Women’s World Cup DFS Breakdown – 6/15/2019

My first Women’s World Cup DFS Breakdown was a hit on Tuesday, so I’m back with more!  On Saturday we only have two games; one early morning and the other early afternoon.  Keep reading to get all the information you need to win some money.

All four Women’s World Cup teams in action on Saturday are in Group E playing their 2nd of 3 group stage games.  In the first match-up, both favorites (Netherlands and Canada) prevailed with 1-0 wins and sit atop the group.

This time around, both remain pretty decent favorites.  The Netherlands will face Cameroon, where they are -2.0 against the spread and a whopping -800 on the money line.  Canada are also favorites against New Zealand, but only by 1.5 (-260 money line).

We’re starting to see more goals in the World Cup now since the USA busted the door open with 13.  Barring anything crazy, both Netherlands and Canada should find the back of the net at least once if not more and will be popular teams to target.

The goal total for Netherlands v. Cameroon is 3.0, half a goal higher than the 2.5 goal total over/under in the game between Canada and New Zealand.

Women’s World Cup: Forward/Midfield Targets

Lieke Martens (Cameroon vs. Netherlands, $22) – I loved Martens for value on Tuesday when she was only $14.  She was essential helping save salary to stack the USA, but this slate will be much different with the USA not playing until Sunday.

Martens took 4 shots and created 4 chances, and New Zealand defended the Netherlands fairly well.  In a better match-up against Cameroon, Martens has a high floor and a high ceiling.  The 157% price increase could help deter some ownership, but after a productive game against New Zealand, I expect many to prioritize her as a top option.

Contrary to Martens, fellow Dutch attacker Vivianne Miedema ($18) was disappointing in her first game and received a price decrease.  She did take six shots though, and if she can find the net this time out, she’ll be a great 1B in a Netherlands stack.

Cameroon allowed 16 shots to Canada in their first game, and with the aggressive attacking style of the Netherlands, you’ll want to start your lineup with one of these two.

Sophie Schmidt (New Zealand v. Canada, $20) – New Zealand was almost able to shut the Netherlands down completely until Jill Roord’s goal in the 92nd minute.  I expect them to challenge Canada on Saturday just as much.

Canada is currently a top 5 team in FIFA’s rankings though, so the task won’t be easy.  Paying up for Janine Beckie ($22) will be the first move for many people looking for Canada exposure, and while is a good play, I prefer Schmidt for $2 savings and less ownership.

She came close to scoring twice against Cameroon and was regularly involved in the attack.  If you’re looking to fade top Netherlands attackers, Beckie and Schmidt should be your next go-to’s.

Women’s World Cup: Forward/Midfield Value

Nichelle Prince (New Zealand v. Canada, $12) – Prince was one of the more active midfielders for Canada on Monday.  She sent in several nice crosses and took a few good shots of her own.  Her price tag remains cheap, and I expect her to be a popular value piece across all contests.

Canada, unlike the Netherlands, has another value midfielder named Jessie Fleming ($14).  Coincidentally, her and Prince connected for nice buildups several times during the game.

If they can keep the chemistry going, a goal involving both players is not out of the question.  Both Prince and Fleming will provide some good value on a favored team that will spend a solid amount of the game in attacking positions.

Gabrielle Onguene (Cameroon v. Netherlands, $12) – Some might think that I’m including Onguene just to mention someone not on Netherlands or Canada, but that isn’t true.  Onguene truly deserves this spot in my Women’s World Cup DFS Breakdown.

The tough Canadian defense was able to keep her in check on Monday, but the Netherlands take few more risks on defense which could lead to openings for Onguene.  She’s one of the more skilled “unknowns” in the tournament, and if she can capitalize on a mistake, you could get a cheap and low owned goal out of her.

Ajara Nchout ($10) is the only other Cameroonian I would take a stab at in this game.  Her speed is enough to challenge most defenders, and she’s dirt cheap.  Considering Cameroon starts some of their other better attackers on the bench, I’m not interested in much else.

Women’s World Cup: Defender Targets

Desiree van Lunteren (Cameroon v. Netherlands, $16) – Paying up for top defenders has become increasingly difficult for me in the early stages of this tournament.  The forward/midfield value just isn’t there to allow it.

However, if you have some money, Desiree van Lunteren should be on your short list of top defenders.  The Netherlands was able to control enough of the ball for Lunteren to join the attack from her position as an outside defender.

In their aggressive formation, Jackie Goenen ahead of her often slide into a more central role allowing her to slide in almost as an additional midfielder.  I expect that the continue on Saturday especially with a great match-up.

Lunteren is pricey but should be able to collect enough attacking peripherals to pay off.

Kadeisha Buchanan (New Zealand v. Canada, $18) – Buchanan can’t be ignored on this slate.  So far she’s the most expensive defender that we’ve seen in any game, but her upside is real and she proved that by scoring a goal last game.

Canada dominated so much possession against Cameroon that even Buchanan (a center-back) was able to do some attacking.  She’s one of the most athletic players any time she steps on a field and showed why she’s valuable scoring off a corner kick just before halftime.

Canada will likely control a lot of the possession again and Buchanan is lethal off free kicks.  She might just score again.

Women’s World Cup: Value Defenders

Ashley Lawrence (New Zealand v. Canada, $12) – Buchanan might have scored, but Lawrence was perhaps Canada’s most involved defender on Monday.  She regularly found room on the outside of the field to create chances for her teammates.

She might not be able to do as much attacking in this game with New Zealand fielding a formidable attack, but that means should could get a few more defensive peripheral stats to add to her value.

Abby Erceg (New Zealand v. Canada, $12) – Erceg is one of the better defenders in France right now, but her game doesn’t always translate well to fantasy sports.  Still, she’s a cheap defender on a team that will be forced to do a lot of defending on Saturday.

I prefer Lawrence over her for the same price, but Erceg is a good play, nonetheless.  Ali Riley ($8) is of some value to me as well.  As a minimum priced defender, she can get you enough peripheral defensive stats to help you fit some goal scoring studs.

Women’s World Cup: Goalkeepers

Sari van Veenendaal (Cameroon v. Netherlands, $16) – Sari van Veenendaal is in a great spot to build off her opening game performance.  She made 3 saves to go along with a win and clean sheet.  While a win and a clean sheet are again likely, I would be surprised if she makes 3 saves again.  She’s expensive, but you’re getting a really good shot at 17 bonus points.

Stephanie Labbe (New Zealand v. Canada, $14) – For $2 cheaper, you can get Labbe who is also in a good spot to get a win and a clean sheet (although a clean sheet is less of a given than with Veenendaal).

The upside with Labbe’s is more than Sari van Veenendaal’s with some save points likely, but if New Zealand can sneak one in and Canada only comes away with a draw, you could be looking at single digit points.  She’s a low floor, high ceiling play.

Thanks for checking out my Women’s World Cup DFS Breakdown for Saturday.  Good luck to everyone playing, and feel free to reach out on Twitter (@vdray5) for advice and last-minute news.  I should be back with a Sunday breakdown with Team USA back in action.