Champions League

UCL Fantasy Panel: GW3

The Champions League is well underway as we head into Matchday 3, with both the real competition’s groups and fantasy players’ mini leagues taking shape. Therefore, there is no better time for the panel of experts to reconvene and offer their advice to give you a leg up over your mates.

On the panel are Fantasy Football Scout’s own Geoff, and Community Members and seasoned UCL players Darth_Krid, Stats Don’t Lie, JK, AK, FFFrog and Pirlo’s Pen.

Who is the best differential for Matchday 3 (and beyond)?

Each panellist was asked to name one player (or multiple players) who have an ownership of 5% or less and is likely to give owners a handy boost up the rankings should they haul.

Darth_Krid – With a double-header against Olympiakos to come, it seems crazy that Kevin De Bruyne is only owned by 4% of managers. City might have temperamental form in the Premier League, but they’re flying in Europe and will look to sew up their group as quickly as possible. With two assists in his last CL appearance and almost certainly on penalties, KDB is primed for points.

Stats Don’t Lie – Few players have the sort of European pedigree offered by my FWD differential, Karim Benzema, one of the most prolific scorers in Europe in recent years. 3g, 3a in 7 league games this season, this is a man in form. In midfield, my pick is João Felix. He was a fantastic punt on my Limitless WC chip last week and has now got 4g in his last 2 games. Moreover, he scored in both group games against Lokomotiv Moscow last year and has the early KO this GW to ease starting worries. He even plays OOP as a ST. In defence, I have gone for another Portuguese man in Guerreiro. The adventurous Dortmund FB has an eye for goal and takes his fair share of set pieces. Dortmund have a few favourable games so potential should be there at both ends of the pitch.

JK – Ahead of a double header with Olympiacos Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan (6.5m) is owned by just 4%. Yes I know it’s Pep but somehow, Gundogan always seems to end up as the City option to own in UCL and back to back goals in the opening 2 games reinforce this.

AK – The disastrous stint at Chelsea for Alvaro Morata may not have been forgotten by many, but he seems to have put those times to bed. Having scored 4 goals and assisted 2 more in 6 games this season, Alvaro Morata looks in great form right now. In the midfield, my pick would easily be Hakim Ziyech. Having taken a punt on him on my Limitless chip in Matchday 2, he returned with a goal and also scored in the league over the weekend. At the back, I’m going for Jordi Alba. With 3 favourable fixtures coming up, Alba is a very safe pick as he has the ability to get returns on both ends of the pitch.

FFFrog – I’ve gone for a pick at each outfield position. Up front, Antony (6m) has been in sparkling form for Ajax and seems a sure starter for their great game this week after the COVID problems across their squad. In midfield, Juventus’s Dejan Kulusevski (8m) has two goals in the league for the Old Lady and was rested ready for their game in Hungary this week. At the back, Atletico Madrid have their easiest defensive games in the next two and Renan Lodi (5m) looks like their best option. He’s great for balls recovered and holds good assist threat, as well as being rested at the weekend.

Pirlo’s Pen – If you want a reliable differential, I wouldn’t look any further than Diego Carlos of Sevilla. With back to back games against Krasnodar, I expect him to add to his already 9 points per match average.

Hopefully this helps you make some decisions, whether you’re using your free transfers or going down the Wildcard path.

As always, Community Articles about UCL are the best place to discuss the Champions League fantasy game. All FPL-related content will be removed from the comment section here, so we can have a focused discussion on the key UCL topics!

Darth_Krid https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/4279/history Follow them on Twitter

96 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thanks for putting this together Darth Krid!

  2. Champions League Fantasy planning
    Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who are you bringing in with your transfers in CL Fantasy?

    Who are your captains?

    And for those on WCs.. who are the players you think are a must?

    1. Pirlø's Pen
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ronaldo!

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I can't decide between him and Messi

        1. FC Hakkebøf
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Me neither! Let me know what you decide on

          1. Geoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Think I'm reluctantly on Ronaldo

    2. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Playing my WC

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I am too. Trying to figure out all the picks now.. WC in CL is great fun

        1. sirmorbach
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Sir, if I may: Is now a good time to go limitless, or would you rather WC for some reason?

    3. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Nice, new article. The old one was getting a bit out of date ngl 😀

      Having used my WC last week I'm in an OK spot with fixtures but struggling a bit with COVID and injuries. Onana and Hummels out, can cope with the former but might do Hummels to Kounde to free up a bit of cash. In midfield, happy to roll with Jota again but Tolisso and Tete seem like bad picks now. Fortunately both rose in price last week so that might help a little. Got Bruno as well, not sure what to do with him, seems like he should start after being subbed early over the weekend but we'll see.

      The marquee transfer I want to make is Mbappe to Ronaldo. I think he'll be a bit of a differential having earned 0 pts so far and probably has a bit of a point to prove after a lengthy absence, we saw on the weekend already that he's fired up for it. Messi on the other hand is highly owned, has increased in price making it harder to get him back, has 0 goals from open play and I question how much longer he can continue playing 90 mins in every match. Will keep an eye on the COVID news regarding Kiev though.

      Contemplating also bringing in someone from City, would be for a hit. I see them putting 3 past Olympiakos quite easily in arguably the standout fixture tonight.

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Who do you think the best (non-premium) City options are?

        I'm looking at Foden

        1. Long ago I drew a walrus
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah Foden makes the most sense, I own him in FPL as well so would be nice to know he'll be starting somewhere. Gundogan also rested over the weekend at 0.5 cheaper could be an option as stated in the article but Foden is usually more attacking

        2. FC Hakkebøf
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Ferran Torres?

          1. Long ago I drew a walrus
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            has started the last 2 which in Pep land is a huge red flag

            1. Geoff
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              This is my worry on Torres too. I've looked at doubling Gundo and Foden

              1. Long ago I drew a walrus
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 4 months ago

                In the end I chickened out and went for Joao Felix instead of Foden. No City, will probably regret it.

                Quick question on rules btw, having played my wildcard in matchday 2 I got 3 FTs for matchday 3, is that right? I mean it's already happened but it feels weird to me, and I could swear when I clicked into transfers during the week it said 2 transfers not 3.

      2. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Also to you, sir, if I may: Is now a good time to go limitless, or would you rather WC for some reason?

        1. Long ago I drew a walrus
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Not a good time for limitless as MD3 and 4 are basically the same fixtures. Good time to WC, I've used mine already though.

          1. sirmorbach
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Great point, thank you so much!

    4. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Playing WC, excited to unleash my saucy differentials. So many lovely low owned players!

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Tell us all of them please

        1. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Two of them I suggested above haha, wouldn't be much of a differential if I disclosed all of them 😉

          1. Long ago I drew a walrus
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Benzema's one of those players that requires skill to use correctly imo, never an easy pick with so many forward options, especially with RM in current form

            1. Stats Don\'t Lie
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              He's the one not making the cut actually haha

    5. AK ⭐
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I am on my Wildcard after using Limitless last week and I am happy with my darft (for now of course)

      Scherpen
      Mazraoui Ramos Kimmich Felipe
      Felix Tete Barrios
      Traore Lewa (c) Ronaldo

      Mendy Ziyech Fati Kounde

      Ramos is probably an eyebrow raiser here with a bad fixture but I am hopeful Madrid will turn a corner here. Inter without Lukaku this week too and the lad has pens!

      1. Long ago I drew a walrus
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Hilarious how Ramos at 6.5 with 'bad fixtures' can be considered overpriced in UCL when we're so reluctant to move on TAA in FPL at 1m more and significantly less attacking threat

        1. Nightcrawler
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Who are "we"? Non stubborn ones have all sold TAA. He was over 55 % at start of season now just 33% most of which are dead teams

          1. Long ago I drew a walrus
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Generic pronoun, inclusive of myself. No need to get worked up. Browse around on this forum for any amount of time and you'll see loads of people still have him. Certainly not mostly dead teams.

            1. Nightcrawler
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Who is getting worked up just asked a question. TAA has lost majority of his sctive ownership

  3. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Lacina Traore to start for Ajax?

    1. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      He should. Especially now that Ajax has a reduced squad with some players having Covid.

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Huntrlaar is in the squad as well. They could opt for experience here

        1. Klaren
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          They could but Huntelaar only played 55 minutes in all competitions so far this season.

          Traore started the last 3, scored 5 against Venlo, scored against Atalanta and won 2 penalties against Fortuna Sittard so is on great form and seems to be first choice.

          I was more worried about Tadic replacing Traore as striker but Tadic is out.

  4. turbonas991
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I am playing my WC this week.
    My team consists of:

    GK: Mendy, Trubin
    DEF: S.Roberto, Meunier, Pavard, Kounde, Danilo
    MID: Fati,Sterling,Felix, Casemiro, Barrios
    ATT: Haaland, Traore, Lewandowski

    There are couple of players I am not sure of: like Felix for example. I am choosing between him or Rashford. But are there any alternatives for 9mil.?
    I am also not sure about Traore knowing that 11 of Ajax players are tested positive for Covid, but you can't get anything better for only 5mil I guess.
    I chose all of my players based on their remaining fixtures, so I am pretty positive about their impact in the game.
    If you have any advices considering my team feel free to share them.

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Would have Messi or Ronaldo for the next two

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Fati's start is under threat due to Pedri and Osmane Dembele

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I think your team looks great tbh.

    3. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Team is great. Just not sure if there is any rotation risk with S. Roberto, might be safer to go with a CB there.

      Felix and Rashford are probably the best options at that price. There might be some rotation risk with Rashford but they are playing at 17.55 tomorrow so you'll see the lineups before they play and could opt to leave him on the bench if rest of your team scores well.

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

    Thoughts on these moves?
    A) Tete to one of Rashford/Felix/Fati
    B) Florenzi to Diego Carlos (would probably captain Diego Carlos instead of Haaland in MD2)

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hard to answer this one because A) is such a mismatch (4m in the bank?!), it's obviously going to be an upgrade but the question is what else can you do with the money.

      1. Klaren
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yes I know, have loads in the bank from Mbappe to Traore downgrade. In B, I'd just be leaving rest of the funds in the bank for next GW and would probably use it for a Tete upgrade eventually.

      2. Klaren
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        So basically transfers are:
        FT1) Mbappe to Traore
        FT2) Jota to Fati (or Rashford/Felix)
        FT3) One of the above in A/B options

        1. Long ago I drew a walrus
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          So many options with so much money, haha. Personally I'm keeping Jota though, reckon he can still contribute. Should start, and Atalanta's defence is pretty terrible

          1. Klaren
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            I could opt to keep both Jota and Tete and go down the route of Mbappe to Ronaldo and Florenzi to Kounde instead.

            Just not sure about the flexibility for next rounds with that though as I'll have 35.0m invested in the 3 forwards. As they play in MD1, Jota and Tete could always gets subbed out this time around if they don't perform but might become a bit of an issue in GW4 when they play MD2.

            1. Long ago I drew a walrus
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Any reason why you'd get rid of Florenzi btw?

              1. Klaren
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 4 months ago

                PSG has more difficult fixtures compared to some others and his recoveries haven't been great so far. I bought him partly for his attacking threat but had a poor performance against Basaksehir so not sure about his form.

  6. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Kulesevski or Ziyech?
    Ronaldo or Messi?

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kulu
      Ronnie

  7. The Ejiptian King
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Playing for the first time and enjoying this, taking my mind off a dismal FPL start, might be less fun when I'm not using a chip every week though.

  8. turbonas991
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I don't think Lewandowski will keep blanking. Lewandowski has now gone three consecutive games without scoring in the competition but, given the amount of goals he has been scoring in the Bundesliga and at international level, dictates that Fantasy returns are surely just around the corner.

    1. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Interesting haha, the scout article on the official UCL page made this point almost word for word

  9. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Acuna or Mazraoui?

    1. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Is Acuna a 4.5? Sevilla better than Ajax for sure

      1. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        He's 5.

        1. Long ago I drew a walrus
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah thought so, I've got Mazraoui and would have definitely gone for a Sevilla defender had they been the same price

    2. turbonas991
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I think Sevilla's fixtures are way easier , you will expect 3 clean sheets for the upcoming 4 games while Ajax still has Atalanta and Liverpool

    3. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks. I am playing a danish version where they are similarly priced

    4. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Sevilla defender but Kounde instead of Acuna

      Acuna has 2 yellow cards in the first 2 and is 1 more away from a suspension.

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Kounde not nailed

        1. Klaren
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          He is the clear 1st choice since mid last season, only missed some games due to covid.

          1. FC Hakkebøf
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Oh, okay thanks. Mind helping me out below as well?

          2. AK ⭐
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            This

  10. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Last question (quick posting due to work, sorry)

    A) Haaland, Kulesevski, Traore/Torres
    B) Lewandowski, Traore, Mazraoui
    C) Messi, Antony, Traore

    Ronaldo (C)

    1. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not entirely sure what's being asked as there is a mixture of forwards and mids. C) in particular is 3 forwards so you can't then have Ronaldo (C)?

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Different game, same rules basically. A danish version.

        1. Long ago I drew a walrus
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Ah well it's difficult then because I don't know the classifications. Don't think Ajax warrant a double up with so many first teamers out with COVID, but Haaland is also the weakest of the 3 premium forwards this week imo (think he's coming back from an injury). Presumably you can't do Lewandowski, Kulusevski, Ajax player?

          1. FC Hakkebøf
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Nope, you dont get much funds to toy with. Transfers are very cheap though. The less expensive the player, the cheaper is it to transfer them in. If you had to choose, which option would you go with?

      2. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Antony listed as midfielder.

        1. Long ago I drew a walrus
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Probably C out of that lot

    2. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B for me. I think Lewa is the best MD1 captain. C could be great but some concern with Messi gametime.

      1. Klaren
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Actually Messi hasn't been rested at all last season so probably very low chance of being rested; I guess the only risk is if the game is called off due to Dinamo Kiev covid situation but that's not looking likely either.

        1. Long ago I drew a walrus
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Sometimes I find it very difficult to get to grips with this rest thing, how can everyone else need a rest but Messi at 33 years old plays 90 twice a week? If the narrative about injuries is to be believed he's an injury waiting to happen. Could it be because of his playstyle and general lack of intensity in La Liga?

          1. Klaren
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            I'm not sure either. It might be partly due to Messi not contributing as much to the team press and not being expected to do much while the opposition has the possession. He also chooses the runs that he has to make effectively and thus doesn't have to sprint too much.

            However I agree that you'd still expect a player of his age to be rested occasionally. I didn't realize he doesn't get rested at all until I checked his stats from previous seasons (see below link).

            https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/lionel-messi/leistungsdaten/spieler/28003/plus/0?saison=2019

          2. The Ejiptian King
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            I'm sure part of it is that he wants to play every game and has so much power, no manager dares to risk upsetting him, Koeman has apparently already done that once this season though.

  11. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bruno Martial Rashford triple up on ucl fantasy let’s get it

    1. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not worried about rotation? I'd be tempted to punt on van de Beek.

  12. Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    New article is live about UCL: https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/11/03/the-best-players-to-sign-and-captain-for-ucl-fantasy-matchday-three/

    But please keep commenting here, where the talk is just UCL not FPL 🙂

  13. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Lads, would you WC or go limitless?

    1. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      WC makes more sense to me as GW3/4 are the same fixtures so you can cover both and maybe use limitless in GW5 when there is a fixture shift for a lot of the teams.

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Great point, thank you sir!

    2. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      WC

  14. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What do you think about this UCL Wildcard?

    Mendy / Scherpen
    Kimmich / Diego Carlos / Felipe / Bondar / Koundé
    Rashford / Joao Felix / Fati / Kulusevski / Tete
    Ronaldo / Haaland / Traore

    1. lugs
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      i'd be worried about Rashford's and Fati's minutes, but other than that it looks good

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thank you so much, mate. Like your team as well. I thought of Foden over Fati, but who knows with Pep. Would you suggest anything? Also, maybe Ziyech over Rash? (Like your team as well, just seen it below)

        1. lugs
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          yeah i think Foden should start, also Torres will probably start upfront again so i'd consider him, and i went for Ziyech over Rash because i was worried about Rashford's gametime, but Ziyech might not start either lol, but tbf i do think think Z will start so he looks a solid pick

  15. lugs
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    wildcard activated, a captain punt on Traore tonight, with a switch to Ranaldo for tomorrow if it doesn't work out, also the two cheap forwards allow me to have good subs so it doesn't worry me that they are not entirely nailed, goodluck all 🙂

    Marchesin
    Blind, korniienko, Kimmich
    M Llorente, Felix, Sterling, Casemiro
    Ronaldo, Kean, Traore(c)

    Bounou, Ziyech, Carlos, Danilo

  16. Long ago I drew a walrus
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Wow, what's the situation with Ajax? All the key players supposed to be out with COVID start. I've got Onana on the bench because I thought he literally didn't travel.

    1. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Read on reddit they were on the plane to Denmark...

      1. Long ago I drew a walrus
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        No harm done in the end. Feel sorry for those that brought in Scherpen/Traore though.

  17. Arsenal97
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Keep salah captain or switch ro Ronaldo ?

    1. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'm on Lewa and keeping...

  18. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Still holding the first place in the FFS league, dropped to 20th place in the world but not far from 1st. Have 4 players left, Bruno is my big hope not to drop some more or even climb a bit, Ronaldo good to ut not as much a differential...

    1. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      13 points behind you 😉 I sold Bruno in the final minute, chickened out because I was scared of another rest, he's looked tired lately. Brought in Felix who immediately blanked. Bruno himself was a last-minute call the previous week over Rashford and that was a fail as well. In hindsight would have been better to keep.

      Looking around us practically everyone's got Ronaldo unfortunately so basically useless unless you're brave enough to give him the armband? I've got Florenzi as my key differential today so basically expecting a red arrow

  19. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Went with this WC team

    Mendy - Scherpen
    Kimmich - Diego Carlos - Danilo - Kounde - Bondar
    Sterling - Rashford - Promes - Tete - Erokhin
    Ronaldo - Lewandowski - Traore

    Glad that Erokhin scored today and Promes scored 7 points. Should have got Jota though. 🙂

    1. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Getting screwed over by Kounde was disappointing. Maybe that's why he's 4.0 lol