Champions League

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

The UEFA Champions League Fantasy game allows managers to change their starting XIs and captains – with certain restrictions – following the culmination of the Tuesday matches and before the start of Wednesday’s games.

In this article, we’ll recap last night’s fixtures and summarise the captaincy and substitution options available to UCL Fantasy bosses before this evening’s 17:55 GMT deadline.

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

Tuesday night saw a whopping 35 goals go in across eight games, with both German sides in action scoring six goals on the road. The star men for the evening were Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Alassane Plea (€8m) and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota (€7.5m), who both scored hat-tricks, with Plea also adding an assist. Both were playing away from home, meaning that on Matchday Four they will have the same fixtures, but with home advantage. 

Gladbach’s 6-0 win at Shakhtar was definitely the unexpected talking point of the evening. Marco Rose’s side were utterly scintillating in front of a Ukrainian crowd, doing what neither Real Madrid nor Inter Milan could do in beating Shakhtar. Whilst Plea will take the plaudits, Lars Stindl (€7.9m) and Ramy Bensebaini (€5.5m) also got two goals and an assist between them. Gladbach’s star man from the Real Madrid draw, Marcus Thuram (€8.6m), was restricted to just one assist. Expect more of the same from the Bundesliga side in the reverse fixture in Matchday Four as they look to assert control over a tough group, but almost definitely not to the same extent. 

European favourites Liverpool and Bayern Munich both had big wins on the road. Liverpool exposed Atalanta’s defensive frailties and whilst Gian Piero Gasperini’s defiance not to change his tactics under any circumstances is admirable, it really was their undoing yesterday evening. Sadio Mane (€11m) and Mohamed Salah (€11.5m) showed why they are always great options as both grabbed a goal and an assist, but as Liverpool are not far from qualifying for the last 16, we are much more likely to see more of Diogo Jota (€7.5m) going forward – and he really looks like the man to snap up in this team. Their defence also proved that it doesn’t need Virgil van Dijk to keep a clean sheet, with Trent Alexander-Arnold (€6.6m) getting another UCL assist to highlight his quality as an asset. 

Bayern’s late burst of goals was a welcome relief to owners of Robert Lewandowski (€12m), whose brace finally rewarded owners with a 10-point haul. Thomas Muller (€10m) proved that he is the second-best pick of the Bavarian outfit’s attacking assets with two assists, whilst Joshua Kimmich (€6.6m) continued his unbelievable Champions League form by setting up two goals.

Sergio Ramos (€6.5m) demonstrated why he’s a popular pick with his 100th Real Madrid goal, but in general, both the Spaniards and Inter Milan looked unsteady at both ends, making it difficult to pick any assets of real quality out of either team. 

Manchester City and Porto both showcased their strengths in 3-0 wins, with Kevin De Bruyne (€11.5m) grabbing two assists and Sergio Oliviera (€6.5m) scoring another penalty for Porto. 

An Ajax side much less COVID-stricken than we were led to believe beat Midtjylland on the road, with €6m forward Antony scoring and having another goal disallowed. At home and hopefully part of a full-strength team in Matchday Four, Antony should continue to start and be a great cheap asset for the Amsterdam side. 

In the early kick-off, Lokomotiv Moscow held Atletico to a draw, with Joao Felix (€9m) repeatedly denied by an incredible Guilherme (€4.5m) performance. 

Captaincy 

Most captaincy options from yesterday evening proved successful, with Salah, De Bruyne, Kimmich and Lewandowski all scoring eight points or more. However, if you did not pick one of the successful players from yesterday evening, there is still a wealth of options available for tonight’s games.

We get to watch both Lionel Messi (€12.1m) and Cristiano Ronaldo (€12m) turn out tonight, with Ronaldo looking particularly ready to go against a defensively poor Ferencvaros side. Messi is facing a Dynamo Kyiv outfit destroyed by COVID, with just 13 players eligible to play. If he starts, expect a big haul from the Barcelona man against a Ukrainian side made up of a lot of youth prospects. Outside of the obvious two, Erling Haaland (€11m) should be fit for the visit to Brugge and, after scoring in both of his opening Champions League matches, will be looking to continue this form. 

Slightly left-field captaincy options may come from the two English sides playing this evening, with Chelsea at home to Rennes and Manchester United visiting Istanbul Basaksehir. United have six points from their first two group games and will be looking to secure knockout qualification early. Marcus Rashford (€9m) has four Champions League goals so far and should be the talisman charged with securing a United victory. In London, Hakim Ziyech (€9m) has scored in his first two games for Chelsea and will likely line up again this evening after Christian Pulisic (€9m) was ruled out. 

Substitutions

As always, the dilemma over whether to make a change or two depends on who UCL Fantasy managers have to bring on. You have to look at the ceiling and floor of the possible substitution against what you know you already have. If the player has four points or less, it is normally worth a gamble as long as your substitute has a decent fixture and generally positive prospects.

Expect Wilmar Barrios (€4.5m), who will be on a lot of benches, to continue his trend of scoring five points a game. Sevilla and Chelsea defenders have a great chance of a clean sheet and should be brought on where possible, as do Juventus and Barcelona options. Watch out for news of the Barcelona game, though – if one further Kyiv player tests positive for COVID the game will be postponed. This may also encourage Ronald Koeman to rotate his squad in anticipation of an easier game, so keep your eyes peeled for news of a Messi/Fati benching if you own either. 


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

471 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    brighton questions:

    A will maupay start?
    B is lamptay fit?

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

      A. Sounds like it.
      B. Sounds like it.

      1. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Source?

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

          Press conference this morning. Lamptey's fitness wasn't actually discussed, just his contract, the fact Potter didn't mention him in any other way would suggest he's fine (as would him conducting interviews after the last match). Maupay sounds like "water under the bridge."

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

            Think it was mentioned on here earlier that Lamptey was taken off with cramp and is fine.

  2. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Will Shane Long play now Ings is out?

    (I don’t want to hear your thoughts on him as an option 😉 )

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Would also like to know

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

      Not an option 🙂

    3. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Could be, but Redmond also an option. I think hassenhuttl goes for him, did so earlier at least

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

    A) Cresswell + Leno
    or
    B) Bellerin + Fabianski

    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      both cresswell and belerin are great options. try to find a cheap keeper and maybe have both

  4. icanseethroughyou
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Repost due to no replies...

    Martinez Forster
    Semedo Lamptey Justin KWP Robertson
    Salah Grealish Foden Son Bissouma
    Kane DCL Brewster

    Got 2 FTs and willing to take a hit to get up the mini league! Which one?

    A. Robertson/Foden/Brewster to Zouma/Jota/Wilson (0.4M ITB)

    B. Robertson/Kane/Brewster to Zouma/Vardy/Wilson (1.1M ITB)

    C. Martinez/Foden/Kane to Mendy/Jota/Vardy (1.1M ITB)

    1. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. Stig
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

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

      I don't see Jota as nailed so it's a huge risk to bring him in IMHO. Not sure I'd want to ship Kane either.

      1. icanseethroughyou
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks. So take it you favour A bit without Jota? Can still do Zouma and Wilson and wait on Jota. Just can see him being a more explosive option than Foden who is also not nailed!

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

          Yeah ; it's so hard to tell what to do with Foden and Jota at this point . . . very frustrating. Think Jota has put himself in the frame to start, potentially though for ANY of the front three and not just Bobby!

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

    Can mitchell and Lewis hold out on a price drop till the deadline?

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

    I really dont understand price changes and what casuals are thinking. Why for instance is Jimenez suddenly going up again?

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

      Ings injury?

    2. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Easy move from Ings

    3. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      They know something we don't. 😀

    4. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Are they straight swapping for Ings, personally I would downgrade to Wilson

    5. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ings injured so Ings to Jimenez. They don't trust Martial, can't afford Werner or Jesus. Already have DCL and don't want to go near the cheaper guys because they score then blank for two weeks.

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

        To be fair, so does Jimenez

    6. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ings injury I suspect. A lot of people are doing a straight swap, funny as I was contemplating doing the opposite move before his injury.

    7. Studs Up
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Why would u think its caused by casuals

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

        Every player who is not Brosstan is a casual. Ergo . . .

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

        Why else would you bring in Jimenez? I own him but Wolves look awful, his stats are bad and only reason I still have him is theres other fires to put out.

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

          Wolves did not look awful against Palace. Far from it.

          1. TLF
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            I agree, looked a lot better in the absence of Saïss

          2. Harper (No more Penandes)
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Neto in particular looks lively, hit a few crosses, one for the Podence goal another for Dendoncker. Though I think both times he was aiming for Jimenez and overhit them. As a Jimenez owner I would prefer to see Traoré play instead of Podence.

  7. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone keeping double Pool def?

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

      no

    2. Stig
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'm not evening keeping single Pool def

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        same

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

      Dead teams

    4. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Having second thoughts about single def - Robbo

  8. Lazy Martial
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hello.

    First post.. which is better for this week and next Adams or Vardy?

    Adams has the better fixtures but Vardy is obviously far better. Either way I’m getting one of them in GW 10.

    Thank you

    1. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Vardy GW10 I think on WC

      1. Lazy Martial
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Wish I still had the Wildcard!

        So definitely better the next 2 for you then?

  9. Young Lingard
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Reguillon owners ; do you think he makes the weekend game? He’s only been ruled out of Europe but we won’t have much else to go on ?!

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

      Touch of flu they say . . . should be fine after a couple days in bed and some Lemsip.

    2. teneighty
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Only asking for owners opinions might give you some biased answers. 😉

      I'd guess it's 50/50 he recovers til Sunday. The flu can make even an elite athlete weak for a couple of days after.

  10. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on Ings - > Martial in a free?

    1. Lazy Martial
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Don’t get that grump

      1. Lazy Martial
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Werner is far better to me personally

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

          Yup.

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

        Shut up.

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Lol

    2. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Watching him play against Istanbul in 45 mins may help inform your decision.

  11. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Any word on Pulisic yet? I see he’s changed from 25% to 50% on fpl

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

      Only what Frank said yesterday ; back on the pitch sounds good. . . . but good enough to start?

  12. thehodge
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Have already done Saiss - Coufal for this week but considering shipping Jimi out for a hit. Have money in the bank to stretch to Werner or Vardy. Might just stick and avoid the hit as I could use Jimi to raise funds for City assets in a few weeks time.

    Anyone any thoughts? Stick or twist

    1. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Jimenez to Vardy in GW10 looks like a good move.

    2. Toonmad
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I've just done jimi to Wilson for a hit, freed me up funds for son to kdb for fixture swing. Already got sterling

      1. thehodge
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I’m just hesitant as it could potentially snooker me in a few weeks time. Think Wilson’s fixtures look good on paper but could be tougher than expected

        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          This

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

      Exactly the same problem to solve for me. I still cannot decide whether Jimi > Werner, Jimi > Wilson or Jimi > Martial. Kane > Vardy GW10 instead.

    4. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Stick.

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

      Stick & reassess after the IB as you say.

  13. ElliotJHP
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Prior to this year Newcastle only had 5 penalties in the last three seasons (and laughably only scored 1)

    Wilson's penalty fortunes to run out or are there a new toon in town?

    1. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I don't know what the stats say, but on the eye test they're certainly not a more attacking side. Is it not down to the uptick in penalties being awarded this season more generally?

    2. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      How many has Wilson won himself? He definitely said that he played for one at the weekend, so maybe having a savvy striker up front helps.

  14. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Do we know any more about Antonio? Eager to bring him in for Jimenez this week

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I guess we have to wait for tommow mate.

  15. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How is this for a plan for GW 10, in transfer order:

    Saiss+Robertson+Son+Kane (+Zaha) -> Coufal+Dias+KdB+Vardy (+Ziyech/Pulisic)

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

      Think about this week with the next in mind but I'm almost 100% certain that these transfers won't go to plan.

  16. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What would you do? 1 ft, 1.2ib

    McCarthy
    Trent Chilwell Saiss
    Salah Son Grealish Zaha
    Kane DCL Bamford

    Bench: Justin & cheapies

    Thinking of Saiss -> Kilman, to afford Son -> KDB next GW

    1. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Solid plan

  17. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone got a link to the scoutcast?

      1. camarozz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers.

  18. JURGENAUT
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How's this team?

    McCarthy
    Chilwell / Bellerin / Lamptey
    Salah / Bruno / Son / Grealish
    Kane / DCL / Wilson

    Forster / Justin / Mitchell / Stephens

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

      Like it a lot

    2. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Looks stellar mate

  19. mazkills
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bellerin or Cresswell short and long term?

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Creswell but either is viable option

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

        Agree

    2. AD2110
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I did Bellerin

  20. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Looking at the Man Utd line up, I really fancy a kebab.

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

      Shame, was hoping for some rests

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

        Mata starts ; guaranteed win.

  21. Pep bites Kun
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Not everyone does it - most people try to sell it - Fair play to the experienced guys on this forum for sharing their knowledge of FPL/PL

  22. the_duke
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Repost Which one would you do guys?

    A) Saiss > coufal (bench foden)
    B) Saiss > Creswell/ Bellerin (bench foden)
    C) Foden > Bowen
    D) Taa > Chilwell

    Team below:

    Martinez
    Taa, james, lamptey
    Salah, son, zaha, grealish, foden
    Kane, dcl

    Steer, Taylor, Saiss, Brewster

  23. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    1FT and 0.0 ITB

    A) Pulisic -> Ziyech
    B) Pulisic -> Zaha
    C) Pulisic + Jrod -> Bruno + Soucek (-4)

    Martinez, 4.0
    Chilwell, PvA, Lamptey, Dallas, Coufal
    Salah, Son, Grealish, Jrod, Pulisic
    Kane, DCL, Brewster

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

      He's back on pitch so he might start . . . would do a hit for Bruno myself.

  24. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Anything to consider worth a hit? Starters/bench OK?

    McCarthy
    Zouma, Cancelo, KWP
    Salah, Sterling, Son, Soucek, Podence
    Kane, Jimenez
    (Nyland; Justin, Saiss, Davis)

  25. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Coady->Coufal with my second ft or start him?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Start him

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

        cheers

  26. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Should I get

    A - Maupay
    B - Bamford

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

      Maupay wasn't even in the sqaud last game - wouldn't be going near him

      1. Jet5605
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Potter was interviewed today and said they have 'moved on' from the incident that led to him being dropped

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

          It's a no go for me. If it got to that point, I'm sure it could get there again, not worth the risk imo.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hmmm, tough. Maupay out of those

      Watkins?

      1. Jet5605
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Good shout but I already have 3 Villa

    3. manu4life99
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B easy

  27. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Batsman anyone?

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

      The dude is ALWAYS offside. I've never seen someone so rapid consistently offside.

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Don't have a spot for Zaha... Want to cover those CP games.

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          pva

          1. Bobby Digital
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Good idea!

          2. Bobby Digital
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Need to get rid of Ings though.

      2. teneighty
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Pippo Inzaghi says hi!

  28. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Any news on Lamptey fitness? Barely have 11 players and need him to start!

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      He gets injured every GW, then comes back and starts next GW.

    2. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ivanovic? He was gold couple of seasons at least

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

    Only 4 current fpl defenders have score 180 points in a season

    3 of them are he pool trio

    Can u name the 4th..

    1. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Alonso?

    2. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ivanovic, Look above

  30. potatoace
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    With news Pulisic could still make weekend is anyone concerned Werner is still not nailed this gw.