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Welcome back to “The Kick-Off,” and welcome to the 24-25 Champions League season! The Champions League is back, and with domestic play at the weekend, squad rotation is inevitable! 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!
Let’s kick off Matchweek Seven! Today's top favorite is VfB Stuttgart at SK Slovan Bratislava +1100. I will guide you through this seven-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.
UCL DFS Goalies
Lucas Chevalier - DK $3.7K || FD $7
Opponent - Liverpool
There are a few options in the net today when assessing the goalkeeper position for value. However, Lucas Chevalier stands out as the most optimal. Chevalier has 11 saves, five conceded goals, and one clean sheet throughout his last five starts in all competitions.
Lille are not conceding enough shots to even out their goals against on a given night and Liverpool is nearly as dominant in Goals Per 90 as they are in Shots Per 90. This ultimately comes down to the recent form for Chevalier and the match script.
Lille will be on defense for the majority of the match, leading to a projected high shot total from Liverpool. If the keeper can lock in early, he could maintain value and more.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Peña (DK $5.4K || FD $11), Di Gregorio (DK $5.1K || FD $11)
UCL DFS Forwards
Noa Lang - DK $9K || FD $18
Opponent - Crvena Zvezda
Noa Lang has become the ‘go-to’ option in the attack for PSV Eindhoven. The winger has produced one goal, one assist, 11 shots, seven created chances, 35 crosses, 19 corners, five tackles, and two interceptions over his six Champions League contests this season.
Lang and the rest of PSV Eindhoven now get arguably the best matchup of the slate, traveling to Rajko Mitić Stadium. Crvena Zvezda, or Red Star Belgrade, is the second-worst club in all of Champions League play this season in all metrics against Per 90. Lang also has the majority of set pieces for the visitors, creating a ‘safe’ floor. The attacker will have many opportunities to produce the best performance of the slate.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Raphinha (DK $9.4K || FD $23), Undav (DK $6.9K || FD $20)
UCL DFS Midfielders
Angelo Stiller - DK $5.6K || FD $19
Opponent - SK Slovan Bratislava
The midfield maestro known as Angelo Stiller is coming off a big performance against SC Freiburg at the weekend, where he produced two assists, two created chances, six crosses, four corners, two tackles, and two interceptions.
Those were his first points in five matches in all competitions. In that time frame, he has two assists, 13 created chances, 20 crosses, 14 corners, 10 tackles, five interceptions, and seven clearances.
Like Noa Lang of PSV Eindhoven, Stiller and VfB Stuttgart are in a prime matchup. SK Slovan Bratislava is the worst club in all metrics against Per 90 this season in the Champions League.
Despite the matchup, ceiling performances are hard to come by for the midfielder and this matchup is no different. He is considered an ‘optimal’ play in ‘CASH’ contests due to his role on set pieces and his salary, but he is a riskier option in GPPs.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Groß (DK $5.9K || FD $16), Koopmeiners (DK $5.4K || FD $16)
UCL DFS Defenders
Álex Grimaldo - DK $6.1K || FD $16
Opponent - Atletico Madrid
This matchup is projected to be one of the lowest fixtures on the slate. Both clubs are powerhouses and can also play stingy defense. Enter in Álex Grimaldo. The versatile wingback is in charge of set pieces for Bayern Leverkusen and has generated one goal, one assist, seven shots, 11 created chances, 31 crosses, 17 corners, five tackles, three interceptions, and six clearances throughout his last five starts in all competitions.
Atletico Madrid does not concede many chances or crosses from the flank. However, Grimaldo is a difference-maker in that position and, at times, is matchup-proof. There are a few other defense options with similar floors and ceilings if Grimaldo’s salary is too much. Although, if running a three defender lineup, he is a ‘MUST’.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): De Cuyper (DK $5.4K || FD $13), Bakker (DK $3.2K || FD $10)
Corner Takers
- Atletico Madrid: Griezmann
- Bayern Leverkusen: Grimaldo
- SL Benfica: Di María
- FC Barcelona: Raphinha
- Bologna FC: Miranda/Lykogiannis
- Borussia Dortmund: Groß/Brandt
- Club Brugge: De Cuyper
- Juventus: Koopmeiners
- Crvena Zvezda: Elšnik
- PSV Eindhoven: Lang
- Liverpool: Alexander-Arnold
- SK Slovan Bratislava: Tolic
- Vfb Stuttgart: Stiller/Führich
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!
