EURO 2024 Fantasy Football: Scout notes for opening set of Matchday 2 games

From team news to advice on manual substitutions and captain changes, the daily notes offer a helping hand during UEFA EURO 2024 for managers competing in EURO Fantasy Football, presented by Visit Qatar.

Jamal Musiala, Dominik Szoboszlai and Granit Xhaka return to the EURO 2024 stage as Matchday 2 kicks off on Wednesday.

Fantasy decisions

• The Croatia vs Albania kick-off at 15:00 CET marks the start of Matchday 2, so Fantasy managers wanting to make transfers need to do so before this deadline.

• The same deadline also applies to anyone looking to activate either their Wildcard or Limitless chips for the Matchday 2 fixtures.

• Make sure the players on your bench are those who play later on in the Matchday, so that you can substitute them in if required.

• There will be four opportunities for captaincy on Matchday 2, so your first captain should be one that plays on Wednesday if you have one.

CROATIA VS ALBANIA (15:00 CET)

Croatia

Predicted starting line-up: Livaković; Stanišić, Šutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modrić, Sučić, Kovačić; Majer, Budimir, Kramarić

There could be one or two changes in personnel following the defeat by Spain, with Borna Sosa potentially coming in at left-back and Luka Sučić an alternative option in midfield. Ivan Perišić may also start.

Key Fantasy players

Luka Modrić (€7.5m) has scored in three EURO tournaments and will be on penalty duty against Albania.

Joško Gvardiol (€5.5m) has potential for attacking returns having scored five goals for Manchester City in 2023/24.

Josip Stanišić (€5.0m) recorded six ball recoveries on Matchday 1, the joint-most of any Croatia player.

Albania

Predicted starting line-up: Strakosha; Balliu, Ismjali, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Ramadani, Asllani, Bajrami; Hoxha, Asani, Broja

Jasir Asani sustained a knock against Italy but is expected to recover in time to start, while Arbër Hoxha is in contention to make the 1st XI.

Key Fantasy players

Nedim Bajrami (€6.0m) scored the quickest goal in EURO history on Matchday 1, and has either scored or assisted in his last three international appearances.

Taulant Seferi (€5.5m) is an affordable midfield asset who made five ball recoveries against Italy and scored twice in Albania's qualification campaign.

Thomas Strakosha (€4.0m) made three saves on Matchday 1 and is a potential budget-friendly option in goal.

GERMANY VS HUNGARY (18:00 CET)

Germany

Predicted starting line-up: Neuer; Kimmich, Rüdiger, Tah, Mittelstädt; Andrich, Kroos; Musiala, Gündoğan, Wirtz; Havertz

Julian Nagelsmann has little reason to make alterations following the impressive display against Scotland, so it would be no surprise to see an unchanged starting line-up.

Key Fantasy players

Jamal Musiala (€8.5m) delivered a standout performance on Matchday 1 thanks to a goal, three ball recoveries and the Player of the Match award.

Florian Wirtz (€7.5m) scored the first goal of the tournament and finished on ten Fantasy points against Scotland.

Kai Havertz (€7.5m) has a goal and assist to his name already, and may be given responsibility for penalties again.

Hungary

Predicted starting line-up: Gulácsi; Lang, Orbán, Szalai; Bolla, Ádám Nagy, Schäfer, Kerkez; Sallai, Szoboszlai, Varga

Bendegúz Bolla was brought on at half-time against Switzerland and could find himself in the starting line-up here, Attila Fiola potentially making way.

Key Fantasy players

Dominik Szoboszlai (€7.0m) remains the most popular Hungary player on Fantasy and rewarded his owners with an assist on Matchday 1.

Barnabás Varga (€6.0m) scored Hungary's goal in defeat by Switzerland and now has seven in his last 12 international appearances.

Willi Orbán (€4.5m) logged 11 ball recoveries on Matchday 1, helping him to a score of four Fantasy points.

SCOTLAND VS SWITZERLAND (21:00 CET)

Scotland

Predicted starting line-up: Gunn; Hanley, Hendry, Tierney; Ralston, Gilmour, McGregor, Robertson; McTominay, Adams, McGinn

Ryan Porteous misses out through suspension, with Grant Hanley the likeliest replacement in the heart of defence. Billy Gilmour's introduction to midfield could allow Scott McTominay to push further forward.

Key Fantasy players

Andrew Robertson (€5.5m) set up three goals in qualifying and made six ball recoveries against Germany.

Scott McTominay (€6.5m) struck seven times during qualifying, only four players across all teams scoring more.

John McGinn (€6.5m) registered three goals and two assists in qualifying, and has 18 career goals for his country.

Switzerland

Predicted starting line-up: Sommer; Schär, Akanji, Rodriguez; Widmer, Xhaka, Freuler, Aebischer; Ndoye, Embolo, Vargas

Denis Zakaria is approaching fitness and will be considered, while Breel Embolo may have earned himself a start after his goal against Hungary.

Key Fantasy players

Granit Xhaka (€6.0m) represents a cheap midfield option who has already recorded an attacking return at EURO 2024.

Michel Aebischer (€5.0m) is starting to attract the attention of Fantasy managers after his goal and assist against Hungary.

Manuel Akanji (€5.0m) made 11 ball recoveries on Matchday 1 and is selected by 8% of Fantasy managers.