Champions League

UEFA Champions League Fantasy semi-finals second-leg preview

By Wednesday night, we will know which teams will compete in this season’s UEFA Champions League final.

In a reversal of last week’s England vs Spain meetings, Liverpool travel to Villarreal tonight and Manchester City hope to see off Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Here is a quick look at this week’s best captaincy and differential options for UCL Fantasy.

MAKE CHANGES TO YOUR UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FANTASY TEAM HERE

Tuesday Captains

Who are the best FPL captain options for Double Gameweek 31?

Top Pick: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Although Mohamed Salah set up Sadio Mane’s goal in the first leg, he is still out of form in this competition. Eight goals arrived in his first seven UCL outings but none in the four since.

Yet he was restricted to a 21-minute cameo against Newcastle United at the weekend to keep him fresh for this. Opponents Villarreal also rotated heavily during their 2-1 defeat at Alaves on Saturday.

Differential Pick: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

Upon further study of Jurgen Klopp’s squad management, Mane made way for Salah whilst both Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz played all 90 minutes.

Selected by 7% of UCL Fantasy managers, Mane has scored in both of his last two European starts. Before last Wednesday’s goal against Villarreal, he netted at Benfica in the quarter-finals.

Wednesday Captains

Real Madrid v Chelsea: How Karim Benzema has become one of world's top  strikers - BBC Sport

Top Pick: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)

Also selected as a top captain pick last week, Karim Benzema replied by scoring twice in the classic 4-3 thriller at Man City. Proving once again that he’s a man for the big occasion, the French international followed up two penalty misses against Osasuna by pulling off an audacious ‘Panenka’ penalty past Ederson.

Now on 42 club goals this season, Benzema was rested in the 4-0 win over Espanyol that secured their La Liga title. Naturally, he came on and scored. Real Madrid is synonymous with the Champions League and is still in this tie, despite Man City’s early dominance.

Differential Pick: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Owned by 15% of managers, Kevin De Bruyne was an unused substitute against Leeds United following his brilliant performance in the first leg. A goal, assist and all-round superb display from the 30-year-old, following on from four goals and four assists during his last six Premier League outings.

Spot the Differential

Gabriel Jesus made it clear against Madrid that he would be a golden  signing for Barça

A selection of players with small ownership that can give your team a boost up the rankings.

  • Andrew Robertson (Liverpool, 11%): He grabbed the clean sheet points that Trent Alexander-Arnold owners could only dream of at the weekend, continuing his incredible record of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) returns. From Andrew Robertson’s last 14 appearances, there have been 20 returns – either from clean sheets, goals or assists.
  • Gabriel Jesus (Man City, 6%): Also in great form is Gabriel Jesus. He’s started four of the last five matches (in all competitions), scoring seven times. With such confidence right now, expect Pep Guardiola to start him again at the Bernabeu.

FPLMarc Newcastle fan that spends far too much time thinking about FPL.

213 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    Just catching up with MOTD, I thought Leeds had defensively since Marsch joined but their defending against City for the first 3 goals in particular was awful. Still can't defend setpieces clearly and I can't understand how when defending an attack, 2 CBs can be so out of line with each other while leaving Jesus to just hang in-between them for 4-5 seconds (while one of them is looking directly at him in the gap) waiting for Foden to play him in. Not looking good for their chances of staying up.

  2. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    Would you ignore form and still go Coutinho over Zaha in dgw37?

    Coutinho- (CPL BUR) / 9 blanks in 11
    Zaha- (avl eve) / 7 goals in 11

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Zaha is better than Coutinho for me.
      More consistent.
      Both is probably a good idea for 37 though.

    2. Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Zaha also on pens

    3. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Also, Zaha has Watford at home this week. Look at Watford’s home record - not won at home since November (against Man U 🙂 ).

      He could quite easily outscore Coutinho this week, despite Coutinho having a double.

  3. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    What would you lads do with the following lot, with only a FH left as chip — and two ft?

    Schmeichel
    TAA, Cancelo, Laporte, Alonso, Matip
    Salah, KDB, Son, Mount, KDH
    Nketiah, Pukki, 4.5

    Many thanks!

    1. M2.0
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      How much ITB? Already looks like a great position to be in with 2 FT’a

      1. M2.0
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 days ago

        FT’s*

        1. sirmorbach
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 days ago

          Thanks mate! Only 0.4 itb unfortunately.

          1. M2.0
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 8 days ago

            Can you afford, Mount, Pukki > Saka , Richy

            1. sirmorbach
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 8 days ago

              Wow, that would've been great. unfortunately I can't, but I appreciate it anyway, sir! Many thanks!

  4. Claudio555
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    Kane+Martinelli > Nkietiah+KDB?

    2ft

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Yes

    2. European Bob
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      No

    3. Claudio555
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Why not?

  5. Cheeky Onion
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    How to set this team up for BB36? 1 FT - 0.1ITB - Will WC37:

    DDG - Bachmann
    TAA - Robbo - Cancelo - Alonso - White
    Salah - Saka - Foden - Mount - Kulu
    Watkins - Dennis - Nketiah

    A) DDG > Schmeichel
    B) Bachmann > Foster
    C) Both for -4

    1. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      I like the squad, but think Robbo and Foden might be rested and White has a knock

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      I’d WC this week and BB next

      1. Cheeky Onion
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 days ago

        Really? I already have 13 DGW players for this week

        1. THFC4LIFE
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 days ago

          Indeed you do, ignore me, been a long day

  6. estheblessed
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    1st free hit pass. Let me know what you think?

    Schmeical
    VVD, Robertson, Cancelo, Alonso
    KDB, Kulu, Salah, Saka
    Nketiah, Richarlison

    Foster, KDH, Weghorst, Williamson

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Standard

    2. notlob legin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Quite like it - fairly similar to mine. Would have concerns over Robertson and Alonso playing both games weeks. 1 due a rest and the other has cup final 3 days later. Mine is:-

      Schmeical
      TAA, Matip, Cancelo, Laport
      Salah, KDB, Son, Saka
      Nketiah, Richarlison

    3. Hairy Potter
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      I'm tempted to go 4-5-1 on FH. Something like below.

      Schmeichel
      TAA, Alonso, Cancelo, Laporte
      Salah, KDB, Son, Saka, Kulu
      Dennis

  7. Kun Tozser
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    A. Son and Nacho

    B. Kulu and Vardy

    FH punts

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      B

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      A

    3. Fish up a tree
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Wouldn’t have any Leicester
      Son & Richy?

    4. popey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      A of those. If loooking for a punt what about Jota/Diaz/Mahrez/Jesus as options, depending on who plays midweek

  8. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    Evening guys. Is removing Mount to get Richarlison a good move ?? Subject to Flare gate

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Not for me, I think he plays both games in the double and against poor opposition

  9. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    What to do with this lot? 0itb and 1ft

    Sa
    Cancelo Rudiger Dalot
    Salah Son Saka Coutinho Ramsey
    Kane Toney

    Dubravka Anderson Broja Amartey

    A. Sa to Schmeichel
    B. Son and Dalot to Foden and Laporte -4
    C. Dalot Ramsey Kane to Laporte Foden Watkins -8

    Cheers

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      A out of those

      1. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 days ago

        Any other suggestions?

  10. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    Pope to Kasper worth a -4 this week?

    1. Fish up a tree
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      I think so & am doing it but not sure wether to go with Kasper or Pickford?

      I don’t have a FH left & think Pickford has better fixtures plus they are fighting in the league where Leicester have basically thrown in the towel?

      1. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 days ago

        Id still prefer Leicester defence over Everton I think mate.

        Same boat as you, I have no chips left so need this keeper to see me out this season

    2. popey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      depends how you rate Villa's attack as Pope has them 36 and 37

    3. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Doing this for free. For a hit? Meh only if you need that .5 elsewhere, imo

      1. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 days ago

        Yep will be for a hit. Kasper has one extra fixture, still pondering.

  11. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    Son to Saka, Pukki to Richarlison for free? Yay or nay?

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Nay

    2. popey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      nay

    3. European Bob
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      No

  12. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    Everton fans. Who drops out if DCL returns next week ?? 

    1. popey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Not an everton fan but I assume Gray/Gordon or more likely DCL on bench for a while as no match fitness

    2. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Gray is just a passenger so him I imagine once fitness is built up

  13. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    Who do you prefer?
    A) Dias and Pukki
    B) Cash and Richarlison

    1. M2.0
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      B

    2. popey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      B

  14. popey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    How would you spend 1.7m to improve this bb team (currently planned to be -4, with Kasper/Nket in for Forster/Gelhardt)

    Will FH 37

    Rams, (Kasper)
    TAA, Rudiger, Cancelo (Fofana, B Davies)
    Salah, Saka, Foden, Mount,Maddison
    Watkins, Nketiah (Pukki)

    a) Nketiah/Mount could be Jesus/Kulu (exact funds)
    b) Fofana (won't play 2) to Laporte (also exact funds)
    c) Mount to Jota/Diaz depending on who doesn't start tonight
    d) other?

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      B or C

  15. Moose™
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    Ramsdale Steele

    TAA Cancelo Cash Amartey Livra

    Salah Bruno Son Kulu Saka

    Watkins Mateta Delap

    1FT & 0 ITB

    Plan to take -12 to BB this week. Still have WC and FH as well for GW37 and GW38.

    Steele > Schmeichel
    Livra > Tsimi
    Bruno > Foden
    Delap > Richarlison

    Do it?

    1. M2.0
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Wait for tonights team news. If Tsimikas starts then it’s a no.

      1. Moose™
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 days ago

        If Tsimi starts, then I could swap Schmeichel to Foster and Livra to 4.7 def max.

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Probably not, as Tsimikas will start tonight imo.

      If actually WC this week and BB next week just to save the hit. Taking a -12 just to BB seems counterproductive to me.

      Stick the likes of Gordon, Cash and Guaita on the bench for this week with a view to playing them next week.

      FH 38.

      1. Moose™
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 days ago

        Thank you. That way I could save a -12 hit but the only downside is BB37 with only 6 DGWs.

        Tough call

      2. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 days ago

        Dunno what your team value is like, but just had a go.

        Schmeichel
        Trent, Cancelo, Laporte
        Salah, Son, Foden, Saka
        Richarlison, Watkins, Nketiah

        Pickford, Gordon, Cash, Guehi

        1. Mr. O'Connell
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 8 days ago

          Could even do Foden to Coutinho to give you 8 dgwers next week. I'm FHing and only thinking of getting 5 or 6 (Keeper, Cash, Cout, Gordon, Rich, Zaha) so think you're in a good place.

          Def wouldn't be chucking away points at this stage of the season with all the chips you have.

        2. Moose™
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 8 days ago

          1.0 short for that team. Tough luck haha

      3. popey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 days ago

        Agree with this, -12 for one week only hard to see paying off, especially if you have likes of Amartey and Mateta

        1. Moose™
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 8 days ago

          Yeah. Considering to other options as well

  16. Ziyech on the Bench
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    Who ya got?

    Bournemouth or Forrest?

    1. popey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Forest - partly for a long suffering friend with a ST and partly because midlands football needs a shot in the arm

      1. Bojam
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 days ago

        Massive game. Surridge already hit the bar. COYR!
        Steve Cooper has worked absolute wonders.

  17. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    Thoughts on the below please, plan to FH in 37.

    A. Havertz > Zaha
    B. Mount > Foden

    Thanks

    1. M2.0
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      B

  18. simong1
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    Ramsdale
    TAA - Robertson - James - Cancelo - Laporte
    Son - Kulu - Saka - Mount
    Kane

    Dubravka - Gordon - Weghorst - 4.5

    Best option from the below? 2FT and planning to use FH37

    A) Ramsdale & Mount > Schmeichel & Foden
    B) Kane & Mount > Nketiah & Salah
    C) TAA, Mount & Weghorst > Schar, Salah & 4.5 (-4) ...starting Gordon, Schar 1st on bench

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      I like B

  19. M2.0
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    ROBBO STARTS

    1. Moose™
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Tsimi in then

      1. M2.0
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 days ago

        3.6m saving on this GW if you’re one week punting

        1. M2.0
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 8 days ago

          Or just let Tsimi Rot for GW37/38

          1. Moose™
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 8 days ago

            Still have FH and WC for GW37 and GW38 lol

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Jota too

      1. M2.0
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 days ago

        Diaz looks a decent differential for any chasers

    3. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Dammit. Hoped he’d be rested, down to 10 doublers in that case.

      1. Bollard
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 days ago

        Might be subbed early tonight if it goes the right way...

  20. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Keita, Thiago, Jota, Salah, Mane.

    Subs: Kelleher, Milner, Gomez, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jones, Minamino, Tsimikas, Diaz, Origi, Matip, Elliott.

    Villareal
    XI: Rulli, Foyth, Albiol, Torres, Estupinan, Lo Celso, Parejo, Capoue, Coquelin, Dia, Moreno.

    Subs: Asenjo, Jorgensen, Gaspar, Alcacer, Iborra, Chukwueze, Trigueros, Pena, Mandi, Gomez, Pedraza, Aurier.

    Robbo, Jota start, no Danjuma for Villareal

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      cheers!
      booo no Danjuma.
      boooo Diaz on bench.

      got some moves to make for my team it seems

  21. Cheeto__Bandito
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    Luis Diaz now a good punt to start both in the double?

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Pretty interesting one for me on a FH now.

    2. Baron Penguin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      What's the worst that can happen!

  22. Game of Throw_ins
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    Holgate nailed?

  23. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    FH in 37 so I have 1 FT to spare.

    Foster
    TAA Robbo Cancelo Alonso
    Salah Coutinho Mount Saka Kulu
    Kane

    0,1m in bank.

    Mount to Foden or something else?

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      I thunk that’s the move

  24. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    The other way to look at it is that Kulusevski might be up against Tsimikas and Tavares…

  25. Bonus magnet
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    I have 11 DGWs and bench all SGW

    Will take a -8
    Basically who to replace JWP, Telles and Schar

    Lloris
    Robbo Laporte Cash
    KDB Son Buendia Gordon
    Iheanacho Dennis Jesus

    Guaita Telles Schar JWP

  26. Baron Penguin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    BB is active! Sadly I really don't like any of my routes to Son/Kane.

    Schmeichel Foster
    James Robbo TAA Cancelo Laporte
    Mount Havertz Salah Foden Gordon
    Mateta Pukki Dennis

    1. Mateta, Havertz, James to Richarlison (wait for suspension news), Saka, Cash (-4)
    2. Dennis, Mateta, Havertz, James to Nketiah, Richarlison (wait for suspension news), Saka, Alonso (-8)
    3. Havertz/Mount, Mateta to Nketiah, Saka (free)

    1. Baron Penguin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Now thinking Robbo to Matip could be the move to facilitate upgrades. Plus Richarlison news. Plus my Liverpool and Man Cirty assets could get injured. Ignore me.

  27. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    Only for GW36. Which scores more?

    A) Kulusevski (liv, ARS)
    B) Matip (TOT, avI)

    1) Sa, Son, Richarlison, Matip
    2) Ederson, KDB, Nketiah, Kulusevski (-4)

  28. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    Have a feeling many doublers aren't going to be doublers technically come the end of the GW. Can see lots of rotation happening. Not very confident as a BBer on hits, tbh.

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Yeah, I'm looking at shipping James out with Chelsea's poor form and him likely to only play once, and most of those I'm looking at bringing in will probably also only play once so I'm questioning the point of it a bit

    2. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      Excatly the reason why I used my BB earlier

  29. Bikerz
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    I have 2FT in gw 36. If I don't use any and FH in 37, how many do I have in 38? How about if I use one of them? Thanks in anticipation

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 days ago

      You'll only have 1ft in 38 whatever you do.

  30. Firminooooo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 days ago

    Who to downgrade for KdB? Need 0.9 to do Sterling to KdB. (BB)

    A) Saka to Martinelli (-4)
    B) Salah to Mane (-4)
    C) TAA to VVD (-4)
    D) Just get Foden
    E) Keep Sterling, save FT