UEFA Champions League Preview: Round of 16
Queue that anthem we all love to blast on our TVs, look for that one player who always manages to wink at the passing camera, and prepare for a round of Jose Mourinho media mind games. The UEFA Champions League is back with some mouthwatering ties to boast in the Round of 16, starting Tuesday.
While the last two cup winners are featured in this week’s fixtures, the week is largely headlined by the clash in Paris between PSG and Chelsea. The prevailing thought is that most will stockpile on Real Madrid and Bayern Munich players as their respective paths to the quarterfinals appear the easiest.
DraftKings has these four matches to choose from for this week’s action, so let’s take a look at the form each club arrives in and some of the options in building lineups. The Chaaaaaaaaampiiiiiooonssss!!!
Tuesday, February 17th
Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Bayern Munich
These two squads arrive at the first leg of this Round of 16 tie in very opposite manners. Bayern, having started their 2015 with a shocking 4-1 defeat at the hands of Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, last weekend showed us why they are considered one of the favorites to lift the Champions League trophy with an 8-0 thrashing of Hamburg. Bayern manager, Pep Guardiola, hinted that maybe the defeat to Wolfsburg was a positive as for his squad to not lose focus on the Bundesliga (11 point cushion at winter break may have that effect) as they shift their sights to lifting Europe’s biggest prize, ultimately Guardiola’s benchmark for success. Meanwhile, Shakhtar have yet to play a competitive match in 2015 and it could be argued that they were the benefactors of being included in one of the weaker groups during the group stage.
I’m considering…
Arjen Robben ($9,400): Robben leads the Bundesliga in shots per game
Thomas Muller ($9,600): Bayern led the group stage in shots per game and goals per game and Muller is often times the PK taker, should that situation present itself
Manuel Neuer ($5,400): Bayern has conceded only nine goals in 21 Bundesliga matches
David Alaba ($4,700) and Juan Bernat ($4,000): Bayern’s tactical philosophy allows for fullbacks to bomb forward into attack, thus becoming dangerous wingers who create assist opportunities
Luiz Adriano ($7,500): He did lead the group stage in goals with nine, albeit not against the quality of a Bayern or the like
Paris St. Germain vs. Chelsea FC
Maybe the most star powered tie in the Round of 16 (Barca vs. Man City might have something to say about that), this one has a little bit of everything. Chelsea come to Paris after having the odd weekend off due to their elimination in the FA Cup. They are rested ,and nobody more than Diego Costa after having served a three-match suspension. PSG drew 2-2 away to Caen and currently sit third in Ligue 1, having 10 draws to their name this season. Chelsea look every bit of title contenders with the likes of Bayern and Real Madrid, but Jose Mourinho will do what he always does and play down his team’s chances. PSG will have their hands full with Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and Oscar running the show for Chelsea. PSG have yet to lose a competitive match at home this year and I expect this match to be very cagey from the outset.
I’m considering…
Eden Hazard ($8,900): Tactically speaking, I don’t see anyone in the PSG side that can contain him
Diego Costa ($9,800): He’s fresh and has the strength to fend off countrymen David Luiz and Thiago Silva
Branislav Ivanovic ($4,800): Doesn’t he always pop up with a key goal in these games?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic ($10,000): If he got points for his quotes, this would be a no brainer, but something tells me the price tag over shadows the potential reward
Lucas Moura ($6,100): IF FIT, this price tag on DraftKings is worth it with Moura’s seven Ligue 1 goals
Wednesday, February 18th
Schalke 04 vs. Real Madrid
After reeling off 22 consecutive wins towards the end of 2014, Real Madrid have cooled off considerably in 2015. They were outclassed in every facet of the game in their recent league match against Atletico Madrid, and even in wins they have been largely underwhelming given their high standards (and high payroll). Injuries, suspensions and Cristiano Ronaldo’s 30th birthday party have all been used as excuses, but as bad as Real’s problems are, Schalke have the bigger injury crisis and are coming off a defeat at the weekend. Oh, and to refresh , Real knocked Schalke out of the tournament at this stage last year with a resounding 9-2 aggregate scoreline.
I’m considering…
Cristiano Ronaldo ($12,800): Yes, it is a high price to pay, but he rarely fails to deliver and led the group stage in shots per game
Isco ($4,500): A staple in Real’s starting XI recently, he has had a super season. For as high as Ronaldo’s price tag is, Isco’s is a steal, and his importance grows with James sidelined
Karim Benzema ($10,500): If you’re creating a Ronaldo-less lineup, Benzema isn’t a bad alternative and has been in a good run of form as of late
Marcelo ($5,400): A fullback who loves to go forward
Choupo-Moting ($7,000): With Ramos out, Pepe doubtful and Casillas lacking confidence, Schalke could very well get on the scoresheet. Choupo-Moting has 10 goals to his name this season
Basel FC vs. FC Porto
Likely the matchup this week that is most difficult to predict, Basel are at home after surprisingly topping Liverpool in the group stage and advancing to the round of 16. Basel proved in the group stage that they are very organized and a difficult team to overcome at home, having conceded only one goal at St Jakob Park (to Cristiano Ronaldo no less). Porto currently sit second in the Primeira Liga of Portugal but lead the league in goals with 50.
I’m considering…
Vaclik ($4,100): Basel’s GK hasn’t seen much go past him thus far in the competition on home soil
Brahimi ($8,300): Back to the Porto side after the AFCON, Brahimi notched four goals and two assists in the group stage
Jackson Martinez ($8,500): The powerful Colombian has scored 16 goals in 21 league matches for Porto this season
AS ALWAYS, REMEMBER TO CHECK CONFIRMED LINEUPS PRIOR TO KICKOFF