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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861 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    KdB -> Bale (-4)

    Have Kane and Son but considering the Holy Trinity.

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

      No just no

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

      What? No.

    3. Gomolon
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Only if you're a Spurs fan

      1. Fernando Torres
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I am.

        1. My Name Is Prince
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Then why on earth is your nickname Fernando Torres? 🙂

    4. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Considered it myself, good fixtures too but think I’m gonna go for sterling

    5. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      caution advised,its still a jose team...

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

    What to do here:
    TAA-Justin-Taylor-Coady-Mitchell
    Salah-Son-KDB-ASM-Bissouma
    Werner-DCL

    A) Nothing
    B) KDB to Pulisic (-4)
    C) WC

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

      B

  3. JakeTheRed
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Trying to finalise my wildcard.

    Base:

    Martinez - (Steer)
    Saiss - Trent/Robbo - XX (Mitchell) - (Dunne)
    Salah - Rodriguez - XX - XX - (Jorginho)
    Kane - XX - XX

    Where I have placed XX I am still trying to figure out exactly who I want.

    Defense: I would like Chillwell, obviously more expensive, he did have a slight knock though IIRC. I am not opposed to have a 4.5m defender, possibly Ayling, KWP or someone else (recommendations appreciated).

    Midfield - There's a few players to pick between for me:
    - Son: Great form, 4 great fixtures, do I want to double him up with Kane though?
    - Grealish: Looks good so far, but If I get Watkins up front I don't want to double down on Villa attackers.
    - Zaha: Great run of fixtures, potential penalty taker.
    - H.Barnes: Looks sharp so far this season, nice to have a Leicester player in considering I don't have Vardy and looks nailed.

    Up front:
    - Wilson: Penalty taker. Playing furthest up the field. Plays for a team that don't get many shots on target. United/Wolves next 2 fixtures.
    - Maupay: Penalty taker. Brighton look decent going forward.
    - Watkins: Cheaper than above two. Furthest up top and looks nailed for a Villa side that look confident.
    - Brewster: Cheapest of the lot, allows for more money elsewhere in team, isn't nailed (yet).

    Any glaringly obvious players/potential differentials that I have missed out on? Feedback much appreciated!

    JTR

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

      too long

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

        You walked to Mordor, surely reading a couple of paragraphs isn't asking too much of you Samwise?

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

          That is a very valid point!

          Midfield
          1. I wouldn't, I am looking at getting Aguero in when fit
          2. I agree with you...
          3. I had Zaha last week, who I transferred out for Son, im not against him as a pick... so yes
          4. Personally, not overly keen on Barnes

          Up front
          1. I like Wilson
          2. no
          3. no
          4. Yes, gives you more money to spend elsewhere and will likely always play

          As aforementioned, Aguero as a differential... just need to be wary that he might not start this week, although personally the fact that Pep said he has been training well... I wouldn't be surprised if he did...

    2. Gomolon
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Just to mention that you might want to swap Steer to another 4.0 goalkeeper who is second choice. If you use 2 Villa slots on your keepers then you cannot get Grealish and Watkins now or down the line

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

        you're name is too close to Golem, you can't be trusted

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

          You can trust me, precious...

    3. Johnjo
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      One of Dunne/Mitchell is OK but both seems too risky IMO as neither sure to start.
      DCL is the glaringly obvious player missing from consideration.
      Rest is Good to Go

  4. FPL Doctor
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What to do with KDB?

    Ryan
    Saiss Digne Justin
    Salah Son KDB* Podence
    Werner Mitro Jimi

    McCarthy Bissouma KWP Ferg

    A) KDB --> Pulisic or Havertz (free)
    B) KDB --> Grealish (free)
    C) KDB + Mitro --> Grealish + Kane (-4)
    D) KDB + Podence --> Grealish + Pulisic or Havertz (-4)

  5. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is this WC good to go? Rate /10.

    Martinez
    Robertson • Semedo • Dallas
    Salah • Son • James • Grealish
    Kane(C) • DCL • Maupay
    (4.0 / KWP / Masuaku / 4.5)

    Last decision is Kane and Grealish or Sterling and Watkins

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

      8/10 I would get a chel mid in place of James..

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

        Everton better than Chelsea atm and James is central to them. Chelsea pts spread between Pulisic, Havertz, Werner and Ziyech. Want to wait until they are settled before considering

    2. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      As you are with Kane. V good

  6. BRFC
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on this lot would be appreciated,

    Johnstone

    Justin Baldock Chilwell

    Salah Mahrez Rashford Son

    Kane Brewster Werner

  7. tissae
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you rather:

    A) JRod or Pulisic (already own DCL but Pulisic has not played yet and it is a question how things will go for him with Havertz and Werner on the pitch)
    B) Justin on Lamptey
    C) Wilson or Maupay

    1. Von Lipwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Rod, Lamp, Maup

  8. For Fuchs Sake
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Soucek to Son
    and
    Adams to Bamford
    -4
    Yes or no?

  9. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Recon Mane will play?

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

      Yep

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Jota is in good form so there's good cover. I'd say there's about an 80% chance Mane starts.

    3. Seanigula
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He and Salah will be fresh...could they tear apart a tired defense?

  10. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Done it, kdb and Adams to son and Antonio. Was so tempted by mane but it priced me out of antonio.
    Now, play one of
    A) c.taylor
    B) ayling
    C) mitchell

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

      I’m very tempted by mane but already have son

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I'm team mane over salah.... Go for it!

  11. DandyDon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    KDB out for a -8!? haven’t taken many of them in the past
    Mane as good a transfer pick as Salah if it means I can afford to bring in Robbo for free next week? (for Semedo)

  12. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any chance Mitchell goes up 0.1 more before the deadline? Would love to get rid on my WC and make some money

  13. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Really torn with this as my bench is pretty poor. Have Lamptey, Mitchell and Dunne. So:

    a) Play Bissouma with that bench

    b) Another -4 to do KDB ---> Sterling/Fernandes/Pulisic/Grealish

  14. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    So Is aguero starting this weekend then?

    What we reckon?

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Don’t think they have a choice especially with KdB out as well as Jesus

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

        I asked this earlier also, however I think sterling will play up top as Pep won't want to rush back Aguero and get injured again because he came back to early after a long injury lay off.

        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          But as part of training they also played an organised behind closed doors game recently in which he scored in.....

          Potential game under his belt......

          Sterling sucks playing up top.

        2. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          They have looked pretty average without a proper striker upfront though

  15. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    KdB our for -4 or start Saiss (and hope R James starts?)

    0FT 0.5 ITB
    Martinez
    TAA Justin James
    Salah Son KdB* Podence
    Jimi DCL Maupay

    Steer Saiss Mitchell Reed

    thanks!

  16. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Rashford or Mahrez?

    1. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Rash

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

      Mahrez by miles

  17. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Looking forward to getting KdB for 11.0 🙂

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

    Grealish DCL and Brewster

    Start 2?

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

      The first 2

  19. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Pick three defender to start

    A - Saiss (lee)
    B - Digne (LIV)
    C - Egan (FUL) might not play
    D - Mitchell (BRI) under threat from PVA?
    E - Taylor (wba)

  20. tinear
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thought on this

    McCarthy-Nyland
    Mitchell-Justin-TAA-KWP-Bavies
    Salah-Son-KDB-Podence-Bissouma
    Werner-DCL-Mitrovic

    1ft, 1.0 itb

    I think Werner,KDB,Podence,Mitro,Bavies and Nylamd need to be shipped out.

    Should I wildcard to

    Martinez-McCarthy
    Mitchell-Justin-TAA-KWP-Saiss
    Salah-Son-Grealish-Havertz-Bissouma
    Kane-DCL-Watkins

  21. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    So much noise. Might just do KDB to Sterling...

  22. FPL Doctor
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What to do with KDB?

    Ryan
    Saiss Digne Justin
    Salah Son KDB* Podence
    Werner Mitro Jimi

    McCarthy Bissouma KWP Ferg

    A) KDB --> Pulisic or Havertz (free)
    B) KDB --> Grealish (free)
    C) KDB + Mitro --> Grealish + Kane (-4)
    D) KDB + Podence --> Grealish + Pulisic or Havertz (-4)

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

      a) Pulisic

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

    on a WC, who to pick for 3rd striker (have kane & dcl)

    a) Wilson
    b) Maupay

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

      Maupay cus of fixtures

    2. Railwayman
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Close, but I went for Maupay

    3. mixology
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Too close to call honestly, same dilemma

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

    Aguero and bissouma or DCL and zaha

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

      Is KÜN Back ??

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

        surely back for next week I reckon.

  25. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any changes needed here?
    Martinez
    Robbo, Saiss, Lamptey
    Salah, Son, Pulisic, Grealish, Zaha
    Calvert-Lewin, Jimenez

    Forster, Brewster, R James, Mitchell

  26. Railwayman
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who is a better option right now, Grealish against Leicester (without Soyu and maybe Evans) or Pulisic (maybe a 50-50 situation will he start or not) ?

  27. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Pick 1... Pulisic, Sterling or Bale.

  28. Moxon
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Salah Son Pulisic Grealish
    Kane DCL Brewster

    Taken for granted front 7 or are you looking elsewhere?

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

      Maybe James over Puli

  29. Thescaff
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Kevin to Zaha or Sterling?

  30. NUFCAndrew
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Chels Mid or James on WC?