La Liga Fantasy Soccer Picks: Real Madrid vs. Alavés DraftKings DFS Showdown Strategy, Captain’s Picks

The race for the La Liga title is heating up towards its closing stages. Just one point separates leaders Real Madrid and second place Barcelona. Real Madrid will look to create some room when they host Alaves on Friday. Here is a look at selections for your roster from DraftKings’ soccer Showdown contest.

Set your DraftKings lineups here: LIGA Showdown $35K Counter Attack Special [$10K to 1st] (RMA vs ALV)

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Captain

Karim Benzema ($17,700)

Benzema seems to be the one offensive constant in a season of changes and injuries for Real Madrid. Several of their stars have faced injury or fitness concerns, which is why manager Zinedine Zidane has needed Benzema at the center of his front three. He has delivered too, with 17 goals in the La Liga, behind only Lionel Messi’s 22 goals.

Others to consider: Toni Kroos ($16,200)

High-priced flex options

Toni Kroos ($10,800)

Toni Kroos was brought on as a substitute in the previous game against Athletic Bilbao. He is slowly returning to full fitness. In his absence, Sergio Ramos took the penalty that was awarded in that game. He should return to the starting XI here and also carry out the setpiece duties as usual. He has scored four goals with five assists this season.

Vinicius Junior ($11,000)

Junior hasn’t had too much playing time in this La Liga season. A disclaimer that his inclusion in this list is based on a hunch, not any level of certainty that he will start. With the luxury of seeing the team lineups before lock, you could include him if he does indeed start, possibly instead of Asensio on the left wing. He has scored three goals this season.

Lucas Perez ($10,200)

Perez is the only pick from Alaves in this article for two reasons. One, Real Madrid seems to have found momentum and confidence, devastating characteristics for a team that is this good. Two, Perez has scored 11 goals this season and is comfortably the most potent offensive weapon for Alaves. So, if Alaves finds a way past Real Madrid, it’s likely that Perez plays a hand in that.

Others to consider: Eden Hazard (only if he starts, listed as questionable $11,200).

Value flex options

Gareth Bale ($8,200)

Bale has been incredibly quiet in Real Madrid colors, which is a shame considering his talent. That lack of production is evidenced by his low price of $8,200 as well as his stats in this La Liga season (two goals, two assists). He remained on the bench for the entirety of the game against Bilbao. If he gets the start, then he could find his third goal against a middling defensive attack.

Thibaut Courtois ($9,000)

Real Madrid has conceded fewer goals than Alaves has scored. That’s how stark the difference is between these two teams. Real Madrid has allowed 21 goals, easily the fewest in the La Liga. I can’t see Alaves putting together much, in terms of possession or even on the counter-attack, to trouble Courtois much.

Others to consider: Luka Modric ($7,000)

Set your DraftKings lineups here: LIGA Showdown $35K Counter Attack Special [$10K to 1st] (RMA vs ALV)

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Nikhil Kalro is the Founder and CEO of Altletics Esports.