FanDuel Fantasy Soccer: Tuesday UCL Targets

For detailed odds and stats, check out the Fantasy Champions League: Tuesday Cheat Sheet.

MATCHES (EDT)

3:00 p.m: CSKA Moscow v. Real Madrid
3:00 p.m: AEK Athens v. Benfica
3:00 p.m: Manchester United v. Valencia
3:00 p.m: Bayern Munich v. Ajax
3:00 p.m: Lyon v. Shakhtar Donetsk
3:00 p.m: Roma v. Viktoria Plzen

FORWARDS

Edin Dzeko, ROMA v. PLZ ($10,500):Robert Lewandowski ($13,000) is the obvious option, but he costs a ton and Dzeko isn't far behind with the second-best odds to score on the slate. It's been a slow season in terms of scoring for Dzeko, with only one goal, but as seen in the Real Madrid match when he had two chances created and one shot on goal, his floor is as good as any forward. Roma have a good chance to score multiple goals against a Viktoria Plzen side that gave up two at home against CSKA two weeks ago, and Dzeko is also a hands-down better option than both Romelu Lukaku ($12,000) and Karim Benzema ($10,500).

Memphis Depay, LYON v. SHK ($9,000): Memphis isn't producing at the same rate as last season (19 goals, 13 assists), but that could change soon as he's averaging 1.35 shots on goal and 5.05 chances created per 90 minutes. He assisted against Man City and is now home against Shakhtar, who gave up two goals to Hoffenheim in their first group stage match. Even if he doesn't make the score sheet, getting a shot on goal and a few chances created should result in 15 fantasy points at a minimum. Thomas Muller ($10,000) is intriguing if he starts against Ajax, but that's not a guarantee.

Jonas, BEN at AEK ($6,000): This is the ultimate GPP play and pivot away from Mariano ($7,500), who will be on plenty of rosters if he starts for Real Madrid. Jonas recently returned from a back injury and appeared off the bench in the last two league matches. If he makes the starting XI he has the best scoring odds for a Benfica team slightly favored on the road. If he doesn't start, Haris Seferovic ($7,000) is another option, though he costs more and doesn't have as good scoring odds.

MIDFIELDERS

Luka Modric, MAD at CSK ($9,500): It's a tough call between Modric and Toni Kroos ($9,500), but I think Modric may play in more of an attacking role with all of Real's injuries up front. If you want safety, Kroos is the easier play because he's always on corners and set pieces, which will lead to chances created. The potential is at least there for Modric, and if all goes well, he'll repeat what he did against Roma when he had four chances created and two shots on target. Either way, I don't want to touch Paul Pogba ($10,000) or anyone associated with the struggling Red Devils.

Arjen Robben, BAY v. AJA ($9,500): I backed Robben in this spot against Benfica, and even without a goal or assist he still managed 22.3 fantasy points. That floor is reason enough to consider him because he's close to a guarantee to get a couple shots on goal and create a few chances. Bayern are the biggest favorite on the slate and could go off at home against Ajax. Maybe better is that he played just 52 minutes in Bayern's last league match, which means he could be set for another full 90 in the midweek contest. The other midfielders in this range either have lower floors (James Rodriguez, $8,500) or you don't want to trust them playing against Real and Bayern.

Cengiz Under, ROMA v. PLZ ($8,000): I like all of the Roma midfielders because they are vastly underpriced after getting gouged by Real Madrid in their first Champions League match. And while they got out to a slow start in league play, Roma have won their last two by a combined 7-1 score line and are expected to score more goals than Real, according to the odds. As for Under, he plays in more of an attacking role than the other midfielders and is averaging 1.74 shots on goal and 2.49 chances created per 90 minutes in league play.

DEFENDERS

Nacho, MAD at CSK ($5,500):Nacho makes sense as a cheap fullback on one of the bigger favorites. Guys like Dani Carvajal ($6,500) and David Alaba ($7,000) cost more, but Nacho will also get opportunities in the attack, as well as on the defensive end. And as seen with Joshua Kimmich ($6,500) last match (11.9 FP), those guys aren't guaranteed to have huge performances even at a high price. If Nacho doesn't create a chance or get crosses in from the wing, the tackles, interceptions and clearances could still be there for a decent floor, especially playing on the road.

Marios Oikonomou, AEK v. BEN ($5,000): This is somewhat of a gamble because Oikonomou isn't likely to get 13 clearances again, but as an underdog he should see plenty of work and be involved on the back line. At this price, that's a chance worth taking compared to the other options that may or may not crack 10 fantasy points. I considered Chris Smalling ($5,500) and Jerome Boateng ($5,500), but it's unknown how active those guys will be. AEK are the worst team in their group and will be on their back foot in this match, even at home.

Roman Hubnik, PLZ at ROMA ($4,000): If you need to save some money, Hubnik is in the same mold as Oikonomou, as he's going to get work no matter what. Hubnik reached 10.4 fantasy points against CSKA, and that came in one of Viktoria's more favorable matches in group stages. Now as a large underdog against Roma, Hubnik should rack up even more clearances and defensive stats. Not only is his floor around 10 fantasy points, but if Roma pressure all match that could lead to bigger numbers.

GOALKEEPER

Odisseas Vlachodimos, BEN at AEK ($4,500): The odds for Benifca to get a clean sheet aren't much different than those of Real Madrid and Roma, yet Vlachodimos is one of the cheaper goalkeepers. Manuel Neuer ($6,000) is the best play, but I'm not spending that much on my goalkeeper. Even if Vlachodimos doesn't get a clean sheet, Benfica are at least a small favorite, and he should make a couple saves, unlike Neuer.