Copa America: Semifinal Cheat Sheet

There are plenty of upper-tier options available on the two-game, two-day slate for the Copa America semifinal matches, with Lionel Messi leading the way against the U.S.
Copa America: Semifinal Cheat Sheet
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MATCHES (EDT)

Tuesday, 9:00 p.m: USA v. Argentina
Wednesday, 8:00 p.m: Chile v. Colombia

ODDS REPORT

EXPECTED CORNER TAKERS

USA: Michael Bradley
Argentina: Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi
Chile: Alexis Sanchez, Charles Aranguiz
Colombia: James Rodriguez

PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS

GOALKEEPER

Sergio Romero, ARG v. USA: He's the most expensive keeper on the slate with the highest win and clean sheet odds. The Colombia-Chile match figures to have goals on both sides, and even if the Americans can put up a good fight against Argentina, are you really going to take Brad Guzan against Lionel Messi?

DEFENDER

Marcos Rojo, ARG v. USA: While the Americans have played well enough to reach the semis, they are now facing arguably the best team in the world. Scoring could be quite a challenge, and Rojo gets involved enough in the attack to make him worthy of consideration, especially with a potential three-point clean sheet bonus.

Gabriel Mercado, ARG v. USA: Mercado is racking up the defensive peripheral stats, as he had two fouls drawn and five tackles won against Venezuela in the quarterfinal. With high clean sheet odds for Argentina, the three-point shutout bonus is certainly in play.

MIDFIELDER

Charles Aranguiz, CHI v. COL: Aranguiz poached a few corners from Alexis Sanchez in Chile's thrashing of Mexico in the quarterfinal, and he continues to be very underpriced given his role. With Arturo Vidal suspended, Aranguiz could be asked to shoulder more of the attacking load.

Edson Puch,

MATCHES (EDT)

Tuesday, 9:00 p.m: USA v. Argentina
Wednesday, 8:00 p.m: Chile v. Colombia

ODDS REPORT

EXPECTED CORNER TAKERS

USA: Michael Bradley
Argentina: Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi
Chile: Alexis Sanchez, Charles Aranguiz
Colombia: James Rodriguez

PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS

GOALKEEPER

Sergio Romero, ARG v. USA: He's the most expensive keeper on the slate with the highest win and clean sheet odds. The Colombia-Chile match figures to have goals on both sides, and even if the Americans can put up a good fight against Argentina, are you really going to take Brad Guzan against Lionel Messi?

DEFENDER

Marcos Rojo, ARG v. USA: While the Americans have played well enough to reach the semis, they are now facing arguably the best team in the world. Scoring could be quite a challenge, and Rojo gets involved enough in the attack to make him worthy of consideration, especially with a potential three-point clean sheet bonus.

Gabriel Mercado, ARG v. USA: Mercado is racking up the defensive peripheral stats, as he had two fouls drawn and five tackles won against Venezuela in the quarterfinal. With high clean sheet odds for Argentina, the three-point shutout bonus is certainly in play.

MIDFIELDER

Charles Aranguiz, CHI v. COL: Aranguiz poached a few corners from Alexis Sanchez in Chile's thrashing of Mexico in the quarterfinal, and he continues to be very underpriced given his role. With Arturo Vidal suspended, Aranguiz could be asked to shoulder more of the attacking load.

Edson Puch, CHI v. COL: Speaking of taking on a bigger role in the attack, Puch got the surprise start against Mexico and promptly finished with two goals on five shots, one cross, two fouls drawn, four tackles won and one interception. Production like that can't be ignored at twice his price.

James Rodriguez, COL v. CHI: On the other side is James, who continues to take multiple shots and send in multiple crosses thanks to his role on corners. The Chile defense will really struggle containing him.

FORWARD

Lionel Messi, ARG v. USA: After scoring two goals, assisting on another and adding three crosses and six fouls drawn against Venezuela in the quarterfinal, Messi's price declined $600 on DraftKings. Don't overthink it, his five-figure salary is well worth it.

Alexis Sanchez, CHI v. COL: Colombia aren't exactly a lock-tight defensive unit, and while Arturo Vidal is out, Alexis is still plenty dangerous on his own. Some fantasy players may be drawn to Eduardo Vargas after he blasted Mexico for four goals, which came after be bagged a brace against Panama, and while it's not a terrible idea, Alexis is the more trustworthy of the two.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrew is a former RotoWire contributor. He was the 2017 and 2018 FSWA Soccer Writer of the Year. He is a nine-time FSWA award finalist, including twice for Football Writer of the Year.
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