Champions League

The best UCL Fantasy players to captain or sub on for quarter-final matches

Eight teams from five countries are still fighting for the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League trophy making the fight for Fantasy differentials even harder for managers.

As the player pool shrinks, the UCL Fantasy managers have fewer options to choose from so we are here to help provide some useful tips for the next round.

Tuesday, April 6

Manchester City v Borussia Dortmund

Manchester City have won 26 of their last 27 games and have their whole squad fit and raring to go. Their biggest obstacle ahead of this game will be psychological, as City haven’t made it past this stage of the competition under Pep Guardiola. 

However, assuming 11 of their squad members can overcome that barrier, this should be a cakewalk for the blue side of Manchester. 

Knowing the line-up before the deadline is a massive advantage here, one that most Fantasy Premier League players can only dream of. 

After their benchings at the weekend, I’d expect to see Joao Cancelo (€5.9m), John Stones (€5.1m), Ilkay Gundogan (€6.6m), Raheem Sterling (€10.5m) and Bernardo Silva (€7.5m) all feature. 

Gundogan is the cheapest of their attacking players and has been scoring goals for fun in 2021, so he’s still a great option. Kevin De Bruyne (€11.3m) is the heartbeat of this team, on penalties, and may well be worth his extortionate price tag. 

At the back, this City side continued their ridiculous defensive form against Leicester on Saturday. Not much more needs to be said other than stock up on their defence. 

Dortmund’s last-sixteen win over Sevilla flattered to deceive. They came into the first leg in poor form and Sevilla were looking great. However, that first leg coincided with a collapse in Sevilla’s form, especially their fabled defensive resilience, and Dortmund still managed to concede four goals to them over two legs. 

Dortmund have picked up a bad habit of starting incredibly strong and then collapsing, as demonstrated by their 4-2 Der Klassiker loss, the second leg against Sevilla and their 2-2 draw against Köln.

With Jadon Sancho (€10.0m) out injured for both legs, they’re also totally reliant on Erling Haaland (€11.1m). There are definitely worse players to be reliant on, but his current four-game goal drought is the longest of his professional career. Marco Reus (€8.4m) has not scored a goal since December 15 and has developed a fear of shooting. 

If Dortmund score, Haaland will almost undoubtedly be involved and we’ve seen that he considers the UCL to be his competition. He needs very few chances and very little space to score and is still a good fantasy option, even against this City team. 

The only other Dortmund options I would consider are Mats Hummels (€5.4m) and Marwin Hitz (€4.1m). Hummels’ 67 balls recovered is the highest left in the competition and, as demonstrated against Frankfurt on Saturday, he knows where the goal is if needed. 

Hitz is the cheapest starting keeper remaining in the tournament and, if Dortmund get anything from this game, he will likely score high. Even assuming they get knocked out, he could still have a place in your squad, allowing you to reallocate funds outfield. 

Real Madrid v Liverpool

How the top 10k FPL managers set their teams up for Gameweek 30

This is a battle of serious UCL pedigree. Both sides come into this game in decent form and plagued by defensive injuries. Raphael Varane (€5.7m), Dani Carvajal (€5.3m) and Sergio Ramos (€6.5m) have both been confirmed out for Real, with Virgil van Dijk (€6.0m), Joel Matip (€4.3m) and Joe Gomez (€6.1m) all long term absentees for the Reds. 

However, the players both sides have on the pitch will still be of the highest quality. Diogo Jota’s (€7.9m) brace off the bench against Arsenal highlighted his future importance to this side, and he should line up alongside Sadio Mane (€11.0m) and Mohamed Salah (€12.7m) ready to terrorise Real’s weak backline. Salah is on penalties, but Jota should start up-front and has tended to at least match Salah when they play together, for nearly half the price. 

At the back, Trent Alexander-Arnold (€6.7m) is the joint-highest scoring defender in the game and looked back to his best against Arsenal. Alongside him, Nat Phillips (€4.5m) had 12 balls recovered in the second leg against Leipzig. With Fabinho (€5.7m) sat in front of him and Ozan Kabak (€4.5m), Phillips has been thriving and could be great value in defence. 

The only two Real players I have confidence in are Karim Benzema (€10.4m) and Casemiro (€6.3m). Benzema has 25 goals and six assists in 32 starts this season and is the absolute key to this Real attack. He has bags of UCL experience and will be the key if Real are to get past Liverpool here. 

Casemiro has a unique role. He has the most balls recovered for midfielders in the game and is also Real’s second-highest scorer this season, regularly arriving late in the box. 

Wednesday, April 7

Porto v Chelsea

Porto’s win over Juventus gives them a very dangerous confidence coming into this tie. Although they’re missing key players Sergio Oliveira (€6.7m) and Mehdi Taremi (€6.5m) for the first leg, Sergio Conceicao has an experienced and united squad of players who will be ready to make Chelsea’s life potentially more difficult than they’re anticipating. 

Zaidu Sanusi (€5.3m) is the joint-highest scoring defender in the game and is the best pick from a Porto side who will have to sit back and defend with their two best attacking players missing. 

Provided Chelsea’s 5-2 weekend loss to West Brom was just a blip, they should have the quality to comfortably win this tie. N’Golo Kanté (€5.5m) and Christian Pulisic (€8.7m) are the only two Blues players out injured. 

Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Antonio Rudiger (€4.7m) will start for sure, most likely alongside Cesar Azpilicueta (€5.0m) and one of Andreas Christensen (€4.8m) or Thiago Silva (€5.1m). 

In midfield, Jorginho (€6.2m) has 47 balls recovered so far and is on penalties. Him and Mason Mount (€6.9m) are two of the best options under €7.0m in midfield, with the England international rested for this game on Saturday, although he scored off the bench. 

If he starts, Olivier Giroud (€7.7m) could have a field day. He is exactly the sort of player Porto’s defence struggles to deal with and, with his top-level pedigree, he is a great differential ahead of this fixture. 

Bayern Munich v PSG

Lewandowski and Suarez among our top picks for UCL Fantasy

This is a repeat of last year’s final, but it looks unlikely to be as close a scoreline. Hansi Flick’s Bayern side are terrifying and Mauricio Pochettino’s injury-ravaged PSG are have been markedly unimpressive since their 4-1 win over Barcelona. 

Bayern are missing Robert Lewandowski (€12.1m) and potentially Serge Gnabry (€9.8m), but should still have the quality to overrun this PSG side. 

Lewandowski will most likely be replaced by Eric Choupo-Moting (€6.6m). He isn’t as bad as his highlight reel of open-goal misses would have you believe and could be good value in this brilliant Bayern side. 

Behind him, Thomas Muller (€9.9m) is in some of the finest form of his career and will have more attacking responsibility with Lewandowski out. Leroy Sané (€9.5m) and Kingsley Coman (€8.4m) will line-up on the wings and should be well placed to attack PSG’s replacement full backs. 

Behind them, Joshua Kimmich (€6.6m) and Leon Goretzka (€7.7m) are both great value picks. Goretzka got Bayern’s only goal in their table-topping 1-0 win over RB Leipzig on Saturday and Kimmich, although a defender in game, will play in central midfield and is well placed for points at both ends. 

For PSG, Kylian Mbappe (€11m) and Neymar (€11.6m) will be the key. Mbappe showed how he can threaten Bayern’s high-line with some great chances in last season’s final and will still be the main threat for this PSG side. 

329 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Top Dog
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Man City player with attacking return in last 2 games, and played 90 in both. On the bench tonight as well so looks set for Leeds, anyone fancy it?

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      It's for the risk takers! Could be Sterling Aguero Torres frontline too

      1. Top Dog
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Good point. Struggling to see too many forward options I fancy though, and do have 8 playing mid/for.

        Only problem is blank in GW33 and I don’t have FH

        1. Whazza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Leicester?

  2. Hooky
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Has Eric Garcia played more minutes for Spain than Man City this season?

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      It's decided he's going to Barca I believe

  3. Khalico
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    As Tierney is out, any suggestions on replacements?

    Already own Targett, Cresswell, Dallas, Shaw

  4. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    KDB to Sterling(C) done.

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I don't believe you.

      1. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        What’s not to believe. Leeds and City will be a goal fest. Nailed to start unlike KDB and Gundo. No other good captaincy option. Next week Sterling to Bruno. No hits needed

        1. Whazza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I don't believe you have confirmed it. You would feel a bit silly if he comes on tonight and gets injured. Nice punt, but his minutes lately are worrying. 27 mins in the last 3 and don't think he's been injured. So not nailed on for Leeds imo.

    2. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Was just thinking this! Could be great fun!

  5. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Stones starts which probably means bench Vs Leeds ☹

  6. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I have KdB captain in my WC team. Not so sure now.

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      You hardly thought he wouldn’t play in the UCL?

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        The risk of having him captain sinks in when you see him in the team sheet 😛

    2. JJO
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      He was always gonna play these CL games
      Nothing is changed

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers. I guess we have to go with the best option and assume the risk.

    3. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Just make sure you've got a nailed on VC.

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        On Kane atm...hoping for a repeat of the reverse fixture.

  7. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Bamford to Jesus (C) for a hit?

    Am chasing in my mini league so need to take a risk.

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      With that reasoning. Yes. Makes sense. I personally feel Mahrez is more explosive but he is starting tonight.

  8. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Liverpool fans - how nailed is Phillips and for how long?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Fabinho seems essential in midfield without Henderson. So I think he is nailed on for another month and a half.

  9. fplking14
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Surely Sterling starts against Leeds right?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Can't be 100% sure with Pep but I think so.

    2. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      If you feel the need to ask...

      1. fplking14
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Ik you can't really predict Pep roulette. But he isn't going to bench a player like Sterling 3 times in a row.

        1. Whazza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Well he benched him 3 times in a row. Same could have been said after one benching, and two now three. There's no point in second guessing him

    3. Ci Siamo
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think it's 85% now

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

      He'll start and your 2 points will be guaranteed !

  10. Alcapaul
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Would you rather have Trent and Maddison or Phillips and Salah?

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      P and S

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Trent and Maddison

    3. JELLYFISH
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Trent and Maddison...or Jota?

      1. Alcapaul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Getting Jota as well

    4. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      TAA and Maddison

  11. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Sterling captaincy has emerged as a massive option now

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Too short term. If he was nailed on to start at least 3 of the next 5 I would consider it.

    2. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Please keep it down will ya..

    3. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      2 starts in the last 6 doesn't fill me with confidence

    4. fplking14
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Seriously considering him as a 1 week punt and then take him out for Son.

    5. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Salah is just as much an option surely.

  12. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is it worth holding Bale and Son for the DGW or is it time to ditch Bale now for Jota or Salah (own Kane also).

    1. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Ditch Bale, I don't think he's got any chance of playing for an extended duration over both games.

      1. JELLYFISH
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        This was what I was thinking.

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Bale is dead to us now. His comments about going back to Madrid have all but derailed any chance he had to get in Jose’s good books. He will warm that bench and play golf until May then star for Wales in the Euros.

  13. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Well there was my little differential Raz on the WC, now everyone shall have him. 🙁

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Less than 10% will have him

      1. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Hope so!

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I will probably be joining you

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

      I won't have him. Not booking in transfers.

  14. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    and there is cancelo and gundogan,just go away gaurdiola

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Lol I agree, disgrace that he’s playing his best side

  15. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is anywhere showing a recorded version of the CL games after they've finished? Thanks

    I want to watch both games tonight

    1. Hooky
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      VHS one of them

      1. Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        May as well Betamax them. 😀

  16. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is it worth a wildcard punt on jesus captain for Leeds? With cash to move to vardy for gw32?? Thanks

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      This is exactly what I'm going with

    2. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      As long as you know the risks! Would feel a lot better if Kun wasn't back

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Risky.....but thinking about it...

        May not captain tho....

    3. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Prefer Sterling then downgrade to Son
      Vardy not firing and Iheanacho half the price

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        That is much harder financially though.....

        1. JabariParkersEyelid
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Yes you're basically throwing away 2 mill for 1 week before you can reinvest.

    4. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Looking at tonight’s lineup and my plan to wc with a rotating midfielder and rotating striker ... I’m leaning towards starting with Jesus v Leeds .... and I cannot stand him as a player ...

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Could Could have Sterling on wildcard and swap to Bruno for gw32....

  17. ZAWAd25
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC draft?

    Mendy Forster
    TAA Dias Reguilon Coady Rudiger
    Son Jota (Salah/Fernandes) Lingard Gundogan
    Kane Ihenacho Bamford

    1. ZAWAd25
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Coady can be Shaw

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Dias Reguilon Gundogan risks
      Bamford fixtures form

      1. ZAWAd25
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Reguilon will make way to Cresswell after GW32. Dias is as nailed as it gets and Bamford can be benched until his fixures turn as I have 8 attackers

    3. Fintroy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Looking good, apart from Dias

    4. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Don't see the point of keeping Bamford, when Nachos fixtures turn so do Sons so you can downgrade him to upgrade Nacho.

      Unless you have BB left of course, get the money in the 11.

      1. ZAWAd25
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I do have BB. Will use it in GW32 and then can possibly take money off the bench

        1. JabariParkersEyelid
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          And you're happy with bench boosting Bamford? Go for it then I guess.

    5. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Ditch Reguilon and Bamford IMO.

  18. WVA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC 31, BB 32 sorted and what a bloody team!

    31 WC

    Leno
    TAA Coady Rudiger
    Sterling(C) Bruno Jota Lingard Neto
    Kane DCL
    Lloris Iheanacho Shaw Castagne

    32 BB

    LLORIS
    TAA Castagne Shaw
    SON Bruno Jota Lingard Neto
    KANE Iheanacho
    Leno DCL Rudiger Coady

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Well done, enjoy the points!

    2. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Like it, can do a lot without Salah but not for me personally.

  19. JabariParkersEyelid
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I'm extremely happy with this, so please rip it to shreds:

    Mendy (Forster)
    Trent Shaw Coady Masuaku Rudiger
    Lingard Bruno Salah Jota Son
    Kane Iheanacho (Vydra)

    Only thing not set on is the bit part defenders and maybe keeper. Thoughts appreciated though.

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Looks brill

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I’d stick with Mendy in goal.

      Looks good.

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

      Appreciated both cheers.

  20. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    UCL fantasy playing anyone?
    feel like captaining KdB over Haaland, is it foolish? not exactly convinced by dortmund against this city defence

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'd go KDB myself

      1. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        got both salah & Jota too

  21. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who the heck to Capt in Uefa?
    Benzema, Haaland, KDB? Or?

    1. Alcapaul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I've gone KDB

      1. bso
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        May just do that...currently on Benzema. Would think about Salah, but don't have him...

    2. The Red Devil
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      on KdB currently, got Halaand, Salah, Jota as other options, what do you think?

  22. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    With Tierney looking out for a spell, which Arsenal defender is best - Cedric, Holding, Gabriel?

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think Holding. The cheapest and Luiz is currently injured for a few weeks. I looked at Cedric but I’m wary that Saka may play there at some point.

  23. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Appreciate hasn’t kicked off yet, and minds could change after the match ...... but how is the City line up affecting peoples thinking about City v Leeds at the weekend?

    1. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think it's not bad for those holding Leeds attackers and reinforces the idea that picking city players is just pot luck.

  24. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    [sigh] - there goes my life-affirming project of captaining Mahrez in GW31

  25. Zebrahimović
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    KDB to Jota for free?

  26. GROBARI
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC team.
    Have BB left
    Gonna transfer in Son in GW32

    Mendy Forster
    Shaw TAA Coady Phillips Rudiger
    Bruno Neto Lingz Sterling Jota
    Kane Laca Nacho

    1. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      It's good but surely consider taking out Phillips.

      It's okay going without Salah but have a way to get him in quickly, having Phillips stops you from doing that.

  27. Isco Disco
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    HALA Madrid!
    Time for Zidane masterclass tonight. VAMOS!!!

  28. sandman58
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A) play 352 with Jota
    B) play 343 with Bamford
    ?????

    1. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A... not particularly close for me.

      1. sandman58
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        A) Son Salah Bruno Lingard Jota
        Vardy Kane
        B) Son Salah Bruno Lingard
        Bamford Vardy Kane

        1. JabariParkersEyelid
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          It's still A. The fixtures are not close.

          Maybe the 8th attacker changes things but if you can afford that front 7 you're gonna get serious points. Surely you're sacrificing the defence with this team.

          1. sandman58
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Defence is TAA Shaw Rudiger
            Dallas Struijk and Davis (AVL) on bench
            Martinez in goals
            0.1 in bank

      2. sandman58
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Do u think Jota will play regularly??

        1. JabariParkersEyelid
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          He's too good not to.

  29. Subzero (-4)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who is the bigger priority this week. Salah or KDB. Will captain whoever I bring in! No city or pool attack currently! Thanks in advance