The Matchday 12 deadline for UEFA Women’s Champions League Fantasy season is almost here.
In this article, our expert @Schurrle_FWSL reveals his team selection.
- READ MORE: WSL Fantasy – Gameweek 21 team reveal
A low-scoring Matchday 11 meant 49 points was enough to hold my rank at 8th place. With the second legs of the semi-finals coming up, here’s how I’m shaping up for Matchday 12:
TEAM REVEAL
GOALKEEPERS
I don’t see myself making any changes in goal this week. Clean sheets feel unlikely across the board – Arsenal, Lyon, and Bayern all look vulnerable – but I can’t bring in Cata Coll with three Barcelona slots already filled. That leaves me rotating between Christiane Endler and Ena Mahmutovic, which feels like the most sensible play.
DEFENDERS
At the back, Wendie Renard remains an easy hold. She racks up ball recoveries and still takes penalties, so the haul potential is always there. There’s a bit more uncertainty around Selma Bacha, who didn’t feature on Sunday, but with lineups available before the deadline, I’ll know where I stand. If she doesn’t start, a move to Ashley Lawrence looks like the most straightforward fix.
Emily Fox looks like a strong option again after picking up 12 ball recoveries in the first leg. Clean sheet chances might be slim, but her floor is excellent. If I need funds, Lotte Wubben-Moy sits there as a potential downgrade.
Barcelona’s defence also did enough in the first leg, with both Irene Paredes and Ona Batlle hitting solid returns through recoveries alone. With the second leg at home, I’m more than happy to stick with both – and a clean sheet this time wouldn’t be a surprise.
MIDFIELDERS
Right now, Mariona Caldentey is my only player featuring on Saturday, and she currently has the armband. Her mix of ball recoveries and attacking threat gives her a huge ceiling, but locking in a day-one captain still feels like a big call.
I’m also comfortable holding the Barcelona midfield double-up. Alexia Putellas only managed three points in the first leg, but she always carries explosive potential, especially at home.
Esmee Brugts continues to deliver, picking up another return with an assist. Playing out of position at left-back but listed as a midfielder, she offers incredible value and keeps delivering.
There are likely to be a couple of changes here. Klara Bühl impressed on her return and picked up player of the match, but I’m still leaning towards moving her on, along with Bernadette Amani Kakounan, to bring in more Arsenal and Lyon coverage. The most likely replacements are Jule Brand and Olivia Smith, both of whom scored in the first leg.
FORWARDS
Caroline Graham Hansen was disappointing last time out with just two points, but Barcelona still look strong favourites to reach the final. With her record at the Camp Nou – including two goals and an assist in her last outing there – I’m backing her to bounce back.
Ewa Pajor remains a straightforward hold after scoring again in the first leg. She continues to lead the line and looks like Barcelona’s best forward option.
The final spot is the tricky one. I still like Alessia Russo, but funding moves elsewhere might force a downgrade. Lyon will need to chase the game, which could open things up, so I’m hoping Melchie Dumornay starts after missing the first leg – she’s easily their most dangerous forward. If not, I may need to look at alternatives, including other Lyon attackers or Stina Blackstenius, who scored twice recently.
Best of luck for Matchday 12, everyone!
