Dylan Bolch’s Supercoach World Cup Watchlist: Buy, Hold, Sell round 6

We’re well and truly into the pointy end of the tournament now, with just eight teams remaining. 

I’m currently ranked 303rd overall, after a very minor green arrow. Let’s keep that going in the right direction. 

Here’s the players to buy, hold and sell ahead of the quarter finals. 

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BUY

LISANDRO MARTINEZ (ARG – DEF)

I think he’s the best Argentinian defender to own this week ahead of a nice matchup against Switzerland. He’s nailed and also gets involved offensively, having scored a goal and registered an assist in Argentina’s win over Cabo Verde earlier this tournament. 

EMILIANO MARTINEZ (ARG – GKP)

Like Lisandro Martinez, Emiliano Martinez offers a reliable route into Argentina’s defence this round. I think you can run with both if you like, given it’s (according to the bookies) the friendliest matchup for a clean sheet this round. If you’re wanting a third Argentina defender, I think I’d go for Christian Romero given he’s nailed.

MIKE MAIGNAN (FRA – GKP)

If you own Maignan, stick him on your GKP bench and loop him so you get a chance to see what he gets. I think the French are likely to progress against Morrocco, but they’re no slouches. If not, pivoting to Martinez or Simon is a nice move. 

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DAYOT UPAMECANO (FRA – DEF)

I’m currently a happy owner of Upamecano and will hope he can keep another clean sheet this round. He’s in just 1.6% of teams right now, so he’s a nice point of difference option if you want to steer clear of William Saliba. 

MARC CUCURELLA (ESP – DEF)

If for some reason you don’t own him, he’s a must-have. Spain have kept a clean sheet in every game so far this tournament and Cucurella also offers plenty of attacking potential, having already registered two assists. 

AYMERIC LAPORTE (ESP – DEF)

You could certainly go Pedro Porro if you think he’ll start, but I think there’s a world where Marcos Llorente plays in his position, so I’m happy to target the nailed on Laporte instead. Combines clean sheet potential and attacking threat, too.

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ALEX BAENA (ESP – MID)

I don’t love the midfield options right now, but Baena, who’s found his groove on the left wing for Spain, is one I’m keen on this week. I can’t fit in Mikel Oyarzabal or Lamine Yamal, so he’s my entry into the Spain attack. 

JUDE BELLINGHAM (ENG – MID)

If you don’t own him, I’d look to rectify that as soon as possible. Bellingham delivered a brace against Mexico and alongside Harry Kane, they look like the duo that can take England further in this tournament. Generates plenty of shots on target and is so creative.

HARRY KANE (ENG – FWD)

I’m yet to own Kane this tournament, but I like him as a replacement for Vinicius Junior this week. Whenever something good happens for England, Kane is involved. He’s now netted six goals in five games as he chases the Golden Boot.

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HOLD 

OUSMANE DEMBELE (FRA – FWD)

He’s definitely a hold if you own him, but if you don’t, I think I’d prefer to target other teams rather than doubling up on Mbappe/Dembele, especially given most sides will have Michael Olise too. There’s no denying he’s a great option, though.

LAMINE YAMAL (ESP – FWD)

The Spanish superstar is yet to reach his peak this tournament from a Fantasy perspective, but he’s been balling out still. If you want to anti-POD Harry Kane, then targeting Yamal or Oyarzabal is a good alternative.

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ERLING HAALAND (NOR – FWD)

If you think Norway has a chance of upsetting England, then Haaland’s a solid buy. Even if they don’t win he’ll probably find a way to score, such is his form at the moment and record at national level. Such a gun.

YOURI TIELEMANS (BEL – MID)

I bought Tielemans last week after Kevin De Bruyne was benched and it didn’t pay off, the Aston Villa gun scoring just five SC points. He did however, play in a more advanced position with KDB off the pitch so if Belgium persist with a similar lineup against Spain, then perhaps he’s not the worst hold. 

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SELL 

ISMAEL SAIBARI (MAR – MID)

Fielding Saibari straight up last week certainly didn’t work after he exited the win over Canada early with a hamstring complaint. Given he’s under an injury cloud, plus a tough fixture against France, I’m happy to move him on. 

ACHRAF HAKIMI (MAR – DEF)

You could certainly hold given the attacking potential he possesses, but I’m not against moving Hakimi on this week. He’s unlikely to keep a clean sheet against France in my opinion. If you do hold, start him on the bench and loop him if he fires.

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VINICIUS JUNIOR (BRA – FWD)

Brazil were sensationally knocked out of the tournament by Norway last round, so Vini Jr is a definite sell. 

BRUNO FERNANDES (POR – MID)

Portugal were also knocked out last round, so for the 45% of coaches who own the Manchester United star, it’s time to move him on.

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