FIFA Fantasy World Cup Quarter-Finals Tips: Best Players & Differentials For Matchday 6
The FIFA World Cup has now reached the quarter-final stage, with just eight nations remaining in the race to become world champions.
As the tournament progresses, Fantasy World Cup decisions naturally become more difficult.
Many of the premium players are now owned by a large percentage of managers, meaning differentials could become increasingly important for those hoping to climb the rankings before the semi-finals.
This article aims to help you do exactly that as we discuss some of the standout fantasy assets ahead of Matchday 6.
We also compare two of the tournament's leading forwards before finally taking a look at several differentials who could prove valuable this week.
FIFA World Cup Fantasy Quarter Final Fixtures
Argentina face Switzerland.
Matchday 5 Top Fantasy Performers
Before getting into our fantasy tips for Matchday 6, let's take a look at some of the best fantasy performers from the Round of 16.
Achraf Hakimi was the highest-scoring defender after collecting nine points thanks to an assist and a clean sheet during Morocco's 3-0 victory over Canada.
In midfield, Jude Bellingham and Azzedine Ounahi both scored twice for their respective nations.
Meanwhile, Belgium forward Charles De Ketelaere produced three attacking returns alongside the Scouting Bonus to collect 19 fantasy points, making him one of the highest-scoring players of Matchday 5
Lastly, Erling Haaland continued his remarkable tournament by scoring twice against Brazil.
The Norwegian striker has now scored seven goals at the World Cup.
France Assets Continue To Reward Fantasy Managers
France have looked extremely strong throughout the tournament and head into the quarter-finals after keeping three clean sheets in their opening five matches.
Although Morocco represent a much tougher challenge than Paraguay, Didier Deschamps' side will still be confident of reaching the final four.
Lucas Digne remains one of the more interesting differential defenders available.
The left-back started against Paraguay, played the full match and returned nine fantasy points after France kept another clean sheet.
While Digne offers little attacking threat, his defensive contribution remains one of the main reasons Deschamps continues to trust him.
Against Paraguay, he registered nine defensive actions despite failing to create a chance.
Further forward, Bradley Barcola has continued to establish himself on France's left wing.
The winger created two chances and registered one shot against Paraguay before being substituted after 60 minutes.
It is also worth noting that Barcola currently ranks third among French players for expected goals per 90 minutes.
With Achraf Hakimi regularly pushing high up the pitch for Morocco, Barcola could have opportunities to attack the space left behind.
Lionel Messi Vs Erling Haaland
Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland have both enjoyed outstanding tournaments, making them two of the biggest talking points ahead of Matchday 6.
Messi has already scored eight goals and has produced a goal contribution in every World Cup match so far.
According to Opta, no player has scored more goals through their country's opening five matches at a single World Cup since Gerd Müller in 1970.
Argentina now face Switzerland, looking to continue their run towards the final.
Haaland, meanwhile, has scored seven goals and has found the back of the net in every World Cup match he has played for Norway.
His brace against Brazil helped eliminate one of the tournament favourites, while his 51 fantasy points currently rank him third overall in FIFA Fantasy.
With both forwards in excellent form, many fantasy managers will once again be deciding which of the two deserves a place in their side.
Goals From Set Pieces Continue To Matter
Set pieces have played an important role throughout this World Cup and could become even more influential as the knockout rounds continue.
Argentina have already scored three goals from set pieces, including Messi's free-kick against Jordan, Lisandro Martínez's header against Cape Verde and Cristian Romero's headed goal against Egypt.
Interestingly, Canada, who have already exited the tournament, still recorded the most shots from attacking set pieces in this year's World Cup.
With matches expected to become increasingly tight, players who regularly attack crosses or take set pieces could once again become important fantasy assets.
Best Differential Picks For Matchday 6
One of the biggest advantages of selecting differentials at this stage of the tournament is the Scouting Bonus.
Players owned by fewer than five per cent of managers who score at least four fantasy points will receive an additional two points.
Anthony Gordon remains one of England's most interesting differential options.
After a slow start to the tournament, Gordon has contributed two assists against DR Congo before winning a penalty during England's victory over Mexico.
If penalties won are included, he now has three assists for England at this World Cup.
Antonio Nusa is another player worth considering.
The Norway winger scored a superb goal against Ivory Coast in Matchday 4 and now comes up against an England defence that has used several different players at right-back throughout the tournament.
Mexico also found success attacking that side of England's defence during the Round of 16, which could suit Nusa's direct running style.
Álex Baena has also strengthened his case over the last three matchdays.
Following a goal in Matchday 3 and an assist in Matchday 4, the Spain winger produced another encouraging display against Portugal.
Baena attempted three shots, with two coming from inside the penalty area, while Spain finished the match with 15 shots and well over 1.0 expected goals.
Final Thoughts
The quarter-finals often become one of the most exciting stages of the World Cup.
While premium players such as Messi, Haaland and Mbappé are expected to feature in plenty of squads once again, the Scouting Bonus still gives fantasy managers an opportunity to gain ground through lower-owned players.
France continues to look like one of the strongest teams remaining in the competition, while England, Spain and Argentina also have several players capable of delivering attacking returns.
With only four matches taking place in Matchday 6, every transfer could make a significant difference before the tournament reaches the semi-finals.
Good luck, and here's to a great Matchday 6!
