This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
For detailed odds and stats, check out the Fantasy Champions League: Wednesday Cheat Sheet.
MATCHES (EDT)
2:45 p.m: CSKA Moscow (Russia) v. Manchester United (England)
2:45 p.m: Juventus (Italy) v. Olympiacos (Greece)
2:45 p.m: Sporting CP (Portugal) v. Barcelona (Spain)
2:45 p.m: FC Basel (Switzerland) v. Benfica (Portugal)
2:45 p.m: Atletico Madrid (Spain) v. Chelsea (England)
2:45 p.m: Paris Saint-Germain (France) v. Bayern Munich (Germany)
2:45 p.m: Anderlecht (Belgium) v. Celtic (Scotland)
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Gianluigi Buffon, JUV v. OLY ($6,000): Juventus are far and away the biggest favorite on the slate at home against Olympiacos, hence why Buffon is priced at a premium. As we saw with yesterday's Champions League results, the big favorites on the slate turned in strong fantasy totals and Buffon is positioned to do the same.
Igor Akinfeev, CSK v. MUN ($4,000): Akinfeev has a combined 50 fantasy points over his last three UCL appearances, albeit against lesser competition than Manchester United. Obviously playing an elite team, even at home, carries the risk of being lit up, but we've seen before when the cheapest goalkeeper on the slate stands on his head and puts up a giant score out of nowhere. He's likely to face multiple shots from Romelu Lukaku and Co., giving Akinfeev an opportunity to collect points through saves if he's up to the task.
DEFENDER
Daley Blind, MUN at CSK ($5,600): Blind has been in and out of the Manchester United lineup, but he played 90 minutes in their UCL opener and is projected to start in Moscow. When he's in the lineup he's regularly hitting double-digit fantasy points, as his fantasy appeal is bolstered by his share of set pieces.
Dani Alves, PSG v. BAY ($5,000): Alves has topped double digits in six of his last seven starts across all competitions. While he faces tougher competition in Bayern Munich on Wednesday, Alves should be active in a game that has the makings to be highly contested throughout, presenting the Brazilian the opportunity to get involved going forward, as he likes to do.
Rafinha, BAY at PSG ($4,000): While teammate Joshua Kimmich possesses more fantasy upside in general, Rafinha is capable of turning in a respectable fantasy score for $1,000 less. Rafinha reached 14 fantasy points against Anderlecht through a combination of shots, crosses, tackles and interceptions, and he should be active per usual against PSG.
MIDFIELDER
Lionel Messi, BAR at SPO ($11,400): Messi bagged a brace and hit 35 fantasy points against Juventus in Barca's Champions League opener, and he now matches up with a weaker Sporting side. He served up a reminder of his limitless ceiling with a 57-point explosion against Eibar two games ago, and with 100 career Champions League goals in sight, I don't expect Messi to slow down anytime soon.
Paulo Dybala, JUV v. OLY ($10,600): Dybala managed 11 fantasy points in a tough matchup at Barcelona to kick off the tournament, but he gets a better matchup at home against Olympiacos on Wednesday. He's putting up video game numbers in league play, hitting 39 points this past Saturday and 41 two games before that. Look for Dybala to carry that form over to Champions League play, giving him GPP-winning upside if he turns up with another mammoth point haul.
James Rodriguez, BAY at PSG ($7,200): Despite no goals or assists, James racked up 16 fantasy points in 85 minutes against Anderlecht in their Group B opener. Bayern is on the road against a tougher opponent in PSG, but in a game featuring lots of firepower, James should see his usual helping of shots and crosses to turn in a worthy fantasy score regardless if he scores or not.
*All midfielders listed above have multi-position eligibility and offer valuable flexibility as you can plug them in where needed.
FORWARD
Gonzalo Higuain, JUV v. OLY ($8,600): Higuain's numbers have been meager in September, but we can look past that with Olympiacos presenting a prime opportunity to get back in the goal-scoring column. We've seen it before when Higuain shows up with a multiple-goal outing, and while he's a goal-dependent forward, he's in a spot to open his Champions League account in a big way, making him for a good GPP play.
Leigh Griffiths, CEL v. AND ($5,800): Griffiths struggled to six fantasy points in a tough opening match against PSG, but he should have more opportunities to get back to double digits at Anderlecht on Wednesday. He's Celtic's main set piece taker and accumulates points through shots and crosses, and with a reasonable price he is back in play in a game that could turn into a back-and-forth affair.
Andrija Zikovic, BEN at BAS ($5,100): Zikovic sent in 10 crosses and assisted Benfica's lone goal to come away with 20 fantasy points in a 2-1 loss to CSKA Moscow to start the tournament. He's on a share of set pieces for Benfica, and in what should be a contested match throughout, Zikovic makes for a decent value at the position and is worthy of consideration in both cash games and GPPs.
