The UEFA Champions League (UCL) returns with the quarter-final first legs, which is Matchday 13 for UCL Fantasy managers.
In this Scout Picks article, we select the best options in each position, highlighting the players we think are likeliest to deliver attacking returns, clean sheets, and additional points in the round ahead.
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- READ MORE: UCL Fantasy: Matchday 13 Best attacking return player percentages
- READ MORE: UCL Fantasy: Matchday 13 team reveals
- READ MORE: UCL Fantasy: Matchday 13 injuries + bans
- READ MORE: Predicted line-ups for Champions League Matchday 13
GOALKEEPERS
Arsenal have been exceptional defensively this season, especially when compared to the other top clubs across Europe. The Gunners rank top for clean sheets in both the Premier League and the Champions League, so backing David Raya (€5.5m), even away to Sporting CP, looks like a smart move.
If Raya blanks on Tuesday, then turning to Joan Garcia (€4.4m) from Barcelona makes plenty of sense. The goalkeeper options on Wednesday aren’t particularly convincing, so siding with a cheaper home option could be the way to go. He also frees up funds in attack, which only adds to his appeal.
DEFENDERS
Doubling up on the best defence in the competition feels essential at this stage. With some doubts around the true fitness of Gabriel (€5.7m) (he is technically available, at least), it could be much safer to select fellow centre-back William Saliba (€5.9m). Saliba has less attacking threat than Gabriel, but can still pose a presence from set plays, which Arsenal thrive in.
Arsenal go into the game as clear favourites, but Sporting CP have built a strong reputation at home, as their League Phase performances proved. Even so, Geny Catamo (€5.4m) stands out. He operates in an advanced role despite being listed as a defender, which gives him multiple routes to points.
A home fixture gives PSG the edge over Liverpool, so targeting their attacking full-backs could be an easy decision. Achraf Hakimi (€5.9m) stands out as the best option, especially in the latter stages of competitions. He’s delivered an attacking return in each of his last four Champions League matches, underlining his consistency.
PSG have managed three clean sheets in their previous six matches, so aren’t exactly short of defensive form. With that in mind and considering how inconsistent Liverpool have been, doubling up with Willian Pacho (€5.0m) could prove beneficial.
Budget becomes tight when trying to fit in the top attackers, so finding value at the back is key. Dean Huijsen (€4.5m) of Real Madrid is one of those options. The Spaniard is crucial to the Los Blancos backline and offers ball recovery potential.
MIDFIELDERS
Barcelona racked up more goals than every side apart from Arsenal in the League Phase, and they’ve carried that form forward with seven goals against Newcastle.
Doubling up on their attack looks essential. With Raphinha ruled out, Lamine Yamal (€9.9m) and Fermín López (€6.7m) both stand out. They’ve played key roles for the Catalans and each delivered a 10-point return last time out.
PSG put eight past Chelsea in the round of 16, so backing their frontline at home to a vulnerable Liverpool side makes a lot of sense. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (€8.2m) stands out, especially after back-to-back double-digit hauls in his last two games.
A lack of defensive consistency from either side could make backing a Bayern and Real Madrid midfielder viable. Michael Olise (€8.3m) has been one of the most effective wingers in Europe this season, whilst Federico Valverde (€6.8m) has produced seven goals and three assists in his previous 10 matches, which highlights his excellent form.
FORWARDS
Owning Vinicius Júnior looks strong, but going without Kylian Mbappé (€11.1m) feels far riskier. The Frenchman has already delivered 13 goals, one assist, and three Player of the Match awards, and his consistency makes him one of the standout captaincy options this round.
Real Madrid may have home advantage, but Bayern Munich ranked as the second-best side during the League Phase. They regularly score close to three goals per game, so going without Harry Kane (€10.8m), even away from home, could hurt both rank and mini-league position.
Barcelona remain one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the competition, but they’ve shown clear vulnerabilities at the back. That opens the door for an Atleti forward, and Julián Álvarez (€9.2m) stands out as the most reliable option, especially with penalties in his locker.
UCL MATCHDAY 13 SCOUT PICKS
