All in all a really disappointing start. Based on how it panned out I’ve got no regrets though. A series of unfortunate events cost me a lot of points during match day 1. On another day things could have been very different and I think every pick was made based on good data and sound logic. I’ve also looked at how other Dream Team content creators have started and we all seem to be in the same boat. It’s made even more frustrating that I had the likes of Musiala and Barella in my initial team selection. The main silver lining is that a lot of people will have played the goal bonus booster this week and largely wasted it so things could turn around very quickly if my luck changes.
Here’s my breakdown of each player:
Lunin – clean sheet predictions had Ukraine down as fairly likely to keep a clean sheet so a 3 – 0 loss to Romania was a shock. Lunin was also at fault for the first goal. I’d be happy to transfer him out.
Faes – an unforced error from Doku cost Belgium their clean sheet. Didn’t look overly troubled other than this, unfortunate result. Keep as Belgium now need two results so he shouldn’t be rotated.
Mittelstadt – another who looked a good pick, cruising towards a clean sheet with only a few minutes to go. A late own goal took out the clean sheet despite Scotland never threatening. Keep.
Dimarco – more bad luck across the back line. A daft Dimarco throw in within 30 seconds took out Italy’s clean sheet. Other than this I’m fairly sure they would have kept a clean sheet. Transfer out as Italy face Spain next.
Fernandes – still playing
Szoboszlai – the only player that performed well, Hungary were poor in the first half but Szoboszlai took every set piece and grabbed an assist in the second half. Perhaps a slightly fortunate 10 points. Keep
Gundogan – played very well but should have scored more. Looked set to take the penalty that got overturned. Then appeared to let Havertz take the other penalty after potentially being injured from a heavy tackle. Really bad luck. Keep
Chiesa – can’t complain really but he was starting to rack up the bonus points and looked a goal threat. Italy didn’t seem to get the ball to him enough and took their foot off the gas when they get the lead. Transfer out as Italy face Spain next.
Lukaku – could have had a hat trick on another day. MIssed some good chances, Trossard didn’t pass to him for an open goal at times and had two chalked off (one very controversially). More bad luck. Keep as he should now play both group games with Beligum needing two good results.
Mbappe – did OK as my captain but did miss a sitter then broke his nose. Ideally he scores and remains fit but it didn’t happen. Transfer out as he could miss the next game due to injury.
Ronaldo – still playing, already missed a good chance
Transfers for Matchday 2
With Portugal still playing, I’ve decided I’m not going to lock this in until tomorrow. I won’t be able to update the blog but I will post my changes in the WhatsApp group. However, I’m currently looking at:
Mbappe out, Kane or Bellingham in
Chiesa out, Musiala in
Dimarco out, any defender in, possibly a Croatia defender as they face Albania
Some terrible luck and had things gone differently who knows.
Agreed, back on track during matchday 2 though. Hate to think where I could be on the leaderboard if matchday 1 had gone well though.