Champions League

UCL Fantasy: Who to captain on Thursday if you didn’t have Kane?

The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League (UCL) begins on Tuesday – and so does the competition’s official Fantasy game.

Unlike in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), where it’s hands-off management after the deadline passes, there are changes UCL Fantasy managers can make midway through a Matchday, including captaincy.

Below, we’ve put together a guide to the league phase calendar so you can see who the best armband candidates are every day.

Join our UCL Fantasy mini-league - and win prizes!

DAY-BY-DAY CAPTAINCY PICKS: MATCHDAY 1

TUESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER

Harry Kane (€10.5m) is currently the fourth highest-owned player in UCL Fantasy, with 30% ownership.

And with Bayern Munich at home to Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday, he is a very strong captaincy candidate.

The 31-year-old scored his fifth Bundesliga hat-trick against Holstein Kiel on Saturday, and crucially, was the joint-top scorer in last season’s UEFA Champions League with eight goals.

An equally attractive captain choice is Kylian Mbappe (€11.0m).

Real Madrid enter the competition as defending champions and have since added the Frenchman to their ranks.

At home to Stuttgart on Tuesday, they will fancy their chances.

As for Mbappe, he completed the scoring as Real Madrid won 2-0 at Real Sociedad on Saturday, with four goals in six appearances for the Spanish giants.

WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER

The standout pick is, of course, Erling Haaland (€11.0m).

The Norwegian striker already has nine goals in four Premier League games, so it’s no surprise he is currently the second highest-owned player in UCL Fantasy, with 55% ownership.

It’s a potentially tricky home clash against Inter on Wednesday, but Manchester City are the favourites to win this season’s UEFA Champions League, making Haaland an attractive captain.

If you fancy a differential, last season’s semi-finalists Paris Saint-Germain host Girona.

Bradley Barcola (€7.0m) has already plundered four goals in four games this term, while team-mate Ousmane Dembele (€7.0m) has chipped in with three goals and provided a further three assists.

THURSDAY 19 SEPTEMBER

Lamine Yamal (€7.5m) currently features in more UCL Fantasy teams than any other player, with 60% ownership.

The 17-year-old wonderkid has recorded three goals and four assists in five La Liga appearances in 2024/25.

Furthermore, Barcelona are in great form, with five wins from five in the league under Hansi Flick.

A trip to Monaco on Thursday presents another opportunity for Yamal to showcase his talents, making him a top captain candidate.

Barcelona team-mate Robert Lewandowski (9.5m) is another standout name to consider.

Some may even be tempted by Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Alejandro Grimaldo (€5.5m), who racked up a remarkable 12 goals and 20 assists in 51 club appearances last season.

His opponents, Feyenoord, have endured a tough start under new coach Brian Priske, having managed just one win and three draws in four Eredivisie games.


DAY-BY-DAY CAPTAINCY PICKS: MATCHDAY 2-8

Looking further ahead, here’s a briefer look at some of the most eye-catching fixtures and captains in Matchdays 2-8.

Plenty can change between now and then, of course.

However, for planning purposes, here are some of the best options.

Matchday 2
  • Tuesday 1 October: Yamal/Lewandowski (Young Boys h), Haaland (Slovan Bratislava a)
  • Wednesday 2 October: Salah (Bologna h), Mbappe (Lille a)
Matchday 3
  • Tuesday 22 October: Saka (Shakhtar Donetsk h), Barcola/Dembele (PSV Eindhoven h), Gyokeres (Sturm Graz a)
  • Wednesday 23 October: Haaland (Sparta Prague h)
Matchday 4
  • Tuesday 5 November: Haaland (Sporting a)
  • Wednesday 6 November: Kane (Benfica h), Yamal/Lewandowski (Crvena Zvezda a)
Matchday 5
  • Tuesday 26 November: Yamal/Lewandowski (Brest h), Haaland (Feyenoord h)
  • Wednesday 27 November: This is the trickiest day to navigate, with Liverpool up against Real Madrid at Anfield. A punt on a Borussia Dortmund player against Dinamo might be your best bet.
Matchday 6
  • Tuesday 10 December: Salah (Girona a), Kane (Shakhtar Donetsk a)
  • Wednesday 11 December: Saka (Monaco h)
Matchday 7
  • Tuesday 21 January: Salah (Lille h)
  • Wednesday 22 January: Saka (Dinamo h), Mbappe (Salzburg h)
Matchday 8
  • Wednesday 29 January: Kane (Slovan Bratislava h), Haaland (Club Brugge h), Mbappe (Brest a)



69 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Charlie Price
    • 4 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    UCL Fantasy

    By Invitation Only
    Code FbDA9n

    As ever everyone welcome.

    +1
  2. Pusey Patrol
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Just decided.to.skip that CL.game.

    Sorry.

    +1
    1. Charlie Price
      • 4 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      No compulsion to join my friend. Not everyone has the time or inclination to take part in the seemingly ever increasing number of fantasy football games. Good luck in whatever you choose to be involved in.

      +2
    2. el polako
      • 7 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      I’m skipping Champions League all together, until play offs.

      0
  3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 8 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Have 2 FTs. Which option is the best:

    A) Save FT. Bench Wissa. Play Rogers.
    B) Use 1 FT. Wissa to DCL. Bench Rogers.
    C) Use 2 FTs. Wassa + Palmer to Watkins + Mbeumo. Bench Rogers.

    0
    1. _Freddo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Going to have to say C because I’m toying with the idea of doing something similar.

      0
    2. Paganoi
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      B for me. I'm a wait and see with Mbeumo.

      0
  4. _Freddo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    I got a small 4% green arrow on my WC so it was by no means a disaster but with having 3 transfers in the bank I went too far down the free hit style of pick (focussed on Palace, Brighton, Liverpool) & now that’s flopped, I really don’t like the look of it.

    Not sure if I should take the green & run & use 2FTs this week & 2FTs next week to get it back to me loving it or just give it another week.

    0
    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      A wildcard isn't a free hit. Be patient and give it more time.

      0
      1. _Freddo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        Thanks Dungeon Master.

        +2
  5. Kodap
    • 7 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    hi guys, what do I do here? Wissa the most obvious change.. 2FT and nothing in the bank atm.

    Raya
    Taa - Robinson - Porro
    Rogers - Jota - Saka - Palmer - ESR
    Haaland - Joao Pedro

    Begovic - Konsa - Wissa - Johnson

    0
    1. Warbling Wendy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      I'd try and identify a replacement that I want long term for Wissa, then make that happen with a downgrade elsewhere if necessary (or just one transfer if you can find someone you like at 6). Simples 🙂

      +1
    2. Ausman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 1 Year
      6 months, 16 days ago

      Wissa to Nketiah

      0
  6. KeanosMagic
    • 3 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Best moves here? 2FT, 0itb

    Raya Vald
    Trent Robbo Robinson Lewis Greaves
    Salah Palmer ESR Rogers Winks
    Haaland Pedro Wissa.

    What would you do?

    Thinking Wissa to DCL this week
    Palmer+Robbo to Saka+Gabriel next

    Will have to ignore Brentford.
    Or get Schade for Rogers

    0
    1. Warbling Wendy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Defence looks really well stacked, love the Liverpool double up. Nothing wrong with the midfield currently. Pedro's minutes and obviously Wissa would be focus - obviously hard to find options at the price points currently. I don't think your DCL shout is a bad one, he's getting chances and will get more with Everton's fixtures.

      0
  7. Emiliano Sala
    • 8 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Villa unchanged

    +2
    1. Emiliano Sala
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Bailey on bench

      +1
  8. chocolove
    • 14 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Bailey is still alive

    +1
  9. Modest Bob
    • 6 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Looking to see through the filters of mind, seeing through the bindings of the intellect, cognition, judgement and the illusion of separation?

    A) Not today thank you but I'll have some clothes pegs

    B) What the??

    C) Rogers to McNeil

    0
    1. Slot it in
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      I don’t see too much upside from Rogers to McNeil personally, a downgrade imo. See how Rogers does in UCL today

      0
  10. Slot it in
    • 11 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Raya
    Robertson, Robinson, Konsa
    Palmer, Jota, Saka, Rogers
    Haaland, JP, Wat(k)ins
    (Lewis, Greaves, Winks)

    2 FT,
    A) Roll to get 3FT next week
    B) Palmer + Winks -> Diaz + Mbeumo

    0
    1. F4L
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      roll

      0
  11. Jebiga
    • 12 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Hey, want to challenge me in UEFA Champions League Fantasy Football? Click the link and use the code DodqLg to join my league. Bring it on! https://gaming.uefa.com/en/uclfantasy/leagues/DodqLg/004300680061006D00700069006F006E00730020006C00650061006700750065/Djapex

    0
  12. F4L
    • 10 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Its actually a decent run of cl fixtures for Villa given they were in pot 4. could get top 8, should be guaranteed 9-24. does mean the fixtures are going to pile up even more

    +1
  13. Randaxus
    • 4 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    When Ange was just asked about his comment that he always wins in his second season he said "I stated a fact, should I lie?" I think he has a god complex. Pep and Klopp are not as arrogant as him and they are a billion times better managers.

    +1
    1. x.jim.x
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Pep and Klopp are incredibly arrogant - all good managers are.

      +4
      1. Hairy Potter
        • 9 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        So are plenty of bad managers.

        0
    2. Studs Up
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      being outspoken is far from god complex

      +2
    3. F4L
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      the walls are closing in, cant see him lasting much longer if he doesnt make some tactical tweaks

      0
  14. g40steve
    • 7 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Haaland or Salah cap & why?

    0
    1. Slot it in
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Salah because Haaland plays Arsenal

      0
    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Suggest checking Haaland's record against Arsenal last season

      0
      1. _Freddo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        Not just his record, check out his stats in al 3 games.

        0
      2. F4L
        • 10 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        season before? 😉

        0
        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 6 Years
          6 months, 17 days ago

          Rob Holding says nah

          0
    3. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Lets wait and see what happens in the CL injury wise etc.

      Right now I favour Salah based on the fixture. He was in Moreno's pocket on Saturday though!

      +1
  15. Kane Train
    • 10 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Thoughts on Michael Keane at 4.0?

    0
    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Likely start until Branthwaite is ready

      https://x.com/Everton/status/1835711972442022311?t=kC06ygYqj72_4vO_cEvWDA&s=19

      +1
    2. Admiral Benson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Worse defender in the league. Complete liability. Branthwaite back next week .

      Other than that, steam in.

      +4
  16. Jebiga
    • 12 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Please join to ucl fantasy: DodqLg

    0
    1. Charlie Price
      • 4 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Joined.

      Another UCL Fantasy mini league below.

      By Invitation Only.

      FbDA9n

      0
  17. Hangman Page
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    I fear that the additional CL workload is going to result in more chipping away of domestic football around the edges: fewer FA Cup games, perhaps sides in Europe not playing the EFL Cup. I wouldn't be surprised if at some stage, the big clubs looked at proposing an 18 team Premier League.

    +1
    1. Ser Davos
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      yeah, that was Project Big Picture episode (we had Project Restart and Project Super League in and around covid zzz)

      I think 18 team with one auto relegation plus 17th may play a play off as well (though that may impact the money spinner that is the play offs)

      0
      1. Ser Davos
        • 9 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        *feels inevitable

        3 up 3 down NL to L2 as well perhaps

        0
  18. AnarChYs7
    • 11 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    Pick the lowest value GW6 onwards
    A. TAA
    B. Gabriel
    C. Porro
    D. Davis
    E. Aina

    0
    1. F4L
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      porro

      0
  19. NJ MetroStars
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    6 months, 17 days ago

    genuine question maybe you guys can explain this:

    liverpool makes a triple sub against forest at 59:20. jota comes off 1st on the board so he finishes with 1 point. diaz last to be subbed on the board and walks off at 60:05 but he gets a 60 minute appearance point and a clean sheet point to finish with 3?!?!? they were subbed off at the same time, same triple sub group, game was stopped, etc. yet diaz gets triple the amount of points? makes absolutly zero sense. imagine it was defenders and jota was robertson and diaz was trent, that 5 points minimum and probably more with the clean sheet bonus points trent would have got. please explain to me how this is a rule in fpl

    0
    1. Skalla
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      The time is not stopped, so works on the exact time the player leaves the pitch, so it can be really unlucky sometimes

      +1
      1. NJ MetroStars
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        im a diaz owner too, so this isnt bitter complaining. but why wouldnt fpl count it as they both got subbed off at 59:20 as the impact of the fpl points is so big there? again, if that was defenders its even bigger. but you said it yourself, "unlucky", why not do the logical thing and remove that nonsense luck from fpl? seems pretty easy to fix to me...and dumb not to

        0
    2. Studs Up
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      the game was stopped, not the time
      substitution is completed only after a sub enters the field of play...not when a player leaves

      0
      1. NJ MetroStars
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        I get the clock runs, but the game is stopped. if diaz happened to be the first on the board then jotas fpl day is 3 times as valuable as diaz despite them both having played the exact same game?

        0
        1. Slot it in
          • 11 Years
          6 months, 17 days ago

          Yeh exactly

          0
          1. NJ MetroStars
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 3 Years
            6 months, 17 days ago

            and this doesnt occur to you as completely arbitrary and dumb with a simple solution (give them both 1 point)?

            0
        2. Studs Up
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          6 months, 17 days ago

          the key imo is when the new player enters the field...FA Law 3 refers

          0
          1. NJ MetroStars
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 3 Years
            6 months, 17 days ago

            i get that, but we're talking fpl. the points are significant in this situation. fpl can count minutes however they want. if a triple sub occurs at 59:20, then all 3 of those subs should lock in at 59:20. the order of the subs/speed at which they walkoff the field shouldnt matter in fpl terms

            0
    3. JÆKS ⭐
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Complete nonsense to me. It was a triple change after minute '59, should just all show '60. Dont understand why FPL even makes this a point of discussion. Nobody would find it weird if they all got '60

      +2
      1. NJ MetroStars
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        totally agree

        0
      2. Ser Davos
        • 9 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        completely agree

        0
  20. Mighty Duck
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Rogers G and A today.

      0
      1. Digital-Real
        • 8 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        Rogers scoring is still a thing?
        Whilst you've been waiting, Ndidi playing in a 10, has got 3 assists.

        0
    • Skalla
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Picked Rogers again on UCL fantasy, surely he has to score eventually:-)

      +1
      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        Why get hurt by Rogers blanks in FPL only? Now you can eat blanks midweek as well!

        +2
    • F4L
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Owners of Diaz/Jota, what do you think the best scenario is today? Start, look sharp, contribute with g + a and be subbed around 65-70 with Pool 2+ up seems the best no? not too tired, maintaining their dominance as first choice

      0
      1. Slot it in
        • 11 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        If Jota plays 75+ minutes I’m selling him

        0
        1. F4L
          • 10 Years
          6 months, 17 days ago

          not if he scores surely

          0
      2. JÆKS ⭐
        • 10 Years
        6 months, 17 days ago

        I would be surprised if there were 0 changes to the team. That said, just not 90 minutes 🙂

        0
    • potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Playing Young Boys at Wankdorf will never not be funny.
      Fnar Fnar.

      +4
    • BlzE_94
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 17 days ago

      Play one:

      A) Keane vs LEI (A)
      B) Faes vs EVE (H)
      C) Greaves vs SOU (A)

      0