This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Soccer series.
MATCHES (EST)
- 3:00 pm: Liverpool vs. RB Leipzig
- 3:00 pm: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Barcelona
FORWARDS
Lionel Messi, BAR at PSG (€32): Barcelona dug themselves a deep hole by going down 4-1 in the first leg, meaning there's no other choice than for Messi to push for goals from the onset. Let's not forget about the 2017 UCL tie between these two where Barcelona turned a 4-0 first leg deficit around with a 6-1 win in the second to advance to the quarterfinals by a 6-5 aggregate score. If they are to repeat that performance, Messi will need to be scoring early and often, which could lead to a plethora of points if he really gets going.
Kylian Mbappe, PSG vs. BAR (€32): Mbappe ruined Barcelona with a hat trick and 39 points in the first leg, and with Barcelona pushing for goal he's sure to see some opportunities to hit on the counterattack. It's a steep price to pay for both of the superstars, but with some strong potential value plays, there's nothing wrong with having exposure to two of the best players in the world in a potential shootout.
Yussuf Poulsen, RBL at LIV (€15): Poulsen is in fine form with a goal and assist in his last two outings. Red Bull Leipzig face a 2-0 deficit heading into the second leg, so there's little doubt that they'll be pushing for goals from the start. While Poulsen isn't as attractive as some of the other star strikers, his salary savings puts him in the conversation as a value forward or utility play.
MIDFIELDERS
Angel Di Maria, PSG vs. BAR (€27): Di Maria returned from injury in Saturday's Coupe de France match after missing the last month with a thigh injury. When active, Di Maria is PSG's primary set piece taker, and he should assume an even larger role with Neymar still on the shelf. There's some concern that his minutes could be monitored, but even if they are, fantasy players should expect Di Maria to have multiple opportunities to contribute through set pieces or open play with PSG hitting Barca on the counter.
Christopher Nkunku, RBL at LIV (€21): With Angelino ruled out for Wednesday's clash, Nkunku should have ample opportunity to make an impact on set pieces. With Leipzig chasing the game from the opening whistle, look for Nkunku to be active both in open play and on dead balls.
Diogo Jota, LIV vs. RBL (€15): Jota is a strong midfield value considering his role in the Liverpool attack when he's on the field. He recently returned from injury, so we get to take advantage of a suppressed price to help pay up elsewhere. With Roberto Firmino questionable, Jota could see another opportunity to feature in the Liverpool attack.
DEFENDERS
Trent Alexander-Arnold, LIV at RBL (€19): Alexander-Arnold's attacking contributions are on the downturn compared to his last two seasons, but he still holds good fantasy value given the multiple paths he can contribute. He still stands over a healthy share of set pieces and will surely be marauding down the right flank with a spot in the UCL quarterfinals on the line.
Sergino Dest, BAR vs. PSG (€18): Dest's attacking returns have not been great, but he's shown flashes of his ability to make a big impact going forward. Barcelona will have their foot on the pedal from the opening whistle, meaning Dest should be very active on the flank as they push to get back within striking distance.
Nathaniel Phillips, LIV at RBL (€12): Despite being on the wrong end of some ugly results, Phillips has averaged over seven points per game over his last two outings since entering the starting lineup for Joel Matip (ankle). He should continue to see opportunities with Virgil van Dijk also out, and he gives us a viable salary saver at the back.
GOALKEEPER
Marc-Andre ter Stegen, BAR vs. PSG (€14): Barcelona didn't give ter Stegen much help in a 4-1 thrashing by PSG in the first leg. If they have any shot at turning the fixture around they'll need to shore things up at the back and will need ter Stegen to stand tall in goal to keep the series within reach. Considering ter Stegen is still priced as a backup, his savings set him apart from the other options since a case could be made for any of the four goalkeepers.
