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The Champions League reaches the knockout stage this week where 16 teams still have hopes of winning Europe’s elite club competition. The Round of 16 will be contested over two legs, and last season’s beaten finalists Paris St-Germain travel to Barcelona for this week’s standout contest. For the home teams, taking a lead into the second game is the key while the away side will be hoping to score a road goal which could be the difference after both ties are completed. We take a look at the studs and value options from each position on your DraftKings roster.
Set your DraftKings fantasy soccer lineups here: UCL $70K Round of 16 Opener [$20K to 1st]
Forwards
Stud
Mohamed Salah ($10,800)
Despite seeing his side’s domestic form slump, Salah is on course to win his third Premier League Golden Boot award. He is three goals clear of his nearest rival, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, with 14 games to play. Salah has scored six times in his last six league and cup games and is capable of scoring in any game, especially since he is on penalty duty for the Reds. He will be Liverpool’s biggest threat in Budapest.
Value
Kylian Mbappe ($9,900)
With Neymar sidelined by injury for this first leg, Mbappe will be the focal point for Paris St-Germain in their visit to Barcelona. The French World Cup winner had two goals and three assists during the group stage, but his workload is likely to increase with Neymar unavailable. With four goals in his last five league games, Mbappe seems to be coping well without Neymar next to him, and he looks to improve on his recent good form.
Other: Ousmane Dembele ($8,100)
Midfielders
Stud
Christopher Nkunku ($8,700)
The RB Leipzig midfielder is emerging as the next big thing in Europe, and a French call-up is expected before this summer’s European Championships. Nkunku scored once and had two assists during their campaign so far. And his form in the Bundesliga is increasing his value to the team. Leipzig will look to get Nkunku involved as much as possible against Liverpool, now averaging 15.8 DKFP per game.
Value
Roberto Firmino ($6,200)
Liverpool’s focus on this season’s Champions League has suddenly sharpened since it could be their only hope of qualifying for next season’s tournament. The Reds will need Firmino to be at his creative best. Firmino was not at his best during the group stage, but he has shown glimpses of how good he can be. With Diogo Jota injured, this is his time to shine for Liverpool.
Other: Marcel Sabitzer ($5,900)
Defenders
Stud
Trent Alexander-Arnold ($6,700)
Liverpool’s tie with RB Leipzig promises to provide an interesting subplot between Alexander-Arnold and Angelino. Alexander-Arnold likes to get forward as much as his opponent does, and the Reds defender’s delivery from set pieces could offer a way for Liverpool to sneak an away goal in this tie. Look for Alexander-Arnold to be given the opportunity to take free kicks in and around Leipzig’s penalty box.
Value
Angelino ($6,400)
Angelino is classed as a defender, but he can play in midfield, too. His fitness levels allow him to push forward at every opportunity, and his ability to score makes him a threat in any match — and Liverpool will no doubt have a plan to contain the wing back. Angelino is one of two players in this season’s competition to score three goals and also have three assists. Averaging 18.2 DKFP per game, don’t be surprised if Angelino has direct involvement in a goal in this contest.
Other: Sergino Dest ($4,400)
Goalkeeper
Stud
Marc-Andre ter Stegen ($5,000)
Barcelona’s number one goalkeeper has gone five games without registering a clean sheet, which is not a great run of form, but he has proven in the past he can be relied upon in games that matter. ter Stegen did manage to keep three clean sheets during the group stage, and each came in the club’s three road games. If he can keep a clean sheet at the Nou Camp, Barcelona will be confident of finishing the job off in the second leg in Paris.
Other: Keylor Navas ($4,600)
Set your DraftKings fantasy soccer lineups here: UCL $70K Round of 16 Opener [$20K to 1st]
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is CharliePMullan) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.