We are a little more than midway through the group stage of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, and we have four first four-game DFS slate. We have the second games for all four teams in group H sandwiched around the third games in Group A. Those games should be drastically different, as the two teams are in completely different places in the tournament. Germany or Columbia can punch a ticket to the knockout round with a win, but both of those teams would probably be just fine with a draw. Morocco and South Korea need a draw to stay alive in the tournament and realistically, they both need a win.
All four teams are alive in Group A and all four are still at risk of being eliminated. It is possible one or both spots could come down to goal differential, which could lead to a more open game throughout. The wild card in that group is New Zealand, who defeated the group favorites but then lost to one of the lowest-ranked teams in the entire tournament. Switzerland looked content to play for a draw against Norway and a second draw could see them through to the knockouts, though potentially as the lower seed. A draw wouldn’t necessarily be good for New Zealand, even though they are currently second in the group. In fact, even though they have been the most disappointing team in the World Cup thus far, Norway still controls its own fate. If they defeat Philipines by three goals or more they are in, regardless of the result of the other game. I’m probably approaching Sunday’s WWC DFS Slate expecting that to happen, though I have been burned by Norway in this tournament before.
Forwards
Player
Team
Opp.
DK $
DK FPPG
FD $
FD FPPG
Graham Hansen
NOR
PHI
9000
6.13
20
8.15
You can pivot to Ada Hegerberg if you need to, but Graham Hansen is more likely to send in crosses and I thought she was Norway's best player through two games. I don't know if Hegerberg is actually dealing with a groin injury, which is another reason to simply pay a bit extra for Graham Hansen.
Ghizlane Chebbak
MAR
KOR
6100
7.9
14
13.60
We're not really getting a discount on either site, but she put both of her shots on goal and added two crosses against Germany. I think Morocco will make a game of it at the very least and Chebbak is by far their most dangerous striker.
Alexandra Popp
GER
COL
9400
30.92
23
53.80
Popp was my pick to win the Golden Boot before the tournament and I'm not wavering from that pick. Maybe when we get to the knockout stage her price will be too high or the matchup will be too difficult but until then, I'm confident I can save enough money elsewhere to afford her.
Midfielders
Player
Team
Opp.
DK $
DK FPPG
FD $
FD FPPG
Frida Maanum
NOR
PHI
5600
8.33
18
15.70
Maanum leads Norway in shots and chances created through two games. Some of that is due to Hegerberg and Graham Hansen playing less than expected, but if Norway finally does score the way they should, there is a great chance Maanum is involved.
Fatima Tagnaout
MAR
KOR
3100
5.24
10
11.70
Tagnaout is a fantastic punt play on both sites. She took both corner kicks for Morocco and assisted all three shots. Morocco should have much more success attacking against South Korea, and Tagnaout should be inovled yet again.
Jule Brand
GER
COL
6300
6.12
16
11.70
I don't trust Klara Buhl, especially on DraftKings, so if I can't afford Popp or I want another attacker to stack with her, I'm going with Brand. Brand matched Buhl with two chances created and also recorded two shots. She is a fine mid-priced play on FanDuel.
Defenders
Player
Team
Opp.
DK $
DK FPPG
FD $
FD FPPG
Tuva Hansen
NOR
PHI
5500
6.28
13
18.25
She was pretty good against New Zealand and while she wasn't involved much in attack against Switzerland, that is unlikely to be the case Sunday. I wish she was cheaper but with this matchup, I'm willing to pay.
Felicitas Rauch
GER
COL
3600
13.02
11
12.50
On the one hand, there is a chance we just saw her best fantasy game of the entire tournament. On the other hand, Rauch's price went down on DraftKings and I still expect Germany to win this game pretty comfortably. If Rauch simply sends in a few crosses again, she'll return value.
Kim Hye-Ri
KOR
MAR
3700
4.3
11
10.90
Hye-Ri took two of South Korea's three corners and also tied for the team lead with three crosses. This should be a better matchup, and if Hye-Ri just takes a couple more corners, she will be a nice value on DraftKings.
Daniela Arias
COL
GER
2900
5.74
10
13.30
Arias managed just two clearances against South Korea, but she should have much more to do against Germany. I'll pay up for Jorelyn Carabali if I can, but there is a good chance Arias provides better value.
Katie Bowen
NZL
SWI
4900
5.74
11
17.70
Bowen had seven clearances and three interceptions against Norway, but had less to do defensively against the Phillipines. Switzerland should have plenty of the ball and allow Bowen to rack of defensive stats yet again.
