This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EST)
2:45 p.m: Borussia Dortmund v. Benfica
2:45 p.m: Barcelona v. Paris Saint-Germain
GOALKEEPER
Roman Burki, DOR v. BEN ($6,400): Burki comes in as the least expensive expected starting goalkeeper, and while the Dortmund defense hasn't been great this season, they've still managed to post clean sheets in two of their last three domestic matches. Meanwhile, Benfica have the lowest expected goals, and a clean sheet isn't out of the question.
DEFENDER
Thiago Silva, PSG at BAR ($6,600): With Barcelona expected to attack as much as possible in order to make up a four-goal deficit, Silva will have a ton of opportunities to rack up the defensive stats. In fact, center-back partner Marquinhos ($6,100) is also worth consideration, though Silva has a bit more goal upside despite Marquinhos finding the back of the net in his last Ligue 1 appearance.
Nelsinho, BEN at DOR ($6,000):Nelsinho is a do-it-all defender, as he is second on the team in tackles, third in clearances and second in chances created. Dortmund are expected to continue attacking heavily (they've put 32 shots on goal in their last three Bundesliga matches), which should give Nelsinho plenty of opportunities to add to his defensive totals.
Lukas Piszczek, DOR v. BEN ($6,600): Piszczek's value depends heavily on where he starts, as he doesn't have nearly as much upside playing at center-back as he does at right-back. He's played the former in the last two Bundesliga matches but showed his promise in his previous three starts at right-back, with two goals, one assist and six chances created. If he's out wide and not part of a three-man back line, he could be a valuable option in the excellent Dortmund attack.
MIDFIELDER
Marco Verratti, PSG at BAR ($7,300): Verratti was excellent in the first leg, finishing with one assist, four tackles, four fouls drawn and two interceptions. With Barcelona expected to attack heavily in order to make up their four-goal deficit, he should get plenty of opportunities to rack up the defensive stats. However, if PSG want to push forward, he can contribute there too, as evidenced by his eight chances created in their last two Ligue 1 matches (four in each). In fact, he comes in with four assists in his last six domestic matches, though he's very light in the shot department.
Erik Durm, DOR v. BEN ($5,700): It took quite a bit of time for Durm to get a spot in the starting XI for Dortmund, but he's shown recently why he deserves it, putting up an assist in back-to-back Bundesliga matches on five chances created. He's also willing to put the work in defensively, which gives him a decent floor for a moderately priced midfielder. With Dortmund needing to make up a deficit at home, Durm should be busy throughout the stat sheet.
Raphael Guerreiro, DOR v. BEN ($6,500): While Durm has a solid floor, Guerreiro bests him in upside, as the latter comes in with two goals, one assist and six chances created in his last three Bundesliga starts. He is questionable to play because of a thigh injury, but he is worth serious consideration if he starts, especially since he could be on corners and free kicks in the absences of Marco Reus ($9,200) and Mario Gotze ($8,100).
Andrija Zivkovic, BEN at DOR ($5,000): Zivkovic has been playing out on the left wing and gotten a start as Benfica's no. 10 of late, and while his stats don't jump off the page, he's been an integral part of their attack. He's a heavy crosser, which can put him in position to create chances, and while he is not a high-volume shooter, his price is reasonable enough that he doesn't need a huge score to make value.
FORWARD
Lionel Messi, BAR v. PSG ($12,700): Barcelona have to make up a four-goal deficit, so you'll probably want exposure to the best goal-scorer in the world. Just an idea.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, DOR v. BEN ($10,900): Aubameyang was held to a dreadful 1.25 fantasy points in the opening leg, but he also missed a sitter that would have pushed him over the 20-point mark. He's been electric in his last two games, scoring four goals on 13 shots (seven on goal), and he comes in with the best goal-scoring odds on the slate.
Pizzi, BEN at DOR ($8,000:Pizzi leads Benfica in chances created and he's second in shots. While their attack isn't going to light the world on fire, Pizzi is likely to be involved if something does happen.
