The Sun fantasy football World Cup 2014 – Striker options

Below I’ve put together a table of 11 Sun Dream Team World Cup 2014 striker options. As I said for midfielders, with the Sun format not allowing substitutions and no transfers during the Group stages and only 8 thereafter I’ve tried to concentrate on strikers who have gametime security for their teams. I’ve also tried to look for players in teams who have a fighting chance of getting through to the knockouts and will attract Star Man awards as standout players for their countries.

The Sun fantasy football World Cup 2014 – Striker options

 Key:

All Intl App/Goals:  The total number of International appearances (includes sub appearances) and goals

WC Qualf App/Goals:  The appearances (includes sub appearances) and goals in the World Cup 2014 qualifying games

Club 13/14  App/Goals/Assts:  The appearances(includes sub appearances), goals and assists for his club in the 2013/14  season including League, European and Cup games

Messi

Criticised for his season at Barca this year amazingly but if 41 goals in 46 games is a bad season then I would like to see a good one.  A good group plus a very attack minded team and penalties plus direct free kicks are a recipe for a big World Cup haul.  Will have no motovational problems as suggested he had at Barca with the World Cup in Argentina’s arch rival country.  Argentina are a good bet to go all the way to the final.  With 30% ownership it is a big gamble not to own him.

Group F fixtures:  Bosnia Iran Nigeria

Neymar

The star of the team that is one of the best bets to go all the way to the final.  Again a good Group.  Like Messi was also criticised for his what was his first year in Barcelona.  However his returns were no where near as good as Messi’s.  However he has shined for Brazil and also has pens and direct free kicks as part of his armoury.

Group A fixtures:  Croatia Mexico Cameroon

Aguero

A tricky pick between him and Higuain and if anything Higuain has the better International record and qualifying record. However I’m a real believer in Aguero’s ability so I’ve chosen him rather than put all 3 Argnetinian strikers in the schedule.  Has great all around ability and can get behind defences but also to go to the ball to set people up.  Injuries have meant he hasn’t been overplayed this season but the reverse of this is that he’s  vulnerable to injuries so there’s some risk in assuming he will make it through to the final stages.

Group F fixtures:  Bosnia Iran Nigeria

Ronaldo

There’s little that needs to be said about the record of the World Player of the year Internationally or at Club level.  That stats are incredible.  He is also the undoubted star of the Portugese team so will dominate Star Man awards in victories.  He also will have pens and direct free kicks.  The however is the injury which will see him miss the penultimate warm up game. This definitely needs monitoring and if he misses the final warm up again it will be a very brave decision to invest £8m with him with no Group stage transfers.  The only other negative is that Portugal are an outside chance only to get to the semi final stage which means he may be one of your transfers late on

Group G fixtures:  Germany  USA  Ghana

RVP

Has struggled for fitness all season and was withdrawn in a recent friendly due to a groin strain.  However has declared himself 100% fit.  However for a team in a difficult Group that may not make it to the semis then the injury may just be the straw that broke the camels back in deciding to put him into your side.  Will have pens though and both Chile and Germany, despite being difficlt teams, do concede goals

Group B fixtures:  Spain Australia Chile

Lukaku

Had a strong season with Everton although international record is a little patchy. However guaranteed a place in a team that should at least get to the knock outstages and has a good Group.  Has expressed his desire to leave Chelsea which will give him motivation to perform in the biggest shop window available in football

Group H fixtures:  Algeria Russia South Korea

Diego Costa

The Brazilian Spanish naturalised Striker had injury troubles towards the end of the domestic season although it appears he is over the injury.  It will be interesting to see if he fronts up at all for the final friendly.  Had a fantastic season with Athletico and hard to see him not starting if fit even if Spain have played a false 9 at times.  Tricky Group but Spain should progress and are a good bet to get to the semis

Group B fixtures:  Holland Chile Australia

Luis Suarez

Apparently making good progress after injuring his knee in the final premier league game against Newcastle which subsequently required an operation.  Still has to remain a risk to start.  In a difficult Group and there has to be doubt on their progression from the Group and definitely an outside chance of the semis.  All of these make him a difficult acquisition.  Should take Uruguays penalties though

Group D fixtures:  Costa Rica England Italy

Dzeko

Considering his conversion problems in the premier league his goal and assist tally was quite phenomenel.  Had a fantastic qualifying campaign.  Bosnia only know how to attack and in a Group where it’s not out of the question that they could progress.  Probably won’t take pens.  Great value too.

Group F fixtures:  Argentina Nigeria Iran

Ballotelli

Rather expensive but did have a good qualifying campaign and reasonable season with Milan.  Will also have pens.  Tricky Group and rather unpredictable personality which gives him red card potential though  limits appeal

Group D fixtures:  England Costa Rica Uruguay

Alexis Sanchez

Chile and Barca winger who is practically now a traditioanl forward.  Has a good scoring record for Chile and Barca.  Doesn’t have pens though and in a tough Group

Group B fixtures:  Australia Spain Holland

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The Sun fantasy football world cup

The Sun fantasy football world cup