RADIO
Brandon's DraftKings and FanDuel UCL DFS lineup picks for Champions League Soccer on 2/19/25 (Matchweek 9, Day Two). His top daily fantasy soccer forwards, midfielders, defenders, goalkeepers.
Welcome back to “The Kick-Off,” and welcome to the 24-25 Champions League season! The Champions League is back, and with domestic play at the weekend, squad rotation is inevitable! Many clubs have made big moves this offseason to help bolster their cup chances. Can Borussia Dortmund make back-to-back appearances in the final? Can Bayern Munich make their long-awaited return to the Champions Lounge? For that and more, make sure to use Rotoballer as your one-stop shop for the Champions League season!
Let’s kick off Matchweek Nine, Day Two! Today's top favorite is Paris Saint-Germain -100000 vs Stade Brestois +500. I will guide you through this three-match slate starting at 3:00 P.M. EST.
If you have any questions on today's slate, bankroll management, GPP strategy, Cash game strategy, or anything else, don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected], via X @df_solutions or in our Discord chat rooms.
UCL DFS Goalies
Michele Di Gregorio - DK $4.4K || FD $10
Opponent - PSV Eindhoven
Michele Di Gregorio is no stranger to this article. The Juventus keeper has performed admirably this season. In his most recent five starts in all competitions, he produced 11 saves, conceded five goals, and recorded one clean sheet. He is one of the key reasons for the visitors' success this season.
Throughout Group Stage play, and the Knockout Stage, Juventus remains a bottom club in Shots Against Per 90 but a top-5 club in Goals Against Per 90. The shot volume is there for Di Gregorio to produce the floor needed to maintain value.
Considering Juventus won the opposite fixture last week, PSV needs to push the full 90 minutes or their European adventure is over. This sets up Di Gregorio to see a large influx in shots against.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Donnarumma (DK $6K || FD $14), Courtois (DK $5.4K || FD $12)
UCL DFS Forwards
Ousmane Dembélé - DK $11K || FD $23
Opponent - Stade Brestois
With the Knockout Stage, second-leg fixtures become tricky when predicting a starting XI. The French giants won 3-0 at Stade Francis Le Blé and now return home to host the second leg. The typical starters are predicted to start the match, but they may be substituted early. Either way, Ousmane Dembélé is a viable option for all contests.
The winger is the leading set piece taker for Les Parisiens, setting an immediate floor. In his last five matches in all competitions–four starts–he has ten goals, 21 shots, seven chances created, seven crosses, eight corners, and five tackles.
The visitors are a stingy defense and will not make things easy for the hosts. However, Dembélé’s floor and potential ceiling are some of the most optimal on the slate. Despite being the highest-salaried player, he is still expected to reach value.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Rodrygo (DK $9.2K || FD $20), Kolo Muani (DK $5.9K || FD $15)
UCL DFS Midfielders
Joey Veerman - DK $7.4K || FD $19
Opponent - Juventus
As mentioned above, Juventus won the first leg of this fixture 2-1. This sets up a ‘do-or-die’ scenario for Joey Veerman and PSV. The versatile midfielder produced three assists, 10 shots, 25 chances created, 28 crosses, 20 corners, 11 tackles, two interceptions, eight clearances, and two blocks.
As previously mentioned, Juventus is a bottom club in Shots Against Per 90. Veerman is the leading set-piece taker for the hosts. With a floor set and the possibility of numerous Assisted Shots from Veerman, he will have every opportunity to reach value.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Foden (DK $8.6K || FD $19), Doumbia (DK $4.6K || FD $10)
UCL DFS Defenders
Achraf Hakimi - DK $6.1K || FD $15
Opponent - Brest FC
Like Ousmane Dembelé, Achraf Hakimi may see limited time in the second leg of this fixture. However, if he sees 60 minutes, he will get a clean sheet, if applicable. Throughout Hakimi’s last five matches in all competitions, he has two assists, four shots, Nike chances created, six crosses, seven tackles, six interceptions, four clearances, and one block.
Stade Brestois is not known for its potent offense, which is proven by its poor Goals Per 90 rate in the Champions League. The odds of repeating a clean sheet at home are strong, considering Paris Saint-Germain just shut them out on the road. Nevertheless, excluding a clean sheet, Hakimi’s ability to join the attack will give him numerous chances to reach value.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Kelly (DK $3.1K || FD $9), Asencio (DK $2.8K || FD $9)
Corner Takers
- Paris Saint-Germain: Dembélé/Hakimi
- Stade Brestois: Doumbia/Lala
- PSV Eindhoven: Veerman
- Juventus: Koopmeiners
- Real Madrid: Rodrygo/Bellingham
- Manchester City: Foden/De Bruyne
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!
