Champions League

Lewandowski and Suarez among our top picks for UCL Fantasy

Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid are the teams to focus on in the next round of UEFA Champions League Fantasy matches.

The second batch of last-sixteen ties certainly have a lot to live up to after Erling Haaland (€11.1m) and Kylian Mbappe (€10.9m) stole the show last week but there are still plenty of points on offer.

With four more games left in the UCL Fantasy Gameweek, here is a run down of captaincy options and possible substitutions to optimise your team’s chances.

With two match days remaining, there is still room for at least one captaincy risk. Ten points or more is definitely the captaincy score to be aiming for. Regarding substitutions, make sure that every player you’re bringing in is definitely starting, with the deadline for each day at kick-off.

Three or four points is normally low risk enough to be worth taking a chance on a substitution, as long as the player you’re bringing on is starting!

Tuesday, February 23

Lazio v Bayern Munich

Having not won either of their last two games, Bayern Munich actually come into the Lazio fixture in some of their worst form of the season. The last time they went three games without a win in all competitions was October 2018.

Their 2-1 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend followed a shock 3-3 draw to relegation strugglers Arminia Bielefeld, but for a side ravaged by injury, which has played five games in 15 days, that is not overly surprising.

Due to injuries, Bayern’s line-up is fairly predictable, and, as with all the games, we will get it before the substitution deadline. The return of Leon Goretzka (€7.5m) will be a massive boost to the side, with the former Schalke man likely lining up behind Robert Lewandowski (€12.1m), with Thomas Müller (€10m) still in isolation. He could be a great differential pick in that number 10 role.

Of course, Lewandowski is still the star man in this team. Four goals in his last four games takes him to 31 goals in 30 games this season. He is my top captain pick for Tuesday night’s fixtures.

Kingsley Coman (€8.4m) is constantly improving as a player and already has three goals and two assists in his four games in the Champions League this season. Playing opposite Leroy Sane (€9.4m), who produced a magical assist for Lewandowski on Saturday, they should be well placed to stretch Lazio’s sometimes suspect defence.

In defence, Joshua Kimmich (€6.6m) remains the best option, mainly because he plays in central midfield. He loves a goal or assist in a big game, but Bayern’s back line has been shown to be relatively suspect recently, so I wouldn’t go too far into their defensive options.

Although they are unbeaten in their last seven home games, Lazio look likely to come out second best in this fixture. The only man from their team I would put my faith in is Ciro Immobile (€10.6m), one of Europe’s finest strikers. Although he hasn’t scored in their last two games, Immobile has 14 goals in 21 league games and has scored in all his Champions League games this season. If anyone is going to take advantage of Bayern’s high line, it will be Italy’s number nine.

Atletico Madrid v Chelsea

Chelsea assets step up ahead of favourable run of fixtures 9

I will never bet against Atletico Madrid in a Champions League knockout game at home. Diego Simeone knows how to win these matches and has a great game here against Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea.

Although the German is unbeaten so far, he is yet to be really tested. Atletico are top of La Liga and playing some really great football. Although, like Bayern, they do not come into this game in top form, we learned from last week’s fixtures that form can go out of the window in these games (thanks Dortmund!).

Luis Suarez (€9.9m) is my favourite pick for this game. He knows how to bully shaky centre-backs, and all of Chelsea’s defenders have proven that they have a mistake in them recently. He’ll be joined by Joao Felix (€9.0m) up front, with the Portuguese international yet to rediscover his pre-season form. For their prices, Marcos Llorente (€6.5m) and Mario Hermoso (€4.3m) are two more great picks for this game. Llorente has scored two in his last three and Hermoso, along with all of the Atleti defence, should be helped out by Chelsea’s stuttering and unconfident attack.

Thomas Tuchel will likely bank on keeping this as low scoring a game as possible, which may well suit Diego Simeone. Being honest, I am struggling to recommend any Chelsea players here, with Marcos Alonso (€4.7m) being the best pick if he starts. Atletico’s 3-5-2 approach of late is far more attacking and open than some of their classic sides and should have the tactical nous and individual strength to deliver against Tuchel’s fledgling side.

Wednesday, February 24

Borussia Mönchengladbach v Manchester City

This write-up is really very simple. If you own Manchester City players and they start, make sure they’re in your starting XI and that one has the captain’s armband if needed.

They have won 18 games in a row and Gladbach, as attractive a side as they are, were beaten by relegation strugglers Mainz in their last match. Anyone with the foresight to pick Kevin de Bruyne (€11.4m) should reap the rewards, with the Belgian likely back on penalties. He is my favourite captaincy option for the Wednesday games.

Ilkay Gundogan (€6.6m) and Raheem Sterling (€10.5m) are two more great picks from this City side. As always, check the line-up before making your substitutions for this game as Pep can always spring a surprise. Phil Foden (€7.1m) was rested at the weekend and is going from strength to strength. Behind them, Joao Cancelo (€5.8m) is always an attacking threat, but may well be due a rest. John Stones (€5.1m) always has a goal in him so if he starts, he could well be one of the best options in this side.

Given City’s form at both ends, avoid Gladbach players like the plague.

Atalanta v Real Madrid

Real Madrid go into this game with a serious injury crisis. Although they have not conceded in their last three games, Atalanta have an electric attack on their day and will be looking to recapture their form from last year, when they put eight goals past Valencia over two legs. Although Gasperini’s men tend to struggle defensively, Real are in a poor position to take advantage of that with Karim Benzema (€10.4m) out. This could well be a big win for Atalanta.

Atalanta have a few great options. The top points scorer of the group stages, Cristian Romero (€5.1m), scored against Napoli at the weekend and will continue to rack up balls recovered points. Robin Gosens (€5.7m) also scored on Sunday and is always a good option at both ends.

Up-front, Duvan Zapata (€9.7m) was their top scorer in the group stages, but it is Luis Muriel (€8.2m) who has been in the best form of late. Three goals and three assists in his last four league games will make scary reading for Real Madrid’s back line and he could be a great differential captaincy pick for the Bergamo side.

The best midfielders for UEFA Champions League Fantasy 2

Play UCL Fantasy now

574 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Have 2 FT ready to be used. TC or BB this team?

    Pope
    Mee, Rudiger, Cancelo, Stones
    Salah, Bruno, Grealish , Barnes
    Watkins, Bamford

    Subs: McCarthy , Adams, Dallas, Raphinha

    1. barcaa7
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      TC on Bruno

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

    Digne or Pereira on WC? Only space for one of them (Own Barnes and DCL)

    1. barcaa7
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Digne
      he might have a double in GW29

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

        Prefer Digne. Nailed, no fitness concerns and on a few set pieces with potentially an extra double.

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

          Thanks mates!

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

        i thought everton has blank gw 29..

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

          Probably means 28

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

    I am definitely doing Bamford and Antonio to Kane (C) and DCL for a -4. Is Grealish to H Barnes worth another -4? Ben Mee (tot LEI) would come in for Grealish otherwise.

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

      Do we know the reason why Grealish was out? Is he still out? If Yes then go for Barnes

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

      Think grealish gonna be out for both games.
      Bring in barnes

  4. Wheyyyy
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Combined ownership for selected players in tonights game (overall, not top10k):

    Bamford, Raphinha, Dallas = 4.96%
    Bamford, Raphinha, Dallas, Ings = 2.05%
    Bamford, Raphinha, Dallas, Ings, McCarthy = 0.6%
    Bamford, Dallas, Ings = 5.78%
    Bamford, Raphinha, Ings = 4.18%
    Bamford, Ings = 13.56%
    Bamford, Raphinha = 11.16%

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

      How about Bamford, Raphinha, Struijk, Ings and Vestergaard?

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

        0.02% overall

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

          Ooh...ultra ultra differential combo I have there haha

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

            Very nice! I have Bam, Raph, Dallas and Ings so fingers crossed!

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

              good luck to you sir

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Would like to see the above for top 10k

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

        Top 10k

        Bamford, Raphinha, Dallas = 34.93%
        Bamford, Raphinha, Dallas, Ings = 14.97%
        Bamford, Raphinha, Dallas, Ings, McCarthy = 4.34%
        Bamford, Dallas, Ings = 27.01%
        Bamford, Raphinha, Ings = 23.79%
        Bamford, Ings = 40.75%
        Bamford, Raphinha = 52.75%

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers. In the 14.97% club.

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

      Bamford & Ings feels like 50% in some MLs.

  5. Baines on Toast...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Goalscorer odds say Mo v Sheffield is the outstanding game this week. Really think he's being slept on for captaincy.

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

      It's because of the Chelsea fixture and people reliving Kane's hattrick days/liverpool's current poor form

      1. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I think Kane nostalgia is a big thing, you're right. He's done it back to back before.

        I'm going to go with Kane due to ownership probably, but a Mo haul wouldn't surprise me.

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

          Kane's ownership 18% this week, going to sky rocket?

          1. Baines on Toast...
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Yes, top of captain poll and 180K transfers in already.

            At a guess, say he ends up on 500K transfers in (no idea if this is reasonable), that's similar to Ings last week, so that puts him at an extra 40% EO. Then captained by 1/3 of total but most who own him and TC'd by some - I think his EO could easily pass EO 100, even 120.

    2. drughi
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Liverpool just so out of sorts right now, then chelsea away

      1. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Chelsea is at home. And Spurs are even more out of sorts...

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Team has shown poor form, that is the problem.

      1. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Kane is the most popular captain pick?

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I am planning to TC Bruno, but don't follow my foolishness.

          1. Baines on Toast...
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Not a bad move. I would do it if Palace was the first game.

  6. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Almost time to see if my -4 for Ings was wise or dumb.

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

    Lloris, Schmeichel or Pickford for DGW26?

    I see some people chosing Areola over these three GK’s. But why?

    Already got Martinez for bgw.

  8. TONEY HONEY
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Hi guys, how is this WC looking? Any comments are appreciated.

    Martinez-Mc Carthy
    Dias-Digne-Konsa (Struijk, Ben White)
    KDB-Gundo-Son-Barnes (Minamino)
    Kane-Vardy-DCL

    0.2 ITB

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

      Bruno over Vardy rest looks good !

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

      Maitland-Niles for Konsa, otherwise pretty good. Might be a week early for KDB.

  9. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Dead End 29 & WC 30!

    Martinez ¦ Forster
    Maguire Cancelo Lowton
    Bruno Rashford Grealish Gundogan
    Jesus Ings Bamford
    ¦ Saka Holding Coufal

    2 FT, 5.0 ITB

    What to do?

    1. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No Kane, Watkins, DCL would rather worry me

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

        Change my forward line?

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

          Jesus to DCL or Kane?

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

      What does dead end mean? You only have 6 players for GW29.

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

        I'll can get 4-5 more with the FT's

        1. Bounce
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Rashford & Jesus to Barnes & Kane?

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

            Don't feel like getting rid of Rashford.

  10. Igz08
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Still struggling with this

    A) Watkins
    B) DCL (-4)

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

      Watkins, has 29 fixture

      1. Igz08
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        But DCL double is sooo tasty

  11. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Choose:

    1 Rashford Anto Bamford
    2 Smith Row, Kane Vardy

    1. TONEY HONEY
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

      2

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

      2

    4. im1974
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

    Saka, Ings to H.Barnes, Watkins for -4?

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

    Old rank: 42,739
    New rank: 46,455
    Change: -8.69%

    Players left: Dallas, Raphina, Bamford (c), Ings

    Will I get my 18th consecutive green arrow tonight lol?

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

      Would be strange if you didn't.

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, definitely. That is great. My record is 9 straight greens.

    3. im1974
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe

  14. jamie1972
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Worth doing a -8 to bring in 2 DGW'ers for a BB? (Pickford & Digne)

    As it stands I've got 10 DGW'ers but no point BB'ing (as it's Pick & Digne I'd bring in for bench fodder)

    A) Do it
    B) Hold

  15. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which option to get Spurs attack?

    A) Bamford/Rashford to Kane/Barnes for -4
    B) Rashford to Son for free

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

      A

  16. SuperDan
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which is best?

    A) Dallas > Dunk (Play Bamford & Raphinha)
    B) Bamford, Raphinha, Dallas > DCL, Lookman, Burn (-8)

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

      Go B if FH GW 29

      1. SuperDan
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yup that’s the plan

  17. FantasyHero
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anything here you would do for a hit? (Taken 1 hit already)
    Going to play BB

    Ederson (martinez)
    Shaw cancelo targett (dier lowton)
    Salah Bruno son gundo Maddy
    DCL Watkins (bam)

    If Maddy out for sure then barnes best option in that price range ?

  18. Bleh
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Think I’ve settled on this WC draft, any changes you would make? Will BB in GW28 and save FH & TC for later.

    Martinez, Sanchez
    Dias, Stones, Digne, Targett, Struijk
    Salah, Bruno, Gundo, Barnes, Minamino
    Kane, DCL, Bamford

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Why bb28 ?

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

        Good fixtures for most teams.

  19. acidicleo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Guys.
    A) Digne and Watkins
    B) Digne and Barnes (-4)

    B could technically be minus 8 as I will lose a GW29 player in that move.

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

      A

  20. TONEY HONEY
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A: Son, Vardy, Konsa
    B: Salah, Diagne, Castagne

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

      A

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

      a

  21. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bamford, Raphinha(C), Struijk and Ings. Guaranteed green?

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

      Yeah

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

    captain poll is massively on Kane but I am just not convinced..

    if you voted for Kane what is your reasoning?
    Burnley & Fulham haven't conceded many goals recently.

    Bruno/Salah look better options to me and then even a City player but i appreciate there is rotation risk with City.

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

      Personal experience probably plays apart. Had too many bad experiences giving Salah the armband this season.

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

      West Brom should have scored at least 2 goals with 10 men. Carved Burnley open at will

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

    Who to C or TC?

    11dgw, playing bench.

    Martinez,
    Dias, Cancelo, Shaw,
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Gundo, Barnes
    Kane, Watkins

    Sanchez, Bamford, Aina, Dallas

    .1

    1. im1974
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I’d BB it

  24. Tomsk
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Meslier
    Lamptey, Fofana, Garcia , Thomas
    Hudson Odoi ,Saka, Curtis Jones, Foden, Neto
    Greenwood

    How would this team with maximum age of 20 get on in premier league?
    Mmm relegated I guess looking at that defense! (Forwards ain't bad though)

    1. richarlison2348
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      100 goals conceded and scored

      1. Tomsk
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Haha,I think that sums that team up!

  25. built_this_city
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bamford (c), Dallas, McCarthy, Ings

    Let's go babies!!!

    1. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Same here. Well we get 3 of them.

  26. Areyouthereyet
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Best pick?

    1. Rudiger Targett
    2. Targett Aina
    3. Aina Alonso

  27. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who’s the best defensive option up to 4.3 that covers GW29, Tete?

  28. BOATIES FC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Ings & Soucek to Kane (C) & Barnes for free looks good right?

  29. trinzoo
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is Pereira of Leicester nailed on? Good punt on a WC?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Could be rotated during dgw

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

        Ouch! Let's hope he won't start on Thursday then!

  30. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    No Grealish in either line up.