This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EDT)
4:00 p.m: Barcelona v. Lyon
4:00 p.m: Bayern Munich v. Liverpool
For detailed stats and odds, check out the FanDuel Fantasy Soccer: Wednesday UCL Cheat Sheet.
FORWARDS
Lionel Messi, BAR v. LYON ($14,000): There are few reasons not to use Messi in cash games, and while he's expensive, there aren't many other places to go for production. He's involved in the majority of Barcelona's goals, whereas Luis Suarez ($10,500) has two goals and no assists in his last seven starts. You're crossing your fingers with any other forward on this slate, but Messi had a floor of 26.9 fantasy points in the first leg and could easily push that total higher if Barcelona find the back of the net, as expected. Lyon played well in the first match, but they're a little different away and have just one point from their last three trips in league play, all against mediocre competition.
Luis Suarez, BAR v. LYON ($10,500): Suarez may only have two goals in his last seven starts, but he also has the same odds to score as Robert Lewandowski ($12,500), who is a bit expensive. Suarez at least has a decent floor with 15.3 points in the first leg and at least three chances created in four of five UCL matches. Barcelona are projected to score almost a goal more than anyone else on the slate and it may be best to ride with their two goal scorers and hope for goals.
Memphis Depay, LYON at BAR ($9,000): There may only be six choices at forward, so you'll likely have to stretch for someone. After Lyon couldn't do anything offensively at home, I'm not sure how much they can do at Camp Nou, though I'd rather test my luck with them than spend more on Roberto Firmino ($10,000). At least with Depay you'll get some set pieces and corners, even if that didn't prove fruitful in the first leg. Barcelona could easily dominate this match, but they've been susceptible to allowing goals, giving up at least one in six of their last seven matches at home in all competitions.
MIDFIELDERS
James Rodriguez, BAY v. LIV ($9,500): Midfield is extremely difficult on this slate because most of Barcelona's production usually comes from Messi and Suarez, and since they dominate possession, they rarely accrue defensive stats. Rodriguez isn't a standout, but he's made the scoresheet in his last three starts in league play and managed a floor of 16.8 points in the first leg. He could also be set for more set pieces since Joshua Kimmich is suspended. Either way, Bayern are favored, as Liverpool tend to struggle away from home, winning just one of their last six trips, and that came against lowly Brighton. In those six matches, they only managed four goals, so I'm comfortable fading Mohamed Salah ($10,500) and Sadio Mane ($10,000) when Suarez is in the same range.
Tanguy NDombele, LYON at BAR ($6,000): I'm dipping a bit into the mud here, but NDombele may be the best choice of the defensive midfielders. He had 10.4 points in the first leg, and his floor is a couple points better than the other options, which is only enhanced due to the matchup since Barcelona should be in the attack the majority of the way. In fact, Barcelona have forced the most interceptions and given up the third-most tackles in La Liga this season. That's great news for NDombele, while there's no telling how much action the likes of Arthur ($5,000) or Fabinho ($5,000) will get, though they're cheaper for a reason.
Serge Gnabry, BAY v. LIV ($6,500): If you want Messi and Suarez, you'll need to save money elsewhere, and while the other Bayern midfielders may be more consistent, Gnabry at least provides some upside. Plus, he only went 55 minutes over the weekend, so he could be set for a full 90 after going 89 minutes in the first leg. Franck Ribery ($7,500) may start, but he may also only play 60-70 minutes. As for Gnabry, he added to his floor with a few tackles last meeting, but he still has decent upside for a minimal price with nine shots on goal and six chances created in his last six starts. If you have more money, Thiago Alcantara ($7,500) would probably be my next pick due to his better assist numbers.
DEFENDERS
Leo Dubois, LYON at BAR ($4,000): Dubois is all but guaranteed to start with Marcelo recently injured, and the better news is that he could play center-back. He had a floor of 18 points in the first leg thanks to five clearances, two interceptions and two tackles, and there's a chance he could hit those numbers again with Lyon's back line possibly under more duress. Even if he starts at full-back, the defensive opportunities will likely still be there as they were in the first match. If you can get a floor of 15 points at this price, there are few reasons to spend up on a defender. Plus, Barcelona have given up the most tackles and second-most interceptions to defenders in La Liga.
Clement Lenglet, BAR v. LYON ($5,000): There aren't any other reasonably priced non-Lyon defenders, which is disappointing. Lenglet at least has good clean sheet odds, and if Barcelona get a couple early goals, it's possible Lyon will be on the attack more than expected. Lenglet's floor could be anywhere from five to 20 points, so there is some risk with him, but with a clean sheet he should come close to 10 points. Depending on the Lyon starting XI, I may prefer either Marcal ($4,000) or Kenny Tete ($4,500) mostly because of the opportunity to rack up defensive stats.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, LIV at BAY ($6,500): If you have a desire to spend on a defender, Alexander-Arnold is the most viable because he's on corners. While he probably won't have 11 crosses like he did in the first leg, he should still get some corners and may see more defensive work, especially since he'll have to deal with Franck Ribery on the flanks. Either way, his defensive numbers have shot up in recent matches, producing 12 tackles and six interceptions in his last three starts. Jordi Alba ($7,000) doesn't often make the scoresheet, but since Barcelona are expected to dominate, he should get up the field plenty if you want more upside.
GOALKEEPER
Manuel Neuer, BAY v. LIV ($5,500): I want to pick a cheaper goalkeeper, but I can't bring myself to do it. Neuer has at least 7.5 fantasy points in every Champions League start, and Bayern have allowed just two goals in their last six home matches. Liverpool's away struggles are also a selling point, with no more than one goal in each of their last six trips. Alisson ($5,000) is a reasonable play if you have faith in the Reds, while Marc-Andre ter Stegen ($6,000) will likely be too expensive for most.
