Yahoo DFS Soccer: Wednesday UCL Picks

For detailed stats and odds, check out the Yahoo DFS Soccer: Wednesday UCL Cheat Sheet.

MATCHES (EST)

3:00 pm: Atletico Madrid vs. Juventus
3:00 pm: FC Schalke 04 vs. Manchester City

FORWARDS

Cristiano Ronaldo, JUV at ATM (€32): Ronaldo is the most expensive player on the slate, but that isn't likely to deter him from being the highest-owned player in cash games and GPPs. While his anytime goal scorer odds aren't overwhelmingly high, his shot volume alone gives him an excellent floor, as he comes in averaging 6.78, including 2.71 on target, during Serie A play, and 6.48 and 1.62, respectively, during the Champions League. But you don't just get a floor with Ronaldo, as he also scored seven goals on 35 shots (15 on target) and had three assists on 15 chances created in his last six games. You could certainly fade Ronaldo, but you better nail your forwards if you do.

Sergio Aguero, MCI at S04 (€27): Aguero is the first player to turn to if you want to fade Ronaldo, though there will probably be plenty of fantasy players who decide to roster both forwards. No player has higher anytime goal-scorer odds than Aguero, who bagged a hat trick in two of his last three matches. There is certainly a case for a Manchester City stack because they are heavily favored despite playing away to Schalke, with such a move putting Raheem Sterling (€26) and Leroy Sane (€24) firmly in play.

Alvaro Morata, ATM v. JUV (€16): It doesn't seem optimal to use a forward spot on someone not from Juventus or Manchester City, but if you don't expect much from them, Morata makes more sense against his former team than trying to rely on a random goal from whoever starts up front from Schalke. Morata's ownership is likely to be minuscule, mostly because those who want Atletico Madrid exposure will probably turn to Antoine Griezmann (€30), but at his price you might as well load up on Manchester City attackers.

MIDFIELDERS

Kevin De Bruyne, MCI at S04 (€24): De Bruyne is the most expensive midfielder on the slate, but he could also have a majority of set pieces for the biggest favorite on the slate. There really aren't many midfielders worth pursuing, let along paying up for, so dolling out the €24 shouldn't be too tough even if De Bruyne has been far from his peak self recently. Getting on the scoresheet is almost a must given his price, but with Man City expected to score multiple goals, De Bruyne should have his chances. Speaking of Man City exposure, Ilkay Gundogan (€18) could be a valuable piece, especially because of his passing volume, though he too likely needs to make the scoresheet to justify his price.

Thomas Lemar, ATM v. JUV (€10): Lemar's floor is admittedly pretty low, but he's surely worth consideration at minimum price because he has a shared role of set pieces. He's not a high-volume shooter or chance creator, but with this match expected to be tight, there may not be a ton of fantasy points to be had, so why not pay down as low as possible for a few of those points?

Daniel Caligiuri, S04 v. MCI (€11): You could be tempted by Yehven Konoplyanka (€17) if he starts because he's had some solid games throughout his European career, but Caligiuri is the one who leads Schalke in shots, chances created, accurate crosses and tackles won while sitting second in fouls drawn, trailing only Amine Harit (€10). Schalke are big underdogs Wednesday, but they're still at home and won't just back down because Man City are better. The upside is pretty limited with Caligiuri, but his low price helps mitigate that concern while he provides a decent floor.

DEFENDERS

Bastian Oczipka, S04 v. MCI (€10): Oczipka's fantasy value has been quite strong of late because he's been connecting on a good number of his crosses while also winning tackles and drawing fouls. The clean sheet potential is very low against Manchester City, but with a role on set pieces, Oczipka should continue to get his crossing opportunities and provide a decent floor at minimum price.

Danilo, MCI at S04 (€13): Expected to start in place of the still-injured Benjamin Mendy (€18), Danilo could be the cheapest defender for Man City, the team with the highest clean sheet odds. He's admittedly not much of an attacker, but with the shutout in play plus a few defensive stats, there's little reason to pass on Danilo if you're looking to save some salary.

Alex Sandro, JUV at ATL (€11): Sandro is an important part of the Juve attack, as he flies up the wing and opens up space for Ronaldo and Co. His price is surprisingly low, and while this match isn't expected to have many goals in it, we can't ignore that there is potential clean sheet equity here. All four teams have guys you could pay up for, but with cheaper options with similar floors, it seems more prudent to pay down and use those funds for the attacking players.

GOALKEEPER

Ederson, MCI at S04 (€18): While you could pay down for similar production in the defender spots, you can't do that with only one goalkeeper per team and Ederson has by far the best win and clean sheet odds. He doesn't make a ton of saves, but with the other match expected to be close, there is value in spending up here.