FanDuel Fantasy Soccer: Wednesday UCL Targets

For detailed odds and stats, check out the Fantasy Champions League: Wednesday Cheat Sheet.

MATCHES (EDT)

3:00 p.m: Atletico Madrid v. Club Brugge
3:00 p.m: PSV Eindoven v. Inter Milan
3:00 p.m: Borussia Dortmund v. Monaco
3:00 p.m: Tottenham v. Barcelona
3:00 p.m: Napoli v. Liverpool
3:00 p.m: Porto v. Galatasaray

FORWARDS

Antoine Griezmann, ATM v. BRU ($12,500): Greizmann is the only high-priced forward I'm considering, at least in cash games. His floor is around 15.00 fantasy points, averaging 1.44 shots on goal and 2.25 chances created per 90 minutes, but those numbers should be boosted at home against Brugge. Greizmann is behind only Lionel Messi ($13,500) in terms of anytime goal scoring odds, and I don't want to back the Barcelona superstar on the road for $1,000 more. It's the same situation for every other high-end forward, with Harry Kane ($12,000) going against Barca in a depleted Spurs side. Griezmann has a good floor, and he's made the score sheet in all but two matches this season, both away from home.

Marco Reus, DOR v. MCO ($10,500): Dortmund are smaller favorites than Atletico, but they're also expected to score more goals and Reus is most likely to find the back of the net. I'm tentative on Paco Alcacer ($6,500), but if he starts, he could easily match whatever Reus does for much cheaper. Still, Reus is more likely to play a full 90 and when Dortmund score, he's usually involved, as he had six shots on goal and five chances created in the last two matches. Dortmund surprisingly struggled against Brugge, but Monaco aren't playing well and only have three points from their last eight matches in all competitions. Reus at least has a good floor, whereas others in this range are goal dependent like Diego Costa ($10,000), or in tougher matchups like Roberto Firmino ($11,000) and Ousmane Dembele ($10,000).

Mauro Icardi, INT at PSV ($8,500): I considered Matteo Politano ($8,000) in this spot, but he played a full 90 over the weekend while Icardi was rested. Icardi has almost the same odds to score as Kane and Luis Suarez, in addition to a more reasonable price. Still, Icardi is goal dependent. and if he doesn't score, he may only have a shot or two on target for 10 points. That's the risk you take with cheaper forwards, though there are others like Hirving Lozano ($7,000) who have better floors as creators.

MIDFIELDERS

Philippe Coutinho, BAR at TOT ($11,000): Midfielder is a mixed bag, but if you go cheap at one of your forward spots, Coutinho makes sense even in a difficult matchup. No matter the situation, Coutinho's held a solid floor with 2.08 shots on goal and 2.27 chances created per 90 minutes in league play. Tottenham have numerous injuries and they also tend to disappoint in Champions League, most recently giving up two late to Inter. The price is kind of high for being at Wembley Stadium, but I don't like any of the other top options available, especially with Mohamed Salah's ($10,500) recent struggles.

Christian Pulisic, DOR v. MCO ($8,500): Pulisic doesn't cost much for an attacking midfielder who will get chances on a team with the most expected goals. Since returning from injury, Pulisic has two goals, one assist, four shots on goal and four chances created in four appearances. He hasn't been as involved as Reus, but he's at least a regular in the starting XI unlike Jadon Sancho ($5,500), who could be a popular punt if he makes the squad.

Gaston Pereiro, PSV v. INT ($7,000): Like most of PSV, Pereiro's numbers in league play are juiced, but he still managed two shots and a chance created in the loss to Barcelona. Inter are not Barcelona, and this match could be a lot more competitive for PSV, which should lead to more opportunities for their attack. Pereiro is one of the main set-piece takers for PSV and that should lead to a decent floor. At this price, you can't get many other relevant midfielders because most of them play in defensive roles. Rodrigues ($7,000) could be more popular after he scored in the opener, though Galatasaray may have trouble finding the back of the net on the road in Porto.

DEFENDERS

Serdar Aziz, GAL at POR ($5,500): Aziz had eight clearances in a 3-0 win against Lokomotiv, so with Galatasaray an underdog against Porto, it's logical to think he could reach double-digit clearances. While he probably won't get a clean sheet, his floor is higher than any of the defenders on favorites like Juanfran and Gerard Pique at the same price. Of course, as a centerback on an underdog, he doesn't have much upside, so he's more useful in cash games.

Davinson Sanchez, TOT v. BAR ($5,500): Sanchez should start with Jan Vertonghen injured, and he probably won't be a popular play as an unexciting centerback. However, he's had at least six clearances in his last three starts and has a floor around 10 fantasy points. That number could also jump against Barcelona since they're in the top three in La Liga in clearances, tackles and interceptions allowed. Throw in Tottenham's injuries and the back line could be battered all match.

Benoit Poulain, BRU at ATM ($4,500): Atletico should be on the attacking end most of this match, and that means a lot of work for Poulain and company. Poulain is the cheapest expected starter on the Brugge back line and had four clearances and three interceptions against Dortmund in their opening UCL match. In a more difficult situation on the road, he could increase those numbers. Plus, Atletico have given up the second-most clearances in La Liga. If you have the money, teammate Matej Mitrovic ($5,500) is the safer play as Brugge's center player in a three-man back line.

GOALKEEPER

Jan Oblak, ATM v. BRU ($5,500): Since Oblak isn't the most expensive goalkeeper, this is an easy pick because he has the best odds to win and get a clean sheet. Atletico are back in form and Oblak hasn't allowed a goal in the last three matches, including one at Real Madrid. If you need to save money, Iker Casillas ($5,000) and Jeroen Zoet ($4,500) should both make a few saves and neither are certain to allow a goal.