This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Soccer series.
ODDS REPORT
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Gianluigi Buffon, JUV v. DZG ($7,100): This seems too easy, but when is anything too easy? Buffon doesn't have a clean sheet in his last three starts, but Zagreb haven't scored in five UCL matches. That trend should continue with Juve still needing three points to win Group D. He probably won't get many saves (he didn't have one in their previous meeting), but a clean sheet is good enough.
DEFENDER
Felipe, POR v. LEI ($5,400): Leicester already won the group and have nothing to play for, while Porto could still be overtaken by Copenhagen. Porto have recorded five straight clean sheets in all competitions and that's about all that needs to be said for Felipe, and then throw in all the clearances and interceptions he's usually good for and he's a great, cheap option. He actually has the second-most clearances in Champions League play, so his pricing slightly doesn't make sense.
Wendell, BAY v. MON ($6,400): I had Djibril Sidibe in this spot, but Monaco are resting him, and so a much cheaper Wendell gets the call for Leverkusen in a match they only need a draw from. Wendell should get the start as they have other defensive injuries and neither side will be inspired to score.
Daniele Rugani, JUV v. DZG ($4,700): Due to a vast number of defensive injuries, it looks like Rugani will be called up on the Juve back line. As noted above, Zagreb have yet to score in the group stages.
MIDFIELDER
Danilo Pereira, POR v. LEI ($6,400):Otavio would've been a nice option, but a cheaper Danilo will do. Along the same lines as Felipe, Porto need three points if they want to ensure advancing to the knockout stages. He doesn't score often, but he always gets plenty of clearances in his defensive role. In a match that Porto should have the edge, Danilo is a good bet for another solid outing even without a goal.
Dele Alli, TOT v. CSK ($7,600): Spurs still need points to clinch a spot in the Europa League and CSKA will undoubtedly push forward in hopes of a win. Fortunately, CSKA have already allowed five goals in two road matches in UCL play and while Tottenham have been bad, Alli always seems to do something crazy… good or bad.
Bruno Cesar, SPO v. LEG ($6,500): This match doesn't mean anything and that's usually when goals are scored. Legia have allowed a ridiculous 24 goals in the Champions League and Cesar scored over the weekend in league play. He gets subbed out in a lot of matches, but that should be fine in an up-and-down match with multiple chances.
Corentin Tolisso, LYN v. SEV ($7,100): Lyon will be pushing in this match in need of a two-goal win against Sevilla. In his Champions League appearances, Tolisso has been effective, creating chances with two goals in four starts. In fact, he has the second-most goals scored in league play for Lyon with four.
FORWARD
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, DOR v. RMD ($10,500): There's not much that needs to be said about Aubameyang, who has 15 goals in just 12 league matches and is producing more consistently than Cristiano Ronaldo. For a couple thousand dollars less, this seems like a no brainer. Real Madrid's defense isn't invincible and Aubameyang will surely get multiple shots on target. In their previous meeting, he scored, got three shots on goal and created three chances.
Mario Mandzukic, JUV v. DZG ($7,500): As mentioned above, Juventus would still like the full three points from this match to win the group. They scored four against Zagreb in the last meeting and Mandzukic has scored in four of his last five matches. For a cheaper forward, there aren't many better options.
