Champions League

UCL Fantasy: Tuesday review, Wednesday preview and tips for substitutes and captaincy

The UEFA Champions League and its Fantasy Football game have returned with a bang. If you had Angelino (€5.0m) in your team, Lionel Messi (€12.0m) as your captain or Charles de Ketelaere as a €4.5m option, then congratulations.

For those whose captains didn’t haul and are in need of some big-hitting substitutions, then that’s what this article is here for.

For the uninitiated, the UEFA Champions League Fantasy game allows managers to make manual substitutions and captaincy changes after the Tuesday round of games has taken place but before the Wednesday matches begin.

MAKE CHANGES TO YOUR UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FANTASY TEAM AHEAD OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES HERE

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

Last Night’s Review

The highest-scoring match of the night saw both Barcelona and Ferencvaros live up to expectations. This isn’t necessarily a signal that Barcelona look particularly strong going into this campaign – their easiest game is now behind them and next week’s visit to Andrea Pirlo’s Juventus will be a much sterner challenge.

Juve’s opponents from yesterday, Dynamo Kyiv, look to be stronger at the back than their Hungarian counterparts, so it’s probably worth avoiding the hype around Blaugrana until we’ve seen more. 

PSG were uncharacteristically terrible to lose to an Axel ‘Maldini’ Tuanzebe-inspired (€4.0m) performance by Manchester United and should recover comfortably in next week’s visit to Istanbul Basaksehir.

As with Barcelona, those that will inevitably pile on Angelino after his four-minute brace yesterday evening will do well to consider that this was RB Leipzig’s easiest group game and he’s unlikely to have the attacking freedom or lack of defensive responsibility we saw yesterday evening. 

Chelsea, Sevilla, Rennes and Krasnodar all looked fairly equally dull going forward in their Group E games, but it is good to note that Chelsea really are looking much more solid with Eduoard Mendy (€5.0m) between the posts.

Club Brugge lived up to expectations as a decent attacking force to beat a poor Zenit St Petersburg side in Russia, with the 4.5m pairing of de Ketelaere and Wilmar Barrios both putting in strong performances for different reasons. 

In the other game in Group F, a surprisingly powerful Lazio side swept aside Borussia Dortmund in Rome, although it was good to see Erling Haaland (€11.0m) open his account for the season early.

Captaincy

This author tends to have a rule with changing captaincy in UCL Fantasy: six points or less is worth a change, seven or more probably too risky.

Who to change to is the tough question for today. There is no longer a safety net after Wednesday’s matches – you have to get this one right. Luckily, there are a plethora of options from this evening’s games. 

Atalanta have the pick of the fixtures from an attacking point of view as they look to get back to the form that saw them score 13 goals in their first three games of the season. They are expected to start a front three of Alejandro Gomez (€8.5m), Luis Muriel (€8.5m) and Duvan Zapata (€9.5m) for their visit to Danish minnows Midtjylland and any of those should prove to be solid captaincy options. 

Premier league darlings Raheem Sterling (€10.5m) and Mohamed Salah (€11.5m) also have two solid fixtures. Salah beats Sterling for form but with Liverpool’s growing injury list, Ajax may look to capitalise.

Finishing off the captaincy options are the two safest options of the week. Robert Lewandowski (€12m) and Romelu Lukaku (€11m) both bring top form into these fixtures, although Inter’s game at home to Gladbach should give him more of an opportunity to produce a score to match or outscore Messi’s 11 from last night. 

Substitutions

Who to bring on and who to sub off is often a tough decision in UCL Fantasy and a decision that has to be made depending on the state of your squad. 

Just a few notes on substitutions for this evening. After Serge Gnabry (€10.0m) was ruled out of tonight’s game for Bayern Munich with a positive COVID test, make sure he’s out of your lineup. Also, watch out for news this afternoon of any more positive tests within the German giants – they are reported to have all been tested and be expecting results back at about 2pm UK time. For those with the likes of Joshua Kimmich (€6.5m) and Lewandowski on the bench, watch out for this news before you bring them on. 

Assuming Bayern don’t report back any more positive tests, perhaps think twice before subbing on any Atlético defenders if you have a strong line-up already – it’d be a surprise to see a clean sheet for Simeone’s side – but obviously the circumstances are different if you have a sea of one and two-pointers knocking about.

Luckily we will know if Sergio Ramos (€6.5m) starts for Real Madrid before the deadline as they play in the early kick-offs, so make sure you wait for that news if he’s sat on your bench. 

Aside from the news, be sensible with your substitutions – four or five points is normally enough to keep a player on the field for and don’t try and shoehorn on subs just for the sake of making them.

Good luck for tonight’s games, all!


MAKE CHANGES TO YOUR UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FANTASY TEAM AHEAD OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES HERE

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

Remember to sign up to our Fantasy Football Scout mini-league (PIN: 65KAB8EHX307) – there are Premium Memberships on offer for the leading managers in that.

1,427 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gooders
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any thoughts on the below? 0.1ITB

    A) Dier > Lamptey/Targett/Other
    B) Pereira > Barkley
    C) Both -4

    McCarthy
    TAA Dier Mitchell
    Mane Son Rodriguez Podence
    Kane Jimmy DCL

    Pereira Taylor KWP

    1. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A only B next week

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

      Needs KDB, Bernandes Aubameyang. Fit them all in

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

      A

    4. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

  2. fridge
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I have 1 FT and 1m ITB, would you make any moves here or save?

    McCarthy (4.0)
    TAA. Lamptey. Taylor (Dallas. 4.0)
    Salah. Son. JRod. ASM (McCarthy)
    Kane. DCL. Jiminez

    1. Sloane426
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      ASM to Barkley

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

        That is tempting, was thinking of a hit to get Grealish in but this could be better...

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

    Agüero the ultimate differential this GW?

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

      Maybe, but who would you take out from your team to bring him inn? Kane? Son? Salah?

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

        Ings. >> Kane or Kun. Follow the crowd or try something different (with previous pedigree!) 🙂

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Dunno. But on penalties if Dé Bruyne is out.

    3. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      How many minutes will pep play him his first week back from a long term knee injury

    4. George James
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      would you sell Werner for him mate? i have exact money and appreciate your thoughts

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

        It’s tempting but you’ve waited this long for Werner to come good so probably not. For me it’s Ings who is ticking along but not exploding and Soton look more reserved

        1. George James
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          would sell ings in a heartbeat for Kun. if for free

  4. gomez123
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is WOOD dead WOOD now??

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      WOODnt think so

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

      no, he is still alive

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

    Liverpool defence playing deeper - makes them more competent at the back, if slightly at the expense of attacking flair.

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

      Still giving chances to Ajax. With Adrian in goal nothing is impossible 🙁

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

        Alisson should be back soon. Not a long term injury

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

          Salah off.

  6. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Barnes to Foden for free?

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

      Yes.

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers mate

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldn’t buy or sell foden right now

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Why not?

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Lots of players back for city in a couple weeks, will be rotated

          Better options

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

        This

    3. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'm trying to get rid of Foden

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Why? West Ham & Sheffield next!

        1. fr3d
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          If he even plays. I'll probably hold for this week, but will move him on eventually for Hamez or big upgrade to KdB

          1. Pep Roulette
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            I think he is worth the gamble

    4. xHaTr
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Lol im selling Foden this week

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

      You've got to know when to Foden.

  7. stu92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Wildcard active, thoughts?

    Martinez (4.0)
    Robbo - Saiss - Mings (Kilman - XXX)
    Son - Bruno - Jhames - YYY (Soucek)
    Kane - DCL - Jimi

    XXX
    1. Lamptey
    2. Ayling
    3. Other

    YYY
    4. Barkley
    5. McGinn
    6. Trossard
    7. Other

    1. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      1 and 4

    2. danieltbl21
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would downgrade Mings to maybe Targett/Konsa then fill up XXX as Dallas/Ayling.

      Since I don't know how much ITB but I can assume that gives you more funds to go for better options for YYY. Otherwise, Barkley would be my go to from that list

  8. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you take a hit to swap out Shaw Davies or Ferguson?

    1. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah that might be the worst defense I've ever seen

      1. Saka Rice
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        True but my attack is Sarah Jrod Grealish Son Kane Jimenez and DCL

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not if you've 3 playing defenders. Ferguson is fifth defender fodder anyways.

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

      Possibly. Who are your other 2 defenders? You could take the 1/2 point max from Shaw this week, and wait till next week. -4 on a defender transfer doesn’t seem to be paying off well this season given the lack of clean sheets

    4. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'd stick. 2 points from Shaw is better than a -4 and trying to cover the loss.

  9. FOMFF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Alight, another WC Draft, playing 343, Justin and Konsa to rotate. Feedback appreciated.

    McCarthy, Button
    Robbo, Saiss, Konsa, Justin, 3.9
    Salah, Son, Rash, Grealish, Biss
    Kane, DCL, Antonio

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Need Martinez in there. Too early for Antonio and he's injured. Good differential in Rashford

  10. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Seems impossible to get more than 4 premiums (9m plus), which 4 do you want?

    I’m thinking

    Kane
    Salah
    aguero (in a couple of weeks)
    Son

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I've Kane Salah Son and Sterling .

      1. FourLokoLeipzig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Same here

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Having more than two is not good value. I'm happy with just Salah and Son

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

      TAA is a premium, no?

      Him, Kane, Salah, Son.

    4. FOMFF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Kane, Salah, Son, Rash

  11. The Wanton Trader
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    McCarthy
    Robbo/Chilwell/Reguilón
    Salah(c)/Raz/Bruno/Grealish/Trossard
    DCL/Mitrovic

    Button/Brewster/Kilman/Ferguson

    Am I G2G...?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Gtg

      1. The Wanton Trader
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks Tony.

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

      Mitro stinking out your team

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

        Play Kilman instead

      2. The Wanton Trader
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Tell me about it mate.
        I’ve been giving him one more game for the last couple of GWs. 🙂

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

          Give him 0 more games and play the most in form defender in the league

          1. The Wanton Trader
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Definitely worth considering. Ty

  12. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on Zaha for 7.2m??

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Prefer Grealish or Trossard

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Flatter to deceive and trolls whenever I had him in but I can see why people are looking to bring him in. Playing close to the striker and on pens but CRY don't create much

    3. BigBillyBass
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He’s playing Fulham so yes get him

    4. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Don’t do it to yourself

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

      Had him since wk2. Disappears for entire games. Does have an incredible looking run of fixtures, similar return available for less money - Jorginho & McGinn spring to mind.

    6. danieltbl21
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Good short term pick but that's about it. Personally prefer the likes of Gealish, Barkley, Hamez (for a little more) or even Trossard.

      From what I've seen he's too inconsistent and Palace just lack the creativity. His underlying stats aren't great either

  13. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Aguero might not even start this weekend. Prepare to be pepped , anyone who gets him in.

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

      Why wouldn't he start?

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Coming back from injury , played at weekend, playing today . You never know with pep.

      2. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        This, probably subbed early. He need mins under his belt

      3. Camino Aleatorio
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        He's old!

        Sterling can play False 9 to give Aguerold a rest.

        I'll get Aguero when he starts scoring, he' s good for a 5 goal game at some point.

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      It’s not even “pepped”, it’s a totally responsible and reasonable thing for him to start on bench

  14. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Minamino on the way.

  15. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Not a single playmaker to be found in these successful modern central midfields:

    Ndombele Højbjerg Sissoko
    Wijnaldum Fabinho Henderson
    Gomes Allan Doucoure

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

      Spurs one is weird but liverpools playmakers are their fullbacks and everton have james and digne

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

        I guess spurs relying on kane for creativity

      2. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Spurs have Kane and the fullbacks.
        Liverpool have Firmino and the fullbacks.
        Everton have Digne and Rodriguez.

        But what's important is that in the central midfield, defence is prioritized. I think it's critical for controlling the centre and being effective when pressing high up the field. Controlling the centre is an important chess principle and I think it applies to football in a similar way. Playmakers are moving out wide or up front...

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

          Yupyup

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      #JusticeForSouthgate

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

      Thiago

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Strong defensively as well though. Thiago is a bit of a freak.

    4. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      All teams are better with a proper regista which is why Thiago is such a god like buy for Pool

  16. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Max Kilman has signed a new Wolves contract until 2025.

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

      Really? You have a link to the site from where u got info pls?

  17. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Salah off.

  18. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Some feedback on my WC team

    Martinez/Forster
    Robbo Lamptey Ward ayling kilman
    Salah JRod Barkley Grealish* 4.5
    Jiminez Aguero Kane

    *Grealish can become any midfielder below 7 if I opt for konsa instead of ayling

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Don't understand the Ward pick. There are better 4.5def available

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Agree, name some

    2. beric
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Hmm i cant seem to think of a reason to not pick son on a WC

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        To go against the tide ?

  19. Puntillimon
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Salah rested. El capitano for me then

  20. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mane being iced up

  21. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mane getting iced up.

  22. xHaTr
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mane injury?

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

      I think icing is a normal thing

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ice on thigh.

  23. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Salah (C) confirmed.

    Hungry and fresh at the weekend.

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

      How u know he'll be hungry? Maybe he eats before playing

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Way off the pace tonight.

  24. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mane Salah and firmino all off.

  25. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best non Aston villa 4.5 defender?

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

      Coufal

  26. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Firmino rested for Sheffield United.

  27. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mane rested for Sheffield United.

  28. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Guys,

    Barkley on 95.1% on Fplstats, Do we think he will rise in price tonight?

    If he does, I am priced out of my move for him.

    Thanks.

  29. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Salah rested for Sheffield United.

  30. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What's even the point of champions league. We all know bayern will win again

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

      What's the point in anyt

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

        Reply fail.

        What's the point in anything? We're all going to die anyway.

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

          Lez do it. Suicide pact!

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

            Would save me the Jimenez/Ings > Kane/Maupay dilemma.