RADIO
Welcome back to “The Kick-Off” and welcome to the 24-25 Champions League season! After a few weeks of domestic play and waiting for the International Break to end, the Champions League is finally here. Many clubs have made big moves this offseason to help bolster their cup chances. Can Borussia Dortmund make back-to-back appearances in the final? Can Bayern Munich make their long-awaited return to the Champions Lounge? For that and more, make sure to use Rotoballer as your one-stop shop for the Champions League season!
The top favorite this week is Celtic -360 vs SK Slovan Bratislava +1000. I will guide you through this four-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
Yann Sommer - DK $3.8K || FD $9
Opponent - Manchester City
There is no clear underdog with the chance of an upset win on today’s slate. However, Inter Milan’s 3-5-2 formation could prove harder to break down than the opponents Manchester City has faced so far in the early season. Yann Sommer and the ‘Nerazzurri’ have had questionable form to start the season, opening with a 2-2 draw versus Genoa, followed by two consecutive clean sheets and, most recently, a 1-1 draw with Monza.
Inter Milan is the second-best in Chances Created Against Per 90 and the best in Big Chances Created Against Per 90 to start the season. Meanwhile, Manchester City is first in every meaningful statistic so far. The Etihad is not for the faint of heart, but if Inter Milan and their back three can hold their ground, Sommer has a path to value.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Schmeichel (DK $5.9K || FD $13), Mignolet (DK $4.4K || FD $10)
UCL DFS Forwards
Bradley Barcola - DK $6.9K || FD $17
Opponent - Girona
Bradley Barcola may give Maxim De Cuyper – mentioned later –, a run for his money as the highest-owned player on the slate. The winger is expected to start at left wing for the French giants who happen to be the second-largest favorites, playing host to a struggling Girona side. Girona is in the bottom half of the La Liga in all meaningful metrics against Per 90 and they just go done losing 4-1 at Barcelona at the weekend. Meanwhile, Paris-Saint Germain is first in all meaningful metrics Per 90 in Ligue One.
Barcola himself has three goals, nine shots, one created chance, one cross, and five tackles in his first four domestic matches – three starts – so far this season. Relying on goals and assists is the last thing anyone should ever do. However, in an optimal matchup at home and priced under $7K on DraftKings, Barcola is well worth the dart throw.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Dembélé (DK $10.6K || FD $21), Palma (DK $8.6K || FD $15)
UCL DFS Midfielders
Pascal Groß - DK $7.5K || FD $17
Opponent - Club Brugge
This is only the second match away from the Westfalenstadion for Pascal Groß and Dortmund, drawing 0-0 at Werder Bremen in week two. Clubbed Brugge will not go away easily, especially as the hosts. Compared to expectations, the Belgium giant started the season poorly but has since gained steam, coming off back-to-back clean sheets.
Despite the matchup, Groß is the sole set piece taker for Dortmund, and in his first three domestic fixtures, he has one assist, three shots, 11 created chances, 27 crosses, 20 corners, two tackles, and one interception. Sitting under $8K on DraftKings, Groß is projected to see high ownership, making him a ‘MUST’ in ‘CASH’ centric contests.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): De Bruyne (DK $10.8K || FD $22), Tolic (DK $4.8K || FD $8)
UCL DFS Defenders
Maxim De Cuyper - DK $3.6K || FD $9
Opponent - Dortmund
Despite the opponent, Maxim De Cuyper is on pace to be the highest-owned player on the slate at any position. The fullback for Club Brugge is their leading set piece taker and is known for his two-way play on the left flank.
Similar to yesterday’s slate, there are a handful of defenders who can all exceed value and it is a matter of selecting the right combination. In a match that should see plenty of back-and-forth, expect De Cuyper to surpass value.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Hakimi (DK $6.4K || FD $15), Johnston (DK $3.1K || FD $10)
Corner Takers
- Celtic: Johnston/Taylor
- SK Slovan Bratislava: Tolic
- Club Brugge: De Cuyper
- Borussia Dortmund: Groß
- Manchester City: De Bruyne
- Inter Milan: Dimarco/Calhanoglu
- Paris-Saint Germain: In-Lee/Dembélé
- Girona: Tsygankov/Groeneveld
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!
