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The UEFA Champions League (UCL) is back after a short hiatus following Bayern Munich’s almost-flawless run to the title. DraftKings is celebrating the return of the biggest European soccer club tournament with a $100,000 contest. Here is a breakdown of players to consider from each position for your DraftKings roster.
Set your DraftKings fantasy soccer lineups here: UCL $100K Tournament Opener [$20K to 1st]
Forwards
Studs
Lionel Messi ($11,800)
Messi has had a temperamental few months with the Barcelona board. He has made the professional decision to abide by his commitment to the club. He will now have the chance to improve on his 115 goals in the Champions League in a favorable matchup against Ferencvaros. Here’s some trivia: the last time he played against a Hungarian opponent, he was sent off after 43 seconds in his international debut back in 2005.
Values
Ciro Immobile ($8,800)
Immobile is one of the most potent offensive weapons in the Serie A. He served a one-game suspension in the previous game back home, which will leave him well-rested for this game. Prior to that suspension, he had generated 11 shots in three starts, equating to close to four shots per game. He is also the designated penalty-taker for Lazio, which could also make a difference.
Others to consider: Erling Haaland ($8,100)
Midfielders
Studs
Bruno Fernandes ($9,600)
PSG has a methodical style of play: starting solidly and gradually building up pace. Of the last 20 goals, 10 have come after the first hour of play. Fernandes has brought some penetration and accuracy to Manchester United’s offense, which will be needed in that first hour to throw open the game. He should also continue to be the playmaker in the middle of the field. He scored and assisted in a 4-1 win against Newcastle on the weekend.
Values
Timo Werner ($7,200)
Werner was brought in specifically to bring in some precision to Chelsea’s attacking core. The Champions League has been a nice place for Chelsea: the team has managed to make it past the group stage for six consecutive years. If they are to move further, Werner will be a key player. He has some fine form and confidence with him after scoring twice on the weekend in a 3-3 draw against Southampton.
Others to consider: Christopher Nkunku ($6,800)
Defenders
Studs
Angelino ($5,900)
Angelino is a crucial fantasy pick because of his offensive prowess. He can be a target in the six-yard box for setpieces or could even generate deliveries into the box. He has already scored twice in the Bundesliga in four games this season. He even had nine crosses and two shots in a 2-0 win against Augsburg on the weekend. That offensive output is the reason he is the most expensive defender on this slate. He is also averaging the most fantasy points for a defender among these six teams (12.2 DKFP per game).
Values
Cesar Azpilicueta ($4,000)
Under manager Frank Lampard, Azpilicueta has thrived as the club’s captain. He has relished the responsibility, and has led from the front in the Premier League. Defensively, he can move seamlessly between left (if Marcos Alonso is absent) and right. That provides fantasy value because he can capitalize on slower wingers with his offensive runs to create chances in the box. He is currently averaging 8.2 DKFP per game, which is quite high for a defender.
Goalkeepers
Neto ($5,900)
With Barcelona’s usual starting keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen ($6,000) injured, Neto will probably continue to stay in goal for Barcelona in the Champions League. Barcelona is coming off the first loss of its season in a 1-0 defeat to Getafe in the La Liga. The team should set things right against a team not quite at the same level, which should mean a clean sheet for Neto.
Others to consider: Peter Gulacsi ($5,800)
Set your DraftKings fantasy soccer lineups here: UCL $100K Tournament Opener [$20K to 1st]
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Nikhil Kalro is the Founder and CEO of Altletics Esports.