
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 Ten, Day Two! Today's top favorite is Bayern Munich -135 vs Bayern Leverkusen +360. I will guide you through this three-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.
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UCL DFS Goalies
Lukás Hrádecky - DK $4K || FD $8
Opponent - at FC Bayern München
Value at the goalkeeper position is not cut and dry today. Further investigation is needed to find a matchup to exploit. Dating back a year, Bayern Leverkusen has shut out Bayern Munich in three of their four meetings. Their most recent matchup was a 0-0 draw in February.
Lukás Hrádecky has been a key factor in each matchup and has been a key player again this season. The goalie has produced 18 saves and conceded two goals over his last five appearances in all competitions. As the least-salaried goalie on the slate, Hrádecky has a significant opportunity to reach value.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Wojciech Szczęsny (DK $5.3K || FD $11) at SL Benfica
- Alisson Becker (DK $4.6K || FD $9) at Paris Saint-Germain
UCL DFS Forwards
Raphinha - DK $10K || FD $24
Opponent - at SL Benfica
Raphinha remains the key catalyst for offensive production at FC Barcelona. The winger now has one goal, one assist, 14 shots, seven chances created, 30 crosses, 13 corners, three tackles, one interception, and two clearances. He is also the only forward-eligible player on the slate with a solidified, guaranteed floor.
SL Benfica has the worst defense on the slate. Whether Raphinha produces a point or not, he is still projected to reach value, thanks to Benfica’s leaky defense. Expect the winger to be among the highest-owned players at any position on the slate in ‘CASH’ contests.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (DK $7.8K || FD $20) vs. Liverpool FC
- Patrik Schick (DK $6.8K || FD $16) at FC Bayern München
UCL DFS Midfielders
Michael Olise - DK $8.8K || FD $20
Opponent - vs. Bayern Leverkusen
The midfielder position can go a few ways on the slate. Some may pay up for bigger, more prominent names, and others may ‘punt’ to spend the extra salary elsewhere. Nevertheless, Michael Olise is the featured midfielder. Throughout his last five fixtures in all competitions, he has three goals, 13 shots, 11 chances created, 21 crosses, 12 corners, six tackles, three inceptions, and two clearances.
Bayern Leverkusen will not be an easy matchup, especially when they play a 3-4-2-1 formation. In Olise’s only match against the visitors this season, he produced three shots, five crosses, two corners, one tackle, and one interception. With the recent news that Bayern Munich and Joshua Kimmich may cut ties, Michael Olise could garner an even bigger role.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Florian Wirtz (DK $7.4K || FD $21) at FC Bayern München
- Orkun Kökçü (DK $6.2K || FD $18) vs. FC Barcelona
UCL DFS Defenders
Álex Grimaldo - DK $5.9K || FD $15
Opponent - at FC Bayern München
Bayern Leverkusen is going to rely heavily on Álex Grimaldo in this fixture. The wingback will be tasked with shutting down Michael Olise, mentioned above. Grimaldo will also be relied on offensively. He is the leading set piece taker for Bayer Leverkusen and carries open-play value.
Bayern München will prove difficult, especially at home. Nevertheless, Grimaldo is expected to reach value. He will also draw in high ownership in ‘CASH’ contests.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (DK $5.8K || FD $13) at Paris Saint-Germain
- Alejandro Balde (DK $3.4K || FD $7) at SL Benfica
Corner Takers
- FC Bayern München: Olise/Kimmich
- Bayern Leverkusen: Grimaldo/Wirtz
- SL Benfica: Orkun Kökçü
- FC Barcelona: Raphinha
- Paris Saint-Germain: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia/Ousmane Dembélé
- Liverpool FC: Trent Alexander-Arnold/Andrew Robertson
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!