Champions League

The best UEFA Champions League Fantasy players for Matchday 1

The 2023/24 UEFA Champions League (UCL) begins on Tuesday – which means it’s also time for the competition’s official Fantasy game.

With plenty of UCL Fantasy articles coming throughout the season, our in-house expert FPL Reactions picks out the most appealing assets of Matchday 1.

If you’re new to the game or need reminding of the rules, check out our ‘how to play’ guide below.

There’s also a fixture ticker put together by Louis – and don’t forget to sign up to our mini-league to win prizes!

SIGN UP TO PLAY UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FANTASY HERE


UCL FANTASY MATCHDAY 1

GOALKEEPERS

The best goalkeepers for UEFA Champions League Fantasy 2022/23

Barcelona held the best defensive record in Europe last season, keeping a huge 26 clean sheets in 38 La Liga matches. With rumours that the likes of Jules Kounde (€5.0m) and Joao Cancelo (€6.0m) will be rested for Antwerp, Marc-Andre ter Stegen (€5.5m) could be the safest way into this elite backline.

Should he fail to return, the game has provided us with a gem. Yann Sommer (€4.5m) is the man between the sticks for an Inter side that collected an impressive eight Champions League clean sheets last season. Armed with a budget-friendly price tag, he’ll play on Wednesday.

DEFENDERS

The best UCL Fantasy players for Matchday 1 2

Another side to record eight clean sheets was winners Manchester City. With a game against Crvena Zvezda at home, where the English side is strongest, defensive investment could be a priority. One of the cheapest routes into it is Manual Akanji (€5.0m). The centre-back began three of his side’s last four matches and, with key injuries at the back, should start the opening game.

The Inter defence has been very efficient for some time now. However, the most appealing factor is that their back-three system allows wing-back Federico Dimarco (€5.5m) to surge into some of the most dangerous positions. Dimarco proved his creativity in Europe last season by registering five assists. Yet his most recent form of three assists in four Serie A matches has caught the eye even more.

Meanwhile, RB Leipzig open against Young Boys. The Swiss side flopped in their last couple of UCL campaigns, finishing bottom of their group on both occasions. With that in mind, it could be hugely beneficial to bring in one Leipzig’s flying full-backs. The standout one is Benjamin Henrichs (€4.5m), after two assists and one goal in this season’s first four matches. He has major offensive potential.

By hosting Salzburg, Benfica have a great opportunity to keep a clean sheet. Centre-back Nicolas Otamendi (€5.0m) doesn’t even need attacking threat, after racking up a whopping 71 ball recoveries last season. In UCL Fantasy, that gave him 20 points towards his total.

Napoli’s early domestic league performances are enough to put anyone off defensive investment. But a large contributing factor towards their Serie A title was their strength at the back. Their opponents Braga currently sit eighth in the Portuguese league. Considering that alongside his cheap, enabling price, centre-back Juan Jesus (€4.5m) could be a good option.

MIDFIELDERS

The best UCL Fantasy players for Matchday 1 1

As well as defensively solid, Inter have looked offensively relentless – scoring a massive 13 times in four matches. The cheapest and most effective way into this lethal frontline is Marcus Thuram (€6.5m). He has the benefit of being categorised as a midfielder whilst actually playing in a more advanced position. This has led to two goals and two assists so far.

Also averaging over three goals per game are Leipzig. The injury to standout attacker Dani Olmo (€7.0m) is frustrating for UCL Fantasy managers but they do have another weapon in the form of 20-year-old Xavi Simons (€6.5m).

One of the most exciting young talents in Europe, he has notched three goals and four assists in five matches for his new side. He could be difficult to ignore, with multiple routes to points, form and a good first fixture.

Elsewhere, Feyenoord come into the new Champions League season as Dutch champions. There’ll be a rematch from the 1970 European Cup final when facing Celtic, who are struggling to regain their historical continental form.

In fact, they finished bottom of last season’s group whilst conceding 15 goals in the process. Managers can target their defence via cheap enabler Luka Ivanusec (€4.5m). With one of the lowest midfield price tags, he has started the last two matches for his side and picked up both an assist and a goal.

Having notched up 94 goals in the 2022/23 Premier League at a rate of 2.5 per game, finding multiple ways into Man City’s attack could be rewarding. Standing out from the disappointing mid-priced options is Phil Foden (€8.0m), whose minutes and output seem to be progressing as the years go on. This season, he has picked up a return in three of four league matches. Facing the out-of-form Serbian champions could mean lots of Man City goals and Foden has both the potential and form to benefit from that.

Many fans assumed that the departure of Karim Benzema and injury to Vinicius Junior (€11.0m) would dampen interest in Real Madrid’s attack. However, the start made by new signing Jude Bellingham (€7.5m) has put a lot of that doubt to bed. Five matches, five goals and one assist. At his price, his central attacking position could make Bellingham one of the game’s best assets.

FORWARDS

FPL Gameweek 4: Saturday’s goals, assists, bonus points + stats 14

Barcelona were one of the strongest home teams in Europe last season and opponents Antwerp – already expected to struggle at this level – have conceded goals in over half of their domestic matches.

Therefore there’s a lot of appeal for focal point and penalty-taker Robert Lewandowski (€10.0m). One of the best forwards to ever play Champions League football is showing no signs of slowing down, even at the age of 35. A trio of goals and assists have arrived during five La Liga appearances.

A huge part of Man City’ treble-winning season is attributed to Erling Haaland (€11.5m), one of the most prolific finishers around. He amassed a monstrous 57 goal contributions during 47 Premier League and Champions League matches. Like in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), Haaland is one of the most essential players to own, so don’t go without him.

Even so, it will be important to include a great captaincy option from Wednesday’s games should Haaland blank. For that reason, it could be wise to have Napoli’s Victor Osimhen (€10.0m). The Nigerian became one of Europe’s most wanted strikers while racking up 30 attacking returns in last season’s Serie A. His most recent 10 matches in all competitions have brought 12 goals.

CAPTAINCY

Tuesday

Of course, the stand-out choice is Haaland, having started the new campaign in similar form to last time. It will be difficult to pick a more convincing player for the armband. But, for managers seeking an alternative, Lewandowski could be the one. Similarly to Haaland, Lewandowski leads the offensive line, takes penalties, has a great home fixture and is enjoying some good domestic form.

Wednesday

This night could be more interesting. Both Osimhen and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane (€10.0m) are candidates. The latter faces a Manchester United defence that he’s very familiar with and has bagged four goals and one assist in five starts for the German side. An even more differential contender is Dimarco and his attacking potential from wing-back.

UCL FANTASY MATCHDAY 1 PICKS

UCL Matchday 1

READ MORE UCL FANTASY CONTENT ON OUR SISTER SITE HERE





268 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ceerus
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    A) Schar + Bruno(gw 8 Bruno to Son)
    B) Trippier + Maddison

    1. Batman1983
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      B.

      Not even close decision for me.

    2. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      B

    3. mazkills
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      B

  2. mazkills
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Current:
    Onana/Turner
    VVD/Chilwell/Estup/(Cash/Beyer)
    Rashford/Maddison/Saka/Mitoma/(Nakamba)
    Watkins/Alvarez/Haaland

    1.3itb
    2ft

    Would you
    Onana > Areola
    VVD > Botman
    Rashford > Salah
    for -4

    I know Rash and Watkins get steam, but i think they are 1 game with a goal + assist from being rushed in.

    1. Zenith UK
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Onana > Areola
      VVD > Trippier

    2. mgrnt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      I'd do the first two, and then go to Salah next week and save the -4 as the Moyes Express runs through Liverpool....

  3. Gazzpfc
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Flekken
    Estupinian Botman Chillwell
    Rashford Son Maddison Saka Mbembo
    Haaland Alvarez

    Turner Udogie Archer Gabriel

    GW 7 Chillwell to Schar -4
    GW 8 Saka to Diaby
    GW 9 Son/Rashford to Salah

    Like???

  4. Bobby Digital
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Was Bruno playing on the right vs. Brighton?

    1. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      It was a bit of a funky midfield diamond with Bruno at the tip, not that it stopped him from dropping deep

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Cheers Skonto

      2. Ze_Austin
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Hi Neale! Playing UCL Fantasy this season?

    2. krawiecus
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Was he even on the pitch?

  5. Bullet Eder
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Who to start this week?

    A. Gusto (AVL)

    B. Udogie (ars)

    1. AppleDunk
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Both will concede I think but A.

    2. krawiecus
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      B

  6. AppleDunk
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Is this madness?

    Watkins -> Alvarez
    Bruno -> Salah
    Henry -> Botman

    1. AppleDunk
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      For -8

      1. Sandy Ravage
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        I like it. Why not?
        It can only be judged as madness in hindsight and it'll be too late by then.

      2. Get up ya bum
        • 15 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Fine line between madness and genius. I love it. Do it and do it wholeheartedly

    2. krawiecus
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Yes it's mad just do Henry

    3. Boxwoods
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Watkins has been a steady asset to own and likely will continue to do well. So there’s no need to move him. That said, Alvarez is on fire and finally getting regular minutes in the most fearsome attack. Who is 3rd striker?

      Salah’s not the his old self, but he’s stacking points with assists if not goals and likely to outperform Bruno over time. Plus value seems less important this year, given high performing low price assets. Don’t think it’s crazy to be looking for a route to him, even if it involves losing Watkins for a cheaper fwd who is performing better.

      I think the moves are an upgrade over time.

      But maybe just wait a week and lessen the hit.

  7. SAUCY SALAH
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    This is mental for a -8 right?

    Chilwell | Mbeumo | Saka
    To
    Trippier | JWP | Bruno

    1. krawiecus
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Yes. In fact I think the top outscores the bottom even without the -8

      1. SAUCY SALAH
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Thanks, it’s my fault I’m trying anything to get Trippier in

    2. Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      I wouldn't lose Saka for Bruno

      1. SAUCY SALAH
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Thanks

  8. Sandy Ravage
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Hits are fun

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Hits are baaad, mmkayy?

  9. AARON-1
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Hello all. My first post of the new season. I've been stumbling along but no desperate problems. Wildcard unused. Currently around 3 million overall.
    2 FT to use.
    Ederson
    Chilwell - Estupinian - Botman
    Rashford - Saka - Eze - Mitoma - Sterling
    Haaland - Watkins

    Areola - Gabriel - Archer - Baldock.

    I'm thinking Chilwell to Trippier and Watkins to Alvarez... Tempted to hold midfield a little longer.

  10. SAUCY SALAH
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Best mid max 5.9?

    1. theodosios
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Gordon

    2. krawiecus
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Bailey, Neto

      1. SAUCY SALAH
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Thanks both, thoughts on MGW?

    3. The Biscuitmen
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Are there any that are worthwhile? So many good ones under 7m you might as well get them or consciously go for a fodder player?

      1. SAUCY SALAH
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        I don’t think there is is there? I’ve changed my mind, and thinking something else now.

    4. FOO FIGHTER
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Hamer from SHU seems to be a very cheap decent pick. He is a DM but looks like he can finish when he has the opportunity. Already scored 2 plus he is nailed.

      https://www.transfermarkt.co.za/gustavo-hamer/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/322985

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Bit like Midfielder Soucek

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 1 month ago

          Bit like Charlie Adam

        2. SAUCY SALAH
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 1 month ago

          Thanks Foo, I’ve seen him - got a nice technique about him, reminds me of Shaqiri but right footed I think.

          1. FOO FIGHTER
            • 5 Years
            1 year, 1 month ago

            His goal vs Spurs was pretty good. I am thinking of upgrading Ahamda to Hamer to be honest.

    5. Herger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      CHO 4.9m

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Good shout

  11. The Biscuitmen
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Used one FT going Henry to Botman. Have 1 left and 3.2itb

    Onana
    Estu Chilwell Botman
    Fernandes Mitoma Foden Saka Mbuemo
    Watkins Haaland (C)

    Turner Udoige Archer Kabore

    I have a few concerns but not sure changing keeper is a good use of an FT and I think some of the guys that have underwhelmed (Bruno, Watkins) might be worth a few more weeks. Probably WC in GW8 so could just do Watkins to Alvarez now and swap back to a Villa player after that?

    Thanks

    1. krawiecus
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Save and don't use WC

      1. The Biscuitmen
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Thanks

  12. Bruno Commando
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Definitely not starting well this season due to family commitments, but hoping to turn things around!

    Which move is the best?
    1) Martinelli to Salah
    2) Chilwell/Kabore to Botman
    3) Both for a hit

    Team:
    Johnstone // Turner
    Akanji Chilwell Estu Udogie // Kabore
    Rashford Saka Martinelli Mbeumo // Nakamba
    Haaland Jackson // Archer

    5.3 ITB

    1. krawiecus
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      1 and roll

      1. Bruno Commando
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Thanks K!

  13. Bobby Digital
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    What would you do with this bunch?

    Leno
    Botman Gusto Bell
    Salah Saka Maddison Son Mbeumo
    Haaland Alvarez

    Areola Cash Archer Udogie

    0.1m itb, 1 FT

    Thinking about Son -> Rashford or just roll FT

    1. krawiecus
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Roll

  14. Business Dog
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    2FT what to do here? Jackson to Alvarez blocked with three city. Ederson feels a mistake but not sure it’s worth an FT.

    Ederson (Areola)
    Trippier Chilwell Udogie (Saliba) (Estu)
    Saka Mbeumo Maddison Foden Sterling
    Haaland Jackson (Archer)

    1.1m itb

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Chilwell or Saliba to Botman

  15. SAUCY SALAH
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    What about this as a hit for some upside chasing?

    Chilwell & Saka
    To
    Trippier & Foden

    Gives me the City triple up home to Forest and away at Wolves next 2.

    1. krawiecus
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      No

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Nah, Foden is a rotation risk with Nunes lurking tbf. I don't know, it just seems Pep is not that in love with Foden anymore.

  16. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Thinking Semenyo > Morris, and playing this. Thoughts?

    Flekken
    Trippier Dias Estupinan
    Son Saka Odegaard Sterling
    Haaland Morris Archer

    Turner MGW Porro Chilwell

  17. Gazza2000
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Sitting on the fence here, not pulled the trigger yet but would you wildcard this lot?

    Pickford
    Chilwell Dias Estupinan
    Son Rashford Bruno Mitoma Sterling
    Haaland Jackson

    Turner Archer Beyer Baldock

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Hmm, people have wildcarded with less pressing issues. I'd probably lose Pickford, Chilwell, Bruno (maybe Rashford too), Mitoma, Jackson, Turner, Beyer, Baldock on WC (Sterling for some reason I'm still holding).

      1. Gazza2000
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Have made a draft and will keep only 3 players, Haaland, Rashford and Archer 🙂

    2. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Depends on what you want to accomplish
      Remove that ugly MC stain, Remove that nasty Pickford wart
      Get MoSalah, Alvarez,

      Go for it

      1. Freshy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        *********** man united stain****************

  18. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Bowen, Chilwell & Hojlund -> Salah, Botman & Archer (bench) worth -4?

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      It's tempting although Salah can wait for a couple of weeks imo

    2. Scalper
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Hojlund out already?

  19. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Champions League
    https://gaming.uefa.com/en/uclfantasy/overview

    Get In me ML
    DontMissThatPenMyFriend
    31ZJWME703

  20. FOO FIGHTER
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Maddison is known for his assists but just noticed that he has only had 2 so far in GW1.

    Any Spurs fan about? From the lityle I have seen from Madfison, he seems to be playing a 'deep role' and makes late runs.
    Anyone who has watched all Spurs matched noticed the same?

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Fecking typos, I need to slow down...

      1. Sure You Did
        • 1 Year
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Exactly, stop posting as much.

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 1 month ago

          Troll

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Its kind of a free role, where he comes to pick up the ball deeper than a 10 would at times but mainly looks to operate around the edge of the opponents area. Sometimes makes runs in behind too as with the goal at Bournemouth

      1. Nuka Girl
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Sounds like we should expect good returns from Maddison over time then.

        1. The Mentaculus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 1 month ago

          Yeah he feels pretty locked in for me. His FPL returns for Leicester were really premium-level & Ange's tactics seem a great fit

  21. Das Boot
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Keeper Konundrum

    Sanchez at home to Villa or Onana away to Burnley?

    1. Sure You Did
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Bloody hell those are some terrible keeper choices. Onana. I would look to move both out at some point.

      1. Das Boot
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 1 month ago

        Sanchez is only 3 points off the highest G/K score and priced at 4.5

        1. Sure You Did
          • 1 Year
          1 year, 1 month ago

          He is a terrible keeper in a terrible defence. The fact he luckily got 10 points last GW is irrelevant but if you are happy, crack on.

  22. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Samuel Soares a starting keeper?

    1. JBG
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Seems like it

  23. Botman and Robben
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    2FT 0.9ITB.

    Which one?

    A. Just Chilly -> Botman
    B. Chilly + Wissa -> Botman and Alvarez

    Onana
    Chilwell Estupian Pinnock
    Salah Mitoma Saka Eze
    Haaland Watkins Wissa

    Turner Beyer Baldock Anderson

    1. The Parrot
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 1 month ago

      Has Chilly really lost his place?
      Could you do Baldock or Pinnock to Botman?

      Get Alvarez though for sure

  24. The Parrot
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Who Scores more

    A) Areola + Tripper
    B) Leno + Chillwell/Gusto

  25. TKC07
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 1 month ago

    Which defender would you start among below options?

    A) Cash che (a)
    B) Gusto AVL (H)
    C) Kabore WOL (H)