Welcome back to “The Kick-Off” and welcome to the 23-24 season! Finally, a new season is here and we can welcome back our beloved Futbol. Many clubs have made big moves this offseason to help bolster their cup chances. Will an English club take home the coveted Champions League final on home turf?
The top favorite this week is Bayern Munich -600 vs Galatasaray +1300. I will guide you through this five-match slate starting at 3:00 P.M. EST.
If you have any questions on today's slate, bankroll management, GPP strategy, Cash game strategy, or anything else, don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected], via X @df_solutions, or in our Discord chat rooms.
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UCL DFS Goalies
Goalies
Alexander Schlager - DK $4.1K || FD $8
Opponent - Inter Milan
In their last six matches in all competitions, Inter Milan has scored three or more goals just once and they were held to one goal in two of those matches. Over Schlager’s first three fixtures in the Champions League, he has 10 saves, four goals conceded, and one clean sheet. In Salzburg’s last meeting with Inter Milan, it was a high-pace matchup with Milan taking many shots. However, most of them were not on the net, resulting in a low floor and ceiling for Schlager. In the reverse fixture, a similar result is expected when assessing Inter Milan’s potential. With a low-scoring affair on the books, either goalie is up for grabs, although Schlager is the more ‘affordable’ of the two.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Raya (DK $5.8K || FD $13), Sommer (DK $5.4K || FD $11)
UCL DFS Forwards
Bukayo Saka - DK $10K || FD $21
Opponent - Sevilla FC
In three appearances in the UCL, Saka has one goal, two assists, three shots, seven created chances, six crosses, three corners, and six tackles. In his last five domestic appearances, he has two goals, one assist, seven shots, nine created chances, 21 crosses, 14 corners, 12 tackles, two interceptions, one clearance, and one block. With many prioritizing Harry Kane in a juicy matchup, Saka will offer the better floor thanks to his peripherals and it is a matter of which build a player wants to make. Do you prioritize the ceiling or the floor and the potential for a ceiling? Either way, both clubs have a strong matchup and Saka arguably possesses the strongest ceiling chances for a set-piece taker on the slate.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Kane (DK $10.7K || FD $23), Rodrygo (DK $8K || FD $18)
UCL DFS Midfielders
Bruno Fernandes - DK $9.9K || FD $21
Opponent - FC Copenhagen
The Red Devils are in a big spot to catapult themselves up the standings and back into the second Elimination Stage spot with Galatasaray having a meeting with Bayern Munich. The midfield maestro has struggled this season and is a big reason why Manchester United is not succeeding offensively. In his first three fixtures of the UCL season, he has one assist, eight shots, seven created chances, 18 crosses, 13 corners, eight tackles, and six clearances. Luckily, he is at least producing peripherals. However, if they want to win, he needs to start stepping up in a big way. With teammate Marcus Rashford potentially missing this match, even more weight will be on Fernandes to have a big performance.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Kimmich (DK $8.8K || FD $20), Veerman (DK $6.8K || FD $17)
UCL DFS Defenders
Aaron Wan-Bissaka - DK $3.8K || FD $10
Opponent - FC Copenhagen
Defense is woeful at best today with zero ‘value’ plays or defenders that are ‘affordable’ with peripheral potential. This leaves Wan-Bissaka, who is expected to make his second straight appearance in all competitions. In the start versus Fulham, the fullback had two tackles, one interception, two clearances, and two blocks. Despite him playing the entire match, he did not produce much. Although, this can be considered an outlier. Wan-Bissaka is the ‘best’ two-way defender Manchester United currently has and he requires a few matches to adapt to the system Erik Tan Haag has deployed this season. In a match that will be back and forth, the fullback has the chance to have a big outing and his best performance of the season.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Augusto (DK $6.3K || FD $11), Dest (DK $3.6K || FD $9)
Corner Takers
- Bayern Munich: Kimmich
- Galatasaray: Akturkoglu
- FC Copenhagen: Goncalves
- Manchester United: Fernandes
- Arsenal: Saka
- Sevilla FC: Rakitic
- PSV Eindhoven: Veerman/Bakayoko
- RC Lens: Thomasson/Frankowski
- Real Madrid: Modric
- SC Braga: R. Horta/Pizzi
- Red Bull Salzburg: Dedic/Gloukh
- Inter Milan: Calhanoglu
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!