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Brandon's DraftKings and FanDuel UCL DFS lineup picks for UEFA Champions League Soccer on 11/25/25 (Matchweek 5, Day One). His top daily fantasy soccer forwards, midfielders, defenders, goalkeepers.
Welcome back to “The Kick-Off” and welcome to the 25-26 season! Happy Holidays and Thanksgiving for those who celebrate! With the typical domestic fixtures on the weekend, starting XI rotation is expected. Let's kick off Matchweek Five, Day One!!
The top favorite for today is Manchester City (-400) vs. Bayern Leverkusen (+950). I will guide you through this seven-match slate starting at 3:00 P.M. EST on Wednesday, November 25.
If you have any questions on today's slate, bankroll management, GPP strategy, Cash game strategy, or anything else, don't hesitate to contact me at [email protected], via X @df_solutions, or in our Discord chat rooms.
EPL DFS Goalies
Nikita Haikin - DK $4.4K || FD $8
Opponent - vs. Juventus FC
There are a few candidates that meet the ‘requirements’ as a value goalkeeper with Nikita Haikin of Bodø/Glimt at the front. Haikin has made 19 saves and conceded eight goals in four UEFA Champions League (UCL) appearances this season.
Throughout those four fixtures, Bodø/Glimt are the seventh-worst in Shots Against Per 90, but in the top half of Goals Against Per 90. This bodes well for Haikin, who could maintain value from the sheer shot volume expected. The one concern is that Glimt is the second-worst in In-the-Box Shots Against Per 90. As long as he sees enough volume, conceding a goal would not hurt his chances of reaching value.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Vanja Milinkovic-Savic (DK $5.9K || FD $13) vs. Qarabağ FK
- Gerónimo Rulli (DK $4.5K || FD $9) vs. Newcastle United
EPL DFS Forwards
Matteo Politano - DK $6.8K || FD $19
Opponent - vs. Qarabağ FK
Matteo Politano may be the most optimal play of the slate at any position and a clear ‘LOCK’ in ‘CASH’ contests. The winger is in a prime matchup against Qarabağ FK. The visitors are averaging two goals against Per 90 throughout their UCL campaign this season, with their last fixture a 2-2 draw versus Chelsea FC. They are also bottom-10 in both Shots Against Per 90 and Chances Created Against Per 90 thus far.
Matteo Politano is not only in a prime matchup, but he has taken over the majority of set pieces with teammate and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne out after getting surgery. In the last five appearances for Politano in all competitions–four starts–he has produced seven shots, four chances created, 14 crosses, three corners, three tackles, one interception, four clearances, and one block. A prime matchup, a very active role on the pitch, and under $7K on DraftKings checks all of the boxes to exceed value and reach ceiling potential. **David Neres is now the main target at forward who will replace Matteo Politano in the Napoli lineup.**
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Erling Haaland (DK $10K || FD $25) vs. Bayern Leverkusen
- Mason Greenwood (DK $9.2K || FD $19) vs. Newcastle United
EPL DFS Midfielders
Álex Berenguer - DK $6.7K || FD $15
Opponent - at SK Slavia Praha
Speaking of value, Álex Berenguer owns all set pieces for Athletic Club. He has amassed one assist, nine shots, eight chances created, 33 crosses, 17 corners, three tackles, and three clearances in his last five appearances in all competitions, with four starts.
Similar to Politano above, Berenguer is also in a prime matchup, traveling to Fortuna Arena. SK Slavia Praha from a Per 90 against viewpoint is third-worst in Big Chances Created, fifth-worst in Shots, and bottom-10 in In-the-Box Shots, In-the-Box Goals, Chances Created, and Penalty Area Defense. Once again, a prime matchup, very active role on the pitch, and under $7K on DraftKings sets up Berenguer for a floor performance at the very least.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Phil Foden (DK $8.5K || FD $23) vs. Bayern Leverkusen
- Patrick Berg (DK $7.6K || FD $17) vs. Juventus FC
EPL DFS Defenders
Defenders
Julian Ryerson - DK $5.1K || FD $12
Opponent - vs. Villarreal CF
Julian Ryerson is another candidate to reach value today, despite teammate Daniel Svensson (DK $5K || FD $10) expected also to start. In Ryerson’s most recent five matches in all competitions–four starts–he has produced one assist, four shots, 10 chances created, 43 crosses, 17 corners, eight tackles, one interception, nine clearances, and one block.
Villarreal CF is not going to be an easy matchup; however, Ryerson is expected to produce on both ends of the pitch. If he does, he will have many opportunities to reach value.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Reece James (DK $5.9K || FD $11) vs. FC Barcelona
- Mathías Olivera (DK $4.2K || FD $10) vs. Qarabağ FK
Corner Takers
Corner Takers:
- Borussia Dortmund: Julian Ryerson/Daniel Svensson
- Villarreal CF: Nicolas Pepe
- Chelsea FC: Reece James/Enzo Fernandez
- FC Barcelona: Marcus Rashford/Lamine Yamal
- Bodø/Glimt: Patrick Berg
- Juventus FC: Kenan Yildiz
- Manchester City FC: Phil Foden/Tijjani Reijnders
- Bayern Leverkusen: Alejandro Grimaldo
- Olympique Marseille: Mason Greenwood
- Newcastle United: Sandro Tonali
- SK Slavia Praha: Michal Sadilek/Vasil Kusej
- Athletic Club: Álex Berenguer
- SSC Napoli: Matteo Politano
- Qarabağ FK: Kady
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!
