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Arsenal have a true DM in a long time. Heck, he's better than a lot of mids who are twice his height! What a steal.

  4. JLAEST
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    As expected, Mbappe vs. Uruguay flopping... Might come back in 45 minutes to say I'm wrong, but... Griezmann looking much better

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Greizmann has been amazing. I wouldn't say Mbappe's been bad though.

    2. Andy_Social
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Hardly. Okay, heading's not his best skill but wait until the defenders tire or have to push up looking for that equaliser.

    3. Rainer
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Was never going to be given the time or space he got vs Argentina but I wouldn't call it flopping. He's a constant threat.

      1. JLAEST
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Just to be clear, I meant "flopping" from a fantasy perspective. The early france goal might give him some space when Uruguay pushes up though (if they were losing it would be much worse for him)

  5. CloudSky
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Mbappe might be the closest thing we'll ever get to Il Fenomeno.

    1. azz007
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      behave. hes just a tad better than rashford

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Nah, Mbappe's going to be huge.

        He's phenomenal as he is, and he's only 19.

      2. CloudSky
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Im a tad better than Rashford. Those two are a different class.

      3. Rainer
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        😆

    2. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Still inexperienced, the header was really bad..

      1. azz007
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Dont see nothing special. he cant dribble. hjes just a runner with better finishing than rashford and sterling.

      2. CloudSky
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        This comes with age.

        1. azz007
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          lets see him do it like ronaldo and messi 10 years

    3. Louis_Sans_Balls
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      can you say Mmmmm....Bob....Ayyy!?

  6. Zilla
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Hope Uruguay wins

  7. Piggs Boson
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    As good as Brazil and Belgium are, I don't think they'll beat this France team. They look formidable.

    It will take a team like England to beat them.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I think France are growing into the tournament, but I wouldn't write off either of those 2. Such an intriguing contest, this WC.

    2. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      France: 6 Letters
      Uruguay: 7 Letters

      Brazil: 6 Letters
      Belgium: 7 Letters

      Sweden: 6 Letters
      England: 7 letters

      Russia: 6 letters
      Croatia: 7 letters

      QF: 6th & 7th July

      6+7 = 13

      ...13 Letters In....

      It's Coming Home!

      1. Rainer
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        An alternative way to work out this formula. 😛

        https://twitter.com/paddypower/status/1015181126208454657

        1. Red Dagger ✪
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Hahaha! That's awesome!

      2. Fifa las vegas
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Mind-BLOWN

        1. Louis_Sans_Balls
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Pooooof!!!

    3. Oven Glover
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      They’ll have to get past the mighty swedes first!

    4. azz007
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      France look boring /. hardley set this alight

  8. HamezMace
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Looking on FIFAs website world cup final tickets aren't available yet, but there are lots for sale on the viagogo, stubhub sites, this might be a silly/naive question, but how is this possible?

    1. HNI
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      It is people selling their tickets in black. Sadly fifa has made it clear that non fifa website tickets wont be accepted. So dumb ones who buy the overprized one on these sites will get nice trip to russia but without stadium match ofcourse

      1. HamezMace
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Don't all venues/concert promoters say they won't accept these tickets? Not sure how they prove it on the day.

        So when will the tickets for the final be released, as soon as the 2nd semi final is over? Doesn't leave much time to sort a flight

    2. Fifa las vegas
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Anticipation of getting them to resell

      1. HamezMace
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        But how are they selling tickets which haven't been released?

  9. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Are we heading for all European semi-finalists?

    1. HamezMace
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Think Brazil will beat Belgium, but otherwise yes.

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Think Russia will beat Croatia, but otherwise yes.

      1. Red Dagger ✪
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Russia are European.

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Aren't they half and half? More Eurasian 🙂

          1. Red Dagger ✪
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah half is right although most of their population live in the European bit.

          2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
            • 15 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Nope still classed as European kinda like turkey in that way.
            Sure England are soon to be outside 'Europe' you shouldn't have to think of these things 😀

            1. Andy_Social
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              The Urals is the Europe/Asia border. Moscow is west of the Urals, so in Europe.

            2. Red Dagger ✪
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Haha! Good point.

              1. Andy_Social
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                Of course I should have offered the definitive proof - they take part in the Eurovision Song contest 😉

            3. Piggs Boson
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Ah, okay.

              Although the UK will still be in Europe. We're only leaving the EU - a terribly run organisation run by people we don't elect 😛

          3. azz007
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            doubt it ... croats all way to final

    3. Fantastisk
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      All EU countries: France, Belgium, Sweden and Croatia.

      1. HamezMace
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I guess no one told you?

        1. Fantastisk
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Croatia joined the EU in 2013 mate.

          1. HamezMace
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            It's coming home.

      2. badgerboy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Subtle Brexit dig there fella?

        1. Fantastisk
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          I'd cancel Brexit quick time if England wants to advance.

  10. HNI
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Will firmino start over Jesus? I read speculation that Tite leaked his lineup to face Belgium...Any news?

    1. Pierce34
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      He didn't exactly leak as outright announced it - Jesus to start, as usual.

  11. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Muslera thinking he's Karius for a moment 🙂

  12. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 15 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Smug b@stard alert!
    The cool kids captained Varane....

    (To be honest I thought it would be 0-0 and he was only defender from this game)

  13. 420king
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Yeah right Pavard....

    1. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I took Pavard out for Maguire. Come on Uruguay!

      1. 420king
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I bought Hernandez because he wasn't on a yellow. (wanted to cover rivals Pavard)
        Figures he would get one.

  14. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 15 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    fpl question:

    How good is this Neves fella for Wolves 5m over 20% of players have him
    Good Vaue?

    1. Norman Conquest
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      scores the odd wonder goal gets booked a lot not for me

    2. HamezMace
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Real life he's good, as an fpl option, not so good.

      Similar to Xhaka, except the good in real life bit.

    3. Feloh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      auto picks maybe

    4. Andy_Social
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Haven't watched him myself but I got the impression he's brilliant but not as a FPL asset - he doesn't get you goals or assists.

    5. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      POTY, but apparently an "assist of the assist" type of guy. Gets a good amount of YC too. Influental to Wolves, but not Fantasy worthy.

    6. Fantastisk
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Massively overrated. A dm from a promoted team, not for me.

    7. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      He is a scorer of spectacular goals rather than a spectacular goalscorer.

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        not one person has said he is any use a promoted teams version of Xhaha.

        I will have to look for alternatives it seems

      2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        That is what Alex Ferguson said about Robbie Keane I think?

  15. Feloh
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Nandez fouls HER nandez

  16. EmreCan Hustle
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Umtiti trying to get a soft foul almost messing it up.

  17. Emiliano Sala
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who are best 5.0 defenders?
    Burnley defenders worth it?
    Their fixtures seems good

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Burnley until UEL starts.

  18. EmreCan Hustle
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Nandez and Hernandez playing on the same wing is confusing sometimes when their names are called out

  19. Andy_Social
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Yup, Karius Mk II

  20. 420king
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    KARIUS!!!!!
    Griezmann goal

  21. EmreCan Hustle
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Muslera howler!

  22. Red Dagger ✪
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Game over.

  23. Rainer
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    GRIEZGOAL

    Muslera howler

  24. badgerboy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Goalie with wrists like wet spam.

  25. Louis_Sans_Balls
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    wow! the Mus man miscue

  26. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Muslera doing a Karius 😀

  27. Waynoo
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    omg muselera lol

  28. Fantastisk
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Lmao at that keeping.

  29. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    OMG Muslera

  30. Red Dagger ✪
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Karius says hi