Mbappe, Messi, Lewandowski, De Bruyne- These are some of the Star Premium names we want in our FIFA 2022 World Cup Fantasy teams right away. But to enable these Premium picks, we need cheap budget enablers who will help you afford these stars. With 32 teams in World Cup Fantasy, there are quite a few hidden gems who are cheap and can perform really well. In this article, we take a look at the Best Budget Picks for World Cup Fantasy position wise with stats, analysis and justification.
Link to all our FIFA World Cup Fantasy blogs in one place including team previews, group previews, tips and rules guide, differentials, chip strategy, best drafts with pros and cons and more. Completely free to access as well!
Best Budget Picks- World Cup Fantasy
Best Budget Defender Picks in World Cup Fantasy
Joakim Maehle, Denmark- $4.5m
Fixtures- Tunisia, France, Australia
One Top of this list is Joakim Maehle, who would a familiar name and fan favorite had you played the Euro 2020 Fantasy. Denmark having reached the semifinals of the European Football Championship are no more the dark horse and have a strong settled squad for this World Cup. In the Euro 2020, he had 2 goals and 1 assist from 6 games and played 90 minutes in all 6 games before losing to England in semifinals. He plays a as Left Wing back for Denmark and is seen occupying very good attacking spaces.
He didn’t slow down after that. Post Euros, his record gets even better for Denmark. In 15 games he has played for Denmark after the Euros, he has- 5 goals, 4 assists, 8 clean sheets which equates to 17 returns from 15 games since the Euros. These numbers are too good for a 4.5 million defender. Also these numbers include attacking returns against big teams like Netherlands, France and Croatia proving he is capable of getting returns irrespective of the opposition. Two good fixtures against Tunisia and Australia where there are likely 2 clean sheets and may be few attacking returns makes him a must-own in World Cup Fantasy.
Key stats-
- During the World Cup Qualification, Denmark kept 8 clean sheets from 10 games which was the highest among all teams in Europe.
- Maehle was the Joint leading goal scorer in the Entire Group F of European World Cup Qualification with 5 goals.
Matty Cash, Poland- $4m
Fixtures- Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Argentina
Cash has just played 7 games for his country after receiving his Polish passport and switching nationalities in October 2021. But he has made the spot his own and has also scored a goal already. Poland are expected to play as 3-5-2 formation with Cash as the Right Wing Back. The first two fixtures look good for Poland- Mexico and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia have scored just 3 goals from their last 8 games and it looks to be a likely clean sheet in Matchday 2 for Poland.
If you are planning to play the Wildcard chip in Matchday 3, he is surely a good budget option at just 4 million as he is nailed to start at Right-Wing back for Poland in World Cup.
Further Read: Best 2022 FIFA World Cup Fantasy MD1 Drafts With Pros/Cons
Borna Sosa, Croatia- $3.5m
Fixtures- Morocco, Canada, Belgium
Croatia conceded just 4 goals from 10 games in Group H of World Cup Qualifying. Croatia have two easy games first against Morocco and Canada(good chances of two clean sheets) up before facing Belgium in Matchday 3. So, you can bench him in Matchday 3 or you can get him out on MD3 Wildcard. Sosa is surely a steal & must-own at just $3.5m as he is nailed to start at LB for one of the most defensively strong sides at the World Cup.
Sosa has attacking potential too and has been in brilliant attacking form- 8 assists from 13 games combined in Bundesliga and DFB Pokal for VfB Stuttgart this season.
Pervis Estupiñán, Ecuador- $4.5m
Fixtures- Qatar, Netherlands, Senegal
Ecuador have been struggling to score goals of late, but have conceded 0 goals in their last 5 games– vs Japan, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde, Mexico, Nigeria keeping 5 clean sheets. In all these 5 games, Estupinan has played 90 minutes. Estupinan is likely to be also on some free kicks. His Premier League experience with Brighton should come in handy against the big teams at World Cup. He has been playing well for Brighton who attack heavily with their full backs.
Estupinan plays as a LB for Ecuador, but takes up some interesting attacking positions.
Further Read: Beginner’s Guide to 2022 World Cup Fantasy: Rules, Strategy, Tips
Other Budget Picks to consider among Defenders:
- Roberts(4.0)– Good two fixtures vs USA and Iran in first 2 games before facing England in MD3. Plays RWB in a 3-5-2 formation and has equal or more attacking threat compared to Neco Williams who is 0.5 costlier.
- Gvardiol(4.0)– Another cheap enabler from Croatia who is nailed if fully fit
- Araujo(3.5)– Good enabler from Uruguay who kept 4 clean sheets from last 5 games. Have an eye on injury news as he is injured right now and is doubtful for Matchday 1.
- Diallo(4.0)– Good option from Senegal if you are planning Wildcard in MD2. Senegal face Netherlands in MD1 before having easy game against Qatar and Ecudor in MD2 and MD3.
- Ali Maaloul(3.5)-Tunisia Left back who has 1 goal, 2 assists from 4 games for his club El Ahly Cairo this season. Difficult group but a decent differential enabler with attacking threat.
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Best Budget Midfielder Picks in World Cup Fantasy
Andreas Skov Olsen, Denmark- $6m
Fixtures- Tunisia, France, Australia
Olsen was one of the key figures for Denmark in their World Cup Qualifying campaign as he was the Joint Top scorer for Denmark with 5 goals. During the World Cup Qualifiers, he has 5 goals, 3 assists from 10 games(7 starts) averaging 1.25 goal contributions/90 minutes. He averaged 1.40 Shots on Target/90 minutes which are good underlying numbers for a 6 million mid. In the last 3 games for his country, he has 2 goals. Those were not easy games as Denmark played France, Croatia and Austria in their last 3 games.
Olsen- Key Stats
- 14 goal contributions(8 goals, 6 assists) from 1280 minutes averaging a goal contribution every 90 minutes in his International career so far.
- Good domestic form-Olsen has 8 goals, 3 assists from 20 games this season for Club Brugge including 2 goal contributions (vs Porto and Leverkusen) from 4 UCL starts this season.
Steven Bergwijn, Netherlands- $7m
Fixtures- Senegal, Ecuador, Qatar
Bergwijn is arguably the best Out of Position(OOP) midfielders in the World Cup Fantasy game as he plays like a second striker along with Depay. In his last 6 starts for Netherlands, he has 5 goals and 1 assist which also involved goals against quality teams like Belgium, Germany, Denmark and Poland. With Bergwijn nailed to start as striker and a relatively easier group with 3 winnable games, Bergwijn should be an amazing budget midfield option in this year’s World Cup Fantasy.
Bergwijn- Domestic Form
7 goals, 3 assists in 13 games for Ajax averaging a goal contribution every 98 minutes.
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Filip Kostic, Serbia- $6m
Fixtures- Brazil, Cameroon, Switzerland
Kostic plays as a LWB for Serbia in a 3-5-2 formation but is actively involved in attacks. He has 1 goal, 2 assists from 7 games during the World Cup Qualifiers. Kostic will also be on some free kicks and corners for Serbia with Mitrovic on penalty duty. Additionally, In World Cup Fantasy- For every 2 key passes, there is +1 point for midfielders. This is another area where Kostic can shine.
In the 2021/22 Bundesliga season playing for Frankfurt, Kostic had 87 key passes which was the highest in Bundesliga. Playing for Juventus this season, he is top for crosses into penalty area(15) in Serie A. In the last Serie A game vs Inter Milan(6th November), he got both the assists in the 2-0 win.
Kostic numbers for World Cup Qualifiers
- Matches- 8(7 starts)
- Goal Contributions- 3(2 goals, 1 assist)
- Shots per game- 1.4
- Big chances created- 5
- Key passes per game- 2.6
Kimmich, Germany- $7m
Fixtures- Japan, Spain, Costa Rica
Kimmich is one of the key players for Germany in this World Cup, but looks to be a slightly boring pick in World Cup Fantasy. But he has been getting those attacking returns- 3 goals, 6 assists from 22 games for Bayern this season. In World Cup Fantasy- For every 3 tackles, there is +1 point for midfielders in addition to the +1 point for every 2 key passes. Kimmich is on corners and most free kicks for Germany which increases his assists and key passes potential. He is also nailed on to play 90 minutes in all games.
Key Stat- Kimmich
Kimmich made 16 key passes over the last 5 World Cup Qualifying games for Germany which averages to 3.2 key passes/game. This means he is certain to get one extra point(minimum) through key passes made.
Further Read: Best Midfielders To Target In World Cup Fantasy | Price Point Wise
De Arrascaeta, Uruguay- $5.5m
Fixtures- South Korea, Portugal, Ghana
Arrascaeta plays as LM for Uruguay in a 4-4-2 formation. He scored 5 goals from 8 games(7 starts) during the World Cup qualifiers. Uruguay are in a slightly tricky group, but Arrascaeta is a surely a great budget to consider among midfielders.
Key stats- De Arrascaeta
- 0.82 goals/90 minutes in CONMEBOL Region World Cup Qualifiers which is the highest- Better than Neymar, Messi, Suarez, Richarlison
- 13 goals, 20 assists from 56 appearances for Flamengo this season across all competitions. Averages 2.3 key passes/game.
Wahbi Khazri, Tunisia- $4.5
Fixtures- Denmark, Australia, France
Despite the tough fixtures, Khazri should be the best 4.5 midfielder option if you are looking for one. He is the Talisman for Tunisia and is on penalties, free kicks and corners as well. In the 2018 World Cup despite Tunisia’s exit in group stage, Khazri got 2 goals, 2 assists from 3 games in a tough group involving England, Belgium and Panama. He missed some of the 2022 World Cup Qualifying games due to injury. In the 5 games he started he got 3 goals.
Tunisia have 5 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss from their last 8 games and should they spring a surprise in this group, Khazri should be the key architect behind it.
Other Budget Picks to consider among Midfielders:
- Zielinski(6.5)– 5 goals, 7 assists from 20 games for Napoli this season. On some free Kicks and corners for Poland as well. 1 goal, 2 assists and 1.9 key passes/game from 6 starts in World Cup Qualifying. Two good fixtures to start vs Mexico and Saudi Arabia before facing Argentina. Good pick for Matchday 1 if you are planning on Matchday 3 Wildcard strategy
- Trossard(5.5)– An absolute bargain of a pick if his minutes are assured. He is in the form of his life with 7 goals, 3 assists from 13 games in PL. Only worry is that he will be competing with Hazard for a starting spot. If Hazard remains an injury concern, don’t think twice to get him in your teams.
- Rodrigo De Paul(5.0)– Don’t expect too many attacking returns. He is a safe pick from Argentina who can get points through tackles and key passes.
Further Read: List of Free to Join World Cup Fantasy Mini Leagues | Mini League
Best Budget Forward Picks in World Cup Fantasy
Memphis Depay, Netherlands- $8.5
Fixtures- Senegal, Ecuador, Qatar
Netherlands scored a whopping 33 goals from 10 games during the World Cup Qualifying with Memphis Depay topping the list with 12 goals. Depay in fact was the joint top scorer along with Harry Kane among European teams during the Qualifying. On top of this, Depay also had 6 assists which was the second highest among all teams involved. 18 goals contributions, 47 key passes from 10 games are insane numbers. With an easy group, Netherlands should be again among the goals and expect Depay to be at the heart of it.
Key Stat- Depay
Depay averaged 3.00 shots on target/90 minutes during Qualifiers which was the 3rd highest among all teams. Remember that, In World Cup Fantasy Forwards have +1 point for every 2 shots on target.
Depay is also on penalties as he scored 4 penalties(Highest) during the Qualifiers. If fully fit, he should be a no- brainer and a lock in your teams ahead of Matchday 1.
Depay injury update- Depay won’t start vs Senegal in MD1 due to fitness issues as confirmed by Van Gaal & himself
Lautaro Martinez, Argentina- $8.0
Fixtures- Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
Martinez was one of key players for Argentina in World Cup Qualifiers scoring 7 goals, 3 assists from 14 games. His 10 goal contributions was only behind Neymar who finished with 16 goal contributions in the CONMEBOL region of World Cup Qualifiers. Saudi Arabia fixture in Matchday 1 is a fixture to target where Martinez could get a double digit return.
Domestic Form- Martinez has been in good form in league this season with 7 goals, 2 assists from 14 games for Inter Milan.
Pro Tip- With a relatively easy group where Argentina could go crazy, a double up of Messi and Martinez is a good option.
Other Budget Picks to consider among Forwards:
- Richarlison(7.5)- Exciting option and an easier route into Brazil attack who have a easy group. If he plays up top with Neymar, there should be attacking returns for him surely. Only issue is his minutes and likely rotation.
- Mitrovic(7.0)– Mitrovic is the talisman for Serbia and scored 8 goals from 8 games(5 starts) in Qualifiers. He is Top for Non-Penalty Goals/90(1.36), Top for Shots on Target/90 minutes(3.24) among all European teams in WC Qualification. He is on penalties too. The only worry is that there are rumours are that he is ruled out for Matchday 1 vs Brazil due to injury. So wait for injury news and press conference updates.
- Akram Afif(4.5)– Best 4.5 striker if you are going with that kind of squad structure. Has 21 goals, 30 assists from 75 games for Qatar. Nailed for 90 minutes and on penalties, set pieces. Likely to involved if Qatar manage to sneak in a goal this world cup.
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Further Reads from AAFPL ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Fantasy Season?
Basics of World Cup Fantasy:
Beginner’s Guide to 2022 World Cup Fantasy: Rules, Strategy, Tips
List of Good & Creative 2022 World Cup Fantasy Team Names
World Cup Fantasy 2022 Comparison to FPL, UCL & Euro Fantasy
List of Free to Join World Cup Fantasy Mini Leagues | Mini League
2022 World Cup Fantasy Ultimate Guide: Tips, Best drafts, Strategy
World Cup 2022: Expected Goals (xG) Group Wise for All Teams
World Cup Fantasy: Captaincy Explained & Best Options for MD1
Must Read Articles for World Cup Fantasy:
Best Budget Picks And Enablers For FIFA World Cup Fantasy 2022
World Cup Fantasy- Scout Picks Matchday 1
2022 World Cup Fantasy Matchday 1 Draft & Chip Strategy
2022 FIFA World Cup- Penalty & Set Piece Takers Country Wise
Best 2022 FIFA World Cup Fantasy MD1 Drafts With Pros/Cons
2022 World Cup Fantasy: Predicted Lineups of All 32 Teams
Best 2022 World Cup Fantasy Differentials to Consider for MD1
2022 World Cup Fantasy: Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR) Overall and Group Wise
Position Wise Analysis:
Best Goalkeepers To Target In World Cup Fantasy | Price Point Wise
Best Defenders to Target in World Cup Fantasy | Price Point Wise
Best Midfielders To Target In World Cup Fantasy | Price Point Wise
Best Forwards to Target in World Cup Fantasy | Price Point Wise
Group Wise Team Previews- Best Fantasy Assets & Predicted Lineups:
World Cup Fantasy | Group – A & B Preview, Key Players & More
World Cup Fantasy | Group – C & D Preview, Key Players & More
World Cup Fantasy | Group – E & F Preview, Key Players & More
World Cup Fantasy | Group – G & H Preview, Key Players & More
Link to all our FIFA World Cup Fantasy blogs in one place including team previews, group previews, tips and rules guide, differentials, chip strategy, best drafts with pros and cons and more. Completely free to access as well!
What’s next from ALLABOUTFPL ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Fantasy Season?
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