Champions League

UEFA Champions League – Initial Selection Guide

As already mentioned last week, we’ve set up a league for the official UEFA Champions League game , which gets underway this evening.

With that in mind, we’ve taken our lead from this excellent Hot Topic by VS10, which highlights some of the best budget options available to Fantasy managers for their opening squads.

Rather than suggest the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for your 15-man squads, we’ll instead seek out some cut-price alternatives across the positions that could be worth considering for the group stages.

As hinted at by Chelsea manager Antonio Conte only yesterday, we’ve also factored the possibility of rotation into our suggested picks.

This could promote players such as the Blues’ Michy Batshuayi in our thinking, along with Premier League assets such as Man United’s Victor Lindelof and Tottenham’s Son heung-min.

When assembling your squad, it’s also worth noting that, maybe by Matchday 5 and certainly by Matchday 6, those teams that have already qualified as group winners may start rotating their players.

Goalkeepers

Alphonse Areola – Paris Saint Germain – 4.5
The 24-year-old has started all five league matches for the Ligue 1 big spenders this season. Areola has conceded just three times in those outings and looks excellent value for a Group B that includes Anderlecht and Celtic, as well as Bayern Munich.

Bruno Verela – Benfica – 4.5
The stopper has been an ever-present in the league so far, conceding just three times in five appearances. Verela offers clashes with CSKA Moscow and FC Basel, in addition to Group A favourites Man United.

Pepe Reina – Napoli – 5.5
A little more expensive on the budget, the Spaniard has shipped two goals in three outings for Napoli this season. The Serie A side have started the season in fine form, winning all three league matches, and – aside from clashes with Man City – could profit from Group F encounters with Feyenoord and Shakhtar Donetsk.

Defenders

Dan-Axel Zagadou – Borussia Dortmund – 4.0
The teenager is expected to benefit from an injury sustained by left-back Marcel Schmelzer last weekend. Zagadou started the first two Bundesliga matches before dropping to the bench, but with Schmelzer now looking at six weeks out, the summer signing from PSG could be a viable short-term solution.

Jorge – Monaco – 4.0
Cemented the role at left-back and has been an ever-present in the league as a result of Benjamin Mendy’s move to Man City. Having supplied an assist already for the French champions, Jorge offers an alternative to pricier defensive team-mates Kamil Glik (6.0) and Jamerson (5.5), who have both scored twice in the league this season.

Jonathan Silva – Sporting Lisbon – 4.0
Started at the weekend after Fabio Coentrao was ruled out with a muscle injury. Silva looks a short-term option for the trip to Olympiakos, though Coentrao is very injury-prone and the former may yet prove more than a stop-gap option.

Kevin Diks –Feyenoord – 4.5
The right-back has already served up two assists in four league appearances for the Eredivisie league leaders. Six key passes and five shots inside the box over those matches underline Diks’ attacking potential.

Alex Telles – Porto – 5.5
He only has a single assist to his name, but the left-back is ranked second overall in the Portuguese top-flight for key passes, supplying 16 in his first five appearances. Team-mate Felipe (5.0) has registered more shots (seven) than any defender in Liga NOS and offers a cheaper route into a rearguard that’s yet to concede this season.

Victor Lindelof – Manchester United – 5.5
With Phil Jones and Eric Bailly both suspended for United’s first group match, the summer signing looks set to be handed a chance to impress in central defence. Jose Mourinho has overlooked Lindelof on the domestic stage thus far and may well look to ease him into contention via European matches instead.

Mario Fernandez – CSKA Moscow – 5.5
Utilised as a wing-back on the right of a 3-4-3, Fernandez has provided a total of 15 key passes – no defender has more in the Russian league – and has been unlucky only to earn a single assist.

Danielle Rugani – Juventus – 5.5
The centre-half scored two goals in 11 appearances in Serie A last season and has started all three league matches this time around. Rugani offers the cheap option in a defence that’s conceded just two goals to date.

Midfielders

Kevin Bua – Basel – 5.0
A versatile asset who offers the Swiss side an option out wide or even through the middle. Limited to just three appearances last season due to injury, Bua has been quick to atone for lost time, scoring twice in six league outings this term.

Bruno Fernandes – Sporting – 5.5
Flourishing in a central support role, Fernandes is Sporting’s joint-top scorer, along with frontman Bas Dost, on four goals over the first five fixtures. He also offers a share of set-pieces.

Salvio – Benfica – 5.5
The right winger has fired two goals over the opening four league fixtures, with a total of 14 attempts on goal ranked third behind strikers Haris Seferovic and Jonas.

Ganso – Sevilla – 5.5
The Brazilian seems to have finally cemented his role as a regular for the La Liga outfit after struggling for pitch-time last term. Ganso has notched twice in three league appearances and was among the goals against Eibar last weekend.

Aleksandr Golovin – CSKA – 5.5
Stationed on the left of a front three, Golovin has registered two goals and an assist from nine league appearances. But he’s fired a total of 19 shots on goal and is cheaper than Alan Dzagoev (6.5) on the opposite flank.

Marlos – Shakhtar – 6.0
The Brazilian has netted four goals in seven league appearances and is also his side’s first-choice spot-kick taker. Marlos’ penchant for earning cautions may be a deterrent, though, with four yellow cards already over that period.

Kostas Fortounis – Olympiakos – 6.0
Stationed in a central support role, Fortounis has netted three times in as many league matches this season. He also registered a goal and an assist during Champions League qualifying and is expected to be handed spot-kicks and a share of set-pieces.

Quincy Promes – Spartak Moscow – 7.0
A former target of Liverpool, Promes has racked up six goals and three assists from nine appearances. He’s produced more shots on goal than any other player in the Russian league this season.

Heung-min Son – Tottenham Hotspur – 8.0
Used sparingly on the domestic stage by Mauricio Pochettino, the South Korean looks likely to benefit from Dele Alli’s three-match European ban. In terms of minutes per goal among midfielders in last season’s Premier League, only Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez surpassed Son’s average of 147.7.

Forwards

Rickie Van Wolfswinkel – Basel – 7.0
A name known to us, the Dutchman has shrugged off his previous struggles at Norwich to flourish in the Swiss top-flight. Van Wolfswinkel has seven goals in as many league outings in 2017/18 and is also Basel’s first-choice for penalties.

Jonas – Benfica – 7.5
Top scorer in the Portuguese first division, the striker has fired 22 shots on goal in just five league appearances, netting six times and supplying two assists.

Michy Batshuayi – Chelsea – 7.5
With Antonio Conte hinting at rotation, we reckon there’s a chance that the Belgian could be unleashed at home to Qarabag, with Alvaro Morata perhaps moving to the bench with one eye on the weekend visit from Arsenal. Indeed, Batshuayi could even prove a short-term armband punt tonight for those willing to roll the dice.

Anthony Martial – Manchester United – 7.5
Identically priced to team-mate Marcus Rashford, the Frenchman trails the United youngster by one league start to three thus far. Yet Martial has mirrored Rashford’s output of two goals and an assist and should see more pitch-time in the Champions League as Jose Mourinho freshens up his options in attack.

Gabriel Jesus – Manchester City – 8.0
With Sergio Aguero priced at 10.5, the in-form Brazilian – who has notched three times in his last two league appearances – looks an absolute snip at a mere 8.0 as the choice route into Man City’s attack.

Kylian Mbappe – Paris Saint Germain – 9.0
The big-money signing offers an obvious alternative to new team-mates Neymar and Edinson Cavani, who both set you back a whopping 11.0. Mbappe has already hit the ground running since arriving from Monaco, bagging a goal and an assist in Friday’s debut win over Metz.

Paulo Dybala – Juventus – 9.5
Another forward who has been afforded a relatively kind price tag, with team-mate Gonzalo Higuain costing 10.5 by comparison. Despite being stationed behind Higuain in a central support berth, Dybala has outscored him by five goals to two and has registered 17 shots in the first three rounds of fixtures in Serie A.

Fantasy Football Scout League

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1,501 Comments Post a Comment
  1. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Willian starting tonight means he is out of my team this GW. Harsh on him as I think Pedro is not as good as him, but Conte differs in opinion.

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Agree and agree.

    2. HALFSPACE
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Pedro FC

    3. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Pedro is playing too.

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Willian will be dropped for Hazard

        1. Prøfeßör …
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Is Hazard fully fit? Will Pedro play 3 games in a row? I don't think it's so clear cut but I agree with you on a free transfer. It becomes complicated if you have to take a hit.

        2. Prøfeßör …
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          *match fit

  2. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Is Sterling expected to start tomorrow night?

  3. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Bottomed:

    RMUCLT: 0itb

    Varela, Areola
    Zappacosta, Ghoulam, Smalling, felipe, Jorge
    Pogba, isco, promes, salvio, ganso
    CR7, lewy, jesus

    Kinda worried about 0itb for messi next week also not sure on Pogba, Lewy, Jesus and lack of Napoli + PSG attack

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good. Keepers playing on the same day?

    2. Dr. King Schultz
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Replied: Looks good! Varela and Areola both play today. Maybe go with Areola/Grimaldo and Fabri tomorrow? That's what I did at least.

      1. Dr. King Schultz
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Also, Zappacosta is a transfer waiting to happen I think, unless you are planning to WC next MD. Thoughts on this lot?

        Areola - Fabri
        Alonso - Grimaldo - Lindelof - Elabdellaoui - Jorge
        Mkhitaryan - Willian - Isco - Salvio - Ganso
        Ronaldo - Messi - G. Jesus

        1. Dr. King Schultz
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Wouldn't worry so much about lack of Napoli attack for now tbh. PSG does worry me too but they have a tough fixture next.

        2. TheTwelfthMan
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Lindelof is a transfer waiting to happen too.

          1. Dr. King Schultz
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Could be, not so sure about it though. It seemed to me that Mou will give him the nod in UCL, unless he messes up.

  4. Red Dagger ✪
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Ok how about this..? GTG?

    Areola
    Moreno Jorge Marcelo
    Pogba Eriksen Ganzo Isco
    Neymar M'Bappe CR7

    Verela Zagadu Petretta Rugani

    1. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Sorry Gomez not Moreno.

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Double PSG forward is interesting. GTG.

      1. Red Dagger ✪
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Loads of goals from those 2 i think. C on Neymar but tempted to go M'Bappe.

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Good luck! I have Lewa(C) and Neymar

  5. MisterMaster
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    im wildcarding after this week, would you have a backup keeper for varela(handanovic or fabri) or just throw musonda in waiting for him to come in and play lol

  6. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Lewando captain this evening gentlemen?

  7. MisterMaster
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    4.5 mid anyone?

  8. Fantasytom
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    West Ham fans - thoughts on Antonio as an option?

    1. Jay_
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Got him and keeping him mate. Points will come as long as he's fit.

        1. Debauchy
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Hey fella , you good

          1. Jay_
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Hello mate 🙂 All good thanks? Nightmare start. 3m rank. How's it going mate?

              1. Debauchy
                • 11 Years
                6 years, 6 months ago

                I just had a look , no hits wtf lol. All good mate, 500 k going along ok I guess

        2. Spike ⚽️
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Best and safest pick

        3. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Will know if he's nailed once Arnie and Lanzini are back.

      • F4L
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Why do all the captain options have to play on the same matchday? grrr

      • Chandler Bing
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Any chances KdB gets benched tomorrow against Feyenoord?

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Always a chance of that happening.

        2. the snazzy viking
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          The only person that knows the answer to that question is Pep 😉

      • Jay_
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Best cheap keeper to partner PSG goalie, that always plays on different match day? Currently got Reina but seems a bit expensive.

          1. EmreCan Hustle
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Fabri, Patricio

          2. F4L
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            ive got Handanovic atm. The Maribor one

          3. TheTwelfthMan
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Handanovic

          4. Jay_
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Thanks guys. Big H in.

            • Dr. King Schultz
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Fabri

            • Pino
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Sevilla GK

          5. Give The Todd Some Love
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Can't believe I'm going without Neymar...

            1. EmreCan Hustle
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Whom are you going with instead?

              1. Give The Todd Some Love
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 6 months ago

                Ronaldo, Lewandowski, Jesus

                Changed my team so much in the last 15 minutes, it will definitely come back to bite me

            2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Maverick five ?

          6. Rudy
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            with chicorito being shifted out to thw wing what are peoples opinions on chico kaku and mane out to jesus kane and richie minus 8

          7. Rinseboy
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            quick question why is Fabregas not being considered for a Willian replacement? is he a rotation risk or just playing too deep?

            1. diesel001
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Won't get enough gametime IMO.

          8. Pierce34
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Who's more nailed - Elabdelaoui of Olympiacos or Silva of Sporting? Both starting today.

            1. VS10_
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Ela

          9. Debauchy
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            As always , looks like stealing money , 700/400 GBP bet on
            All wins MU x Bayern x Chelsea x Real x Villareal x Arsenal
            Besides Arse looks a gimme ?

            1. DAZZ
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              That has to come in, i might look at it myself actually

              1. Debauchy
                • 11 Years
                6 years, 6 months ago

                lol, seems a cert, but ... never put yr house down, Recall from last year get the bets in early.,. Hope it pays

          10. Rake
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Best 7.0 mid in UCL?

            1. Stats Don\'t Lie
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Promes

            2. Alan The Llama
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Pizzi, Benfica

          11. Atimis
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Pogba, James or Ribery?
            Also, best 6.0 wing back?

            1. EmreCan Hustle
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Pogba

              Carvajal, not wing back, but the best. Or Mendy?

              1. Atimis
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 6 months ago

                Mendy san be food just Pep...

            2. Rake
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              James value.
              Zap at 5.5 good punt for matchday 1.

            3. MarvelouSuccess
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              james and zappacosta right now

            4. Stats Don\'t Lie
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Luis, carvajal or, mendy

            5. Atimis
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Thanks all!

          12. Flynny
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Love the way you guys play the European version of fantasy...

            I barely have enough spare mental capacity for fpl...

            1. Greenbackbøøg…
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              I'll forget about that team in a few hours

          13. TooDifficuIt
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            can i change the captain too?

            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              yes

          14. Fred54
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            The way Jim White says 'Palace' is like nails on a chalk board.

            Rewind and listen closely...

          15. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Not CL fantasy. Curious how much is Neymar. 13m?

            1. Dr. King Schultz
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              11m

            2. TheTwelfthMan
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              11m. Messi and Ronaldo are 12.

              1. La Roja
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 6 months ago

                Phew

            3. EmreCan Hustle
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              11m
              Ronaldo and Messi 12m

          16. Rex Lapis
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Is it to early to get Hazard? Need a differential to replace Mane

          17. Cube
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Which option is better??

            A. Alonso, Moting, Firmino
            B. Daniels, Salah, Chicarito

            1. F4L
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              A

            2. Rex Lapis
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              A

            3. Cube
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              I'm thinking Salah has been rested enough for Burnley unlike Firmino who is going to play. Whilst Moting is too much of a punt

          18. Greenbackbøøg…
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Hodgson to Palace confirmed

            1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              No more 3 at the back, then ...

              1. Greenbackbøøg…
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 6 months ago

                is anyone gonna gain from this FPL wise? Surely more clean sheets now

                1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  6 years, 6 months ago

                  Well, they may need settling down, but yes. Also Riedweld will have to be dealt with.

            2. FPL Virgin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Dann back in contention.

          19. F4L
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Neymar Cavani Mpabbe front line stupid?

            1. Dr. King Schultz
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Might work just for today. You WC'ing next GW?

              1. F4L
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 6 months ago

                probably WC'ing for GW 3

                1. Dr. King Schultz
                  • 11 Years
                  6 years, 6 months ago

                  Then you might need a hit or two for GW2. I wouldn't go that route tbh.

            2. EmreCan Hustle
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Better keep a captain option for tomorrow up front. Either Ronaldo or Jesus.

              Yeah kinda silly.

              1. F4L
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 6 months ago

                fair enough. Cheers

            3. Give The Todd Some Love
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Thing is, Celtic have a pretty good record at home in the CL.

          20. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Woy is back

            1. diesel001
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Poor decision by Palace.

          21. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Is Areolo gtg, please?

            1. Dr. King Schultz
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              PSG Areola? He is starting today, yes.

              1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 6 months ago

                Thank you! 🙂

          22. FPL ZB
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Is it worth taking the extra 0.1 hit of holding through tonight's rise to check for injuries in the next two days rather than shoehorning in Choupo now?

            1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Only you can judge that.

              1. FPL ZB
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 6 months ago

                not overly sold on him anyway, may hold off and consider the likes of Gross in more detail

            2. Prøfeßör …
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Yeah, certainly.

            3. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Who are you selling and buying if more than one?

              1. FPL ZB
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 6 months ago

                Tadic and Mounie out for Gross/Choupo and Firmino

                1. FPL ZB
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 6 months ago

                  (-4)

          23. Mr. Perfectionist
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            GTG?

            Areola Varela
            Zappacosta Marcelo Sule Zagadou Jorge
            Isco Mkhi Salvio Ribery Ganso
            CR7 Lewan(c) Jesus

            1. EmreCan Hustle
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Sule and Zappacosta are short term picks. Rest is good.

            2. EmreCan Hustle
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Keepers should ideally play on different days.

            3. Dr. King Schultz
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Both GKs playing today. The rest looks really good!