Soccer Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-07-02

DFS Weekly Picks: Capitalize on Form and Exploit the Chalk

THREE PLAYERS TO START THIS WEEK

Christian Pulisic's commanding performance in the USMNT's 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina should put him firmly in your lineups. Pulisic was direct and dangerous throughout, creating multiple scoring opportunities and demonstrating the creative spark that makes him essential in tournament play. His salary will reflect the hype, but his floor is too high to ignore—expect consistent touches, shots on target, and the kind of involvement that translates to fantasy points. In DFS, you're paying for proven output, and Pulisic just delivered it.

Serge Gnabry remains one of Europe's most explosive wingers, and his recent performances show no signs of slowing. The Bayern Munich star combines elite goal-scoring ability with consistent involvement in play. In tournament environments, players of his caliber typically see elevated minutes, and Gnabry's work rate ensures he accumulates fantasy points through both shots and chance creation. He's the kind of player who punishes you for benching him.

Vinicius Junior has been unplayable for Real Madrid in recent weeks, and his speed and directness should translate seamlessly to the international stage. His explosive dribbling and ability to draw fouls create fantasy value beyond traditional scoring. Even in matches where goals don't materialize, Vinicius generates the kind of volume play that floors your lineup.

Sit Mohamed Salah this week despite name recognition. The AFCON's 0-0 opener suggests defensive intensity and conservative football that limits explosive scoring. Salah's salary cap hit is massive, and the risk-reward doesn't favor paying premium prices in a tournament where goals are scarce. Wait for matchups with more offensive upside.

Bench Harry Kane against lower-ranked opposition if it appears in your slate. While Kane scores consistently, tournament football frequently features defensive overload against him, and his touches often come in congested areas. In DFS, you're better served pivoting to playmakers with better odds of creating space.

Target Bukayo Saka at mid-tier pricing. He's consistently involved in buildup play and possesses legitimate scoring upside. His role is secure, and his floor is higher than most options at similar salary.

Serhou Guirassy offers outstanding value. The Guinea midfielder has impressed with his intensity and distribution, and international tournament football rewards ball-movers in undervalued salary tiers.

Load up on goalkeeper clean sheets. Most fantasy players ignore keepers, but tournament football features frequent low-scoring affairs. A $3,500 goalkeeper from a defensively sound team is essentially free money in GPPs—grab whoever backs the best defense on your slate.

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