This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Soccer series.
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MATCHES (EST)
2:45 p.m: Bayern Munich v. Besiktas
2:45 p.m: Chelsea v. Barcelona
FORWARDS
Lionel Messi, BAR at CHE ($13,500): With a lack of quality choices at the forward position, it is tough to ignore Messi. On a two-game slate, he has the ceiling to ruin your team if you fade him, but can you fit him along with a Bayern stack? It depends on who you're willing to fade.
Robert Lewandowski, BAY v. BES ($12,000): Of course, Messi should be considered on every slate, but make no mistake about it, Lewandowski is the top forward Tuesday. Bayern Munich are an overwhelming favorite against Besiktas, and as the leading goalscorer of the team, Lewandowski is very likely to get on the board. Pile on Bayern players, as history, which is filled with Bayern blowouts in the early knockout stages, tends to repeat itself.
Alvaro Morata, CHE v. BAR ($10,500): There is not much of a bargain to find at the forward position Tuesday, so Morata is the next cheapest option. Many of the cheaper players are either unlikely to start or in a tough road matchup, so look to spend up at forward and save elsewhere.
MIDFIELDERS
Arjen Robben, BAY v. BES ($10,500): Robben seems to have lit up at the right time in league play, with the knockout phase of the Champions League now here. The Dutchman had two goals and five assists in his last four apperances for Bayern, after scoring just one goal and providing two assists over a 13-game stretch. He will be a menace all game on the right wing, and his world-class pedigree should shine through, as it usually has in the big moments over the years.
Eden Hazard, CHE v. BAR ($9,500): Chelsea has more or less given the keys over to Hazard over the past few months, with a lack of creativity in the side. The Belgian has moved centrally as more of a true No. 10, and Morata's return to the side should be a boost to Hazard's ability, as it frees up space. Chelsea will need some magic from its No. 10 if it has any chance of prevailing against Messi and Co., and the production will likely come at home, if it does at all. With an exceptionally high usage rate, Hazard should be considered one of the elite plays Tuesday.
Anderson Talisca, BES at BAY ($9,000): If there is one player who is a strong pick against Bayern on Tuesday, it's Anderson Talisca. He is a goal-scoring machine, as his creativity as a box-to-box midfielder allows him to get past defenders and in on goal. He also has a lethal shot from distance, which he will likely test in Tuesday's match given the one-sided nature of the contest. Anderson Talisca will not be intimidated by a clash with the Bavarians; in fact, he is likely out to prove his worth.
DEFENDERS
David Alaba, BAY v. BES ($6,000): Alaba is one of the most talented full backs in the world, and his versatility as a player allows him to get into many positions to either score or create opportunities. He is occasionally assigned over set pieces for Bayern, but his contribution in the run of play is top class. Bayern need as many goals as it can get, so look for Alaba to get up and down the left side all game, which should cause plenty of problems for Besiktas.
Jerome Boateng, BAY v. BES ($5,000): To continue the theme of a Bayern stack, here is a tournament pick from the back line. Boateng has a tendency to get on the end of crosses in games like these. Since Bayern need a comfortable cushion when heading to Turkey for the second leg, head coach Jupp Heynckes will certainly not hold back the troops in dangerous dead-ball situations. Boateng has produced two goals and four assists in 19 games this season, and his ability to set up goals gives him an added consistency that is rarely offered by center backs.
Andreas Christensen, CHE v. BAR ($5,000): Saving up at defender is often a dependable strategy, and it seems to be the way to go Tuesday. Christensen has European experience, and his active play along Chelsea's three-man backline allows him to produce reliable numbers. As a home team, Chelsea will also be looking for an odd goal from its back line, so Christensen should be up in the box on several occasions on Tuesday.
GOALKEEPER
Sven Ulreich, BAY v. BES ($5,500):Manuel Neuer has been out with a foot injury since September, and Ulreich has been the one to fill the void for the world's best goalkeeper. There has not been much of a dropoff for Bayern with Ulreich in net, however, this is the time of the season when Bayern will be tested. With the Bundesliga essentially wrapped up, the Bavarians will direct most of their focus to the Champions League, where things are very much in the balance. Besiktas, however, are one of the biggest underdogs in the knockout stage this season, so the chalk pick at goalkeeper has to be Ulreich, especially at home. Besiktas have the ability to fire plenty of shots on frame, and if Ulreich is able to block them all, he will likely be the top goalkeeper on the slate.
