UCL DFS Lineup Picks for DraftKings (9/19/23) - Champions League Soccer Matchweek 1

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 Manchester City -1800 vs Crvena Zvezda +4100. 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 Twitter @df_solutions, or in our Discord chat rooms.

UCL DFS Goalies

Goalies

Joe Hart - DK $3.9K || FD $8

Opponent - Feyenoord

The confused looks are already beginning and the article just started. Many will be deterred by Feyenoord's strong showings recently, winning by a combined score of 17-3 in their last three domestic fixtures – Almere City, FC Utrecht & Heerenveen –. However, the first two clubs mentioned both sit at the bottom of the Eredivisie with only Heerenveen a 'worthwhile' victory. Celtic on the other hand is also undefeated in domestic play and also lost their only competitive match in Cup play – 1-0 at Kilmarnock –. They are coming off a massive 1-0 away win over rivals Rangers FC though. With numerous big names to pay up for to open up the 23-24 Champions League campaign, Hart offers plenty of salary relief with the potential to pull off a big performance.                         

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): ter Stegen (DK $5.9K || FD $13), Costa (DK $5.4K || FD $10)

UCL DFS Forwards

Julian Alvarez - DK $8.1K || FD $22

Opponent - Crvena Zvezda

This is a MUST in all contests. Alvarez has essentially taken over set-pieces for Manchester City with teammate Kevin de Bruyne on the mend from an early season injury. In his first five domestic appearances this season, he has 2 goals, 3 assists, 16 shots, 16 created chances, 30 crosses, 17 corners, 3 tackles and 1 interception. The Citizens are expected to bag at least three goals in their Champions League home debut and expect Alvarez to be a big part of it.                    

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Dembele (DK $10.2K || FD $21), Griezmann (DK $9.3K || FD $19)

UCL DFS Midfielders

Ivan Jaime - DK $3.9K || FD $6

Opponent - Shakhtar Donetsk

At every position, there are plenty of big names to pay up for as previously mentioned above and there are spots where it will be a requirement to pay down for salary relief. Jaime is the ‘perfect’ spot to do just that. The winger has been taking the bulk of the set-pieces as of late for FC Porto and the same should be expected here. In just two domestic fixtures this season – 1 start –, he has 2 shots, 14 crosses, 8 corners and 2 tackles. Despite FC Porto playing away, they are still favorites and Jaime should see plenty of opportunities from the flank.                                                

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Stengs (DK $8.4K || FD $17), Gundogan (DK $6.9K || FD $18)

UCL DFS Defenders

Alistair Johnston - DK $3.1K || FD $7

Opponent - Feyenoord

Yes, Kyle Walker is only $400 more expensive on DraftKings and everyone is wondering why he is not the featured defender instead of Johnston. Throughout Walker’s first five domestic appearances this season, he has 2 shots, 7 created chances, 13 crosses, 6 tackles, 1 interception and 5 clearances and in three domestic appearances for Johnston, he has 2 shots, 11 crosses, 2 tackles and 1 interception. Realistically either wingback is worth the play and possibly both are….hint, hint. To conclude, Johnston is more involved in both ends of the pitch for Celtic compared to Walker who is relied on to maintain the backline for Manchester City.                                

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Geertruida (DK $4.6K || FD $14), Walker (DK $3.5K || FD $8)

Corner Takers

• Feyenoord: Stengs/Paixao
• Celtic: O’Riley
• Lazio: Alberto
• Atletico Madrid: Griezmann
• Paris Saint-Germain: Dembele
• Dortmund: Brandt
• Manchester City: Alvarez/Foden
• Crvena Zvezda: Kanga/Bukari
• FC Barcelona: Gundogan
• Royal Antwerp: Balikwisha/Vermeeren
• Shakhtar Donetsk: Zubkov
• FC Porto: Jaime/Galeno

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

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