This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
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MATCHES (EDT)
1:00 p.m: Besiktas v. Bayern Munich
3:45 p.m: Barcelona v. Chelsea
FORWARDS
Lionel Messi, BAR v. CHE ($11,000): Messi was given the day off against Malaga this past Saturday, but he's expected to be back in the lineup for Wednesday's second leg versus Chelsea. He scored a massive away goal in the first leg to bring a 1-1 draw back to Camp Nou, so realistically a 0-0 draw would see Barcelona advance on away goals. I don't expect Barcelona to sit back and play for the draw, and if they're going to make no mistake and put the series out of reach, I think we see Messi bag his 99th and ultimately 100th Champions League goal in front of the Barca faithful.
Luis Suarez, BAR v. CHE ($8,700): A Messi outburst could make or break the slate, but let's not overlook Suarez in this spot. He scored a goal over the weekend and is just three games removed from a three-goal, two-assist haul in La Liga action. Surprisingly, he's failed to score in seven UCL appearances this campaign, but his goal scoring pedigree can't be ignored in a game with big implications.
Sandro Wagner, BAY at BSK ($7,400): With a 5-0 lead heading into the second leg, Bayern are expected to hold top scorer Robert Lewandowski out as he's one yellow card away from suspension. Enter Wagner, who's scored a goal in each of his last two starts. While Bayern don't need to score, on a two-game slate he has to be considered as the centerpiece in an attack that hung five goals on Besiktas in the first leg.
MIDFIELDERS
James Rodriguez, BAY at BSK ($7,900):James racked up over eight fantasy points before exiting with a calf injury just before halftime in the first leg. He's been back in full training and projected to re-enter the starting lineup for the second leg in Turkey. While Bayern have a comfortable lead, James would stand over the majority of set pieces and is a strong double-digit point candidate if he's back in the starting XI.
Ricardo Quaresma, BSK v. BAY ($6,700): Quaresma managed just 4.3 fantasy points in an embarrassing first leg loss, and while coming back from a 5-0 result is hardly fathomable, a bounce-back game could be in order. He topped double-digit crosses in four straight UCL games prior to stalling out in the first leg, and if Besiktas want to give their home fans a show as they make their Champions League exit, it's not far fetched to think Quaresma can do it again.
Cesc Fabregas, CHE at BAR ($4,900): Fabregas looks awfully tempting at this price, facing his former club and standing over a share of Chelsea set pieces. We can't expect Chelsea to see too many set-piece opportunities, but dollar-for-dollar Fabregas jumps out as a bargain especially considering they'll be chasing the series from the opening whistle.
DEFENDERS
Joshua Kimmich, BAY at BSK ($7,200): With little to play for, paying all the way up for Kimmich isn't necessary, but on a two-game slate he still offers the highest upside of any defender on the board. With staggered start times we'll know if he's in, and if we think Bayern show no mercy then Kimmich jumps off the page as the top defender.
Caner Erkin, BSK v. BAY ($3,400): Despite a paltry 0.5 fantasy points in the first leg, Erkin has averaged six fantasy points per game over the course of this UCL campaign. He's been good for a small dose of crosses and interceptions each game (less the first leg), and coming in at near minimum price he's worth a roster spot in what should be an open-ended affair.
Adriano, BSK v. BAY ($3,200):Adriano came away with three crosses and 5.3 fantasy points in the first leg, and he's averaged over eight fantasy points per game in two Champions League starts at home. With other defensive options not offering much upside on this two-game slate, I'm fine with taking what I can get from cheap Besiktas outside backs to help us get the heavy artillery we want.
GOALKEEPERS
Fabri, BSK v. BAY ($4,000):Fabri shipped five goals to Bayern Munich in Germany, yet he still managed to come away with four fantasy points via seven saves. With this series all but over, there's really no need for Bayern to keep their foot on the gas pedal in this spot. Even if a $4K Fabri shows up with four points again, it's not going to kill a lineup and his cheap price certainly helps when trying to jam in Barca firepower.
