These McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy tips for midfielders in the group stage could give you the edge in the official fantasy football game of Russia 2018.
Recommended picks include players from Germany, England, Colombia, Brazil, Spain, Serbia, Egypt and Senegal.
Thomas Mueller, Germany – £9.5m
Although by no means cheap, Mueller has scored at least five goals in each of his last two World Cups and could become its all-time top scorer by doing the same here.
Given he’s listed as a midfielder rather than a forward, he’ll get an extra point for each goal he does manage.
Be warned though that his goals tally for Bayern Munich has tailed off a little in recent seasons.
Dele Alli, England – £9m
Not cheap either, but there aren’t many good options for midfield goals and assists since so many wingers and number 10 types have been listed as forwards – Raheem Sterling, for example.
England’s first two fixtures are against the unfancied duo of Tunisia and Panama, so Alli could reward the heavy investment with the kind of goal involvement he’s known for.
Belgium are in the same group so face the same two sides up first, but Kevin De Bruyne is £10m and Eden Hazard is listed as a forward.
That’s not to say De Bruyne wouldn’t be a great addition to your team, but if it’s a case of one or the other then Alli could be the smart choice.
James Rodríguez, Colombia – £9m
One of the top goal-scorers at the last World Cup and could star again for a Colombia side in with a good chance of winning its group.
Paulinho, Brazil – £8.5m
He’s £0.5m cheaper than team-mate Philippe Coutinho, just in case that makes all the difference to your budget, and he looks like being a nailed-on starter after a productive season at Barcelona.
Isco, Spain – £8.5m
With ten goals in 26 appearances for his country, Isco looks like the best midfield option for Spain and comes relatively cheaply considering.
Frustratingly, David Silva is listed as a forward…
Jesse Lingard, England – £7.5m
Could well start alongside Dele Alli if Gareth Southgate opts not to play two holding midfielders against Tunisia and Panama, and he’s shown at Man Utd that he’s a man for the big occasion.
Sergej Milinković-Savić, Serbia – £7m
Reportedly a target for Man Utd, the 23-year-old arrives at the tournament after scoring 15 goals for Lazio during the 2017-18 campaign.
Mahmoud Trézéguet/Abdallah Said, Egypt – £6m each
Trézéguet scored 14 goals on loan to Turkish Süper Lig side Kasımpaşa this season, so he could be a key man in the absence of the injured Mohamed Salah.
Cheikhou Kouyaté, Senegal – £5m
If you’re running out of funds and need someone truly bargain basement, Kouyaté has shown at West Ham that he can pop up with the odd goal.
The same could be said of Said, who has racked up 50 goals in 154 appearances for Egyptian side Al Ahly.
Good luck and happy selecting!