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? Unlike the majority of slates where this article is more cash-centric, this slate is going to dive deep into GPP territory. With multiple fixtures a toss-up, to ship contests, either people will play safe and hope for little to no goals or they will make riskier lineups.
The top favorite this week is Manchester City -320 vs RB Leipzig +800. I will guide you through this six-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.
Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 10% off using code BALLER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!
UCL DFS Goalies
Goalies
Nick Pope - DK $4K || FD $9
Opponent - Paris Saint-Germain
Nick Pope is expected to see more shot volume than most keepers on the slate thanks to his matchup against French giants, PSG. Pope and the rest of the Magpies are coming off a big 4-1 win at home over Chelsea in the Premier League and in his last five domestic fixtures, he has a 3-1-1 record with 19 saves, 5 goals conceded and 2 clean sheets. Despite PSG boasting a dangerous offense, they struggle at times against a stingy defense. This will reward Pope with more Out Of the Box Shots than anything else or very sloppy shots within the 18-yard box. At almost minimum salary for a keeper of his talent, Pope could potentially break the slate.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Racioppi (DK $5.1K || FD $10), Kobel (DK $4.3K || FD $9)
UCL DFS Forwards
Meschack Elia - DK $6.4K || FD $19
Opponent - Crvena Zvezda
With teammate Cedric Itten out with a foot injury, it is almost certain that Meschack Elia will be in the starting XI when Young Boys play host to Crvena Zvezda. In four appearances in the Champions League this season, Elia has 2 goals, 6 shots, 6 created chances, 7 crosses, 1 corner, 2 tackles and 2 clearances. The visitors have conceded 6 goals in two away matches thus far. Will their bleeding stop or will Elia and the constant pressure from Young Boys crack them wide open?
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Alvarez (DK $9.2K || FD $22), Isak (DK $6.3K || FD $17)
UCL DFS Midfielders
Julian Brandt - DK $8K || FD $20
Opponent - AC Milan
Julian Brandt has been a massive part in Dortmund’s success this year so far with 4 goals and 5 assists in 12 appearances – 10 starts – in the Bundesliga. Over his last five domestic appearances – 4 starts –, he has 2 goals, 1 assist, 4 shots, 12 created chances, 22 crosses, 17 corners, 2 tackles and 2 interceptions and in three appearances in the UCL, he has 1 goal, 6 shots, 11 created chances, 19 crosses, 17 corners, 3 tackles and 6 clearances. AC Milan is struggling in all facets of the game right now and despite the match being away, Brandt and company will have plenty of opportunities to get the first crack.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Stengs (DK $7.3K || FD $20), Ugrinic (DK $5.8K || FD $18)
UCL DFS Defenders
Theo Hernandez - DK $5.6K || FD $15
Opponent - Borussia Dortmund
Hernandez may not have the peripherals many search for when selecting a fullback, however, he has the matchup and the peripheral potential if you will. Hernandez depending on the game situation and lineup at times will take a share of the set-pieces and with the lack of offense lately from the hosts, Hernandez has also been seen further up the pitch. With an expected back-and-forth game with Dortmund, Hernandez could see plenty of action on the ball at both ends of the pitch. Over his last five domestic fixtures, he has 1 goal, 1 assist, 6 shots, 9 created chances, 12 crosses, 4 corners, 7 tackles, 3 interceptions, 9 clearances and 1 block.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Trippier (DK $7.5K || FD $14), Simakan (DK $2.8K || FD $11)
Corner Takers
- Manchester City: Alvarez
- Red Bull Leipzig: Raum
- Feyenoord: Stengs/Paixao
- Atletico Madrid: Griezmann
- Paris Saint-Germain: Dembele
- Newcastle United: Trippier
- AC Milan: Pulisic/Hernandez
- Borussia Dortmund: Brandt
- BSC Young Boys: Ugrinic/Elia
- Crvena Zvezda: Kanga/Bukari
- FC Barcelona: Gundogan
- FC Porto: Eustaquio
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!