This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Soccer series.
For detailed odds and stats, check out the Fantasy Champions League: Tuesday-Wednesday Cheat Sheet
MATCHES (EST)
2:45 p.m: Benfica v. Borussia Dortmund
2:45 p.m: Paris Saint-Germain v. Barcelona
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Ederson Moraes, BEN v. DOR ($6,700): No team has better than 30 percent odds for a clean sheet, which is understandable now that we've reached the knockout stage of the Champions League. Paying up for Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen makes sense in a vacuum, but spending $7,400 will make it difficult to pay up at other positions. Benfica come in having allowed only 12 goals in 21 Primeira Liga matches this season, including six in 11 home games. Meanwhile, Dortmund should be firing shots throughout, but Ederson is solid enough to rack up enough saves to offset any goals allowed.
DEFENDER
Presnel Kimpembe, PSG v. BAR ($5,000): With Thiago Silva ($6,400) ruled out because of a muscular injury, Kimpembe could get the start alongside Marquinhos ($6,3000). Kimpembe started PSG's last two Ligue 1 matches, and he finished with a game-high 10 clearances Friday against Bordeaux. With Barcelona visiting Parc des Princes, there will likely be plenty of opportunities for clearances, interceptions and blocked shots.
Victor Lindelof, BEN v. DOR ($5,000): Lindelof leads Benfica in clearances this season, while Dortmund have forced the second-most clearances in the Bundesliga, trailing league-leaders Bayern Munich by two (500 to 498). Lindelof's fantasy upside is fairly limited, but his price for a defender is very attractive against a Dortmund side that will be trying to snatch an away goal in the first leg of their matchup.
Raphael Guerreiro, DOR at BEN ($6,000): Whle Kimpembe and Lindelof are defensive-minded defenders, Guerreiro is the opposite, as he has actually been lining up in the midfield of late. He has been taking a few corners, and he scored his third league goal of the season this past weekend against Darmstadt. If there is one knock on his upside, it's that he hasn't played more than 77 minutes in his last three starts, but his upside may be higher than most at his position even in limited time.
MIDFIELDER
Angel Di Maria, PSG v. BAR ($7,800): The matchup against Barcelona is admittedly not the easiest, but Di Maria is enough of an impact player to still contribute. He's been particularly strong of late during Ligue 1 play, with one goal on six shots on target, one assist and five chances created in his last two matches. He came off after 63 minutes during Friday's game against Bordeaux, but still managed the goal and assist before coming off. Again, the matchup is far from easy, but the salary isn't nearly high enough to warrant fading the former Real Madrid player.
Marco Reus, DOR at BEN ($8,900): The most expensive midfielder on the slate, Reus has been excellent in his two Champions League appearances this season, scoring two goals and assisting another against Legia Warsaw back in November and then scoring again at Real Madrid the following month. He's taken on a few free kicks of late, and he continues to be active in the attack, putting four of his 10 shots on goal in his last four Bundesliga matches while creating six chances over that span. Dortmund may be the away side in this one, but they are still favored and figure to go all-out in attack to try and nick at least one away goal.
Eduardo Salvio, BEN v. DOR ($6,500): Dortmund may be favored, but they are hardly a defensive juggernaut, as seen when they allowed four goals to Legia Warsaw (granted, it was an 8-4 win). Salvio is very much a strong part of the Benfica attack, as he's third on the team in shots and shots on target and second in chances created. His upside isn't nearly as high as teammate Pizzi, but he's still a solid piece for a relatively light salary.
FORWARD
Lionel Messi, BAR at PSG ($13,200): Messi's salary is massive, but he also has multiple Champions League games with more than 80 fantasy points (not a typo). If you don't think he's the best player in the world, you think he's the second-best, and the other guy isn't playing Tuesday.
Pizzi, BEN v. DOR ($6,700): As mentioned above, Dortmund are hardly a strong defensive team, which should firmly put Pizzi in play, as he leads Benfica in shots, shots on target, assists and chances created. He hasn't been quite as good during Champions League play, but against arguably the weakest defensive side on the slate, he's well worth consideration for the second forward spot.
Edinson Cavani, PSG v. BAR ($10,500): Just kidding.
