This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EDT)
8:30 p.m: Mexico v. USA
9:35 p.m: Panama v. Honduras
10:00 p.m: Costa Rica v. Trinidad & Tobago
ODDS REPORT
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Keylor Navas, CRC v. TT ($6,000): Sometimes it's a good idea to go with the chalk and play the top goalkeeper on the slate. Navas just won his second UEFA Champions League title as the starting goalkeeper for Real Madrid, and he has got right back to work for his country. Although the Ticos failed to earn all three points against Panama, the defense was stern, as it held on for a comfortable clean sheet. Trinidad & Tobago, on the other hand, showed very little ability to create chances in its match against the United States, outside of a couple breaks in the first half. Costa Rica (-500) is by far the biggest favorite on the slate, and with a player pool without an abundance of top-tier production, it is worth paying up for the safe pick.
DEFENDER
Cristian Gamboa, CRC v. TT ($4,900) and Bryan Oviedo, CRC v. TT ($4,700): Costa Rica plays a wing-back system, which allows Gamboa and Oviedo to get plenty involved in the Ticos' attack. They combined for 10 crosses in Thursday's game against Panama, and each earned a clean sheet, which will not be hard to replicate in a home matchup against Trinidad & Tobago. These two full backs are, by far, the best value picks at defense for Sunday's slate.
Jorge Villafana, USA at MEX ($4,600): Villafana really impressed in Thursday's match against Trinidad & Tobago, sending in six crosses and playing excellent defense to help earn the clean sheet. He is definitely a gamble for this slate, but being of Mexican heritage and a current member of Mexican club Santos Laguna, there is good chance Villafana will put in a solid shift at Estadio Azteca.
MIDFIELDER
Christian Pulisic, USA at MEX ($9,500): What more can one say about this kid? He said the team will earn all three points in its match against Mexico at Estadio Azteca, and if the Americans have any chance of doing so they will need Pulisic to be the reason why. Every time he gets on the ball it looks as if something special is going to happen, and it usually does. Even in a match where history is stacked against him, he should prosper. He is the top-priced fantasy option for good reason.
Clint Dempsey, USA at MEX ($9,200): The next-highest price to pay is for an angry man who did not want to end his work early in Thursday's match against Trinidad & Tobago. He is one goal away from becoming the top goal scorer in U.S. men's national team history, and he wanted to get it over with last game, but head coach Bruce Arena had other plans. Arena's decision to sub off Deuce with 30 minutes remaining is a good sign that he will be in the starting XI on Sunday. If so, he will be very eager to reach the milestone and help his team make history in the same game.
Johan Venegas, CRC v. TT ($5,700): Venegas should be the starting center forward for the Ticos, who are the biggest favorite on the slate, so he should have a very high chance to score. More often than not, when a big favorite is at home, the starting center forward finds himself on the score sheet. He was active last game, yet failed to hit the target. Sunday should be a more comfortable task against a struggling Trinidad & Tobago side.
FORWARD
Bobby Wood, USA at MEX ($7,500): The other American who cannot be ignored is definitely Wood. He starts every week in the German Bundesliga, and earlier this week right after he subbed on, he hit the post with a low shot that had the keeper beat. Jozy Altidore may start the game on the bench, which will allow Wood to move into the lineup and be the X-factor for a U.S. team that is looking to make a surprise in Mexico City. If he starts, not many fantasy managers will be prepared to fit him in their lineups, and with a very reasonable price, Wood looks to be one of the best values on the board.
Joel Campbell, CRC v. TT ($6,800): Campbell is another player who did not start Thursday, but he very well could Sunday. He subbed on at halftime last game and earned 10 fantasy points. With a favorable matchup at home against last-place Trinidad & Tobago, there is no reason why he cannot replicate a similar performance over 90 minutes.
Bryan Ruiz, CRC v. TT ($6,800): Ruiz is a seasoned veteran who has played in plenty of these matches. He has 22 international goals in his career, and he has a good way of getting involved in attacking opportunities. He can produce from free kicks, corners, penalties and in the run of play, and, in a home game against Trinidad & Tobago, there is a good chance he will display his versatility as a reliable fantasy option.
