FanDuel Women's World Cup Daily Fantasy Helper: Saturday 6/22/19

The World Cup is now in the knock out rounds, and FanDuel is offering daily fantasy contests. The Saturday main slate will consist of the first two matches of the Round of 16, starting at 11:30 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.

Germany are a big favorite, per FanDuel Sportsbook, while Australia gets the slight nod over Norway. Both Australia and Germany played their best matches in their last games. Germany went undefeated in the group stage and did not allow a goal, while Australia scored eight goals, but gave up six on the way to winning twice.

Nigeria finished third in Group A and can thank the woodwork for their participation in knock-out rounds. Chile hit the crossbar and the post in their last match needing only one more goal to go through to the Round of 16.

Meanwhile, Norway was second in Group A. They fell to France, but scored six goals and allowed three. With the match against Australia being considered tight, both teams are expected to score.

Let's look at players from these four squads across different price points who can shine in these crucial match ups.

Forwards/Midfielders

Sam Kerr, Australia ($22)

It may seem like the obvious call, but Kerr has found her form. She was one of the pre-tournament favorites to win the golden boot, and she is now tied with Alex Morgan for the lead in goals. Kerr is the most expensive player on the slate after a four-goal performance against Jamaica. Kerr has scored at least 25 fantasy points in every match, completed six tackles, and created three chances during the group stage. Kerr had six goals in six games for the Chicago Red Stars this season with back-to-back two-goal games in May. She has scored 39 goals in her last three domestic league seasons. Kerr may be chalk, but it is hard to avoid her with the way she finds the back of the net.

Giulia Gwinn, Germany ($16)

Gwinn was the savior in the opening match for Germany. She is a new name on the international scene, but she is quickly becoming a star with her ability on the ball, excellent passing, and willingness to take on a shot from distance. She averaged over 23 FanDuel points in the group stage. In total she created four chances, had an assist, intercepted the ball five times, and completed nine tackles.

The 19-year-old midfielder has started all but one match for Freiburg over the last three seasons, showing her durability. Germany should dominate possession allowing Gwinn to get forward and stay near the edge of the box as the team looks to advance to the quarterfinals.

Halimatu Ayinde, Nigeria ($8)

The suspension of Rita Chikwelu ($12) based on yellow cards in subsequent matches should open up more action for Ayinde. Like most on the field for Nigeria, Ayinde will be asked to provide defensive cover. Her FanDuel production improved in each game of the group stage although she is still only averaging 6.2 points per match. She did have a tackle in every match and her three interceptions against France are a promising sign going into a game against another powerhouse side. Ayinde's price allows for the gamble of points accumulation through defensive actions, as it is unlikely that Nigeria's offensive numbers will be anything worthwhile.

Defenders

Verena Schweers, Germany ($14)

Schweers, who did not play the opening match, has been able to stay involved on attack from the back line through most of the group stage. She recorded an assist in Germany's last match to go with a chance created in each of the last two. Schweers has picked up her defensive responsibilities as needed. She had nine tackles and four clearances against Spain, Germany's toughest opponent of the group stage. However, her value comes from her ability to get forward and she should continue to get involved offensively against Nigeria. Schweers was replaced at halftime of the last match, but hopefully it was just a way to get her rest with Germany in control.

Maria Thorisdottir, Norway ($12)

Thorisdottir is tied with Maren Mjelde ($14) for most FanDuel points per match among the Norway back line. Fittingly the pair both play for Chelsea and their chemistry shows. Thorisdottir has 11 clearances over the last two matches with five coming against France. She had her best game in terms of FanDuel points against France scoring 16.9 points while compiling five tackles. Norway only had 42% possession against Korea Republic, but there was not as much fire power on the field. Australia will come in waves if Norway sits back defensively, which is likely.

Osinachi Ohale, Nigeria ($10)

Ohale was involved offensively against Norway registering one shot on target out of three total, but her job will be mainly defense against Germany. Pressure will be on Ohale constantly with Germany on the ball most of the match. She had two blocks, seven clearances, and seven tackles in the group stages, but may need to match all of those totals in this one match to give Nigeria a chance. With Chikwelu suspended and the availability of Asisat Oshoala ($14) unclear due to injury, there is less attacking presence on the field. That will likely put the back line under even more pressure, but give Ohale plenty of opportunities to rack up points.

Keepers

Almuth Schult, Germany ($16)

It should be much of the same for Schult, who has saved at least one shot and earned a clean sheet each match. She did have four clearances against Spain. Her 21 point average is the best on the slate. Picking Schult is a simple decision with Germany favored so heavily and keeper wins rewarded so well on FanDuel. She will likely be highly owned, but right now the German keeper is guaranteed points.

Ingrid Hjelmseth, Norway ($12)

Norway are expected to put up a fight in the match, even if Kerr has found her scoring boots. Hjelmseth is part of the reason why Norway have made it to this point as she has 11 saves in the group stage, including nine in the last two matches. She also has five clearances and has drawn two fouls. In a way picking Hjelmseth is betting against Kerr, but the Australian striker could still force her into action allowing Hjelmseth to score through saves. Hjelmseth is also a contrarian play as keepers favored to win have typically been scoring the most FanDuel points.

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.