Use your one free transfer shrewdly with these McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy tips for midfielders in Round 2 of Russia 2018’s official fantasy football.
You get one wildcard to make unlimited transfers in any Round you like – use this in Round 3 when teams rotate players and go all out to qualify from their groups.
Then you’ll get another go with unlimited transfers for Round 4 as the knockout phase begins, so don’t make too many changes in Round 2.
However, with in-Round substitutions enabling you to boost your points tally, it’s worth having some bargains on the bench – and you’ll need value for money elsewhere to afford them.
With this in mind, recommended picks include players from England, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, Iceland, Russia, Egypt and Argentina.
Be warned – only make multiple transfers if you think they can help you at least recover the four-point hit you’ll take for each one.
Dele Alli/Jesse Lingard, ENG – 9m/7.5m
Two goal-scoring Premier League midfielders whose next opponents are Panama, one of the least-fancied sides at the tournament.
Paulinho/Willian, BRA – 9m
At 8.5m each, they’re slightly cheaper than Philippe Coutinho and this could make all the difference in terms of allowing you affordable substitutes.
Isco, ESP – 8.5m
Although Iran might be deceptively difficult opposition, if Spain get in the groove then it’s worth noting Isco’s impressive recent goal-scoring record.
Bernardo Silva, POR – 8m
The Man City man didn’t manage a goal or assist in the 3-3 thriller with Spain, but he might well find more joy against Morocco.
Gylfi Sigurðsson, ISL – 8m
Another Premier League star, he performed impressively in the draw with Argentina and his next opponents are an underwhelming-looking Nigeria side.
Carlos Sánchez, URU – 7.5m
Came on as a substitute to set up Uruguay’s winner against Egypt and could be a great source of points against a woeful-looking Saudi Arabia next – but will he start?
Aleksandr Golovin/Denis Cherysev/Yury Gazinsky, RUS – 6.5m/5.5m/4.5m
Russia’s two big points scorers in the 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia. It’s unlikely they’ll find life against Egypt quite so comfortable, but if you need cheap midfield options then there they are.
They also play at the start of the Round, meaning you can always substitute them out if they don’t perform.
Trézéguet, EGY – 6m
On Egypt’s side, Trézéguet could pose a threat to Russia having scored 14 goals on loan at Turkish Süper Lig side Kasımpaşa this season.
Maximiliano Meza, ARG – 5.5m
Claimed an assist in Argentina’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Iceland and could prove a bargain if he continues to start, although Croatia up next won’t be easy opponents.
Good luck and happy selecting!