UCL DFS Lineup Picks for DraftKings (9/17/24) - Champions League Soccer Matchweek 1

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 Bayern Munich -850 vs Dinamo Zagreb +2000. 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.

UCL DFS Goalies

Lucas Chevalier - DK $4.1K || FD $9

Opponent - Sporting CP

Lucas Chevalier and the rest of Lille are having a mediocre start to their domestic season, with a 2-2 record. They started the season strong with consecutive wins and clean sheets. However, they have fallen slightly with a 3-1 home loss to Paris-Saint Germain, followed by their 1-0 away loss at St. Etienne this weekend.

Many may be skeptical of Lille’s slide in form and Sporting CP’s dominance in the Primeira Liga. However, four of Sporting’s wins were against bottom-five competition, with only the Porto win to speak of. This may lead to Sporting’s stats looking inflated compared to normal, averaging 3.6 Goals Per 90 and 23.2 Shots Per 90. Either way, if Chevalier can stand firm between the sticks, he could make a case for the ‘Value Play of the Slate.’                                                                 

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Neuer (DK $6K || FD $14), Maignan (DK $4.4K || FD $8)

UCL DFS Forwards

Rafael Leão - DK $8K || FD $18

Opponent - Liverpool

Rafael Leão is on fire to start the season despite a drop-off in shot production. The forward, in four domestic matches – three starts – has one goal, two assists, 13 shots, nine created chances, six crosses, three corners, and one tackle. In his first two matches, Leão had one assist and 11 shots. He has one goal, two assists, and two shots in his most recent two fixtures.

His sudden drop in shot production could be linked to his change of position within the formation, moving from an attacking midfielder to a more prominent forward role. Nevertheless, Liverpool’s defense has been shaky to start the season. Despite not being scored on, Liverpool are giving up numerous Chances Against and their opponents are not capitalizing on it. Furthermore, like Sporting CP, Liverpool have not played stout clubs to start the season with their only big win at Old Trafford, 3-0.

AC Milan is tied with Inter Milan for the most Goals to start the season and they are also the third-best in Shots For. As the strongest offense Liverpool will have seen so far this season, Leão and company have a strong chance of scoring multiple goals.                

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Kane (DK $10.4K || FD $23), Trincão (DK $4.7K || FD $16)

UCL DFS Midfielders

Christian Pulisic - DK $8.2K || FD $16

Opponent - Liverpool

Following Rafael Leão, we have teammate and winger Christian Pulisic. The midfielder and forward is the sole set piece taker for the ‘Rossoneri’. Pulisic is also expected to see Liverpool fullback Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has struggled defensively over the past few seasons.

In the winger’s first four domestic matches, he has two goals, two assists, eight shots, 13 created chances, 27 crosses, 12 corners, and eight tackles. Combining his early season production, his role for AC Milan, and his opposition, Pulisic could become one of the top players on the slate.                                                                

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Olise (DK $10.2K || FD $16), Pote (DK $7.5K || FD $13)

UCL DFS Defenders

Maximillian Mittelstädt - DK $2.7K || FD $10

Opponent - Real Madrid

Maximillian Mittelstädt’s salary may be the most baffling on the slate. The fullback, who is crucial for Stuttgart’s defense and offense and will play a pivotal role in their matchup against Real Madrid, is under $3K on DraftKings. Even if he does not reach double-digit fantasy points, he will still be valuable.

In his first three domestic matches – two starts –, he has one shot, three created chances, nine crosses, eight tackles, one interception, and three blocks. Mittelstädt will be active the entire match, chasing down Real Madrid’s attack and racking up defensive peripherals.                                               

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Robertson (DK $5.9K || FD $14), Gudmundsson (DK $4.3K || FD $9)

Corner Takers

• Bayern Munich: Kimmich
• Dinamo Zagreb: Baturina/Ristovski
• AC Milan: Pulisic
• Liverpool: Robertson/Alexander-Arnold
• Sporting CP: Goncalves(Pote)/Trincao
• Lille: Zhegrova/Haraldsson
• Real Madrid: Modric/Rodrygo
• VfB Stuttgart: Rieder/Millot

Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!

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