UEFA Champions League Soccer Picks: Leipzig vs. Atletico Madrid DraftKings DFS Strategy

Leipzig will face Atletico Madrid in the second quarterfinal of the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League on Thursday. We take a look at some picks to consider for DraftKings’ Showdown soccer slate.

Set your DraftKings lineups here: UCL Showdown $35K Counter Attack Special [$10K to 1st] (RBL vs ATL)

Captain

Joao Felix ($15,900)

Felix finished the recently-concluded La Liga with just six goals and an assist. By his usual lofty standards, that’s well below his average production. However, he has a clear playmaker role for Atletico Madrid. He will be a key player in the middle of the field, feeding either Atletico’s central striker or a two-man forward combination. He has averaged 15.1 DKFP per game.

Others to consider: Marcel Sabitzer ($16,500)

High-priced flex options

Marcel Sabitzer ($11,000)

Interestingly, Sabitzer is the most expensive player on this slate. He has averaged 17.6 DKFP per game, highest among all players in this game. He was a crucial offensive player for Leipzig in this Bundesliga season providing nine goals and seven assists. That aggressive template might suit Leipzig in a knockout.

Alvaro Morata ($9,800)

Morata had a good La Liga campaign. He scored 12 goals despite starting many games as a substitute. He might not get the start in this game if Atletico opt for some rugged strength at the top in Diego Costa ($6,800). However, if Morata does start, he could be a vital addition with his nimble feet and strong aerial presence.

Christopher Nkunku ($7,800)

Nkunku was a key offensive contributor in the Bundesliga for Leipzig. He chipped in with five goals, but his key performance indicator was his assists (13). He provided some offensive impetus from the right wing in Leipzig’s formation. Against one of the best defensive teams in Europe, Nkunku will be needed to create a few chances.

Others to consider: Renan Lodi ($8,800).

Value flex options

Patrik Schick ($7,400)

Schick is listed as doubtful for this game. Leipzig will need his services in the absence of their most potent offensive weapon in Timo Werner, who has now moved to Chelsea. Schick is also the designated dead-ball specialist for Leipzig. Some of his free kicks were a treat to watch in the Bundesliga. He scored 10 goals in the 2019-20 Bundesliga campaign.

Jan Oblak ($7,200)

Atletico Madrid has some of the best defensive numbers in the last few years. In La Liga, the team conceded just 27 goals, second fewest in the league, behind only La Liga winners Real Madrid. Oblak has been a massive part of that defensive efficiency. He will be needed again to make multiple saves against a strong Leipzig team that will miss Werner.

Others to consider: Diego Costa ($6,800).

Set your DraftKings lineups here: UCL Showdown $35K Counter Attack Special [$10K to 1st] (RBL vs ATL)

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Nikhil Kalro is the Founder and CEO of Altletics Esports.