World Cup 2022 fantasy football: Best forwards to pick
By Euan Burns
It could be a tough spell for those who are addicted to Premier League fantasy football as the World Cup takes centre stage from Qatar.
Fear not though, as there is an official World Cup Fantasy game for fans to take part in and add a new dimension to the World Cup experience this winter. There's a chance to choose and use players that you would not normally get to see.
The key is to pick players that you think will perform well, but will also get far in the tournament and play more games. You've got $100 million to spread over 15 players. Here are 10 forwards that we at 90min think could be worth a punt.
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10. Darwin Nunez (Uruguay, $8M)
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has had a very mixed time since his arrival to England, but he should see plenty of minutes at the Qatar World Cup and Uruguay are a contender to get at least out of the group stages.
His chaotic style of play just might be what is needed in an international tournament unlike any other before.
9. Inaki Williams (Ghana, $6.5M)
This is more of a rogue shout and is based on the potential of Ghana upsetting the odds and qualifying from the group. If they do, Athletic Club forward Inaki Williams will be at the centre of it.
His incredible pace and desire could surprise some teams and he is among the cheaper options who could be worth having a go with.
8. Rafael Leao (Portugal ($8M)
Due to the ridiculous wealth of attacking talent that Portugal have, it can be easy to forget about Rafael Leao. The AC Milan player will want to either show his club why he should have a new deal on his terms, or why other clubs should be trying to buy him.
He could be a smart pick as he has a point to prove and has been in good form this season in Serie A.
7. Ansu Fati (Spain, $7.5M)
It is not really guaranteed that Ansu Fati will be starting for Spain, but that could be why he is a good call. The Barcelona forward is explosive, direct and an option for those wanting someone different.
When Spain are inevitably locked at 0-0 with teams in the group stage, Fati will be thrown on and he could chip in with some vital contributions. For that price, he could be worth a shot.
6. Vinicius Junior (Brazil, $10.5M)
He's an expensive shout, but he is the same price as Neymar. The masses are likely to choose the Paris Saint-Germain star which means any points you acquire with Vinicius Jr are going to be points that not many others are getting.
The Real Madrid star is lightning and could be one of the major stars of this tournament if Brazil fulfil their promise.
5. Dusan Vlahovic (Serbia, $8.5M)
The Serbians are one of the names being mentioned in the dark horse category and that is for good reason. They have a host of supremely talented players, perhaps none more so than Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic.
He is a little cheaper than the elite strikers, but there is a good chance that he will outperform a lot of them if Serbia get things right.
4. Joao Felix (Portugal, $8M)
The fact that Joao Felix has had such a torrid time at Atletico Madrid of late could be what makes him a good pick.
Portugal's young star is unquestionably talented and he may see this World Cup as a perfect audition stage for a move away from Diego Simeone. Felix may be one who massively outperforms his price tag.
3. Lionel Messi (Argentina, $10.5M)
Obvious shout, yes. But this could be an Erling Haaland in FPL kind of situation. Everyone's picked him and he's bagging loads of goals, you simply have to pick him so as to not get left behind.
Messi is in incredible form right now for club and country, and his Argentina team are one of the major favourites to win the tournament.
2. Kylian Mbappe (France, $11.5M)
The most expensive player in the game. Bet the whole farm, go on. If France win the thing, Mbappe will have scored loads of goals and racked up an unholy number of points.
If France have one of their collective meltdowns, you could be left having wasted the group stage on a very expensive star. He's Mbappe though, he has to be worth it, right?
1. Lautaro Martinez (Argentina, $8M)
This is a more measured shout. Lautaro Martinez has hit some great from for Inter and is expected to start for Argentina as he is one of manager Lionel Scaloni's favourites.
He is a cheaper option who should start for a team that are candidates to go all the way. Lautaro could be a very smart move.