Champions League
2 September 2025 101 comments
FPL Marc FPL Marc
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Soon after this international break, the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League (UCL) league phase gets underway – and its official Fantasy game is already live.

We’ll be bringing you plenty of content on this throughout the season, with regular articles ahead of each Matchday.

It’s also worth checking out our sister website, Fantasy Football Community.

As well as pride, managers are also competing for prizes, and FFScout will be rewarding the best ones…


JOIN OUR FFSCOUT MINI-LEAGUE + WIN PRIZES

Those who have registered a Fantasy Football Scout account (paid or free) are eligible to win prizes in our UCL Fantasy mini-league.

UCL Fantasy prizes

It’s worth joining our mini-league (code: 1nxwz3) because those who finish inside the league’s final top 10 will get a share of £1,250 worth of prizes.

  • 1st – £150 cash + Annual Chief Scout membership (worth £90) + Mega Bundle add-on (worth £50)
  • 2nd – £100 cash + Annual Chief Scout membership
  • 3rd – £50 cash + Annual Chief Scout membership
  • 4th to 10th: Annual Chief Scout membership

Information on what’s included in our Scout memberships can be found here.

But you must be registered at least one month in advance of the final Matchday.

If you already have an annual subscription, we’ll sort you a free extension for next season.

JOIN OUR MINI-LEAGUE DIRECTLY HERE


FPL Marc Broadcaster, writer and overthinker. Hoping that ‘differential potential’ will catch on.

101 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    No FTs. Wildcard or will a single hit fix this.

    Sels
    DeCuyper Diouf VDV Rodon
    Salah Gakpo Johnson Reijnders
    Haaland Watkins

    Dubravka Sarr Gulu Esteve

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Or maybe, just keep it like this and take no hits at all?

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 8 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        Keep, no hit needed.

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 9 Years
          10 months, 18 days ago

          Thanks.

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      What's wrong with it? Seems fine to me.

      Check back in a week's time on injuries but otherwise I'd plan to just keep the team afloat a few more weeks.

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 9 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        Thanks.

    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      I'm less optimistic Johnson starts next week. Obviously wait for press stuff, but possible issue with Sarr already gone.

      I don't think there in the best position here - so stomach in and save some FTs to attack GW5 or GW6.

      Not TOTALLY against a wildcard, but in general I don't like the idea of wildcarding right now due to some swings coming soon.

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 9 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        Johnson might not. And might feature for just 20 - 25 minutes. Guess holding the WC might just be the better idea, as of now.

    4. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      If Sarr’s out for 4-6 weeks you holding?
      Useful differential but who are the others Grealish?

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 9 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        No. My next transfer out will be Sarr. I have 0.8 ITB so can afford Semenyo. I am always wary of an Everton attacker. Have never picked any.

    5. jayzico
      • 15 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Oh. yeah, I'd WC

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 9 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        Thanks

    6. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Looks fine

      Sell Watkins or roll?

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 9 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        Dont like taking hits. I think I will wait for the pressers and decide. Watkins has good fixtures. Might give him a couple of gameweeks.

    7. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Probably wait until after next week when you have more info on how pool is lining up

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 9 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        Makes a lot of sense. First gameweek after the transfer window shuts normally is a wait and observe.

  2. Bobby Digital
    • 8 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Is Salah playing for Egypt this IB?

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Yes. Scheduled to play on 5th and 9th.

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 8 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        Cheers

    2. Feanor
      • 17 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Wonder if the ball will stop bouncing off his feet like they're made of concrete

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 8 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        Heh, I went Haaland over Salah from the get-go, but planning on adding Salah this GW.

        1. Feanor
          • 17 Years
          10 months, 18 days ago

          I started with Salah but swapped to Haaland on my GW3 WC

  3. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Hey-o. Quite early for a RMT-esque question but full caveat I'll definitely be waiting for international break games to play out.

    Sanchez
    Porro Richards Milenkovic
    Salah Bruno Anderson Reijnders Sarr*
    Watkins Pedro
    Dubravka // Murillo Esteve Guiu*

    Guiu/Sarr > Isak/King (?)

    Having Anderson/Reijnders/King (benching one) in XI could be more optimal, but the fixtures are okay enough:

    GW4: Reij MUN, King LEE (Anderson ARS)
    GW5: Anderson BUR, King BRE (Reij ARS)
    GW6: Anderson SUN, Reij BUR (King AVL)
    GW7: Trickier but will live with 1 week

    Leaves me with:

    Sanchez
    Porro Richards Milenkovic
    Salah Bruno Reijnders King
    Isak Watkins Pedro
    Dubravka // Anderson Murillo Esteve

    GW5 fine. GW6 fine. (Watkins/Salah > Haaland/Semenyo, or whoever) - but still can use FH6 if really need to. Will likely WC sometimes 7 or onwards.

    Big question mark is Isak starting! Thoughts? Alternatives?

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      I think I'm pretty much all-in on WC7 plan because of the Arsenal fixture swing. So that means the plan should be find a way to get Haaland in 6 and then accumulate transfers for post WC.

      I don't like going for Isak right away either. Would be surprised to see him start in GW4. Maybe he starts GW5 but I think I'm just gonna wait and see. WC7 should be the perfect time to know what team Slot favors for the league also.

      Probably will look to have a Haaland, Pedro, Isak frontline from WC7 and then get some cheapies in midfield that tick along. Semenyo types.

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        Thanks. Your plan mostly aligns with mine by the sounds of it. Don't need detail/critique on the GW7+ setup as detailed plan above. My squad is fine till then.

        The only thing you've said you don't like is Isak - also what alternatives would you do in my situation now with 2 FTs?

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          10 months, 18 days ago

          I think focus on fixing your weakest links.
          That to me looks like Guiu, Sarr (if he's really out for a while) and one of your Forest defenders.

          I'd go Mateta for sure upfront with those good short term fixtures and then look at a stop-gap mid that can do a job. Gakpo is probably a good punt for the next two weeks if you can swing him.

          1. Hazz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            10 months, 18 days ago

            Cheers again. At least we agree on sorting the asterisks!

            What you've mentioned is a move I've looked at, but unfortunately I'm 0.3m short on that.

            Evanilson is the only other one I'd go for instead of Mateta (considered Richarlison, but mins...) in that combo, unless it meant downgrading Gakpo, but then I'm short of a Liverpool attacker.

            Also a little bit of concern on the state of Palace's midfield/forward line with recent injuries - as decent as the next two are. But two fixtures is a very small sample. At least Isak would remain beyond that (probably).

            Put my squad though FFS model and it does predict more points that the Gakpo/Mateta route - just weighed towards Isak a bit.

            1. AC/DC AFC
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              10 months, 18 days ago

              Does Sarr out and possibly others in the Palace midfield, such as Adam
              Wharton, weaken Mateta v Sunderland etc?

              1. Hazz
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                10 months, 18 days ago

                There's no way that it helps Mateta, at least.

                Pino has pulled out in the national squad too so that doesn't help either. (Although it could be a IB injury.)

                What'll probably happen is Munoz ends up playing RW and I'll lock myself in a room with no walls so I don't have to watch 😆

                Can't say Sunderland are solid or anything but they haven't been awful. Had easier fixtures though so they could be awful lol.

  4. Dynamic Duos
    • 12 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Which one on wc?

    A) Reijnders + 1m
    B) Kudus
    C) Enzo

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      A

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 12 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        Cheers Camzy

    2. Feanor
      • 17 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      D) Grealish

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 12 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        Got him

        1. Feanor
          • 17 Years
          10 months, 18 days ago

          Then C

    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      A - but if I was keeping 1m free on WC I'd have a loose plan of how unwanted to use it.

      Alternatively I would get Xavi over Kudus on WC. Risk is that he's an unknown but he will be nailed; decent Spurs run coming.

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 12 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        Got a plan for the money mate, it will go in defence

        1. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          10 months, 18 days ago

          Sounds good. What's the plan with it? Ant reason not to set it now & save the future transfer?

          1. Dynamic Duos
            • 12 Years
            10 months, 18 days ago

            Yeah so maybe should of added the 2nd player, Reijnders and VVD or Lacroix with the other 2

            1. Hazz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              10 months, 18 days ago

              Oh definitely lean Reijnders+ VVD. (Sorry, I see Xavi makes no sense now.)

              All decent options really but LIV will top the CS odds & that makes a difference.

              I don't think the Lacroix option would be too bad either tbh, but see more points potential l.

      2. Dynamic Duos
        • 12 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        Yeah Simons is interesting

  5. ☈☾
    • 8 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Link to the mods league please?

  6. ☈☾
    • 8 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    OR check

    1. Fiasco da Gama
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Bad result last week so 1.8m or so

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      2.7m - although not overly panicked?

      Would be around 1.5m if Bruno hadn't missed a penalty. Would be even higher if Anderson had got 12 DefCon & the Forest defense had not sharted the bed, or Watkins flunked.

      Definitely lucky with the injury-time captaincy hauls 3x weeks in a row but equally unlucky with the above + injuries to Palmer (C) and now Sarr.

      1. Traction Engine Foot
        • 8 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        8.5m. Worst start ever. Still think the team looks ok and not going to WC yet.

    3. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      400k. Team is a shambles though, Guiu ruining all my plans.

      1. Dthinger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        Why is Guiu ruining plans? isn't he now a 4.4mil Chelease striker? Isn't that a good thing?

        1. Mother Farke
          • 2 Years
          10 months, 18 days ago

          He won't start, surely?

        2. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          10 months, 18 days ago

          He won't start. If he does it's for 1 GW max really, given when Palmer is back Pedro can go back up top (we can't start our only two STs every game with cups coming up). Price will fall further as people will have to free him up for 3x Chelsea.

          1. Dthinger
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            10 months, 18 days ago

            But...didnt you notice that Pedro up top didnt work?

            1. Hazz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              10 months, 18 days ago

              It didn't work in 1 game against a very good Palace squad (who beat City in FA Cup Final, then beat Liverpool in Community Shield.)

              Pedro up top scored a brace against Fluminense & once against PSG. He scored in both subsequent preseason friendlies against Milan & Leverkusen up front.

              People are really overblowing the worry there - and Guiu definitely isn't starting over one of Palmer/Pedro when fit. Even if Palmer isn't fit, Enzo can play #10. Estêvão can play #10. George can be put up top of we really need. We have so many talented attacking players.

              Also - we really can't afford to be playing both our only really ST options in all games now. The risk of injury too high (Guiu recently had a lay-off too.)

    4. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      I am at 975K, but that is a significant improvement from my 4mil OR after GW 2, so I'm okay with it.

    5. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      1.6m steady

    6. Winging it
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      440k considering playing the wildcard though. A few issues have developed, Sarr injury, Ekitike and Williams now the Forset have signed a couple of left backs.

  7. Tonyawesome69
    • 7 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Not sure if a post on Sarr's injury with official confirmation has been posted (except post from journalist)

    The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) informs the public that player Ismaila Sarr, who was called up for the matches Senegal vs Sudan and DRC vs Senegal, was injured on Sunday during the match between his club Cristal Palace and Aston Villa.

    An MRI scan performed today in London revealed a grade II muscle injury to his right hamstring.

    Therefore, he will be unavailable for the next two matches.

    https://fsfoot.sn/forfait-ismaila-sarr/

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      4 to 6 weeks.

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      And before anyone asks the next two matches are purely International games, it's not that he'll just miss those two & (likely) be back for Sunderland!

      Bloody annoying. He always finds ways to blank in the green fixtures, doesn't he? :mrgreen:

  8. Clickzy
    • 10 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Hi all, I've had a decent start to the season so have 3 FT available.

    Team is currently:

    Sels - Dubvraka

    Konsa - Diouf - De Cuyper - Rodon - Van de Ven

    Reijnders - Ndiaye - Salah - Kudus - Caicedo

    Gyokeres - Joao Pedro - Haaland

    How would you use your 3 FT transfers if you had this team? Defence starting to look a little weak and free hit seems tempting this week, although in my mini-leagues free hit in the past has gotten me seriously ahead when there's say 4 fixtures in one week.

    Thanks in advance, much apprieciated.

  9. I Member
    • 10 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    FH active:

    Raya
    Munoz, Schar, Chalobah, Lacroix
    Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo
    Isak, Joao Pedro, Mateta

    Dubravka; King, Dewsbury-Hall, Vuskovic.

    Dont expect Isak to start but think I prefer 20-30 mins of him vs Burnley to 90 mins of Gyokeres vs Forest. May switch to Palmer if he's fully fit.

  10. Pep Roulette
    • 8 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Why isn't Tavernier being mentioned? Isn't he a good option from Bournemouth attack at just 5.5m?

    1. The Night Trunker.
      • 2 Years
      10 months, 15 days ago

      In my mind it's because Sem, Brooks, Kluivert. muddy the waters in the Cherry pecking order.

  11. Dynamic Duos
    • 12 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Which gk on wc?

    A) Sanchez
    B) Vicario
    C) Pope
    D) Petrovic and Perri rotation

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      On WC, I would go with Raya + Dubravka

      1. I Member
        • 10 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        This. You don't want to make a goalkeeper transfer. Long term Raya is the best pick.

      2. Dynamic Duos
        • 12 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        The only way I can fund that is Lacroix for Munoz

        1. I Member
          • 10 Years
          10 months, 18 days ago

          Sanchez then.

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      I don't hate Petrovic Dubravka tbh. Saved a bit of funds. GK spot probably not high leverage.

    3. The Night Trunker.
      • 2 Years
      10 months, 15 days ago

      Octopus Pope, all day.

  12. Tonyawesome69
    • 7 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton expected to be out for around three weeks after he pulled out of the England squad today. Scans confirmed he tweaked the adductor in his right leg.

    Scans on Monday indicated that Wharton may return as early as 20 September, when Palace visit West Ham at the London Stadium (GW5)

    https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/25436325.adam-wharton-expected-sidelined-around-three-weeks/?s=09

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      For folks concerned with injuries impacting Palace

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Palace in trouble. Mateta not looking that attractive anymore.

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        He's still on pens playing against two of the worst teams.

  13. Emiliano Sala
    • 10 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Thoughts on adding kluivert to semenyo and double up?

    1. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      I’d rather Senesi with Semenyo

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 10 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        Have petrovic

  14. g40steve
    • 8 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Will Elliott walk into Villa squad, could be a bargain at 5.4?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Yes. Yes - I'm interested. Great value. Have Watkins already though. Don't feel need to double on Villa (+ other transfers to make) but hoping he makes Watkins better.

  15. The Mighty Hippo
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Thoughts on this wildcard please? I realise Isak may not play in the first game, but I'm happy to bench him for Paqueta until he's up and running, I think he'll increase in price soon, so I'm only able to get him into this team if I do it early.

    Raya | Dubravka
    Munoz | VdV | Tosin | Senesi | Rodon
    Salah | Semenyo | Xavi | Grealish | Paqueta
    Isak | JPedro | Mateta

    1. Pedersen
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Will Xavi play first GW? Or be cameo ?

      1. The Mighty Hippo
        • 9 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        I think he'll go straight into that Maddison no10 role....he should be pretty creative for them.

        1. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          10 months, 18 days ago

          I think he'll start too. Could be LW or #10 really.

          I was quite tempted to buy him but Sarr injury messed some plans I had.

          Not that I can't, still might, but route to players I want not as attractive now.

  16. Clickzy
    • 10 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    De Cuyper or Konsa to Guehi for one FT?

    1. Clickzy
      • 10 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Or could even do both to Senesi and Guehi for 2 FTs

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        10 months, 18 days ago

        Well just responded. Would be fine. Do you not need to save any FTs for future attacking moves?

        1. Clickzy
          • 10 Years
          10 months, 18 days ago

          Don't particularly think so, my team is posted further above, I have 3 FTs

          1. Hazz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            10 months, 18 days ago

            Fair! Different squad to many and must be why doing well, haha.

            The only thing I'd recommend would be more Liverpool coverage for the next two, but I can see you'd have to take money out of Haaland/Gyokores/Salah - so a little counter-intuitive.

            It's a different strategy but I see your logic so smash on.

          2. Hazz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            10 months, 18 days ago

            (Still think Richards over Guehi but up to you.)

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      I really don't see many clean sheets for Brighton in next few weeks. They play some good attacking teams. Whereas Konsa MIGHT get one or two. De Cuyper doesn't really seem to get many DefCon either to balance it out.

      Suppose next two are good for Palace but iffy on his situation and squad injuries.

      I would probably buy Richards ahead of Guehi, and still be tempted by Senesi over both despite his fixtures.

  17. Pedersen
    • 7 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Guys, I still have 1 day and 5 hours to buy ffs before 1 GW!

    1. The Night Trunker.
      • 2 Years
      10 months, 15 days ago

      Care to explain the riddle?

  18. grooveymatt65
    • 12 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    good team, unsure about the hype with paqueta, also unsure about Mateta as Sarr is out so he might struggle.

    Isak is an ok option if you don't mind benching him for a week or two.

    1. grooveymatt65
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      FAO the mighty hippo

  19. Emiliano Sala
    • 10 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Esteve or Ekdal?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Might as well go Ekdal just to be different. Small sample time but got a fair few more DCs in two games.

      Would pick Gudmundsson over both though I think.

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 months, 18 days ago

      Gudmundsson or Rodon are better than both imo.

  20. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    10 months, 18 days ago

    Senesi or Munoz?

  21. teddy.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    10 months, 15 days ago

    James Milner was the youngest player to score in the Premier League when he scored in the 02/03 season. He's now the second oldest scorer. If he plays another season and scores from November onwards, he'll be the oldest.

  22. teddy.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    10 months, 15 days ago

    If you make a team of the PL players with the most appearances, it's pretty potent:

    Heskey
    Giggs Lampard Gerrard
    Speed Barry
    PNeville Carragher Ferdinand Milner
    James

    Schwarzer Campbell Terry Rooney

    1. The Night Trunker.
      • 2 Years
      10 months, 15 days ago

      There were men once that sold potency snake oils to the natives of North America.

  23. Mother Farke
    • 2 Years
    10 months, 6 days ago

    Haaland Mbappe Guirassy front three. Locked in.