FanDuel Fantasy Soccer: Wednesday UCL Targets

MATCHES (EDT)

• 4:00 pm: Liverpool vs. Atlético Madrid
• 4:00 pm: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Borussia Dortmund

For detailed stats and odds, check out the

FanDuel Fantasy Soccer: Wednesday UCL Cheat Sheet

FORWARDS/MIDFIELDERS

Neymar, PSG v. DOR ($23): Picking the correct PSG players is the biggest test for Wednesday's slate. I trust PSG a bit more than Liverpool in what is expected to be a higher-scoring match, especially if the Parisians grab an early goal. The main difference between Neymar and Kylian Mbappe ($22) is that the former takes set pieces, which is why he creates a few more chances when both are in the starting XI. The ideal move is to stack them to guarantee you don't pick the wrong player. If you only have room for one, Mbappe has more upside, averaging almost three shots on goal per 90 minutes, while Neymar has a higher floor because he's creating at least three chances every match in addition to similar goal odds. Mbappe has a sore throat and didn't train this week, so there's a chance he isn't asked to go the full 90. If you want to go another route, Angel Di Maria ($16) and Edinson Cavani ($15) are worth looks in GPPs.

Mohamed Salah, LIV v. ATM ($20): In truth, I'm not big on either of the top Liverpool players because neither has shown much of a floor, at least not in the same boat as Neymar or Mbappe. I was set to write about Sadio Mane ($18) because he's cheaper and they tend to score in the same match, but I think Salah's floor will be a touch higher in this one. Atletico are expected to sit back the majority of the way and hope for a scoreless draw, which could lead to set pieces and chances for Salah. As for Mane, a lot of his production comes on the counter ,as he's better in the run of play, something that may not happen in this matchup (and why he had zero points in the first leg). The only way Atletico start pressing is if Liverpool score two early goals, and I'm not sure I'd bet on that with how they're playing. Liverpool are the biggest favorite, so it makes sense to grab one of these guys and I'm going Salah. Of course, don't be surprised when Roberto Firmino ($16) bags a brace on a couple rebounds. 

Thomas Partey, ATM at LIV ($12): This is a simple cash play if you need to save money. Thomas had at least 10 fantasy points in each of his last five starts from 18 tackles, six interceptions and four clearances. He managed a floor of 18.8 fantasy points in the first meeting when Liverpool had 73 percent possession, and it's possible the same thing happens. Thomas doesn't have upside in his defensive role, but you know you're going to get something from him, unlike Koke ($14) or Angel Correa ($10) on the wings. While I backed Saul Niguez ($14) in the first leg, I'm not sure he's worth the extra cash in this situation.

Erling Haaland, DOR at PSG ($19): Unlike the other match when Liverpool need two goals to advance, PSG will have the away-goal edge if they score first against Dortmund. But no matter how that plays out, there will be opportunities for Haaland in front of net. Whether it's PSG pressing and leaving Dortmund with counter chances or if Dortmund need to push for a goal in the second half, Haaland will be there to goal poach. The youngster has 11 goals in nine appearances for Dortmund and it wouldn't feel right if he didn't find the back of the net in a Champions League match. Given the price, he's someone I'd turn to if you're not buying into Liverpool scoring a couple goals. If you don't like goals, Jadon Sancho ($16) may have a slightly higher floor and saves you some money, while Thorgan Hazard ($13) is a bit of a stretch.

DEFENDERS

Kieran Trippier, ATM at LIV ($11): It's a rare sight when Trippier is priced as one of the cheaper defenders on a slate. He didn't play in the first leg, but his backup Sime Vrsaljko had 11.5 points and Renan Lodi ($14) had 21.0 points on the other side. While Trippier is known for getting up the field, he'll likely sit back in this match, and it helps that he averages 5.49 combined tackles, interceptions and clearances per 90 minutes in La Liga play. Throw in some upside in case Atletico get a couple corners on the counter-attack, and he's a slightly better play than Stefan Savic ($13) and Felipe ($12) at center-back. On the other end, Trent Alexander-Arnold ($15) should rack up corners and will probably create more chances, but he costs a lot and is unlikely to accrue as many defensive stats.

Dan-Axel Zagadou, DOR at PSG ($8): I got burned by Zagadou in the first meeting, but I think his 3.9 fantasy points was a fluke. More often than not in league play, he's hit a floor of 10 points and has been closer to 15 in most of those situations. There's a chance this comes back to bite me again, but I think it's worth the risk. PSG have forced the third-most clearances in Ligue 1 and are in need of a goal at home. While Zagadou may not get to 20 points, 10 would be enough on this slate. I'm not as confident in everyone else in this range like Joe Gomez ($10), Lukasz Piszczek ($9) and Thilo Kehrer ($8), so why not use the cheapest defender who is also an underdog?

GOALKEEPER

Adrian, LIV v. ATM ($10): Adrian is the biggest favorite and because of that, he'll be the most popular goalkeeper no matter the type of game. I don't trust him as a goalkeeper, but I wouldn't count on Atleti scoring in the fourth minute again. The downside with Adrian is that he probably isn't going to make many saves, so if he allows a goal, his value will be gone. The other selling point is that Atletico have scored 11 goals in 13 away league matches. If you're fading Liverpool, Jan Oblak ($12) is a viable pivot, and I probably wouldn't spend $14 on Keylor Navas.