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MATCHES (EDT)
3:45 p.m: Manchester United v. Sevilla
3:45 p.m: Roma v. Shakhtar Donetsk
FORWARDS
Romelu Lukaku, MANU v. SEV ($12,500): He needs to score in order to meet value, but there is a very good chance that he does. Lukaku has scored eight goals in his last 12 matches to go along with two assists. His holdup play has been in question throughout the season, but his composure in front of goal has been a quality that has won over some of the Manchester United fans of late. It might not be the pretties thing to watch when he is on the ball, but he gets the job done, and that is good enough for fantasy purposes.
Edin Dzeko, ROMA v. SHK ($10,500): The primary goal scorer for Roma is Dzeko, who is rested after serving a domestic suspension this past weekend. He bagged a brace in his last start, which came against Napoli, so he has his scoring boots on, and in one of his biggest games of his career, it is hard to see Dzeko not getting on the score sheet. The Roma game also has a greater chance of becoming a one-sided match, which would directly benefit Dzeko as the center forward.
Diego Perotti, ROMA v. SHK ($8,500): Picking two Roma forwards is not out of the question, as the match could turn out to be dominated by the Italian side. The Manchester United-Sevilla game could be very tightly contested with few goals and limited opportunities, and if this is the case, the Roma stack would probably put you ahead of Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez owners.
MIDFIELDERS
Radja Nainggolan, ROMA v. SHK ($8,500): Home teams are typically the teams to choose from in these situations, and in this particular context it holds true, as both teams need to score in order to advance to the next round. Nainggolan is a hybrid between a No. 10 playmaker and a box-to-box midfielder, as he gets plenty involved on the defensive end while providing attacking potential. He has set up three goals in the last two games, so he is trending in the right direction, and in a position where there is not much to choose from, he becomes the top option at midfielder for this slate.
Juan Mata, MANU v. SEV ($8,500): Mata got the nod last time out against Sevilla likely due to his experience in La Liga after playing four seasons with Valencia. He was not able to do much in the first leg, but a return home and a different team mentality should result in more chances. He is a bit of a wildcard play, but the midfield position does not have may safe plays Tuesday, so you may have to roll the dice.
Cengiz Under, ROMA v. SHK ($7,000): Under is the top value play at midfield, as he is simply too cheap. He has scored six goals in the last seven competitions after scoring just once in his previous 18, so it is safe to say he is on a bit of a roll. He lines up on the right wing, where he creates loads of chances in the final third with his pace and power, giving him plenty of opportunities to pay off his salary.
DEFENDERS
Aleksandar Kolarov, ROMA v. SHK ($7,500): Kolarov is one of the most attack-minded fullbacks in the world, and his left foot allows him to send plenty of balls into the box, which have resulted in eight assists to go along with three goals in 37 games this season. Like over the weekend, Kolarov is often assigned corner kick and set piece duties, which gives him an added ability to earn an assist. He will likely share set piece duties with Perotti, so he will not be alone on set piece situations, but it is an added advantage that no other defender on this slate can offer.
Antonio Valencia, MANU v. SEV ($6,500): The three homes fullbacks, Kolarov, Valencia and Ashley Young are, by far, the top options at the defender position. Both home teams, Manchester United and Roma, will be on the front foot, while the away teams will be sure to not leave any openings in the defense, so both Shakhtar Donetsk and Sevilla are likely to command their players to stay back and defend. Therefore, there should be a lack of room for the home attacking players to work with, which should force the fullbacks to get involved in the attack. There are sure to be plenty of balls swung in by these fullbacks, and there may even be some extra room for shots on target as well.
Ashley Young, MANU v. SEV ($6,000): Young took a knock to the head against Crystal Palace two games ago, but his full 90-minute performance against Liverpool over the weekend signals his status as ready to play. The Red Devils will need their leftback to get up the flank on many occasions throughout Tuesday's match, as Sevilla are almost certain to deploy the typical Spanish defensive structure that has brought so much success to La Liga sides in recent years.
GOALKEEPERS
Alisson, ROMA v. SHK ($5,000):David de Gea ($6,500) could prove to be a better investment, but it is possible that Alisson matches de Gea's score, which would result in $1,500 extra to spend on field players. De Gea was forced to stand on his head in the first leg, as Sevilla searched for a lead at home, but now at home he is not likely to be forced to make as many saves. Therefore, if Alisson maintains the clean sheet, and makes a few saves, he is likely to have as much, if not more than the Man United keeper.
