UEFA Champions League Soccer Picks: Manchester City vs. Lyon DraftKings DFS Strategy

Neither of these teams will be relishing the prospect of having to face Bayern Munich in the semifinal but they would certainly want to get a shot at least. The Champions League quarterfinals culminate with Manchester City and Lyon fighting for the last semifinal spot. We break down DraftKings’ soccer showdown game with picks for Captain and the flex positions.

Set your DraftKings lineups here: UCL Showdown $40K Toe Poke [$10K to 1st] (MCI vs OL)

Captain

Kevin De Bruyne ($19,200)

De Bruyne is quite a simple choice for Captain on this slate. He has been in unstoppable form right through this season. His colleagues have been the beneficiaries of some spectacular deliveries, played early and with such pace that defenders have no chance when the link-up happens. Not many teams have been able to stop De Bruyne, I can’t see that changing with Lyon.

Others to consider: Raheem Sterling ($18,000)

High-priced flex options

Raheem Sterling ($12,000)

Sterling continues to impress since Project Restart in the Premier League. After a goalless first few months, he has turned all that around with aplomb. He even scored in the previous round against Real Madrid from an erroneous play. He seems set to add to that tally if he is presented with just one good chance. That’s the level of confidence he possesses now.

Memphis Depay ($9,000)

Depay ran in and coolly chipped the penalty kick past the Juventus goalkeeper in the previous game. Even though Juventus came back with two goals it was that finish that carried Lyon to this stage. He will be a nightmare for Manchester City on the counter-attack because he has enough speed down the flanks and composure to make an offensive contribution.

Gabriel Jesus ($11,000)

Jesus capitalized on two errors from Real Madrid. Firstly, he stole the ball and served up an assist for Sterling. Second, he pounced on a loose pass and slotted the ball into the net. That speed and composure in front of goal will be why manager Pep Guardiola continues to start Jesus in Sergio Aguero’s absence.

Others to consider: Riyad Mahrez ($9,800)

Value flex options

Bernardo Silva ($8,800)

While all the spotlight has been on David Silva ($8,200), and rightly so, as his career with Manchester City winds down, Bernardo Silva has been rather solid in his role. In a horses-for-courses selection, Bernardo Silva might get the start against this Lyon team to protect against the break. Bernardo Silva has the ability to seamlessly transition back into a defensive role if required.

Moussa Dembele ($6,000)

Dembele doesn’t have a massive body of work to justify this selection based on statistical returns because of a curtailed French season due to the coronavirus. He did, however, score 16 goals in 27 games in the Ligue 1. Even though he didn’t start against Juventus, he should return to the starting XI for this crucial game.

Others to consider: Ederson ($7,200)

Set your DraftKings lineups here: UCL Showdown $40K Toe Poke [$10K to 1st] (MCI vs OL)

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Nikhil Kalro is the Founder and CEO of Altletics Esports.