This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Soccer series.
For detailed odds and stats, check out the Fantasy Champions League: Wednesday Cheat Sheet.
MATCHES (EST)
2:45 p.m: Manchester United v. CSKA Moscow
2:45 p.m: Chelsea v. Atletico Madrid
2:45 p.m: Roma v. Qarabag
2:45 p.m: Celtic v. Anderlecht
2:45 p.m: Benfica v. Basel
2:45 p.m: Bayern Munich v. Paris Saint-Germain
2:45 p.m: Barcelona v. Sporting CP
2:45 p.m: Olympiacos v. Juventus
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
FORWARDS
Lionel Messi, BAR v. LIS ($14,500): Typically, on one of the Champions League days you should start Messi, and on the other you should start Cristiano Ronaldo. It looks to be no different this week as both Messi and Ronaldo have very favorable matchups.
Paulo Dybala, JUV at OLY ($11,500): Dybala was unable to break through in the last meeting between these two teams, but his seven shots, including two on goal, were at least a safe floor. On the road, the game should be much more open, as Olympiacos will look to get forward and steal a surprise win. That should leave plenty of room for the Argentine to work with, which should result in more fantasy points than in Round 2.
Marcus Rashford, MANU v. CSKA ($8,500): Rashford has replaced Henrikh Mkhitaryan as the team's chief playmaker in recent weeks. He takes most set pieces if Blind is off the field, and his ability to set up goals in the run of play gives him a solid floor, if he fails to hit the back of the net himself.
MIDFIELDERS
Paul Pogba, MANU v. CSKA ($10,500): Pogba's return to the side cannot be understated. His value was much debated for some time after his record transfer fee, but his absence from the side was clearly a big one as United dropped seven key points in its Premier League title race with Manchester City. He has played in the no. 10 role for a few games since returning, which gives him a bit more of attacking upside. However, he also fits very well with the FanDuel scoring system, as the site rewards defensive contributions, in which Pogba provides plenty.
Blaise Matuidi, JUV at OLY ($6,000): Matuidi is, essentially, a cheaper Pogba, if Pogba starts in a defensive midfielder position. Matuidi can provide an occasional attacking bonus, but his defensive contributions are consistent, which allows for a stable floor and a way to save for the expensive forwards. Olympiacos is also the weakest side in Group D, so if he is going to provide a goal or an assist in this campaign, Tuesday will be his last chance to do so in a soft matchup.
Douglas Costa, JUV at OLY ($6,000): Costa looked very dangerous against Barcelona last round, and his recent run of starts have been encouraging since moving from Bayern Munich over the summer. He had a very hot start with the Bavarians, but then faded into the background and has lost a bit of notoriety at the world level. Costa is one of the most explosive athletes in the game, and it is only a matter of time until he breaks through with a hot run of goals and assists.
DEFENDERS
Ashley Young, MANU v. CSKA ($6,000): Young should be able to go Tuesday after starting four straight games over the last two weeks, but if he is moved to the bench, Daley Blind ($5,500) should get the start. Either full-back makes for a solid play, with Young offering more of a threat in the run of play, and Blind through set piece situations.
Alex Sandro, JUV at OLY ($5,000): Sandro is underpriced for his ability at left-back for Juventus in this matchup. Olympiacos, even at home, is considerably undermatched against the Old Lady. Juve prevailed 2-0 in the first match between these two sides, but on the road, it is not certain that the game will be much tougher. If anything, Olympiacos will come out of its shell and will be punished on the break by the quality of Paulo Dybala & Co.
GOALKEEPER
David de Gea, MANU v. CSKA ($5,000): United won 4-1 last time out in Russia, and a return to Old Trafford will likely bring a win and clean sheet for the Red Devils. Paul Pogba's return to the side has brought Manchester United back to playing top-tier football, and a win is fully expected Tuesday. However, Moscow needs at least a point in order to advance to the knockout rounds. FC Basel is tied with CSKA at nine points in Group A, and Basel is playing Benfica, who have yet to earn a point in this campaign, so CSKA will likely attack desperately all game.
