FanDuel Fantasy Soccer: Wednesday UCL Targets

MATCHES (EDT)

• 3:00 pm: FC Porto vs. Liverpool
• 3:00 pm: Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur

For detailed stats and odds, check out the FanDuel Fantasy Soccer: Wednesday UCL Cheat Sheet.

FORWARDS

Sergio Aguero, MCI v. TOT ($12,000): This is a complete chalk play, but there aren't many other options on the two-match slate. Aguero is likely to start against Tottenham, who have given up two goals in six of their last seven away matches in all competitions. Man City's only non-win at home since September was a 3-2 loss against Crystal Palace. It only makes sense to use Aguero in cash games with the best odds to score on the slate. I'd put Roberto Firmino ($11,000) in the mix, but he went up $2,000 since the first leg, so there's no value in backing him at Porto.

Moussa Marega, POR v. LIV  ($9,500): There is a route in which you can save money at both forward spots and that starts with Marega, who managed a floor of 15 fantasy points in the first meeting from three shots on goal. That came after scoring in his previous six Champions League matches. Liverpool get the benefit of sitting back and playing defensively in the second leg, but Porto were in a similar situation against Roma and won 3-1 in extra time after being down a goal in the first leg. Even if Marega doesn't make the scoresheet, he'll at least get opportunities in an attacking role. The same can't be said about teammate Tiquinho ($7,500), who barely saw the ball in the first meeting.

Lucas Moura, TOT at MCI  ($8,000): The other value play at forward is Moura, who scored a hat trick over the weekend. He could be a little too popular because of his price, but he's mostly a GPP play with a floor likely under 10 points. Since Spurs are already up a goal, I think Moura will get the start over Fernando Llorente ($8,500), who is more expensive. The hope for Moura is that he gets released on some counterattacks and can get a couple shots on target, at a minimum. It's hard to expect a goal in this spot, but the possibility is at least there.

MIDFIELDERS

Kevin De Bruyne, MCI v. TOT ($9,000): De Bruyne didn't start the first leg, but he could provide the best value Wednesday, especially if you use Aguero. De Bruyne has at least three chances created in his last six starts, including 12 in his last two. This matchup is a little more difficult, but Man City are the biggest favorite and De Bruyne should get plenty of corner and set-piece opportunities. Raheem Sterling ($11,000) has more upside, as seen in a recent brace, but his floor is usually lower than De Bruyne's and I'm not willing to spend the extra money on him. If you want to fade Man City, you could easily roster both Sadio Mane ($10,000) and Mohamed Salah ($9,500), though that may not be the best bet since their floors are under 10 points. and that's what they finished with in the first leg.

Otavio, POR v. LIV ($8,000): If you aren't big into Liverpool, Otavio is a reasonable mid-range midfielder with some upside and a decent floor. He had just 6.9 points in the first leg, but that number could be double at home, whether through more chances created or tackles. He had a floor of 25.7 points in the second leg against Roma, and you don't have to worry about him being subbed too early. I'd have Jesus Corona ($7,500) in this spot, but he's dealing with a bad ankle, while I don't have much faith in Son Heung-Min ($8,500) or Christian Eriksen ($8,000) producing at the Etihad.

Fernandinho, MCI v. TOT ($5,500): There are a slew of viable defensive midfielders, but if Fernandinho starts, he has the best floor of them all. He's usually good for 10 fantasy points, including 14.7 in the first leg. There's a chance Fabinho ($5,500) gets more work if Liverpool sit back, while Naby Keita ($7,000) costs a little too much after scoring last match. If you want a complete punt, Yacine Brahimi and Victor Wanyama may start for $4,500, though both have a floor around five points.

DEFENDERS

Benjamin Mendy, MCI v. TOT ($5,000): Mendy returned to the starting XI over the weekend for the first time since November. If he starts again, it'll be hard to pass on him at $5,000 considering he was one of the highest-priced defenders when healthy, often reaching a floor of 10 points to go with assist upside. Unfortunately, there aren't many cheap defenders on the slate, so if he doesn't start, you'll likely have to choose between Joel Matip ($5,000) or Danny Rose ($5,000). I'd put Matip slightly ahead only because he has better odds for a clean sheet.

Pepe, POR v. LIV ($4,500): Pepe should return to the starting XI following suspension and is the best option at $4,500 since Kyle Walker doesn't have much of a floor. Pepe could be chalky because of his price, but he's not an exciting play with a floor just under 10 points, not much better than Walker. If you want Aguero, you'll likely have to save money somewhere and that means using at least one cheap defender. 

Alex Telles, POR v. LIV ($6,500): If you have the money, I think Telles is the play over Trent Alexander-Arnold ($7,500) and Kieran Trippier ($7,000). He didn't play his best in the first leg, finishing with 6.9 fantasy points while dealing with a hip injury. He went the full 90 in a match he didn't have to play in Saturday, so expect a little more activity in the second leg to go with hopefully a few more set pieces. If you don't have money for him, I'd use Andrew Robertson ($5,500) again, who is the cheap version of Alexander-Arnold because he doesn't take corners. 

GOALKEEPER

Ederson, MCI v. TOT ($5,500): These two-match slates are brutal in terms of finding a goalkeeper, especially if you don't like spending up at the position. Ederson has the best odds to win and secure a clean sheet and goes against a Harry Kane-less Tottenham side. As long as Man City win, he should score above 10 fantasy points, with 20 the goal at this price. Otherwise, you could try Iker Casillas ($4,500) as the cheapest option, though only if you fade Liverpool's main attackers. I can't bring myself to back either of the away goalkeepers, especially with Alisson Becker at $6,000.