This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
ODDS REPORT
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
David Ospina, ARS at BAS ($5,100): Arsene Wenger has used Ospina between the sticks for all of their Champions League game this season and there is no reason to think that changes in the second meeting between Arsenal and Basel. In their first game, Arsenal cruised to a win when Ospina made two saves and kept a clean sheet, good for 14 fantasy points.
DEFENDER
Nelsinho, BEN v. NAP ($4,300): If you're looking for a cheap option, Nelsinho may be your best bet. He has started all five matches for Benfica in the Champions league, and is coming off a goal against Besiktas, as well as an assist over the weekend in domestic play. He may not be the brand name defender, but he is good gamble, especially for budget flexibility at midfielder and forward.
Faouzi Ghoulam, NAP at BEN ($5,800): The second highest-priced defender on the slate has been solid throughout Napoli's European campaign. In three Champions League appearances, Ghoulam has crossed the ball 13, 10 and 14 times, respectively. Putting him in your lineup may hurt the availability of high-priced players further up the pitch, but his consistency makes him hard to ignore.
Thomas Meunier, PSG v. LUD ($4,900): This is somewhat of a speculative pick when you consider that Unai Emery hasn't been consistent with his starting outside-backs. Meunier has been solid in both of his Champions League starts, scoring a goal and adding an assist in their matchup with Basel in early November. He could be formidable once again if he receives the starting nod. If he doesn't, Layvin Kurzawa could be given start opposite Serge Aurier.
MIDFIELDER
Ilkay Gundogan, MCI v. CEL ($6,300): After being held out of Saturday's 3-1 loss with Chelsea, it appears that Gundogan should be well rested for the final match of the group stage. He has started all five of the previous group stage matches, with his best performance coming in the 3-1 win over Barcelona in early November when he scored two goals. He's yet to cement himself in Pep Guardiola's Premier League plans, though another solid performance in Tuesday's match could bode well for future playing time.
Goncalo Guedes, BEN v. NAP ($6,800): Guedes hasn't been spectacular in the Champions League, but he's certainly been solid. In the previous meeting with Napoli, Guedes pulled back a consolation goal after going down 4-0. If he can contribute a goal or assist he'll justify his mid-tier value. His eligibility as a midfielder or forward also gives fantasy players a bit of flexibility when building a lineup.
Mesut Ozil, ARS at BAS ($8,300): If you've been following the Champions League all season, Ozil has been hard to miss. Ludogorets are certainly familiar with the German playmaker, as he's racked up four goals and two assists against them, as well as one of the most devastating solo goals thus far in the competition. One thing to keep an eye on will be Arsenal's starting forward, with Alexis Sanchez, Lucas Perez and Olivier Giroud all possible options. Arsenal's attack tends to go through Ozil, making him a quality option on a side with a dangerous attack.
FORWARD
Ricardo Quaresma, BES at DYN ($7,700): The Portuguese international has been one of the most consistent performers in the Champions League, as he has scored at least 14 fantasy points in all five games. Quaresma has contributed to five of Besiktas' eight goals, scoring three to go along with two assists, and his price makes him a fairly safe play if he can fit the budget.
Edinson Cavani, PSG v. LUD ($9,200): Although Cavani isn't cheap, he comes slightly cheaper than the Barcelona and Bayern forwards. The PSG attack is built around him, evidenced by his five goals and one assist in five Champions League appearances. The Parisians will need Cavani at his best in order to finish atop of Group A and their opponent, Ludogorets, have shipped 13 goals through five Champions League matches.
Dmitriy Poloz, ROS at PSV ($5,800): After Rostov sprung a surprising 3-2 win over Bayern Munich in the last round of Champions League matches, further research on the little-known Russian team became necessary. It turns out Poloz has been the one pulling the strings for them all season, as he has four goals and five assists in league play, as well as three goals and two assists in the Champions League. Poloz is Rostov's go-to player and could put you in the black for a very friendly price.
