Likely Starting Elevens at the World Cup
With such big squads, it can be difficult to not just pick a decent team, but pick a team that of players that are actually going to play!
Unfortunately even we can’t give likely starting elevens for every team at this year’s World Cup but here are who we think is likely to feature for a selection of teams including England, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Germany, France and Holland.
Argentina
Argentina struggled in qualify and, looking at their squad, you can kind of see why. Once you look past the attacking flair of Messi, Tevez, Milito & Di Maria what have you got? Mascherano will patrol the midfield but with a squad still boasting the likes of the aging Veron and Walter Samuel, there doesn’t seem to be much strength in depth.
4-
Spain
Most people’s favourites to win the World Cup, Spain have options all over the pitch.
4-
The brilliant Iniesta and Xavi will be supported by Marcus Senna putting the tackles in. It’s a true testament to Spain’s strength in depth that Fabregas and Alonso will ne warming the bench and Everton’s Arteta can’t even get a cap!
If you’ve a betting man, you should be able to find 16/1 on Spain winning and David Villa as top scorer.
England
There’s been lots of speculation recently that Fabio Capello could ditch his tried
and tested 4-
If Barry’s fit he’ll start but if not it’ll be Gerrard and Lampard together in midfield with Joe Cole coming in on the left. We’ve gone for Crouch partnering Rooney as he offers a far grater goal threat than Heskey.
Brazil
In years gone by it’s always difficult to pin Brazil down to an actual formation.
When you think you’ve figured out what’s going on, a centre back will pop up in the
box and score an over-
With Dunga at the helm though, Brazil have been much more disciplined (much to the displeasure of the fans). Expect Melo and Ramires to sit in midfield and allow Kaka to join Robinho & Fabiano up front.
Brazilian full backs have never been keen on defending so expect them to play virually as wingers (Maicon especially).
Germany
The loss of Ballack has been a serious blow to the German’s already frail hopes of a successful World Cup. Cover in midfield in light and Bastian Schweinsteiger will be expected to pick up the mantle.
Up front, there’s the ever dependable Miroslav Klose likely supported by Lucas Podolski
and Mario Gomez in a 4-
France
The French national team is a strange creature in world football -
Likely to start in a 4-
Holland
The Dutch should stick to their tried and trusted 4-
There is also the option of the Dutch going 4-
Expect the ever green Giovanni Van Bronckhorst to bomb down the left just like back in his Rangers days.
© Fantasy Football Info 2009
