This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Soccer series.
MATCHES (EST)
- 3:00 pm: Atalanta vs. Real Madrid
- 3:00 pm: Mönchengladbach vs. Manchester City
FORWARDS
Raheem Sterling, MCI at BMG (€28): With Karim Benzema injured and Sergio Aguero still on the mend, Sterling emerges as the forward to pay up for Wednesday. To make his case, he's scored four goals and added two assists across his last six outings. Strike partner Gabriel Jesus (€21) didn't start against Arsenal on Sunday, but he makes for a strong play at a nice discount compared to Sterling if he re-enters the starting lineup.
Luis Muriel, ATA vs. RMA (€17): Muriel isn't guaranteed to start, but given his recent form he's one to watch for when lineups drop. He's scorching hot with three goals and two assists in limited minutes over his last three games. His mid-range price would certainly help to build around, just make sure he's in before plugging him into your tournament-winning lineup.
Mariano, RMA at ATA (€11): Mariano brings the salary relief at a near-minimum price. There's no skipping around the fact that he was putrid in a spot start for the injured Benzema on Saturday, but if he's back in the lineup Wednesday, he's a viable tournament dart-throw to free up funds to spend elsewhere.
MIDFIELDERS
Kevin De Bruyne, MCI at BMG (€28): De Bruyne has been lackluster by his standards in two appearances since returning from a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for five games. Despite the lack of production, on a two-game slate, he's still easily one of the most attractive plays on the board. A potential minutes limit is a valid concern, but considering he hasn't played more than 63 in his last three outings, he should be in good shape to turn in his usual strong shift.
Jonas Hofmann, BMG vs. MCI (€21): Opposite of KDB is Hofmann, who could be forced to help Monchengladbach play catch-up if City play to their full potential. Hofmann stands over the majority of set pieces and turned up with an assist in Bundesliga action over the weekend. The matchup is tough, but anything is possible in the Champions League, and if the German side is indeed playing catch-up, it might not hurt having exposure to their attack as they'll have no other option.
Josip Ilicic, ATA vs. RMA (€20): Ilicic has some set-piece appeal with Alejandro Gomez out of the picture, and he does enough in open play to put his name on the radar on a two-game slate. He bagged the match-winner against Liverpool in his last UCL start, and with Atalanta looking to start hot, Ilicic will be a key part of the attack Wednesday.
DEFENDERS
Robin Gosens, ATA vs. RMA (€16): Gosens is priced too cheaply for the attacking output he's capable of supplying. He's scored two goals and produced one assist in his last four appearances, running his haul up to seven goals and four assists on the season. Considering Real Madrid are without their top goal-scoring threat, Gosens is well-positioned to make an impact on both ends of the field.
Joao Cancelo, MCI at BMG (€18): Cancelo gives us a steady dose of attacking upside combined with exposure to the projected best defense on the slate. He's hammered two shots in two straight appearances, and with City projected to be attacking heavily to get a leg up, he's in a good spot to punch out a strong score.
Berat Djimsiti, ATA vs. RMA (€14): He's not quite bargain bin cheap, but Djimsiti is priced low enough to deserve consideration on a slate where value could be tough to come by. He provided an assist this past Sunday, and while that kind of attacking production can't be relied on, Djimsiti typically provides a dusting of defensive stats to supply a serviceable score. As always, be sure to look for any values that arise upon starting lineup announcements.
GOALKEEPER
Ederson, MCI at BMG (€19): Ederson and Manchester City have the best clean sheet odds of the four teams on the slate. He's in good form with two shutouts in his last three outings, and he kept four clean sheets in five UCL appearances leading up to the Round of 16. Paying up for the hot hand is a fine strategy with a lack of appealing options elsewhere.
