This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EST)
- 3:00 pm: Lyon vs. Juventus
- 3:00 pm: Real Madrid vs. Manchester City
For detailed stats and odds, check out the
FORWARDS/MIDFIELDERS
Cristiano Ronaldo, JUV at LYON ($21): Wednesday's slate isn't as simple as saying Lionel Messi or Robert Lewandowski. There are a number of routes to take, and my first choice is the player with the best odds to score. The only word to use for Ronaldo is consistent. He's scored in 12 straight matches (11 in Serie A, one UCL), totaling 17 goals in all. The issue is that he isn't creating much for teammates, which limits his floor, especially when he doesn't get more than one or two shots on goal. Either way, Lyon have struggled against top competition, recently allowing four goals to Paris Saint-Germain, as well as at least one goal in each of their three home matches in the UCL group stage. Sergio Aguero ($22) is kind of in the same mold in that he relies on goals, and I'd rather take the player with better odds to score.
Karim Benzema, MAD v. MCI ($20): Benzema is more of a GPP play and a bet I'm willing to make. I don't think Real Madrid should be underdogs in this spot, and while Benzema hasn't been as good as earlier in the season, the upside is there. Questions also remain about Man City's back line, especially if Aymeric Laporte isn't healthy enough to go.
MATCHES (EST)
- 3:00 pm: Lyon vs. Juventus
- 3:00 pm: Real Madrid vs. Manchester City
For detailed stats and odds, check out the
FORWARDS/MIDFIELDERS
Cristiano Ronaldo, JUV at LYON ($21): Wednesday's slate isn't as simple as saying Lionel Messi or Robert Lewandowski. There are a number of routes to take, and my first choice is the player with the best odds to score. The only word to use for Ronaldo is consistent. He's scored in 12 straight matches (11 in Serie A, one UCL), totaling 17 goals in all. The issue is that he isn't creating much for teammates, which limits his floor, especially when he doesn't get more than one or two shots on goal. Either way, Lyon have struggled against top competition, recently allowing four goals to Paris Saint-Germain, as well as at least one goal in each of their three home matches in the UCL group stage. Sergio Aguero ($22) is kind of in the same mold in that he relies on goals, and I'd rather take the player with better odds to score.
Karim Benzema, MAD v. MCI ($20): Benzema is more of a GPP play and a bet I'm willing to make. I don't think Real Madrid should be underdogs in this spot, and while Benzema hasn't been as good as earlier in the season, the upside is there. Questions also remain about Man City's back line, especially if Aymeric Laporte isn't healthy enough to go. Benzema has struggled to get going since injuring his leg early in the year, producing six shots on goal and five chances created in his last five starts; however, sometimes the best players come through in the biggest moments. Kevin De Bruyne ($21) will be plenty popular because of a 20-point floor, but Benzema's goal upside as a home underdog is intriguing. As for someone like Paulo Dybala ($19), I'd probably only use him in a stack with Ronaldo in the case that Juventus score two or three goals.
David Silva, MCI at MAD ($13): UEFA doesn't think Silva will be in the starting XI, but I think Man City will have a lineup similar to the one used against West Ham on Feb. 19. If he doesn't start, make sure to have an extra dollar ready to swap for Bernardo Silva. I prefer David Silva because no one else will be thinking about him. He's quietly been viable when in the starting XI, creating 20 chances and assisting three times in his last six starts. While I don't think Man City should be favored, I think both back lines can be susceptible and Real Madrid have had some recent defensive issues, allowing six goals in their last two home matches. While that goes against me not picking Aguero, you can still get a piece of the Man City attack with a cheaper Silva. If you want to spend a little more, Riyad Mahrez ($17) and Toni Kroos ($17) will get some attention, but I think Silva can reach the same floor as those guys.
Karl Toko Ekambi, LYON v. JUV ($13): If you can get a starting forward at home at this price, you at least have to try. The former Villarreal man has two goals on five shots on target and one assist on seven chances created in six appearances with Lyon. Those aren't huge numbers, but the goal upside is a level above everyone else in this range, and he's even had a 10-point floor when in the starting XI. Similar to Silva, I'd rather save the money on Toko Ekambi, who is getting as many opportunities as teammate Moussa Dembele ($17). If you want to punt on your fourth midfielder, Rodrigo Bentancur ($9) will get you a nice five points.
DEFENDERS
Fernando Marcal, LYON v. JUV ($9): Lyon tested a five-man back line over the weekend, possibly in preparation for this matchup. That formation moves Marcal to center-back, where he had a floor of 18 fantasy points against Metz on Friday. Even as a left-back, he should accrue decent defensive numbers against Juve, who have forced the second-most interceptions in Serie A. Danilo ($9) is also in play as a minimally priced defender, but for him to surpass 10 fantasy points, he'll need a shot on goal or chance created. Otherwise, Marcelo ($11) and Jason Denayer ($10) are possible stacking pieces with Marcal in case you think Lyon will sit back and accept blows from Ronaldo and Company. There isn't anyone who stands out from the expensive defenders, as you'll have to bank on Benjamin Mendy ($14) or Alex Sandro ($13) getting forward in tough situations. And while Sergio Ramos ($14) is always a goal threat, his floor is often around 10-15 points, which isn't worth backing at that price.
GOALKEEPER
Thibaut Courtois, MAD v. MCI ($11): Juventus have the best odds for a clean sheet, but they've also given up at least one goal in each of their last seven away league matches. I'd rather see if Real Madrid can return to form because they've allowed just 17 goals in 25 league matches this season. Courtois doesn't usually make a lot of saves, but that could change against Man City, and I don't think any of the other goalkeepers stand out in a certain category.
