Champions League

The best goalkeepers and defenders for UCL Fantasy knockout stages

UEFA Champions League Fantasy managers have just a few days left to finalise their squads for the knockout stages of the tournament.

As the upcoming deadline approaches, we have taken a look at some of the best goalkeepers and defenders to consider.

As we all know from Fantasy Premier League, very few of us like using transfers between the sticks, or overspending on our goalkeepers.

However, in a competition like this, when only the best players in Europe remain, most of the available options are all pretty expensive. 

GOALKEEPERS

Although we are given a generous number of transfers (three after first legs, five after the second), you don’t want to be wasting those on goalkeepers who tend to not have a great variation in scoring. Therefore, selection a shot-stoppers who look as though they’ll go far in the competition is undoubtedly a sound strategy.

The highest scoring goalkeepers in the competition so far have been Edouard Mendy (€5.2m) and Agustin Marchesin (€5.3m), with 29 and 28 points respectively. 

They are both from reasonably defensively sound teams who had nice groups, but their ties look a lot less favourable from here on in. 

Marchesin’s Porto are likely to get taken out of the competition by Juventus and I make a habit of not buying goalkeepers who I know are going to face Cristiano Ronaldo (€12.0m two games in a row. 

Chelsea steamrollered an easy group but now face runaway La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid. Given Diego Simeone’s prestige in this competition, I don’t give Thomas Tuchel’s side much of a chance, certainly not in the long-term. So, although they’re the top scorers so far, Marchesin and Mendy may well by past their sell-by date as UCL Fantasy picks. 

Ederson (€6.0m) and Keylor Navas (€5.5m) are my top picks in the goalkeeper position for the rest of the competition. They both operate behind defences who have been on top domestic form and either could go far in the Champions League knockout stages. 

Manchester City have been keeping clean sheets for fun and are about to face a Borussia Monchengladbach side who, while they have a strong attacking record this season, are probably lacking the individual quality to really challenge Pep Guardiola’s side. 

With Pep Roulette likely to return with the Champions League fixtures, Ederson will be the most nailed-on member of this Manchester City defence and he could even be on penalties. Defence wins championships, and this City side are playing like they can really challenge for a European title this season.

Since drawing to Saint-Etienne on the day he was appointed, Mauricio Pochettino’s PSG have won all but one of their games, keeping six clean sheets in eight games. They face an inconsistent and largely inexperienced Barcelona side who they should make light work of. Navas is a top-class goalkeeper and PSG should go deep into the competition.

Looking at the best teams left in the competition, you have to mention Bayern Munich. Manuel Neuer (€6.0m) has 24 points so far and Bayern finally look as though they may be tightening up their defence after their 3-2 loss to Borussia Monchengladbach. 

They have three clean sheets from their last four games and face a Lazio side who aren’t prolific going forward. I think he’s in the weakest defence of Ederson and Navas, but Bayern could well go all the way once again. 

For the last sixteen alone, Wojciech Szczesny (€5.5m) may well be the best pick. Porto haven’t exactly been in scintillating attacking form and Juventus have now only conceded once in their last six competitive games. Andrea Pirlo appears to have found some consistency by building from the back and may well be able to carry this through the competition. He’s likely lacking the managerial experience to make a real push for the Champions League, but could well still be a good pick for at least the next four games.

Jan Oblak (€5.9m) will always be a solid pick in defence and faces a Chelsea side struggling to find real attacking form under a new manager so far. While Atletico have uncharacteristically not kept a clean sheet in their last four league games, Simeone knows how to do well in the Champions League and can marshall one of Europe’s toughest defences when needed. 

They are currently five points clear in La Liga with two games in hand, conceding just 12 goals in 20 games. The biggest question mark here is how far can this side really go in a competition that also includes PSG, Manchester City and Bayern Munich. 

The cheapest of my suggested goalkeepers may come as a bit of a surprise. Pierluigi Gollini (€4.8m) is the cheapest starting goalkeeper of any team left in the competition and Gian Piero Gasparini’s Atalanta side always have the ability to spring a surprise. 

Gollini has kept a clean sheet in both of his games in the competition so far and Atalanta play a Real Madrid side who have struggled for goals and been overly reliant on Karim Benzema (€10.4m), who may well be neutered by the three at the back system. I fancy Atalanta to make a run in this competition after they’ve performed below expectations in the league. 

DEFENDERS

With five defenders allowed in our squads, there is slightly more room to take risks here. Having had the Atalanta keeper at the bottom of the last list, their defenders now stand at the top of this one. 

Cristian Romero (€5.1m) is the highest-scoring player in the game, with his 72 balls recovered the most in the game by 18.  Playing the poorest Real Madrid side for at least a decade, Romero will likely continue to hoover up balls recovered and could add to the goal and assist he also already has in the competition. At his budget price, he’s a must have in any side. 

The Atalanta wing-backs Hans Hateboer (€5.0m) and Robin Gosens (€5.7m) still have high attacking threat, with the latter in particular loving a shot at goal. However, Romero is clearly the better pick and doubling up on their defence may be a step too far.

Angelino (€5.4m) is Leipzig’s highest scorer and assister in all competitions, picking up three of each in the group stages. The Manchester City loanee is part of the best defence in the Bundesliga, which faces an incredibly out-of-sorts Liverpool side who are struggling to find any real form or consistency. For his price, this looks like a classic low-risk, high-potential pick.

However, if Liverpool were to turn their fortunes around, Andrew Robertson (€6.5m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (€6.7m) will be at the heart of that effort. For their prices, it’s probably not a risk worth taking, but with the league slipping quickly away, Jurgen Klopp may turn all his attention to this competition.

Sevilla are on a run of six clean sheets in a row, with their last game being a 2-0 win over Barcelona. Jules Kounde (€3.9m) is the cheapest sure starter left in the game, scoring in that win over Barcelona. 

Sevilla face a Dortmund side in absolute disarray. New manager Edin Terzic cannot seem to organise a defence or really get the best out of his players. Their poor defensive form seems to make Mats Hummels (€5.2m), currently second highest for balls recovered, an afterthought rather than a real option. However, Kounde is a must at his price. 

Marquinhos (€5.8m) has 45 balls recovered so far in the competition, nailed on in a top defence and facing a poor Barcelona side. He’s the sort of player you can rely on for points and to hold a space in your squad for the foreseeable future. Neither of the PSG full-backs hold enough attacking threat to be worth looking at over the Brazilian. 

One of Europe’s top defences for nearing a decade, Simeone’s Atletico Madrid have a great defensive fixture against Tuchel’s solid but unspectacular Chelsea side, who laboured to score against Barnsley. 

Stefan Savic (€4.6m) is cheap, had 43 balls recovered in the group stages and is nailed-on at the back. Savic has been playing on the right hand side of a back-three, with Jose Gimenez (€5.2m) at the centre. 

This may well help Gimenez when it comes to balls recovered, as we’ve seen the central defender pick up the most balls recovered across the board in the group stages, with Romero as a prime example, and Savic had been playing in a back-two. Although €0.6m more than Savic, but with more goal threat, Gimenez may be a shrewd pick.

Manchester City currently have the strongest defence in Europe. Given we can afford a spot of Pep roulette, with substitutions as an option, their defenders definitely warrant a look. 

João Cancelo (€5.8m) has huge attacking potential but hasn’t quite lived up to it yet. John Stones (€5.1m) and Ruben Dias (€5.6m) have been the key defensive duo in City’s run. 

Of the two, Stones seems the stronger pick. He’s cheaper, with a higher goal threat, including a recent brace against Crystal Palace.

As with Szczesny, Juventus’ defenders have the benefit of a great defensive fixture. Since the group stages, Pirlo has moved to a four at the back. Danilo (€5.0m) is now a full-time full-back, which has brought with it added attacking threat. A goal and an assist against Sassuolo, combined with his price, may well make him the best asset in this defence. The other good option is Leonardo Bonucci (€5.5m), who will be nailed-on when he returns from injury before the game. 

Last, but certainly not least, on this list, is Joshua Kimmich (€6.6m). He’s a central midfielder in the best attacking side in world football. He’s known for contributing goals and assists at key moments and already has three assists in his three appearances in the competition. 

Although Kimmich is expensive, you’re basically getting a nailed-on Bayern attacker for under €7.0m who also gets any clean sheet points and points for balls recovered. Accordingly, he’s an absolute UCL Fantasy goldmine. 

A cheaper option in Munich’s defence is David Alaba (€5.5m). He’s nailed-on in the team and has been known to play in central midfield alongside Kimmich. Alaba has picked up 38 balls recovered in the competition and should continue to do well.

179 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Oh yeah CL in the mix too, should have used BB during Champions League break.

  2. DonBenzema
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is Stones to Cancelo worth a hit?

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      no

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      nope

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      FT yes, hit - no.

  3. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    party and Tierney look like a while away, don't bench bamford!

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

      100% this plus Leeds have great away form, Bamford involved in most attacks and on pens!

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Bamford nailed on for me. Currently DCL and Antonio on my bench.

  4. Tosa86
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Dias is fit?
    DLC is fit?

    i have only one Free transfer....
    replace dias by stones?

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

      Both Everton and City presser are later today

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Just wait for the pressers man.

      1. Tosa86
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        ok thans all..i''ll wait

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

    A. Jonhstone to Pope and roll 2nd FT
    B. Stones and Salah to Lowton and Sterling (enough itb for Antonio to Kane and already have double Leeds for 25)
    C. Stones and Soucek to Lowton and Sterling (can't do Antonio to Kane in one move)

    2FT 5.7itb
    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Digne
    Salah Bruno Gundo Raphinha
    Bamford Antonio DCL
    (Johnstone Soucek Cresswell Holding)

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

      anyone?

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Hmm, as boring as it is, A.
      Or DCL out?

  6. Konstaapeli
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Are we overlooking Foden as an option? All I see is Double def or Gundo + Sterling.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Can never trust the minutes Pep gives Foden.

      1. Konstaapeli
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Pep can't be trusted with Raheem either.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I don't think we are. Gundo and Sterling are the only ones that can be trusted with the cap

    3. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Good option if starting from scratch, but most have double defence and Gundo, so it's not worth the sideways move.

      1. Konstaapeli
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I was actually thinkins something like Stones + ESR to Mee + Foden. I could afford Sterling & Lowton too but couldn't get Kane in next week.

    4. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I think we are, but depends on Rodri fitness i guess. If Rodri plays Gundogan is advanced but if Rodri out then Gundo plys deeper and Foden plays his spot maybe?

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

        Rodri trained yesterday

        1. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Ok thanks.

        2. Konstaapeli
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Good news.

      2. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Rodri seems fine, but Cancelo could fill the DM spot and keep Gundo high.

  7. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    DCL and Targett to Werner and Tarkowski -4? Exact cash and wildcarding next week. Thanks all!

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

      I would still steer away from Chelsea. I think since Tuchel took over they are struggling in attack.

    2. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Werner for a hit. Hard no. Much prefer Cavani or Rich for a 1 week gamble.

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

        Thanks both

  8. ludaslol
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play

    A) Coufal

    B) Raphina

    don't have bamf atm

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

      Got to be the attacker who is in great form

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B easy out of them.

  9. winchester
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Good day lads! have 1 ft and 2.3m itb. wc bb tc available

    pope
    dias cancelo coufal dallas
    bruno salah gundo son
    antonio bamford

    martinez adams soucek taylor

    save ft? is taylor fit or should i do i.e. taylor -> mee? cheers.

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

      Save

  10. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play Coufal (SHE) or Watkins (bri)?

    1. CroatianHammer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Coufal every time.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Coufal - I don't think Villa will get much from an improved Brighton defence even though this goes against my rule of playing the attacker over the defender

      1. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Agree with that normally too. Im thinking Brighton played midweek and didnt they allow Burnley 20 shots last game!?

        Im worried about Ogbonna being out, he has been massive for the WH defence.

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

          Does SHU have anyone in attack that will actually cause any damage to WHU def and Fabianski in goals?!

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Brighton have a solid defence; Blades don't score much.

    4. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      The attacker

  11. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Would you own Foden and Sterling over Salah for the next few?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah probably.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      You can't say 2 players vs 1. Who would you have instead of Foden

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Foden/Sterling over Salah

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

          I'm looking into Sterling over Salah. Probably wouldn't with Foden due to uncertainty with mins

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah, but can't you have Sterling and Gundo?

    4. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      For this week, yes. For next few, no.

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Salah could easily get more minutes over a longer period of time.

  12. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    When should we know the matches in DGW26 etc?

  13. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    If im chasing and my rival captains Sterling, is it a waste if i TC him? Should i try save it for a different choice than them?

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Forget your rivals. Play to get the maximum points you can. If you think Sterling TC is going to be the highest score of the season, do it. If not, don't.

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Wouldn't use it on Sterling this week.

  14. kime67
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    justin to lowton?

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

      If you don't already have Pope then I would. Obviously wait and see how his injury is

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No, not unless confirmed out long term

  15. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Sterling is a streaky player who goes through purple patches?

    1. DannyDrinkVodka
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Without a doubt

  16. Who are all Lukakus
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I have two questions:

    1. Maguire to Lowton for free? Yes or no? Worth the double games of Lowton?

    B. Best budget striker besides Bamford and Antonio: Ings, Watkins, or who?

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I like Watkins, maybe Adams?

      1. fpl_tp95
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Wouldn't do Maguire to Lowton, Magurie should get a clean sheet and is a threat from set pieces, could easily outscore Lowton.

        I've had watkins for a while and love him, not sure this week is the best to bring in as Brighton are solid, but long term with DGW's coming up I think he's a great shout

  17. Atters
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Best forward option for this week only?

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

      Cavani

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Cavani

    3. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Cavani, Ings

  18. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Plan to get Kane in:
    A) DCL - watkins (needs a -4 before 26 to get to Kane)
    B) DCL - adams (no hits needed)
    C) Salah to Raphina (lose Salah but improve rest of team, no hits to get Kane)

    Have WC to use in 30 so can just get Salah back in if needed

    Which do you prefer?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A, have to get rid of Dominic if he is ruled out

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        DCL would go next week with C

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      You want Salah for 26, also I think he will score before then. Everton shipping buckets, Leicester got defensive injuries

  19. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play Anguissa (DGWer) or Bamford?

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      bamford

  20. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who scores more?
    A - mitchell
    B - son
    C - any striker to replace DCL -4

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I would take a punt on Cavani if you're planning and team set up allows for it

      1. DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Well im almost sure to WC next gameweek so a -4 punt is do able for 1 GW

        1. Steve The Spud
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          100%, I think he is due a big score but that’s just my feeling

  21. Pepeye
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Kane's chances are greater if Dias misses out

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      any news on that front pepeye? 🙂

  22. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Has anyone put out a team that looks even mildly attractive for a WC25/DGW26 BB combo? I am struggling to see where I'm going to use my bench boost...at least before the smaller doubles after BGW 29.....

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Can't really say while half our squads are injury doubts

  23. tbos83
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Start Maddison or Son?

  24. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Mitchel to Lowton?

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      looking at this too but depends on your bench cover
      I wouldn't want lowton post gw25 - are you playing or holding wc?
      do you think mitchell plays again?

    2. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      yeah, two good dgw fixtures, then w brom {H{) gw 25} defo worth a punt imo

  25. Pepeye
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Son with City having a few players missing

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      They have a squad

    2. Volley127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Son with Mourinho as manager

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        ...scores more points than under poch

  26. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Villa plays are ultra nailed, Dean smith doesn’t even rotate his socks

  27. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Would you rather have Targett or Watkins as 3rd Villa asset?
    I might have to make choice between Dallas+Watkins or Bamford+Targett

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Tough, I would go for bam + targett I think

  28. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    best move(s) pleeeaase...
    have 2FT and 2m itb
    Will likely bring in Bamford + Dallas next week. Kane for gw26

    Areola
    Dias Stones AWB Coufal
    Sterling c Bruno vc Salah Soucek
    DCL Antonio
    Martinez Grealish Mitchell Rodrigo

    forward line in tatters.
    Looking at DCL to Cavani - worth the punt over Watkins/Bamford?
    Do I have enough cover to roll the other transfer?
    If Mitchell plays I can see a return vs Burnley

    1. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I would do Areola to Pope and bench DCL for Grealish. Roll other FT

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        oooh interesting
        not sure i can hold those funds for my bench until i plan to wc
        only benching martinez as i feel fulham can grab 1 cs

  29. boombaba
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Chances Ben Crellin very likely DGW suggestions are wrong ?

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If they are he shall forever be known as Ben crettin

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He is guessing until FA confirm.

  30. Oldie99
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Sterling and MPereira to Foden and Salah for free?

    or just leave Sterling in and Salah out this week?

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Sterling has a double. Why sell?

      1. Oldie99
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        literally just to get Salah in, but maybe not time yet?

        1. Rinseboy
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          why would you want Salah over Sterling?

      2. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        this!