Published: June 11, 2021 11:00 pm
Last Updated: June 11, 2021 3:20 pm
Euro Fantasy Football, June 12th updates
Euro 2020 is now in full swing, after Italy and Turkey opened the competition on Friday evening.
There was just the one tie yesterday. But on Saturday, and for the foreseeable future, we are now being treated to three games a day, the first of which will take place at 2 PM UK time every day. So, make sure your transfers and captain choices are sorted before that deadline.
Before making the appropriate changes to your side, make sure to check back to 101 every day as we will be providing you with the best tips and injury news for Euro Fantasy Football.
Today’s games will see Wales and Switzerland face off in the second Group A tie. This will be followed by Denmark versing Finland and then Belgium taking on Russia in Group B clashes.
Injury news
Wales: At time of writing, Wales have no known injury concerns from their 26-man squad.
Switzerland: Switzerland have no known injury concerns ahead of facing off with Wales.
Denmark: Denmark’s 26-man squad is currently not impacted by injuries as they prepare to face Finland.
Finland: Like Denmark, Finland have no injury issues ahead of Saturday’s ties.
Belgium: Unlike the aforementioned sides, Belgium do have a couple of concerns heading into their opening game.
Firstly, Kevin De Bruyne is a doubt to face Russia. The Manchester City midfielder suffered a nasty head collision with Antonio Rudiger in the Champions League final at the end of last month. This required KDB to undergo some minor surgery after he had suffered an acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture.
De Bruyne has now linked up with the Red Devils, but Martinez has previously said he is a doubt for Russia, so it may be worth leaving him out of your side this week.
Elsewhere, Axel Witsel is unlikely to start vs Russia. The midfielder was out of action for his club from early January with an injury and has played no role in Belgium’s last two friendly games despite training with the squad.
Russia: Russia have no known injury problems ahead of Saturday evening’s game.
Top 3 players to pick: Romelu Lukaku, Simon Kjaer & Jason Denayer
Romelu Lukaku, Belgium (11m)
Of all today’s games, Russia vs Belgium does look set to be the easiest to predict.
Belgium have one of the best attacks in international football and are expected to dominate a fairly average Russia side, much like they did last time these two teams met in 2019 when the Red Devils netted four.
So, this game looks set up perfectly for Romelu Lukaku to bag a couple of goals. The 28-year-old – who is also Belgium’s main penalty taker – has previously scored 60 and assisted 14 in 93 ties for his country and will no doubt be their topscorer at Euro 2020.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Romelu Lukaku of FC Internazionale scores his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 22, 2020 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Sportinfoto/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Simon Kjaer, Denmark (4.5m)
Denmark are perhaps one of the more underrated sides at this tournament.
The Danes have a solid defensive record and a number of quality plays in their ranks. They are also undefeated in their last five outings, during which they shipped just one goal.
Denmark are now set to face a fairly poor Finland side, whose last two outings saw them lose to Sweden and Estonia.
Therefore, given Denmark’s decent defence, it is worth having at least one of their defenders in your EFF team. And at 4.5m, Simon Kjaer is perhaps your best option.
Jason Denayer, Belgium (4.5m)
Like Denmark, Belgium should have little issues keeping a clean sheet on Saturday.
Belgium’s backline, though, is somewhat more interchangeable. All of Thomas Meunier, Timothy Castagne, Nacer Chadli and Thorgan Hazard are used as wing-backs frequently.
So, if you are picking a Belgium defender, you probably want to select a centre-back as those positions are much more nailed down. And, coming in at just 4.5m, Jason Denayer represents a smart, budget option.
Captain of the day: Romelu Lukaku
Of all the players in action on Saturday, Romelu Lukaku is the most likely to get you a big return.
As already discussed, the forward is Belgium’s top scorer and main penalty taker.
And when facing a team as poor as Russia, it is almost inevitable that Lukaku will be amongst the goals.
Belgium vs Russia betting tips: Preview, predictions & odds