This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EDT)
- 3:00 pm: Barcelona vs. Napoli
- 3:00 pm: Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea
For detailed stats and odds, check out the
FORWARDS/MIDFIELDERS
Robert Lewandowski, BAY v. CHE ($22): Bayern are already up three goals in the tie, but that doesn't stop Lewandowski from having more than a 70 percent chance of scoring. In addition to being one dollar cheaper than Lionel Messi, he's averaging more than one goal per match this season and Chelsea closed the campaign with major defensive issues, culminating in an FA Cup loss to Arsenal. Lewandowski had one goal and two assists in the first meeting and is always a threat to bag a hat trick, meaning it won't be easy to fade him. Given the Chelsea defense, it makes sense to stack a few Bayern players in cash games, and that could be the most popular route with Serge Gnabry ($19) and Thomas Muller ($17) the next most-expensive options. While Ivan Perisic ($10) could start for the injured Kingsley Coman, he could also be subbed off after 60 minutes and is least likely of Bayern's attacking players to hit the score-sheet. Otherwise, Joshua Kimmich ($14) could be a chalk play with Lewandowski, mainly because he's on set pieces.
Lionel Messi, BAR v. NAP ($23): Because of cheaper starters like Perisic, there's a route in which you can get Lewandowski, Messi and Luis Suarez ($20). Messi will likely be the second-most popular player behind Lewandowski, and there's no harm in paying an extra dollar for him. He was contained in the first meeting as he produced just three shots (one on target) and two chances created. This matchup was oddly defensive in the first meeting, as the teams combined for just six shots on target, and there's a chance it plays out in a similar way Saturday, which would limit Messi's floor again. Unlike Lewandowski, it's easier to fade Messi after he totaled 10 shots on target in his final eight league matches of the season. However, if you use Messi, it makes sense to stack him with Suarez, who isn't far behind in terms of goal odds. Those two are by far the best plays for Barcelona, as almost everyone else in the squad is hit-or-miss or reliant on defensive stats. Even if Antoine Griezmann ($18) starts, he's struggled most of the season and doesn't have much of a floor. The difference for Griezmann is that he's a perfect GPP play because not many will look his way.
Mason Mount, CHE at BAY ($14): If you think Chelsea have a chance and plan on attacking the entire way, Mount is a solid option because he'll be on set pieces without Willian. Mount was awesome in the league finale, compiling one goal and one assist from two shots and four chances created. Even with just one corner in the first meeting, Mount managed 13.6 fantasy points from a variety of stats, including some defensive numbers. The downside is that Chelsea could again get dominated and then someone in the same range (like Perisic or Kimmich) makes the score-sheet. If you really like Chelsea, both Tammy Abraham ($17) and Olivier Giroud ($15) are fairly cheap, mainly because they're reliant on goals and it won't be easy breaking down the Bayern back line. Outside of defensive midfielders, Ross Barkley ($8) is only worth a look since he allows you to spend up at other places.
Lorenzo Insigne, NAP at BAR ($14): Surprisingly, Napoli have a similar implied goal total to Chelsea even though they played Barcelona tight in the first meeting. That said, there is a world in which Napoli walk away with an away win after Barcelona gave up the La Liga title after play restarted. Dries Mertens ($17) is most likely to score for Napoli and scored in the first meeting, while Insigne has a slightly higher floor from playing on the wing. Insigne is returning from a thigh injury, but he's training in full and should be in his usual role after reaching a 15.8-point floor in the first leg. Jose Maria Callejon ($14) is the other set-piece taker, but he's unlikely to go a full 90 and didn't close the season on the best note. Napoli didn't do a ton in the first meeting and had just 33 percent of the possession, yet stacking Insigne and Mertens makes sense for GPPs. As for cash games, the best bet is Insigne with the hope he reaches the same floor as the first leg.
DEFENDERS
Antonio Rudiger, CHE at BAY ($7): Making things worse for Chelsea is that their back line could feature three center-backs, with one of them playing as a full-back out of necessity. That likely means another start for Rudiger, who is the cheapest defender on the slate and had a floor of 10 points the first meeting. The most popular route may be a stack of Rudiger and Andreas Christensen ($8), who are both expected to start in central roles. While Chelsea are down three goals, the defenders should still see plenty of action because it's not like Bayern will sit back and accept the blows.
Alphonso Davies, BAY v. CHE ($15): With the two matches expected to produce a few goals, I'd rather spend on a full-back than a center-back who may or may not rack up defensive stats. That leads to Davies, who should see defensive action but also use his speed to attack on the counter against possibly Reece James ($12). Davies is coming off an awesome campaign with Bayern, and his upside is worth backing after totaling three goals and five assists in league play. If you don't have that kind of money, James is a slightly cheaper option who will see similar action on the other side of the field. Chelsea need to push forward, and that could lead to attacking opportunities as well as defensive ones for James.
GOALKEEPER
Alex Meret, NAP at BAR ($9): The best goalkeeper route is Manuel Neuer ($14), but he's a bit expensive, and while he could rack up saves against Chelsea, he could also allow multiple goals, in turn not being worth the price. Meret doesn't have great odds, but it wouldn't be surprising if he held a clean sheet and made a few saves against Messi. Barcelona scored more than two goals in just two of their final nine league matches, and while Messi is a threat, Napoli contained him in the first meeting. If you're backing Messi and Suarez, Marc-Andre ter Stegen ($12) is a better play, while you're playing with fire with Wilfredo Caballero ($7).
