Last night’s Champions League results leave both ties very much in the balance – not great news for fantasy managers going into this weekend with the second legs to follow next week. Rest and rotation is a big threat then, particularly with Liverpool and Arsenal who meet again in the Premiership at the Emirates on Saturday.

The team selection last night was pretty predictable. Rafa went with Carragher at right-back allowing him to keep Hyypia, who had a fine game against Everton, in the side alongside the emerging Skrtel. Elsewhere Mascherano was eligible for European games so he returned for Lucas in midfield. The rest of the side remained reassuringly intact – as has been Rafa’s whim of late. That seems likely to change on Saturday.

I go into more detail on this on the team news page, but in brief, it does seem likely that Benayoun, Pennant, Arbeloa and maybe even Crouch and Voronin will be called on at the Emirates. Similarly, Wenger could rotate a few but in his case, I feel he’ll want to keep their momentum going and field another strong side. Walcott and Bendtner could start but around them I’d expect the likes of Fabregas and Hleb to be safe. Adebayor could well get a rest again however, with Van Persie clearly in need of games to sharpen him up.

Over in Istanbul Chelsea relented a stranglehold on their tie after taking a lead and total control in the first-half. That is expected to have a significant bearing on the side selected to visit City on Saturday. Grant again went for Essien at right-back but Ferreira or Belletti seem pretty certain to earn a recall in that position. Equally, I’d expect to see Bridge return at left-back, while Alex could even threaten Terry’s start. In midfield Obi will present the option to rest Makelele while I’d also expect Kalou and Wright-Phillips to press for starts with Malouda and maybe even Joe Cole, under threat. Anelka for Drogba also looks on the cards.

In short then, it’s another bumpy weekend in store for fantasy managers. Certainly investment in clubs like Everton, Spurs, Villa and yes, even Newcastle – who offer players with decent potential returns this weekend, looks a good tactic given the uncertainty that runs throughout the team selection of those involved in Champions League next week.