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. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Southampton to lose 9-0 again then?

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

    Ings in is prob the worst transfer I've made in a while. DGW fever has been extremely debilitating this season.

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

      Making sensible decisions is never rewarded in this game

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

        I did it for free so not feeling as sick as the -4 guys must be. The worst part is I now have to take he -4 to get him out......

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

          Antonio outscoring Ings this week is classic FPL

          1. Ian Davis
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Very true!! :-/

  3. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    wow Tyler Roberts starts, worst player in the league.

  4. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    This game is a sick joke. Glad this season is over soon

  5. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Hopefully Ings will start all the games after GW 26.

  6. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Ings will come on

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

    I took out Antonio and brought in Ings for -4

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

    Feeling glad it was Wilson I sold for Ings.

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

    Lets hope Leeds go 3-0 up at half time to force Ings on early

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

    Ings may as well come on and injure himself, worthless.

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

    At least I got Ings for free. He's going straight back out next week though.

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

      It's seldom for free, just looks that way. 😉

  12. MoSalad
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    (R)aphina, Bamford, Dallas, JWP & Benched Ings let's go.... need to turn my Red into a Green for transfer bashing.

  13. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Luckily people only took a -2 to get Ings in.

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

      I never buy that logic BUT average hit was -1 so it's a -3 really 😉

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

      -6 when you have to transfer him out

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

      Is it one troll per page you’re aiming for? 😆

    4. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      For free here but still bloody annoying to likely end up with 3pts in a double ffs

    5. All about the galacticos
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      You could spin it that way.
      It also depends who you transferred out for Ings that you could have played
      That is the real cost

  14. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Oh screw this, my one move was Antonio to Ings just for this DGW before I move to Kane next week.

    Gtfo my team Ings.

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I sold antonio, raz, mee and rich on wc
      lol

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Ouch, tough break Tina

      2. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Sold Antonio and Raz myself with my 2FTs this week. Classic!

    2. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gone from mine already too... what a waste

  15. Free Hat
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Adams is going to troll so hard I can feel it.

    Dallas days in midfield seem over as well. Struijk time will be up as well with Phillips return.

  16. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Why tf is Tyler Roberts playing again too he was utterly awful

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

    Minamino and Ings on the bench, what a fraud DGW this is 😛

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

      Well seeing as they’ll be losing they’ll come on later 😛

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

    Which is better for 26?

    A: DCL and Barnes

    B: Kane and Raphinha (-4)

  19. Leaf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Not complaining but what does McCarthy have to do to get a game off !?

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

      Get a red.

    2. Tango74
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      U still have McCarthy! I sold for Martinez

  20. EWH2020
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    At least we don't need to waste a transfer getting Ings back in for the double

  21. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Lowton (6) coming in for Ings with a bit of luck

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      xxx

    2. Tango74
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ings already okayed car weekend

      1. Tango74
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Already played

        1. fr3d
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Source?

          1. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            fantasy.premierleague.com

    3. GoonerSteve
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      ings already played though?

      1. Tango74
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Ings already played Chelsea in DGW25 for him

    4. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ings hat trick tonight 🙂

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

        Like this ambition 😆

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

      Nice joke.

    6. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      You're flying without Ings

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

        😆

  22. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Watkins to ings for a hit and benching Mee working out a treat. For F sakes.

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

      I did Antonio -> Ings & benched Lowton

      Somehow those moves have lost me 9 points

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

      DCL for Ings is what I did and it's much worse because I'm now bringing DCL back in (for a hit). Did Antonio to DCL the week before that.....lol

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

        More vodka needed.lol

  23. mojoindojo
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Antonio, DCL, Digne to Ings, Bamford, Dallas for -8 not looking so good now.

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

    Just rage transferred Ings to DCL had it planned already but yeah feels good

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

      What if he comes on and scores a hat trick.

  25. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Such a dilemma. I can either have Kane or DCL + Barnes. Kane gives me a solid TC option but I do expect the combo of DCL + Barnes outscoring Kane, especially since the Kane option means I have 1 less DGW player. The GW 27 and 28 fixtures are also kind for DCL + Barnes so its tempting.

    The problem is, the Kane option gives me 2 extra GW29 players while also saving 4 points for the hit which would be needed to bring in DCL + Barnes.

    I assume there are some others in a similar situation, what are you doing?

    1. GoonerSteve
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I've got all three of them, thankfully.

      1. Alisson WondHaaland
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Nice, so hard for me. I actually had DCL until 23 but decided to move off him for Cavani which in hindsight has hurt me. Such a tough choice now!

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

      Wow you are literally me

      Leaning towards Kane due to being best captain in 26 plus having a fixture in 29

      Have never done well with Barnes in the past (sold him for his 19 point haul right before first lockdown)

      1. Alisson WondHaaland
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah, I think Im just gonna go Kane and pray. Will be a season breaker if he fails

  26. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Ings Areola to Kane fodder? 2FT 2.4 ITB. Would like DCL / BArnes but don’t see a way without losing Salah/Son

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Digne
    Salah Bruno Son Gundo
    Ings* Bamford Watkins
    ——————————
    Areola Mee Dallas Raph

    1. Tango74
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      But then you will moan if Salah or son do well ?

      And Kane is dire at mo

      DCl is better

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Is he? Top for shots last 2gw

        1. Tango74
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I tend to go on form and points

          You could have 100 shots and 0 points but I rather go on a form player like Barnes or Bruno

  27. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Have the "I told you Ings was going to be rested" kids been here yet?

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

      Is the religious denomination of the Pope Catholicism?

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

    Nowhere to hide for Antonio to Ings for a hit managers like myself.

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      “Nowhere to hide” one of the dumbest phrases on here.

      Did that move with a FT. Should’ve panned out.

  29. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Hope Bam/Raph/Dallas can at least get some returns tonight even if Ings fails 🙁

  30. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Andy is soooo lucky