SOCCER

FanDuel Women's World Cup Daily Fantasy Helper: Saturday 6/15/19

Abby Erceg put in a great shift against the Netherlands and will need another stout performance against Canada to keep New Zealand in the hunt as Group E action returns in the 2019 Women's World Cup.

The World Cup is here, and FanDuel is offering daily fantasy contests. The Saturday main slate will consist of the two matches on the docket, starting at 9:00 a.m. EST.

FanDuel has altered its soccer format for the Women's World Cup for the multi-match offerings, and it's important to know how those changes impact things. The single-match slates, however, are the same format as usual.

Group Stage
Saturday, June 15
Netherlands vs. Cameroon
Canada vs. New Zealand

Canada and Netherlands share the Group E lead after securing 1-0 wins earlier this week. Neither were convincing in their win, even if match statistics say otherwise. Canada outshot Cameroon 16-5 with centerback Kadeisha Buchanan ($18) scoring the winner. Netherlands had 17 attempts to New Zealand's six, but it took substitute Jill Roord ($20) to pounce on a loose ball late in the game to get the three points.

Netherlands and Canada are favorites on Saturday. Let's look at players from these four squads across different price points that can make you the favorite on FanDuel.

Forwards/Midfielders

Janine Becke, Canada ($22)

Becke took 10 corners in the first match and recorded an assist on the Buchanan goal. She also attempted five shots with two on target against Cameroon. Three of those shots came from outside of the box. Regardless she created more attempts on the left side of the Canada attack than forward Jessie Fleming ($14), who finished the match without a shot.

However, Fleming may be the reason that Becke was so active as their passing partnership opened up many lanes for Becke with Fleming pushing back into the midfield. Despite the lineup looking as though Fleming was the second striker, the movement and actions of the Canada attack seemingly show an attempt to free up Becke behind the strikers. That gameplan along with the number of corners she will likely take improves Becke's value against New Zealand.


Sherida Spitse, Netherlands ($14)

Spitse is the heart of Netherlands team fulfilling the box-to-box role and often taking up the space given when the attacking front three drive toward the opponent's box. According to Twelve Football, which grades players on five categories, Spitse was the best Netherlands player in the opening match. She covered over 6.6 miles in the first match and was called upon for seven corners. Cameroon conceded 10 corners in the match against Canada and Netherlands attackers may be even more threatening on the ball.

Netherlands will still push the attack through wide channels with the likes of Lieke Martens ($22), who will have value in every match, but it is Spitse that can provide points on both sides of the ball. She drew one foul and had two defensive actions in the first match while leading all of Netherlands forwards and midfielders in passing, according to FanDuel. Spitse is a contrarian play as the attacking front three of Netherlands are always going to be the focus. However, her time on the ball means plenty of chances to score on FanDuel.

Olivia Chance, New Zealand ($10)

Chance was the outlet when the Football Ferns wanted to break against Netherlands. She was open on the left side and help the ball up well, but her teammates were not always able to break away from defending. Chance and Sarah Gregorius ($16) caused a few headaches for Netherlands in the first match. Chance hit the crossbar with a beautiful shot in the first half of the opening game. She created an enticing chance in the second half that was missed by her teammates near goal. These may have been New Zealand's two best chances to score in the match. Chance also contributed four defensive actions, which she will likely have to reproduce against Canada. All of New Zealand's substitutes against Netherlands were in the attacking lines, but Chance was kept on to show her relentless motor.

Defenders

Abby Erceg, New Zealand ($12)

It is clear from the opening match that Erceg is trusted to be the last defender back for New Zealand. One could argue that she was responsible for the goal Netherlands scored in the opening match, but it was a bit of a scramble play where she did not have as much support. Erceg was on an island in a few instances in the first half and was up to the task. She also rotated well to help the outside backs when the run of play allowed her. Erceg finished the first match with two blocks, five clearances, and two interceptions. Erceg was named the 2018 NWSL Defender of the Year and showed why she is the keystone to the New Zealand defense.

Dominique Bloodworth, Netherlands ($12)

Before getting to Bloodworth, please make a note that she may not start this match as Anouk Dekker ($10), who is listed as a midfielder, returns from suspension and could slot into center defense. Much like Erceg, Bloodworth was the last line of defense for Netherlands. She had a couple of rough fouls in the first half, but quickly found her game allowing her confidence to grow. Bloodworth finished with five total defensive actions. Bloodworth also had a close chance after a scramble off a corner kick that she truly should have deposited in the back of the net. Given her height, she will likely keep coming into the box on set pieces. Bloodworth prides herself as a hard worker and that showed as she improved in the opening game.

Christine Manie ($12) & Claudine Meffometou ($8), Cameroon

Manie finished with 13 points in the first match after completing one block, five clearances, two interceptions, and two tackles. Manie is the center of what became a five-woman back line for Cameroon. She will have the tough task of tracking Vivianne Miedema ($18). With Netherlands working through the wings and looking to cut back inside, Manie will have plenty of chances to rack up clearance numbers.

Meffometou managed two shots against Canada from the left wing position despite being on the back foot much of the match. Netherlands may end up with even more possession than Canada managed and Meffometou will have the task of trying to keep Shanice van de Sanden in check.

Keepers

Stephanie Labbe, Canada ($14)

The FanDuel Sportsbook is backing a shut out for Canada in this match. A win and clean sheet could mean 17 points for Labbe. She did not have much work in the opening game against Cameroon as only one shot was on target. This is Labbe's first World Cup in charge for Canada, but she has posted six straight shut outs in 2019 with now over 500 minutes played without allowing a goal. She has a shut out in nearly 50% of her appearances for Canada.

Erin Nayler, New Zealand ($12)

Nayler was excellent in the opening game. Nayler was mentioned in our Group E preview as a potential breakout star and if she continues her current form that will hold true. Canada are the favorite, but there is only a one-goal spread with New Zealand likely defending first and countering second. Nayler made two saves before conceding the Roord goal in stoppage time, but she was strong in the area and was credited with four clearances. New Zealand shut down Canada in group play in 2015 holding them to a scoreless draw. They should play tough defensively again, which is reinforced by a confident Nayler in net.



Doug Smith is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Douglas Smith also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username aquemini03. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his/her personal views, he/she may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his/her personal account. The views expressed in his/her
articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.