Champions League

The best forwards for UEFA Champions League Fantasy

The start of the UEFA Champions League group stage is less than a week away and the competition’s official, free-to-play Fantasy game is now live.

Champions League match tickets, Playstation 5 consoles and cash in the UEFA store are up for grabs, while Premium Memberships will also be dished out to the leaders in our Fantasy Football Scout mini-league (PIN: 65KAB8EHX307).

The final of these three introductory articles for UEFA Champions League Fantasy focuses on the forwards. The scoring for forwards is again very similar to Fantasy Premier League, with the balls recovered statistic rarely benefitting them.

READ MORE: The best Champions League goalkeepers and defenders
READ MORE: The best Champions League midfielders
READ MORE: How to play Champions League Fantasy

SIGN UP TO PLAY UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FANTASY HERE

Premium Forwards (€9.5m-€12m)

When the world’s strongest sides come together, it brings with it an inevitable saturation of top-quality players. This is most clearly shown in the premium forwards category. These players can score big any or every week and having a couple in your team appears to be a necessity. 

Picking a starting point in this category was tough but I’ve gone for Bayern’s newly crowned UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, Robert Lewandowski (€12.0m). He top-scored in last season’s competition with 15 goals in just 11 games, is on penalties, and is nailed in the best side in world football at the moment. Fresh off the back of his four-goal haul against Hoffenheim, Lewandowski looks like the most secure forward pick for the group stages.

That means Lionel Messi (€12.0m) is second on this list. Although he’s only scored once in his first three games this season, he has two assists to his name and has a home banker against Ferencváros on Matchday 1 – so could be the perfect captain to fire your season off to a great start.

Next up is Erling Haaland (€11.0m). He has four goals and an assist in his first three league games and faces three questionable defences in the group stage. Last season he scored two or more goals a whopping 12 times. Playing in a better side for the group stages this year, Haaland could run riot.

Another young star costing €11.0m, Kylian Mbappe is only getting better. He has two goals and four assists from three games this term and PSG are looking better after a shaky league start. Both Mbappe and Neymar (€11.5m) will be in and around the goals every week as PSG look to go one better than last year. Their games against a dysfunctional Manchester United defence and Turkish relegation-strugglers Istanbul Başakşehir could produce big scorelines for the duo.

Two Serie A forwards complete this section. Inter’s Romelu Lukaku (€11.0m) has penalties and is in incredible form, making him a slightly better option than his strike partner Lautaro Martinez (€10.5m). Atalanta’s 13 goals in their first three games has fired them to the top of Serie A and Duvan Zapata (€9.5m) has got a goal and two assists. After 19 goals and nine assists through 33 games last season, Zapata could be a slightly less popular gem to fire you up the ranks with his opening games against Midtjylland and Ajax.

It’s of course worth keeping an eye on a few players unavailable for Matchday 1, especially Cristiano Ronaldo (€12.0m). He should return for Matchday 3, where he then plays Ferencváros home and away. The fitness of Manchester City’s two main strikers, Gabriel Jesus (€9.5m) and Sergio Aguero (€10.0m) should also be high on your watchlist.

Mid-Priced Forwards (€7m-€9m)

The best forwards for UEFA Champions League Fantasy

The choices in this section are few and far between, but what there is, is of very high quality. Atalanta’s captain and darling Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez (€8.5m) has started the season with four goals and two assists in just three games and has a place in this author’s team firmly secured with his kind opening fixtures and “nailed-ness”. Ronaldo’s absence paves the way for Paulo Dybala (€9.0m) to return to the starting XI alongside Alvaro Morata (€9.0m) . Named Serie A’s MVP last season, he could be a shrewd early differential,

Jesse Marsch’s Red Bull Salzburg play flowing, attacking football which helped Haaland to eight goals in six group stage games last season. Patson Daka (€7.5m) has scored seven goals and four assists through 10 games so far in the Austrian Bundesliga, as well as a couple against Liverpool in pre-season. Playing against Lokomotiv Moscow and Bayern’s high line, which has been shaky in their early games, he could feast like Haaland. 

Finishing off this section are two established goalscorers from middling Champions League teams. Zenit’s Artem Dzyuba (€8.0m) has been a staple of UCL scoresheets for a decade now and, like Daka, has seven goals and four assists through his first 10 games of this season. With Club Brugge up first and Lazio in Matchdays 3 and 4, he could be another smart differential.

Olympiacos’ Youssef El-Arabi (€8.0m) scored three goals in his three Champions League starts last season, 17 goals in 25 starts in the league and has scored in his last two for the Greek giants. Starting out against Marseille and Porto could bring goals for the Moroccan talisman.

Budget Forwards (€4.5m-€6.5m)

The best forwards for UEFA Champions League Fantasy 1

These options really are quite sparse in both quantity and quality. The best is clearly Rennes‘ new signing Serhou Guirassy (€6.5m). The Frenchman has three goals and an assist in five league games for the French league leaders. If he takes advantage of matches against Chelsea’s dire defence and Russian mid-tablers Krasnodar, Guirassy should turn out to be the best budget forward in the game. 

Dynamo Kyiv’s Vladislav Supryaha (€6.5m) got a goal and two assists through their three qualifying games for the UCL, but games against Juventus and Barcelona definitely suggest there are better options elsewhere.

Ajax’s Antony (€6.0m) has two goals in the four games he’s started this season but was subbed off for his likely replacement David Neres (€8.5m) in the last game.

Any of the cheaper options are either unsure starters, or simply poor picks.

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For further Champions League Fantasy reading and discussion, head over to our Community article page.

861 Comments Post a Comment
  1. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Experts 🙂 Best move? Thanks 🙂

    A. KDB >> Pulisic (-4)
    B. KDB >> Sterling (-4)
    C. WC

    McCarthy
    TAA, Justin, Saiss, Davies
    KDB**, Salah, Rodríguez, Son
    DCL, Ings
    (Nyland, Mitchell, Bissouma, Davis)

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Probablyyyy A.

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Think Sadio might be better than both?

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Hi Karan mate, I can’t afford Sadio with 0itb. So it’s one of those options or play mitchell? A was my preference tbh.

    4. Dexters Laboratory
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

  2. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) Pulisic (-4)
    B) Saiss, and assess best KDB replacements after this GW

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Next week might be too late to sell him.

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Why?

    2. Dexters Laboratory
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Probably doing KDB to Pulisic myself

  3. some witty pun
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Podence owners, what are you doing with him?

    1. baines is god
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      praying he does something in the next 3 fixtures because i wanna ship him out but have other priorities

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Exactly this

  4. ilikewud
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you play Lamptey or Mitchell ahead of any of there:

    Saiss, Castagna, Justin

  5. seanie3
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    So do we think Aguero starts against Arsenal, no KDB, no Jesus or will he just go with sterling up top again...

  6. MarcusAurelius
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) De Bruyne out for -4
    B) Play Mitchell

    1. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. Dexters Laboratory
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A, for who is the Q

      1. MarcusAurelius
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah that’s the big question. I already have Salah, Son and Bruno

  7. Captain Vantastic™
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Salah or Son captain lads?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Son

  8. Eightball
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    'm on wildcard.

    A) Sterling, Bamford, Brewster
    vs
    B) Pulisic, Maupey + 6.9 to spend on a 3rd forward (Wilson/Watkins/Antonio etc)

    Team is:
    Martinez - (Button)
    Robertson - Chilwell - Saiss (Ayling - Mitchell)
    Jrod - Son - Salah - Sterling- Grealish
    DCL- Bamford - (Brewster)

    Originally had KDB in Sterlings place and was ready to go but with him injured (Along with Aguero/Jesus) i'm not so sure Sterling is a great pick. Thinking of going with B but then it makes it a lot harder to get back KDB/Sterling if City starting firing again.

    1. saadinxs
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      ha - very similar to mine (just below) - have over invested in Spurs at the expense of City tho

  9. saadinxs
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hello fellow lords of the fantasy realms

    Following WC team for your kind feedback (0.1 ITB):

    Martinez
    Robertson Mitchell Saiss
    Hamez Son(c) Grealish Salah Zaha
    Calvert-Lewin Kane
    (Button, Brewster, Lamptey, Walker-Pieters)

    Going midfield heavy like the old days 🙂

    Appreciate all insights

    1. MARVELLUS
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      My WC has the same front 8, and two defenders the same.
      Therefore, BEST. WC. EVER.

      1. MARVELLUS
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Though I have Kane cap currently

  10. BAMBAA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) Wilson and Jorginho
    B) Brewster and Pulisic

    Brewster/Jorginho would be on bench

    1. Dexters Laboratory
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. Big Ronnie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

  11. some witty pun
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who makes way for Kane
    A) Werner
    B) Jimenez

    1. Dexters Laboratory
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Toss a coin, Both could score this GW

    2. BAMBAA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

  12. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best option out of these?

    A) Mane (eve, SHU, WHU)
    B) Sterling (ARS, whu, shu)
    C) Pulisic (SOU, mun, bur)

    1. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Easy mane
      But pulisic tempting me for no reason, what are ur thoughts on him?

    2. djoker_nole
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Sterling > Mane > Pulisic

  13. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    1. Play c. Taylor over kdb ???
    2. Start WC for 3 players..
    3. De broyne to sterling for -8

  14. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Pulisic gonna be benched isn’t he lol

    1. Silecro
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Chelsea fan here. No, he wont.

  15. JoeSoap
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Which one in for KDB? Have no City or Spurs.

    A. Son
    B. Sterling

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B is definitely being underestimated for this week

    2. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A if no Kane

    3. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks. Both decent choices. Prefer Son myself.

  16. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bench 1

    A Lamptey
    B Digne
    C Ayling

    Currently c but tempted to bench Digne as I think it’s a 1 pointer incoming

    1. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Probably C

  17. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Repost soz

    Hi lads, bit of help here please

    I did--> Bavies,Podence,Werner->Chilwell, Son, Wilson (-8).

    Should I WC still? Kinda took a big hit.

    McCarthy,Nyland
    TAA,Chilwell,Justin,Mitchell,Buur
    Salah,Sterling,JRod,Son,Bissouma
    Wilsom,Jimenez,Mitro

    1. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No decent side. I took a -16 after a failed wildcard but hey ho- I’m enjoying the fun. I’ll get back on track sensibly from this week.

  18. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez
    Robertson - Chilwell - Dallas - ___ - Mitchell
    Salah - Son - Grealish - ___ - ___
    Kane (C) - DCL - Maupay

    Which for the missing spots?

    A) Saiss - J.Rodriguez - Soucek
    or
    B) KWP - Pulisic - Soucek
    or
    C) Saiss - Pulisic - Bissouma
    ..?

    thx!

    1. BAMBAA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. Dexters Laboratory
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      C

  19. French Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Good evening DZ, thoughts on these moves with 2 FTs

    A) KDB > Son
    B) KDB + Werner > Pulisic + Kane

    Salah / KDB* / Hamez / Podence / Burke
    Werner* / Jimenez / DCL

  20. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Do we think Mane starts then?

    1. Firmino
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

  21. ZAWAd25
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Gtg and save a FT here?

    McCarthy
    TAA Saiss Justin Taylor
    Salah Sterling Barnes
    DCL Jimenez Kane(C)

    (Mitchell Bissouma Reed)

  22. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on podence to pulisic - 4??

    Martinez
    Taa saiss james (Mitchell lamptey)
    Salah son foden podence (burke)
    Jiminez dcl watkins

    Podence may be on bench for wolves......thanks

    1. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I think I would do it. Pulisic has a much higher ceiling, and over time will more than make up for the hit

      1. ilikewud
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        He may make up for the hit but why risk it this week? Podence has a good fixture.

        1. Flynny
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Will podence start tho

          Could be neto and adama either side of jiminez....

          Can also afford podence to sterling - 4 ....

  23. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Pick one

    A Barkley Maupay
    B Watkins Barnes

    A with the penalties.
    B with higher ceiling

  24. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mccarthy
    Taa mitchel taylor davies justin
    Salah son kdb bruno soucek
    Watkins Dcl davis

    1. WC ?????
    2. Hold

  25. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez Button
    Robertson Lamptey Saiss Ferguson XXXX
    Salah Son James Grealish XXXX
    DCL Maupay XXXX

    Best option on a Wildcard:

    1. Dallas Sterling Brewster
    2. Chilwell Pulisic Wilson
    3. Chilwell Fernandes Brewster

    Thanks

    1. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      2,1,3

    2. MarcusAurelius
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      2 leaves you with a benching headache every week. 1 for me but with Ayling

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks. Been on 1 past few days but with KDB just thought I’d try some options.

        Why Ayling over Dallas can I ask? Cheers

        1. MarcusAurelius
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Just personal preference after watching Leeds matches so far this season. I think Dallas is more likely to be booked so lousy me off slightly too. I’m tempted to do KDB to Sterling for a -4 but worried about Sterling being flagged. Do you know if he’s likely to play?

          1. MarcusAurelius
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Puts*

          2. FCSB
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            I think he is... I’d say it’s an ‘IB’ injury so should be ok and Pep didn’t say anything

            I think KDB >> Sterling or Fernandes and then they’re a placeholder for KDB return in future too

  26. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Please rank:
    1) Reguilon
    2) Semedo
    3) Chilwell

    1. Big Ronnie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      1, 3, 2

    2. Dexters Laboratory
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      3,2,1

  27. MarcusAurelius
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Sterling on pens? Assuming Kun doesn’t start

    1. ZAWAd25
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Him or Gündogan I think

  28. Scheister
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    The classic question, to wild card or not to wild card. Current lineup:

    McCarthy
    TAA Robbo Doherty Justin
    Salah Son Hamez Pereira
    Werner Adams
    Button Mitchell Bissouma Davis

    Hold, or WC to something like this??

    Martinez
    TAA Chilwell Saiss Lamptey
    Salah Bruno Hamez Barkley
    Kane DCL
    4.0 Brewster Mitchell Bissouma

  29. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would go for Pulisic but are people not worried about their champions league schedule? Would a game every 3/4 days not harm his chances of starting in prem

  30. Erez Avni
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    will mitchell start against Brighton or the dream is over?