Euro 2024 is around the corner. This EURO 2024 Group B preview blog covers the “Group of Death” with 3-time winners Spain, Defending Champions Italy, and FIFA Tournament specialists Croatia & Surprise Package Albania.
In case you missed it do check out my Group A Analysis -> EURO 2024 Group A – Preview, Analysis & Top Fantasy Assets
Link to all our 2024 Euro Fantasy blogs in one place including Players to Target, Differentials, Captaincy metrics, Scout picks, Chip strategy, Budget Enablers, Tips, and more. Completely free to access as well!
EURO 2024 Group B – Preview
Euro Fantasy Group B FDR from our Euro Fantasy FDR Blog, Check it out for the overall FDR consisting of all 24 teams
SPAIN
Will “La Roja” finally win a Record-Breaking 4th Euros this year?
- FIFA World Ranking – 8
- Qualification Record – W7, D0, L1
- Goals For – 25
- Goals Against – 5
Strengths:
The Nations League Champions have slowly but surely replaced the Old Guard & invested in youth. Ball Possession has always been their X-Factor. But to add to that, they have direct & dynamic wingers nowadays compared to the past. In Rodri, they have a World Class Central Midfielder who will also get more license to play higher up the pitch if Martin Zubimendi plays alongside him. The defense is well marshalled by Laporte, Pau Torres & Carvajal with Grimaldo set to cause havoc up the pitch. Morata may be a controversial finisher, but he always puts his shooting & goalscoring boots when playing for Spain.
Weaknesses:
They do not have the best finishing ability & penalty shootout record. In big matches in recent times, these 2 factors have led to their downfall (excluding the Nations League final). Their attackers bar Morata are a bit inexperienced and a big match pressure situation could get on their nerves. They will also miss the aggression of Gavi in midfield.
Spain Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup:
De La Fuente has kept his cards close to his chest in terms of selecting his best XI, and there seems to only be a few constants in the line-up. If he is fit, Yamal will certainly start, as will Rodri, Laporte, Morata and Carvajal. Outside of that, though, there are no absolute guarantees.
The system is clear, though. The manager is almost certain to play some variation of a 4-3-3, with a recognized midfield trio and fairly standard attacking set-up.
Spain XI (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand/Pau Torres, Laporte, Grimaldo; Rodri, Zubimendi, Fabian Ruiz/Pedri; Yamal, Morata, Olmo/Ferran Torres.
Spain Euro 2024 Set Piece Takers:
- Penalties – Rodri
- Free Kicks – Grimaldo/Olmo
- Corners – Grimaldo/Yamal
Top 2024 Euro Fantasy Choices from Spain –
- Rodri (6.5 Mid) – Starting with Spain’s most important player. Here are his many routes to points. Ball Recovery Machine. Increased attacking threat this season (8 Goals, 9 Assists for City). Took 2 penalties against Brazil in Spain’s last match. Loves scoring long-range goals, which get you an extra point in the game.
- Alejandro Grimaldo (5 Def) – A slight rotation risk but with Gaya and Balde not fully fit, I expect him to start especially after the season he has had for Leverkusen.
12 Goals, and 17 Assists this season. That is mental. On Free kicks and corners. For that price, I would take the plunge. The risk could be worth the reward. UCL Fantasy managers would know.
- Alvaro Morata (8.5 Fwd) – When Morata plays for Spain, he scores. Regarded as a Troll by many, it is hard for even Morata to miss chances when playing up top for one of the most creative teams. He is the only attacking player who is nailed.
- Notable Mentions – Lamine Yamal (6.5 Fwd) – If fit, he will cause havoc with his dribbling and electric page against any defense. The latest superstar from the La Masia academy. Dani Olmo (7.5 Mid) – Has a share of set pieces to go with his attacking threat & creativity. The question is, can he stay fit?
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ITALY
Italy couldn’t do it again, could they?
- FIFA World Ranking – 9
- Qualification Record – W4, D2, L2
- Goals For – 16
- Goals Against – 9
Strengths:
Italy & Defense go hand in hand. Their “Never Say Die Attitude” will make them hard to beat for any team. There are no doubts over the quality of the coach. Indeed, in Luciano Spalletti, Italy couldn’t have hoped to find a better replacement for Mancini. Their midfield also has the quality to help the Defenders.
Weaknesses:
Spalletti has nothing like the same quality at his disposal as he had at Napoli, particularly from an offensive perspective, so it’s essential that he makes the absolute most of the resources at his disposal if Italy are to have any chance of holding onto their European crown. Injuries to Berardi & Udogie and a ban for Tonali is the major downside.
Italy Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup:
Donnarumma picks himself in goal, obviously, and Bastoni and Dimarco should start whether Italy play with a three- or four-man defense. Jorginho, Barella, and Pellegrini are locks in midfield, while Chiesa will take up his preferred place on the left wing if he’s fully fit (always a concern with the Juve man).
The make-up of the rest of the team is a little less clear at this point because of the uncertainty over the formation. However, if Spalletti decides to go with the 3-4-2-1, we could see Di Lorenzo and Bastoni either side of Acerbi.
Bellanova has put himself into contention to start as Right wing-back, while the recalled Scamacca now has every chance of starting given he’s actually been in good form in recent weeks and months – unlike many of his rivals for the No.9 shirt.
Italy XI (3-4-2-1): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Acerbi, Bastoni; Bellanova, Barella, Jorginho, Dimarco; Pellegrini, Chiesa; Raspadori/Retegui/Scamacca.
Italy Euro 2024 Set Piece Takers:
- Penalties – Jorginho
- Free Kicks – Barrella/Dimarco
- Corners – Barrella/Dimarco
Top 2024 Euro Fantasy Choices from Italy–
- Federico Dimarco (5 Def) – An attacking Wingback, who takes corners and free kicks. Also averages 4.2 Ball Recoveries per match. For 5 million & his attacking threat, he should be a lock in most teams. The only downside – he gets substituted between 65-75 minutes.
- Giovanni Di Lorenzo (5.5 Def) – The reason I have put him below Dimarco is because he will play as Right Center Back if Spalletti starts with a back 3. Also 0.5 more expensive.
Good for ball recoveries, and gets occasional Assists & goals. If he plays as a Right back in a Back 4, expect him to take very attacking positions. Has a mean cross on him.
- Jorginho (5 Mid) – One of the stars of the Last season’s Euros. A Ball Recovery Magnet with more than 6 per game. He should get even more in this Group of Death. His form for Arsenal in the 2nd half will have lifted his confidence. The main factor for his selection in Fantasy teams – a 5 million asset who has Penalties. Beat that!!
- Notable Mentions – Federico Chiesa (7.5 Fwd) – If fit, Chiesa can be destructive on his day. Showed that in the last Euros when he earned his place back in the starting 11 from the bench. Lorenzo Pellegrini (7.5 Mid) – The opposite of Chiesa, he is a mainstay in the Italy lineup. Great season for his club. A major share of set pieces and will probably be playing behind the striker.
Further Read: Euro Fantasy 2024 ~ Best Midfielders To Target For MD1
CROATIA
Can the Perennial Dark Horses of FIFA/UEFA tournaments finally achieve Glory?
- FIFA World Ranking – 10
- Qualification Record – W5, D1, L2
- Goals For – 13
- Goals Against – 4
Strengths: Croatia have become the Germany of major tournaments. Incredible consistency in big matches in knockout tournaments. Across their last two World Cup campaigns, the Checkered Ones finished runners-up and third. However, sandwiched in between was a disappointing round of 16 exit from Euro 2020. Croatia has never exceeded the quarter-final stage in European football’s premier international tournament. Their Midfield trio is world-class and they have a master tactician in Zlatko Dalic as their head coach.
Weaknesses: Where they struggle is their average attack. Perisic’s best days are behind him & up top Kramaric & Pasalic are decent attacking options, but not capable of winning a Golden Boot.
Euro 2024 Croatia Predicted Lineup
Head coach Dalic is expected to field his team in a 4-3-3 formation, with the experienced Livakovic in goal.
Forming a solid defence at the back will likely be Juranovic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, and Stanisic. In the midfield, Modric, Brozovic, and Kovacic are guaranteed names.
Perisic, Kramaric, and Pasalic are likely to form an inverted triangle in the final third.
Croatia (4-3-3): Livakovic; Juranovic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Stanisic; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Perisic, Kramaric, Pasalic.
Euro 2024 Croatia Set Piece Takers:
- Penalties – Modric/Kramaric
- Free Kicks – Modric/Perisic
- Corners – Modric/Perisic
Top Fantasy Choices from Croatia –
- Josko Gvardiol (5.5 Def) – Standout option for me. On fire in front of goal lately. Good for Set piece threat & excellent ball recovery stats (6.6 per game)
- Luka Modric (7.5 Mid) – Always turns up for his country and even at the age of 38, he is their most influential player. On all set pieces
- Andrej Kramaric (7.5 Fwd) – Top scorer in Qualifying with 4 goals in 6 Matches. 15 goals and 6 assists at club level this season. The question is, can he step it up on the big stage?
- Notable Mentions – Ivan Perisic (6.5 Mid) – A bit of a nostalgic pick, but Perisic does tend to do well, especially in the knockout matches with vital goals. On free kicks and some corners too. One last hurrah alongside Modric, perhaps.
Further Read: Euro Fantasy Defenders to Target at Every price point
ALBANIA
Written off by everyone, can the Albanians do a Costa Rica or a Iceland this year?
- FIFA World Ranking – 66
- Qualification Record – W4, D3, L1
- Goals For – 12
- Goals Against – 4
Strengths: Their Defensive strength stands out above everything else. Only 4 goals conceded in a group containing Poland & Czech Republic shows their togetherness & solidity. Finished top of the group too. That’s an amazing achievement in itself.
Weaknesses: Not the biggest attacking team. How will they adjust to the tournament mode when they play the Big guns in the group? The pressure might get to them.
Euro 2024 Albania Predicted Lineup
Head coach Sylvinho is expected to field his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the experienced Berisha in goal.
Forming a solid defense at the back will likely be Ardian Ismajli, Mario Mitaj, Berat Djimsiti, and Elseid Hysaj. In the midfield, Ylber Ramadani, Kristjan Asllani, and Nedim Bajrami are front-runners.
Jasir Asani, Taulant Seferi, and Cikalleshi are likely to fill the final third.
Albania (4-2-3-1): Berisha; Mitaj, Ismajli, Djimsiti, Hysaj; Ramadani, Asllani; Bajrami, Asani, Seferi, Cikalleshi
Albania Euro 2024 Set Piece Takers:
- Penalties – Cikalleshi
- Free Kicks – Bajrami /Asani
- Corners – Bajrami /Asani
Top 2024 Euro Fantasy Choices from Albania –
- Nedim Bajrami (6 Mid) – The most creative player for the team. On all set pieces and corners for his team.
- Jasir Asani (5.5 Fwd) – He was involved in the most goals in Qualifying. 3 Goals and 2 Assists and a share of set pieces too.
- Ardian Ismajli (4 Def) – Averages 6.17 Ball Recoveries per match in Qualifying. Expect that number to increase when his team plays Spain, Italy & Croatia. For 4 million, he is the best of the defenders.
- Notable Mentions – Etrit Berisha (4 GK) – A 4 million GK may be needed by most. Berisha although in a tough group could be your Squad Filler as the 15th Man. Expect loads of saves.
Author’s(@FPL_Rony) Prediction for Euro 2024 Group B –
- Spain
- Italy
- Croatia
- Albania
That’s it for Group B. I will be back with Group C Preview very soon. Do follow me on Twitter/X(@FPL_Rony) for regular Euro Fantasy content!
In case you missed it do check out my Group A Analysis -> EURO 2024 Group A – Preview, Analysis & Top Fantasy Assets
Further reads from ALLABOUTFPL ahead of Euro Fantasy MD1
Understanding the game:
UEFA Euro 2024 Fantasy Guide- Rules, Scoring, Chips, Subs, etc
List of Good & Creative 2024 Euro Fantasy Team Names
Key Differences between Euro Fantasy & FPL Explained
Euro 2024 Fantasy vs 2020 Fantasy: Changes to the Game + Draft
Fanteam Fantasy: FanTeam Euro Fantasy Tournament- Rules, Scoring, Prizes & Tips
Must Read articles:
2024 Euros- Predicted Lineups and Formation for all 24 Teams
2024 Euro Fantasy MD1: 5 Must-owns + 5 Dilemmas + 5 Punts
2024 Euro Fantasy MD1 – Top Differential Picks to Consider
Euro Fantasy MD1 – Best Captain Picks for Each Day (Safe vs Risky Picks)
UEFA Euro Fantasy 2024- Penalty and Set Piece Takers for all Teams
Euro Fantasy MD1- Best Fixtures And Players To Target
Euro 2024 Fantasy: Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR)
Euro 2024: Most In-Form Players in Each Position | Euro Fantasy
Euro Fantasy Football – The Best Budget Enablers & Hidden Gems
2024 Euro Fantasy MD1 Team Reveal, Strategy and Keynotes
Euro 2024 Predicted Goals (For & Against) of All 24 Teams
2024 Euro Fantasy: The A-Team Chip Strategy Guide
UEFA Euro 2024 Friendlies Tracker of All 24 Teams in One Place
2024 Euro Fantasy Ultimate Guide: Best Players, Captaincy & More
Group Wise- Preview:
EURO 2024 Group A – Preview, Analysis & Top Fantasy Assets
EURO 2024 Group B – Preview, Analysis & Top Fantasy Assets
EURO 2024 Group C – Preview, Analysis & Top Fantasy Assets
EURO 2024 Group D – Preview, Analysis & Top Fantasy Assets
EURO 2024 Group E – Preview, Analysis & Top Fantasy Assets
EURO 2024 Group F – Preview, Analysis & Top Fantasy Assets
Position Wise Analysis and Best Assets:
Euro Fantasy 2024 – Best Goalkeepers to Target for MD1
Euro Fantasy Defenders to Target at Every price point
Euro Fantasy 2024 ~ Best Midfielders To Target For MD1
2024 Euro Fantasy: Best Forwards to Target for MD1
Link to all our 2024 Euro Fantasy blogs in one place including Players to Target, Differentials, Captaincy metrics, Scout picks, Chip strategy, Budget Enablers, Tips, and more. Completely free to access as well!
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Ron Mukherjee
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