Players to trade on Football INDEX ahead of this weekend’s World Cup action

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Intrigued by what Football INDEX has to offer, but unsure whether to gamble your money? For a special time only, Football INDEX are now offering an improved 7-day risk free period where they will refund any deposits made within the first seven days of trading of a deposit up to £1,000. Use the promocode ‘WHOSCOREDFI’ when you sign-up to access the offer. Think of it as a trial period where you will effectively have up to £1,000 to play with during your first week of trading.

Still undecided what footballers to add to your portfolio? Football INDEX even provides users with a handy tool to help you make informed decisions on trending players, located at the top right hand side of the home page. Share prices can also increase based on the media attention a player receives on any given day of trading.

Now the 2018 World Cup is underway, we are going to highlight five players you should consider for your Football INDEX portfolios 24 hours before their matches. Here are our four tips for this weekend's rounds of 16 matches:

1. CRISTIAN PAVON (ARGENTINA VS FRANCE)

Argentina made it through to the knockout stage by the skin of their teeth, requiring a late winner against Nigeria in their final group game to secure second place.

Jorge Sampaoli is under immense pressure as Argentina head coach and will probably be sacked even if the South American side go on to win the 2018 World Cup, which seems unlikely.

There have been suggestions that senior players like Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano are now managing the side during matches following their disastrous start to the tournament. 

Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain have both struggled in attack for Argentina this summer and there are growing reports that Sampaoli is ready to bench both of them.

Lionel Messi will reportedly occupy a false nine position in a 4-3-3 formation, with Angel di Maria and Cristian Pavon flanking either side. The latter has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the last six months and will hope to impress on the biggest stage.

Pavon’s Football INDEX share price is £1.94 but that will only increase with a solid showing in Saturday’s round of 16 clash.

2. LUCAS TORREIRA (URUGUAY VS PORTUGAL) 

Arsenal supporters will have the chance to get a decent watch of transfer target Lucas Torreira when Uruguay face Portugal on Saturday evening.

After emerging as one of the brightest midfield talents in Serie A last season, the 22-year-old is expected to join Arsenal before the start of next season. 

Torreira was forced to come off the bench in Uruguay’s opening two matches of the World Cup but was given the chance to impress from the off against hosts Russia.

Uruguay have struggled for the right balance to get the best out of their offensive players, but Torreira is expected to start against Portugal.

Torreira is a relative unknown quantity to Premier League fans so it will be a good opportunity for Arsenal to familiarise themselves with their impending arrival.

A good showing against the Euro 2016 winners should not only enhance Uruguay’s chances of progression, but also increase his Football INDEX share price ahead of his switch to the Emirates.

3. KEPA ARRIZABALAGA (SPAIN VS RUSSIA)

New Spain manager Fernando Hierro is reportedly giving serious thought to benching Manchester United star David De Gea for their round of 16 clash with Russia.

De Gea is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world after emerging as a key player for United in recent years, but the 27-year-old has struggled to take that form in to international football.

Spain started their 2018 World Cup campaign with a 3-3 draw against rivals Portugal after De Gea gifted Ronaldo one of his goals with a huge error. 

It’s not the first time De Gea has been at fault for a goal Spain have conceded in recent matches and now Hierro is considering handing a sensational World Cup debut to 23-year-old Kepa.

The Athletic Club goalkeeper was heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid in January before eventually renewing with his boyhood club. Given De Gea has only made one save in three matches, could Kepa do any worse?

His Football INDEX share price is only £0.48 and that will soar if Hierro makes the bold decision to drop De Gea. It’s a gamble worth taking.

4. ANTE REBIC (CROATIA VS DENMARK)

Croatia have emerged as dark horses for the 2018 World Cup after completing the group phase with a 100 per cent win ratio, including a convincing 3-0 win over Argentina.

Ante Rebic was one of their star performers against the South Americans, capitalising on a huge Willy Caballero error to sensationally put his team ahead just before the hour mark.

The 24-year-old is a relative unknown in a hugely talented Croatia squad but has now caught the eye of Premier League side Everton, while Tottenham have a long-standing interest in the versatile midfielder.

His Football INDEX share price is only £1.33 and will only increase if Croatia continue to excel in Russia. Should Rebic secure a Premier League move off the back of his form at the World Cup, then expect huge returns from the Frankfurt ace.