With the World Cup just 8 days away, the international campaign’s talking points are well underway. Included with this tournament is the return of World Cup fantasy – through the official FIFA app. It is similar to FPL, with rules differing slightly, but building a team of unknown players can be overwhelming. With just £100m to spend, I have identified a few “hidden gems” who will enable you to pick up some differential points whilst allowing you to buy the big ticket players such as: Haaland, Mbappe and Kane.
1. Julian Ryerson – £4.2m
At 7.5% owned, it makes the Norwegian the highest owned on this list, however at just £4.2m I can’t leave him out. The 28 year old is coming off the back of a historic season where he grabbed an incredible 18 assists in Dortmund’s campaign and, from left back, averages 0.4 expected assists per 90. With such clinical strikers up front for Norway, I can see him getting a few assists against Iraq alone in GW1. His £4.2m price point is surely a massive error by FIFA. It makes him a massive enabler for the big-ticket players without sacrificing quality. Despite Norway’s group being tough – containing favourites, France and AFCON winners, Senegal, Norway are still a seriously capable side, and Ryerson’s two assists against Sweden prove his worth. Due to their game against France being a relatively late game in the week, I would recommend benching him until another defender blanks, then subbing him on.
2. Ali Abdi – £4.1m
The Tunisian currently sits at just 0.2% owned, with his services offering a massive differential. The main reason for bringing the 32-year-old in is because of his role as a penalty taker. Abdi has 5 goals, 3 from the spot, for his nation in his last 22 appearances – making a potential spot kick goal extremely likely. Coupled with his position being a “defender”, it allows scope for a clean sheet on top of any bonus penalties that Tunisia win. There is a possibility that with a penalty and a clean sheet, he could bring in a 15-point haul. Tunisia’s fixtures, although fairly difficult, start with a struggling Sweden side, who have conceded 3 penalties in their last 10 games. Their defending under Graham Potter has been suspect, so a penalty in GW1 is a real possibility. At just £3.9m and 0.2% owned, Abdi is a great option.
3. Nico Paz – £5.9m
The 21 year old has been arguably the Serie A player of the season this year, rebuilding his reputation at sunny Como. At £5.9m, it seems like a steal, but his rotation risk with other stars make him a risky buy for some. Argentina coach, Scaloni is predicted to play a 4-3-3, as they very rarely play with two strikers. Based on this prediction, one of Julian Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez will be benched against Algeria – leaving a spot open for Paz. Whilst the Real Madrid graduate has rarely featured for his nation, the 6 cameos he’s had have been impressive, and I back him to start the first game with Messi and Alvarez. He sits at just 1.7% owned, which makes him a huge differential with scope for massive returns. If he doesn’t play, a sub can come on. If he does, the points could be the difference in your mini-league.
4. Mikel Merino – £6.2m
With Spain’s world-class midfield, it is obvious that Merino won’t play every minute. However, at such a low price point, for such a big team, he’s definitely one to consider. He is just 0.6% owned, with many people focusing on other Spanish assets, yet he offers so much going forward. The Arsenal player has scored 6 goals in 6 games for his national team this year, and he seems to have that knack of always popping up with a goal. With Spain’s first game being Cape Verde, I could see Spain scoring a few and if the 29-year-old starts, the point potential is high.
5. Johan Manzambi – £5.6m
Another midfielder now, and one who is also a minute’s risk. The 20-year-old has burst onto the scene this season for Freiburg – taking them to their first Europa League final in their history. He is a player I’ve watched closely, and in an article I posted, most Switzerland fans want him to start. Manzambi is just 0.1% owned and relatively unknown, but with Switzerland’s “easy” group, he will shine if given the game time. Return-wise, he has a lethal strike on him, and like Merino, always pops up with a goal. He also drifts wide and crosses a lot, so there is no doubt of scope for assists. Finally, he has a huge long throw, so if utilised, it could result in a few assists. Although he’s not dirt cheap, he is a great differential option with Switzerland being huge favourites against teams in their group.
