
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 11, Day One! Today's top favorite is Inter Milan -100000 vs Feyenoord +5000. I will guide you through this three-match slate starting at 4:00 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
Timon Wellenreuther - DK $3.9K || FD $8
Opponent - at Inter Milan
There is one standout option at the goalie position for Matchweek 11 Day One: Timon Wellenreuther of Feyenoord. Despite dropping the first leg at home, 2-0, Wellenreuther managed five saves, including one from the spot. He has 21 saves, 10 conceded goals, and one clean sheet throughout his last five Champions League appearances.
Inter Milan is not a high-shot club, and they are better known for their defensive prowess. However, it is promising that they registered seven shots on target in the first meeting between these two clubs. Considering European play is on the line and Wellenreuther is playing on the road, his chances of at least reaching value are optimal, and that is all you need in ‘CASH’ contests.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Alisson Becker (DK $5.2K || FD $12) vs. Paris Saint-Germain
- Matej Kovár (DK $4.6K || FD $10) vs. FC Bayern München
UCL DFS Forwards
Ousmane Dembélé - DK $10K || FD $22
Opponent - at Liverpool FC
Ousmane Dembelé is coming off a big bench performance in the 4-1 road win at Roazhon Park. The striker and playmaker produced two goals, five shots, and two chances created. Over his last five fixtures–four starts–in all competitions, he has four goals, one assist, 25 shots, 11 chances created, 25 crosses, 20 corners, one tackle, two interceptions, and one clearance.
Liverpool has done well mitigating Goals Against Per 90 in all competitions this season, and it showed in their 1-0 road win at Parc des Princes. However, if Dembélé and company want to move on, he must have a big performance. As the leading set-piece taker in a club needing to win by more than one goal, Dembélé is the top forward-eligible player, especially in ‘CASH’ contests.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Anis Hadj Moussa (DK $5.7K || FD $14) at Inter Milan
- Amine Adli (DK $4.9K || FD $13) vs. FC Bayern München
UCL DFS Midfielders
Hakan Çalhanoğlu - DK $8.2K || FD $20
Opponent - vs. Feyenoord
It is imperative to roster players on set pieces on smaller slates, especially in ‘CASH’ contests. Enter Hakan Çalhanoğlu. The veteran playmaker has returned to his leading role on set pieces with teammate Federico Dimarco injured. In the former’s last five matches–three starts–in all competitions, he has one goal, one assist, eight shots, 10 chances created, 30 crosses, 21 corners, three tackles, eight interceptions, and two clearances.
There is one issue with Çalhanoğlu’s floor and ceiling. Inter Milan already won the first leg, and they are playing at home. They may choose to sit back more than normal and give Feyenoord possession. This would impact the midfielder’s floor and potential ceiling. Nevertheless, as the only midfield-eligible player on the slate with complete control over set pieces, Çalhanoğlu offers the most optimal outcome.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Michael Olise (DK $9K || FD $21) at Bayern Leverkusen
- Jakub Moder (DK $3.2K || FD $15) at Inter Milan
UCL DFS Defenders
Álex Grimaldo - DK $5.5K || FD $15
Opponent - vs. FC Bayern München
Bayern Leverkusen is now down Florian Wirtz, heading into a crucial second leg against Bayern München. It is projected that Álex Grimaldo will take on more responsibility. The wingback who is currently playing as a left-midfielder in a 4-4-2 formation has one assist, three shots, 11 chances created, 42 crosses, 21 corners, two tackles, two interceptions, and 10 clearances.
Bayern München is neither a defensive stronghold nor a cakewalk. However, they are coming off a shocking 3-2 home loss to VfL Bochum at the weekend. Will they bounce back, or will Grimaldo and company get a much-needed win to secure the next stage of the Champions League?
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (DK $6K || FD $14) vs. Paris Saint-Germain
- Carlos Augusto (DK $4.2K || FD $10) vs. Feyenoord
Corner Takers
- Inter Milan: Hakan Çalhanoğlu
- Feyenoord: Anis Hadj Moussa
- Bayern Leverkusen: Álex Grimaldo
- FC Bayern München: Olise/Kimmich
- Liverpool FC: Trent Alexander-Arnold/Andrew Robertson
- Paris Saint-Germain: Ousmane Dembélé
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!