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Brandon's DraftKings and FanDuel UCL DFS lineup picks for UEFA Champions League Soccer on 9/17/25 (Matchweek 1, Day Two). His top daily fantasy soccer forwards, midfielders, defenders, goalkeepers.
Welcome back to “The Kick-Off” and welcome to the 25-26 season! The Champions League is back and with domestic play at the weekend, it could lead to potential rotation! Let’s kick off Matchweek One, Day Two!
The top favorite for today is Paris Saint-Germain (-240) vs Atalanta (+600). I will guide you through this four-match slate starting at 3:00 P.M. EST on Wednesday, September 17.
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.
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EPL DFS Goalies
Marco Carnesecchi - DK $3.8K || FD $7
Opponent - at Paris Saint-Germain
When assessing value at the goalkeeper position today, it is slim to none, at least in terms of having relative safety. However, there are a few goalies that could have massive performances, like Marco Carnesecchi of Atalanta. The Italian is Mr. Consistent. He has conceded one goal and made two saves in all three domestic starts so far this season. Why would someone want a goalie who consistently concedes a goal? The shot volume. Paris Saint-Germain is the second-best in Ligue One in both Goals and Shots. Better yet, if you break it down in a Per 90 viewpoint, you can see that they are performing above expectations currently.
Atalanta is expected to run their 3-4-3 formation with the wingers dropping back on defense. As long as they can hold the French giants to the perimeter, Carnesecchi will have plenty of opportunity for low-expectation, goal-scoring shots to save.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Alisson Becker (DK $5.5K || FD $12) vs. Atlético Madrid
- Vitězslav Jaroš (DK $4.3K || FD $9) vs. Inter Milan
EPL DFS Forwards
Steven Berghuis - DK $7.9K || FD $16
Opponent - vs. Inter Milan
Steven Berghuis is the focal point of Ajax’s attack for yet another season. The Flying Dutchman also holds a major role on set pieces, providing consistent value. In his five domestic appearances in the Eredivisie this season, he has produced one goal, two assists, 18 shots, 28 chances created, 27 crosses, 20 corner kicks, four tackles, and three blocks.
Ajax is considered a dog at home today; however, if you paid any attention to yesterday’s slate, you know how being a favorite can go... cough cough, SL Benfica. Nevertheless, in ‘CASH’ contests, Berghuis will garner high ownership because of his safe floor and high ceiling as a forward. His floor today is expected to be enough to push for value.
Update: Berghuis is out for Wednesday's match against Inter Milan due to an injury, per manager John Heitinga
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Harry Kane (DK $9.6K || FD $23) vs. Chelsea FC
- Antoine Griezmann (DK $5.3K || FD $19) at Liverpool FC
EPL DFS Midfielders
Nicola Zalewski - DK $3.1K || FD $11
Opponent - at Paris Saint-Germain
Nicola Zalewski is the second of three Atalanta players featured in today’s article. The midfielder shares a role on set pieces with teammate and defender mentioned below, Raoul Bellanova. In Zalewski’s first three starts in the Serie A this season, he has amassed one goal, one assist, three shots, four chances created, 22 crosses, 11 corners, three tackles, one interception, and seven clearances. He truly does it all.
Paris Saint-Germain is going to be a tall task for Zaleski and the Nerazzurri. However, his salary is more than palatable. Paying down for a role on set pieces, despite the matchup, opens up roster building to higher-salaried players from clubs like Bayern Munich and Liverpool. This is the key in ‘CASH’ contests and even more so in ‘GPPs’.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Michael Olise (DK $9.4K || FD $21) vs. Chelsea
- Florian Wirtz (DK $6.7K || FD $19) vs. Atlético Madrid
EPL DFS Defenders
Defenders
Raoul Bellanova - DK $5.2K || FD $10
Opponent - at Paris Saint-Germain
Raoul Bellanova is the final piece to the Atalanta puzzle. The wingback slots in at right wing in the 3-4-3 formation, providing value on both ends of the pitch, as well as his share of set pieces. In his first three domestic fixtures this season, he produced five shots, eight created chances, 25 crosses, eight corners, four tackles, and four clearances.
His salary does not have managers jumping for joy today, especially when considering the matchup. However, he is one of, if not the only defender, who has a true role on set pieces, providing a ‘safe’ floor.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Jeremie Frimpong (DK $5.3K || FD $12) vs. Atlético Madrid
- Josip Stanišić (DK $3.9K || FD $10) vs. Chelsea FC
Corner Takers
- Ajax: Steven Berghuis/Oscar Gloukh
- Inter Milan: Hakan Çalhanoğlu/Federico Dimarco
- Bayern Munich: Michael Olise/Joshua Kimmich
- Chelsea: Reece James/Enzo Fernandez/Pedro Neto
- Liverpool FC: Florian Wirtz/Cody Gakpo
- Atletico Madrid: Antoine Griezmann/Julian Alvarez
- Paris Saint-Germain: Vitinha/Nuno Mendes/Kang-In Lee
- Atalanta BC: Nicola Zalewski/Raoul Bellanova
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!
