This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EDT)
6:30 p.m: Chile v. Paraguay
7:00 p.m: Uruguay v. Argentina
8:45 p.m: Brazil v. Ecuador
10:15 p.m: Peru v. Bolivia
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Carlos Caceda, PER vs. BOL ($5,800): Bolivia is a home-dependent team due to the conditions of Estadio Hernando Siles, which stands at almost 12,000 feet above sea level. Bolivia has earned 10 points through 14 games in qualifying, all earned at home. They are is 0-0-7 away from home in World Cup qualifiers for Russia 2018, while Peru has only lost to Brazil and Chile in its seven home games.
DEFENDER
Dani Alves, BRA v. ECU ($6,300): Alves was rested in PSG's last match, which means that he has plenty of gas in the tank for Brazil. If there is one defender to pay up for, it is Alves and his aggressive style of play.
Mauricio Isla, CHI v. PAR ($5,100): Isla was very active for Chile in the FIFA Confederations Cup. He was constantly getting into the attack from the right side of the field, which ended in multiple chances to score. A defender is expected to blow some chances from time to time, but eventually Isla is going to make one count.
Aldo Corzo, PER v. BOL ($4,100): Corzo offers exposure to the team with the highest probability of earning a clean sheet. Plus, he plays as a fullback, so he is almost guaranteed to swing in some crosses.
MIDFIELDER
Alexis Sanchez, CHI v. PAR ($10,100): Alexis has been in a bit of a funk with Arsenal after making various attempts to escape the disaster in London. He has only played one game for Arsenal this season, so he could be a bit rusty, but he is certainly thrilled to return to La Roja. It will a breath of fresh air for Alexis, and against Paraguay he has a good chance of getting a goal or assist.
Arturo Vidal, CHI v. PAR ($7,300): Vidal is the motor that makes La Roja go. He is guaranteed to win a handful of tackles, and his aggressiveness in attack makes him a very safe play. In his club career, Vidal has been utilized more as a defensive midfielder, but for Chile he is the epitome of a box-to-box midfielder. He loves to storm the box and get on the end of crosses, and he takes penalties.
Edison Flores, PER v. BOL ($6,200): Flores has been on fire for Peru, and one look at his game log will be the proof. He plays his club football for Aab in the Danish first division, and he has a couple of goals in seven games this season. He plays out wide on the left, which allows for plenty of opportunities to send in crosses and, occasionally, he even takes a few set pieces.
Charles Aranguiz, CHI v. PAR ($5,100): Speaking of set pieces, Aranguiz is over all dead ball situations for La Roja. He plays in a more defensive position than Vidal, but his sheer volume of crosses gives him a good chance of hitting value.
FORWARD
Neymar, BRA v. ECU ($11,800): Neymar has been the center of attention in the soccer world for the past few months, and he has shown that he can perform despite the outside pressure. He continued to score goals until his very last day with Barcelona and his career at PSG has gotten off to a running start. He is surely excited to return home and prove all of his critics wrong.
Lionel Messi, ARG at URU ($10,900): The Messiah is on the slate for Thursday, and, like always, he is certainly a tough fade. Argentina sit in fifth place in the qualifying standings with just four games left. Argentina will depend on Messi to pull it out of its hole.
Edinson Cavani, URU v. ARG ($8,400): Cavani is one of the hottest strikers in the world, and he has been for some time. He is guaranteed to get a few clear chances Thursday, and though he does not finish them all, there must be something said about how many good spots he gets himself into. He has a knack for being at the right place at the right time, and he certainly has the quality to finish off the job.
Paolo Guerrero, PER vs. BOL ($7,300): Guerrero is growing in age, but he remains the center of Peru's attack. As the center forward for the top favorite on the slate, he is one of the chalk plays.
