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Brandon's DraftKings and FanDuel UCL DFS lineup picks for UEFA Champions League Soccer on 10/21/25 (Matchweek 3, Day One). His top daily fantasy soccer forwards, midfielders, defenders, goalkeepers.
Welcome back to “The Kick-Off” and welcome to the 25-26 season! After another run of International Play, followed by Domestic play at the weekend, we start Matchweek Three! There is a high chance of heavy rotation with the slew of fixtures over the last two weeks! Let's knock out Matchweek Three!!
The top favorite for today is Arsenal FC (-185) vs. Atlético Madrid (+500). I will guide you through this seven-match slate starting at 3:00 P.M. EST on Wednesday, October 21.
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
Yan Sommer - DK $5.5K || FD $11
Opponent - at Union Saint-Gilloise
In a sense, there is value at the goalie position for Day One of the Champions League this week. The only caveat? You must pay up for the value. All of the prime shot-saving spots for the goalie position are favorites, and the chances of a goalie winning their matchup outside of them drop excessively.
In Sommer’s last five starts in all competitions, he has made nine saves, conceded five goals, and recorded three clean sheets. In the Jupiler Pro League this season, Union Saint-Gilloise, or better known as USG, is first in the league. They are also slightly overperforming offensively. As long as Inter Milan’s defense continues to hold the top of the box, Sommer is expected to have a high chance at recording another clean sheet here.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Nick Pope (DK $5.8K || FD $14) vs. SL Benfica
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (DK $5.6K || FD $12) at Villarreal CF
EPL DFS Forwards
Bukayo Saka - DK $10.6K || FD $22
Opponent - vs. Atlético Madrid
As the second-highest-salaried forward on the slate, Bukayo Saka has big shoes to fill, and he can do just that. The winger has produced two goals, 11 shots, 11 chances created, 27 crosses, 16 corners, four tackles, one interception, and one clearance.
Atlético Madrid may not be conceding as many shots or as many goals, but they are still giving in to pressure. Throughout all of the Champions League in two matchweeks, the visitors are in the bottom five in Big Chances Created Against Per 90, and they are in the bottom ten in In-the-Bos Shots Against Per 90, In-the-Box Goals Against Per 90, and Penalty Area Defense. There will be plenty of chances for Saka to register at least one point at home, and if he doesn’t, his role as the majority set piece taker for the Gunners will help him maintain value.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Julián Alvarez (DK $8.9K || FD $21) at Arsenal FC
- Matteo Politano (DK $5.5K || FD $16) at PSV Eindhoven
Causing chaos on the wing ⚡️
The best of Bukayo Saka against Fulham 📺 pic.twitter.com/lM1X7cIt1E
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 19, 2025
EPL DFS Midfielders
Anouar Ait El Hadj - DK $4.2K || FD $19
Opponent - vs. Inter Milan
Look no further for value than Anouar Ait El Hadj. The attacking midfielder is also the majority set piece taker for Union Saint-Gilloise or USG. In his first two Champions League appearances this season, he has produced one goal, six shots, three chances created, eight crosses, seven corners, four tackles, one interception, and one clearance.
Inter Milan is not an easy club to play against, and they are primarily known for their defensive capabilities. Despite their stronghold, they will be on the road for this fixture, playing at Stade Joseph Marien. Considering El Hadj’s salary and his role for USG, he is expected to maintain value.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Phil Foden (DK $7K || FD $21) at Villarreal CF
- Hakan Çalhanoğlu (DK $6.1K || FD $19) at Union Saint-Gilloise
EPL DFS Defenders
Defenders
Alejandro Grimaldo - DK $7.2K || FD $16
Opponent - vs. Paris Saint-Germain
Lastly, versatile wingback Alejandro Grimaldo rounds up the featured players for Day One of Matchweek Three. Grimaldo continues to be the focal point of Bayern Leverkusen’s attack and defense. Over his most recent five fixtures in all competitions, he has amassed two goals, one assist, 10 shots, 10 chances created, 15 crosses, six corners, 13 tackles, seven interceptions, 11 clearances, and two blocks.
The Ligue One giants Paris Saint-Germain have shown weaknesses this season, conceding nine goals in their last eight fixtures across all competitions. Grimaldo’s salary is not for the faint of heart, especially considering there are other options worth paying up for. However, in ‘CASH’ type contests, his role on set pieces might be challenging to pass on.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Kieran Trippier (DK $6.9K || FD $12) vs. SL Benfica
- Daniel Svensson (DK $4.9K || FD $13) at FC København
Corner Takers
- Arsenal FC: Bukayo Saka/Declan Rice
- Atlético Madrid: Julián Alvarez
- Bayern Leverkusen: Alejandro Grimaldo/Aleix Garcia
- Paris Saint-Germain: Nuno Mendes
- FC København: Marcos López
- Borussia Dortmund: Daniel Svensson
- PSV Eindhoven: Joey Veerman
- SSC Napoli: Matteo Politano/Kevin de Bruyne
- Villarreal CF: Nicolas Pépé/Dani Parejo
- Manchester City FC: Phil Foden/Bernardo Silva
- Newcastle United: Kieran Trippier
- SL Benfica: Heorhii Sudakov/Samuel Dahl
- Union Saint-Gilloise: Anouar El Hadj/Adem Zorgane
- Inter Milan: Federico Dimarco/Hakan Çalhanoğlu
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!
