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The Champions League returns this Tuesday with another cramped schedule of group-stage games. We take a look at studs and value options to consider from each position for your DraftKings roster.
Set your DraftKings lineup here: UCL $100K Group Stage Special [$20K to 1st]
Forwards
Studs
Robert Lewandowski ($11,200)
Here’s a stat that will change quite soon: Lewandowski hasn’t scored yet in this season’s Champions League. Bayern Munich has won 13 successive Champions League games and the average winning margin in those wins is 3.08 goals per game. Lewandowski has been a massive part of that proficiency. He isn’t far away from returning to goal-scoring form in Europe’s biggest club competition.
Values
Karim Benzema ($8,100)
Benzema is slowly finding his rhythm with the return of some of Real Madrid’s stars. Real Madrid’s attacking core has gained some depth and penetration now. He scored a brace in the previous game against Huesca with just two shots on target during the weekend. Benzema is a big part of a proud team and that confidence should translate into fantasy output.
Others to consider: Duván Zapata ($8,900)
Midfielders
Studs
Kevin De Bruyne ($10,900)
De Bruyne hasn’t made a splash yet this season as he has returned from a short injury layoff and is slowly getting into his work. Manchester City is unbeaten in the past 13 group-stage matches in the Champions League. With De Bruyne fit again, that is unlikely to change. He assisted in a 1-0 win against Sheffield United over the weekend and in the two games since his return, he has created at least three chances in each contest.
Values
Serge Gnabry ($7,800)
Gnabry is coming off a rather excellent campaign in Bayern’s successful, title-winning run in last season’s Champions League. He returned to some semblance of form and fluency when he scored in the weekend game against Koln in the Bundesliga. He also had two shots on target in that game. Against an offensive-minded Salzburg team, he will be primed to capitalize on some defensive gaps.
Others to consider: Mohamed Salah ($8,400)
Defenders
Studs
Trent Alexander-Arnold ($6,600)
Rather atypically, Liverpool has conceded an average of 1.83 goals per game in six outings. This comes down to some major defensive absentees. That means Alexander-Arnold will have to step up. He will also have to contribute offensively, particularly from set pieces, such as corners and free kicks, with his skilled right foot. Atalanta scores several goals, but it won’t be easy getting past a well-drilled Liverpool team.
Values
Benjamin Pavard ($5,100)
Pavard was kept away for a large portion of this tournament last season due to injury. He has returned with aplomb, occupying a vital defensive position down the right wing for Bayern Munich. He makes some sensational offensive runs, whipping deliveries into the box for one of the best offensive teams in the world. That has already earned him one assist in the Champions League. He is also averaging 14 DKFP per game.
Goalkeepers
Manuel Neuer ($5,700)
This is a stacking play from Bayern Munich on this slate. It’s highly unlikely that Salzburg has enough offensive depth to first get past Bayern’s defensive line and then Neuer, who has been one of the best keepers in the world for a while now. He is averaging 13.7 DKFP, which could increase after this game.
Others to consider: Ederson ($5,900)
Set your DraftKings lineup here: UCL $100K Group Stage Special [$20K to 1st]
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Nikhil Kalro is the Founder and CEO of Altletics Esports.