The UEFA Champions League (UCL) Semi-Finals kick-off in Germany later this evening. We’re getting straight down to business, then, and, at this stage, buying the same players as your Fantasy rivals will see you lose no ground but also gain very little. So, in the penultimate rounds, we’re aping Big Dunc and skewing a little left of centre…
European Fantasy managers will have a lot of overlap between their squads as pickings getting slimmer and slimmer. Rather than offer up the same Watchlist we’d expect to see – pick Lionel Messi folks, it goes without saying – at this venture it’s left to the differentials to make or break a UCL season.
All four remaining sides come from the more expensive end of the spectrum, meaning Fantasy managers have a tough time trying to balance their budgets in an attempt to field as many men as possible and push up the rankings….
Bayern Munich
At the weekend, the German outfit decided to bench the likes of Mario Gomez, Franck Ribery and Philipp Lahm for their game at home to Mainz in preparation for their Matchday Eleven fixture with Real Madrid. After only drawing said tie, Bayern’s plan pretty much blew up in their faces as they handed the Bundesliga title on a platter to Borussia Dortmund. The Champions League now remains all they have left to play for and, with the final taking place in their own stadium, Jupp Heynckes’ side will be going hell for leather to squeeze past Jose Mourinho’s men…
David Alaba – This man is not going have many column inches written about him after these UCL Semi-Finals but, for European Fantasy managers, he could come in handy. At just 4.3, Alaba is the cheapest player left in the game and should get some points over the next two Matchdays, at least.
Bastian Schweinsteiger – Having played a full 90 minutes in the fixture against Mainz, the Bayern vice-captain will certainly carry a great deal of risk of on his shoulders. Should he play, however, the German international will be well-placed to pick up some spoils. This kind of purchase will be for European Fantasy managers making final transfers once the team-sheets for the first-leg are in.
Thomas Mueller – After walking off injured just 39 minutes into the last UCL fixture against Marseille, many European Fantasy managers -my colleague Granville included, we imagine- will be carrying bad blood for the German striker. However, with a mere 7% ownership (compared to 25% for lead striker Mario Gomez), if you need an alternative, then the 2010 World Cup Golden Boot winner looks decent value with a price tag of 7.8.
Real Madrid
The incentive is obvious for Jose Mourinho’s men. Currently four points clear of Barcelona in the race for La Liga, Real could, potentially, be afforded the opportunity to snatch the European crown from their rivals’ head. The Special One will be plotting and scheming, then, in his attempts to clinch a double over Pep Guardiola’s side. First, though, he must engineer a route past Bayern…
Angel Di Maria – The Argentine winger has just recently returned from an injury picked up in December. For that reason, Di Maria is able to sneak under more than a few radars and provide a real differential option very few are currently considering.
Fabio Coentrao/Marcelo – Owned by just 3% and 4% of UCL managers respectively, one of these two men should occupy the left-back position for Madrid. In Matchday Eleven, European Fantasy managers should have the team sheets ahead of the deadline to help clarify which of the pair has been picked by Mourinho.
Kaka – After our previous success of backing the Brazilian, we can’t help but stick our neck out once again. Tonight’s aforementioned team sheets will be vital in guaranteeing getting bang from your buck, however, with a place in the first XI far from guaranteed. If he does get the nod, though, Kaka – the second top scoring midfielder to date – will surely be a substantial threat.
Chelsea
Given that they are facing the reigning European Champions and tournament favourites, many have already written off Chelsea’s chances. With that in mind, Roberto Di Matteo’s side offer perhaps the greatest chance of differentials a European Fantasy manager would be looking for at this stage- whether they can prevail, though, is another matter entirely…
Branislav Ivanovic – With a domestic suspension currently being served, the Chelsea right-back looks the safest of the whole squad to be picked to play both legs. In addition, his recent return to goalscoring form and aerial prowess from set-pieces could prove problematic against Barca’s diminutive lot.
Daniel Sturridge – The young English forward doesn’t seem to be as much in favour with his interim manager as the previous man in charge. Coming in at a low, low price of just 5.2 (bargain figures when you consider most players around at this stage) Sturridge could prove to be the ultimate differential and balance-clearer. If he plays that is.
Fernando Torres – The Spanish forward is almost certainly in his best form since joining the Blues. Where exactly Roberto Di Matteo’s preferences lie at this stage is still a mystery but, with Didier Drogba having started at Wembley at the weekend, Torres stands a good chance of leading the attack in Matchday Eleven as Chelsea seek to gain a home advantage before a daunting return at the Nou Camp.
Barcelona
Pep Guardiola’s side have by far the greatest weight of expectation to reach Matchday Thirteen and the Champions League final. While the other semi-final is a little less straightforward, Barca are overwhelming favourites to eliminate Chelsea. It’s an assessment we agree with and, for this reason, one would have to suggest that picking their players for now and then will be a wise strategic choice. Everyone in their right mind will have Lionel Messi in their side, but there are plenty of players remaining who could spark a surge up the places…
Victor Valdes – The Spanish goalkeeper is by far the least selected of the four goalkeepers left in the competition and is odds-on to reach the next stage. It’s an easy choice if you need to make it.
Andres Iniesta – With only a 35 minute substitute appearance at the weekend, the Spanish midfielder should be called upon to leave his mark on Stamford Bridge once more. Owned by just 6% of those playing the UCL format, he’ll pose plenty of threat to rivals.
Pedro/Alexis Sanchez – Coming in at 9.1 and 9.3 in UCL currency respectively, the two Barcelona forwards offer a great deal going forward, with very few European Fantasy managers backing them with a spot in the team. If you want to bulk up your Barcelona offense, then either of these men could be a viable solution.
