This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
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MATCHES (EST)
2:45 p.m: Bayern Munich v. Besiktas
2:45 p.m: Chelsea v. Barcelona
2:45 p.m: Sevilla v. Manchester United
2:45 p.m: Shakhtar Donetsk v. Roma
FORWARDS
Lionel Messi, BAR at CHE ($11,400): Saturday marked the fifth straight match without a goal for Messi, though he did contribute his third assist over that span. While the goalless run is uncharacteristic, there's no need to hit the panic button yet, as Messi has the ability to turn up with a hat trick at any moment. Let's also not forget that Chelsea are just two games removed from suffering a pair of embarrassing defeats to Watford and Bournemouth by a combined score of 7-1. It's a big price to pay, but not many players on this slate -- if any -- are capable of showing up like Messi can.
Robert Lewandowski, BAY v. BSK ($10,200): Despite logging just 11 minutes off the bench Saturday, Lewandowski made it three straight games with a goal when he converted an injury-time game winner from the spot. He's brimming with confidence and the oddsmakers have given him a 73.3 percent chance to score at home versus Besiktas on Tuesday. This is a spot where Bayern could run it up in the first leg to put their stamp on the series at home, putting Lewandowski in place to turn in a multi-goal game.
Diego Perotti, ROM at SHK ($5,800): With Perotti we're getting a set piece taker with forward eligibility at a manageable price. He topped double-digit points in four of five group stage appearances, with a majority of those points coming from crosses, shots and fouls drawn.
MIDFIELDERs
James Rodriguez, BAY v. BSK ($8,100): Pairing James and Lewandowski will be a popular mini-stack, with James providing service and Lewandowski the goals if things go according to plan. James gets a healthy share of set pieces, and with Bayern the biggest favorite on the board by a large margin, we'll want as much coverage as we can get to that attack.
Ever Banega, SEV v. MUN ($6,600): Banega has been dealing with a hamstring injury, but he's back in training and is projected to return to the lineup against Manchester United on Wednesday. He averaged 6.5 crosses per game during the group stage, and with Sevilla looking to take a good result with them back to England we can expect him to be active if he's back on the field. If it turns out he's unable to go, Pablo Sarabia usually splits set pieces with Banega, and he'd be a fine pivot for $500 less.
Cesc Fabregas, CHE v. BAR ($5,400): Due to the daunting fixture with Barcelona, Fabregas is the cheapest he's been this UCL season. He's the preferred set piece taker when he's on the field, and given the stature of the competition we can expect a big effort from Fabregas versus his former employer.
Cenzig Under, ROM at SHK ($5,200): Under's domestic form has been too good to overlook, with a goal in three straight and four goals and an assist over that span. He's taken some corners along the way as well and makes for an interesting tournament play in the $5K-range.
DEFENDERS
Aleksandar Kolarov, ROM at SHK ($6,000): Kolarov played his part in helping Roma advance to the round of 16, contributing a goal and two assists while averaging 16 fantasy points per game over six group stage games. He mostly split corners with Perotti and averaged over six crosses per game in group play, and in what should be a competitive match at Shakhtar, another double-digit outing looks likely.
Sergio Escudero, SEV v. MUN ($4,700): Escudero picks up points on both sides of the ball, and he's consistently dipping into double-digit territory through peripherals alone. He took 10 shots, sent in nine crosses and made 16 interceptions through six group stage games to give you an idea of his ability to rack up points across the board.
Ismaily, SHK v. ROM ($4,200):Ismaily scored the eventual game-winner against Manchester City to help Shakhtar clinch second place in Group F, and he'll continue to present an attacking threat out of the back down the left side of the field. He sent in at least three crosses in five straight UCL matches, and with Shakhtar pushing for a result at home we could see more of the same from the Brazilian.
GOALKEEPER
Thibaut Courtois, CHE v. BAR ($4,400): Recommending a goalkeeper against Barcelona is risky business, but I'm willing to take a shot on a lower-priced Courtois at home in the first leg. Barca have just six goals across their last five outings, and if Chelsea are to make a series out of it they'll have to count on Courtois to make some big saves to pull off a result.
