Champions League

The best players to own and captain for UEFA Champions League Fantasy Matchday 1

UEFA Champions League Fantasy managers have just a few hours left to select their squads for the new season.

As you add the finishing touches, we have provided some last-minute tips and advice on team selection, captaincy and differentials.

There are some incredible prizes on offer in this free-to-play Fantasy game, from Champions League final tickets to Playstation 5s and replica shirts.

If you’re new to the game or just need a reminder of the rules, check out our ‘how to play’ guide below. 

And don’t forget to join the official FFScout UCL League (pin code: 33TKWHOD07), where there will be additional prizes on offer.

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ATTACKS TO BACK

The best defenders for UEFA Champions League Fantasy 2021/22

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

Wednesday evening looks set to be the first game in which all of Lionel Messi (11m), Kylian Mbappe and Neymar (both 10.5m) start together. Club Brugge have been defensively poor so far this season, recently losing 6-1 to Gent and conceding 11 goals in seven Belgian Pro League games. PSG have been in searing attacking form in the league without their three superstars playing together, averaging over three goals per Ligue 1 game.

BORUSSIA DORTMUND

Having struggled with both defensive injuries and organisation, Marco Rose’s Borussia Dortmund seem to have resolved to outscoring the opponent. They have 13 goals in four Bundesliga matches, and Erling Haaland (11m) has five of those. Besiktas have been solid at the back domestically, but they haven’t faced a side of Dortmund’s attacking quality yet. 

REAL MADRID

Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid just works. They’ve been incredible in front of goal in La Liga, with 13 goals in four games, and Karim Benzema (10m) has had a hand in nine of them. Vinicius Junior (8m) also has four goals and an assist. Inter have looked lacklustre at the back under Inzaghi, highlighted by a 2-2 draw with Sampdoria at the weekend, and Real are very well-placed to take advantage of that.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Another team who have been blitzing teams domestically. United are fresh off a 4-1 win at the weekend and start their campaign with a visit to Swiss side Young Boys, who are a shadow of their former selves without Gerardo Seaone at the helm. We’ll know their line-up before the deadline, with Jesse Lingard (6m) a great, cheap option if he starts. Aside from J-Lingz, Cristiano Ronaldo (11m) and Bruno Fernandes (10.5m) are incredible options at the top of their games. 

DEFENCES TO BACK

CHELSEA

Thomas Tuchel’s men won this competition last season off the back of their incredible defence and this season has been no different so far. The only goal they’ve conceded in four Premier League games has been a penalty and if Zenit’s poor showing in the UCL is anything to go by, then this should be an easy night for Chelsea. Alongside their incredible defensive credentials, likely starting wing-backs Ben Chilwell and Reece James (both 5.5m) are also great going forward, with James registering a goal and two assists in just one and a half PL games this season. 

BENFICA

Jorge Jesus’ side have been imperious in the league so far, conceding just twice in five games. This should continue in their visit to Dynamo Kyiv. Odysseas Vlachodimos and Alex Grimaldo (both 4.5m) are the stand-out picks for this fixture. Grimaldo already has a goal and an assist in four Liga Bwin games. 

WOLFSBURG

Wolfsburg have conceded just once in the Bundesliga this season and face a Lille side struggling for form after the departure of Christophe Galtier. Budget defenders Jerome Roussillon (4m), Maxence Lacroix and Kevin Mbabu (both 4.5m), as well as OOP gem Ridle Baku (5.5m) are all great options for this fixture. 

SEVILLA

Julen Lopetegui’s men have conceded just once in La Liga this season and host a Salzburg side that they should be far superior to. Diego Carlos (4.5) was a balls recovered machine last season, whilst Marcos Acuna (4.5m) can get points at both ends. Yassine Bounou (5m) is a great option between the sticks, too.

ATTACKS TO AVOID

BARCELONA

They’ve been uninspiring so far without Messi and have just lost Martin Braithwaite (6m) to injury. A game against Bayern Munich isn’t the place to find your form going forward and they look likely to be outclassed at both ends by Julian Nagelsmann’s new side.

VILLARREAL

Another underwhelming La Liga attack, Villarreal have scored just twice in three La Liga games in 2021/22 and aren’t underperforming their expected goals (xG). They face an Atalanta side who are building up a real Champions League pedigree under Gian Piero Gasperini and will be hard to break down.

RB LEIPZIG

RBL haven’t yet found their rhythm under Jesse Marsch and face a Manchester City side who will be desperate to go one better than last season. Pep’s side are notoriously hard to break down and haven’t conceded a goal since the opening day of the season. 

AJAX

Sporting Lisbon restricted Porto to just one shot at the weekend and are a very well-organised outfit, also playing at home. Ajax’s 4-0 Super Cup loss to PSV showed that they’re not at their best yet this season and I back Sporting to spring a surprise here and maybe even keep a clean sheet. 

DEFENCES TO AVOID

The best players to own and captain for opening round of UEFA Champions League Fantasy

INTER MILAN

As mentioned above, Real Madrid are in incredible attacking form under Carlo Ancelotti and Inter look unlikely to be able to deal with them without Antonio Conte. 

RB LEIPZIG

Man City have conceded just once and scored 11 times in four Premier League games. Leipzig are fresh from a 4-1 loss to Bayern and lost 1-0 to a Wolfsburg side who’re relatively poor going forward before the international. Personally, I’d stay away from RBL all-round this week. 

BORUSSIA DORTMUND

Very good going forward and very poor defensively, Dortmund have conceded at least two goals in every Bundesliga game they’ve played this season. Besiktas are a solid team who know how to score goals and there are much better options at the back than Marco Rose’s men. 

BARCELONA

The last time they played Bayern they lost 8-2. This Barcelona side has arguably got worse, whilst that Bayern side has only improved. There are much better options out there than Blaugrana players this week.

CAPTAINCY

Auto Draft 11

TUESDAY 14 SEPTEMBER

Captain Sensible: Cristiano Ronaldo

CR7 got a brace on his second Manchester United debut at the weekend and should be in the starting XI against Young Boys this afternoon. 

Captain Differential (under 10% owned): Alvaro Morata (9.5m)

Malmo have lost two and drawn one of their last three games and, despite Juventus’ poor start to the season, they should still have too much for the Swedish side. Morata scored in the weekend loss to Napoli and should lineup alongside Paulo Dybala (9m) up front for the Old Lady this evening.

WEDNESDAY 15 SEPTEMBER

Captain Sensible: Erling Haaland 

The Norwegian has got five Bundesliga goals and four assists in 2021/22. He’s part of an attacking side and has a great fixture to open the season. 

Captain Differential (under 10% owned): Neymar

The lowest-owned of PSG’s front-three, Neymar had a great UCL campaign last season and should at least share set-pieces with Messi. A great differential choice.

SPOT THE DIFFERENTIAL

Spot the Differential – Gameweek 2

Five differential picks to give your squad an edge over your competitors.

  • Kevin de Bruyne (11m, 5% owned) – he’s back fit, so if he starts, he’s a great option against a poor RBL side.
  • Marco Reus (8m, 4% owned) – Dortmund’s second most important attacker, he’s underperformed his xG so far in the league and will be key in a relatively easy game for Marco Rose’s side. 
  • Lassina Traore (6.5m, 1% owned) – the former Ajax man has four goals in his last five league games for Shakhtar and faces Moldovan minnows Sheriff Tiraspol. As one of the cheapest starting strikers in the game, he’s a great choice for Matchday 1.
  • Alex Grimaldo (4.5m, 1% owned) – A great option at both ends, Grimaldo is one of Benfica’s key players and should do well in their visit to Dynamo Kyiv. 
  • Ridle Baku (5.5m, 0% owned) – with Mbabu back in the side, Baku will start as a right-winger against a Lille side who can’t find any form this season. Wolfsburg are great defensively and Baku is one of their most important players going forward, getting six goals and eight league assists last season.
559 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Those planning to WC GW7, have you considered GW8 instead? Reasons:

    1) GW8 is the IB so can easily adjust for any injuries whilst away
    2) A few of the players you’d likely be losing (WHU, MUN etc) have a decent GW7 fixture
    3) MCY, who you likely don’t have, have 3 great fixtures from GW8 onwards, but have liv in GW7

    Not saying it’s the way to go, but I think there is merit to it. Thoughts?

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, it's the post IB GW which I'm targeting for my WC, though if I can manage my squad that week with a -4 at most, I may try to hold my WC for longer.

    2. Free Hat
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      You made me think about right now. Thanks for the info!

    3. Pigeon
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I honestly thought that's what people meant when they said that lol

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

      Yes am considering but depends on your current team really. Mine means I am likely to wc gw 7

      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        No Chelsea or Leeds yet?

  2. 824545201
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Hey guys, need some advice on a very tough decision.
    I have a decent team with Lukaku, CR7 and Salah but my defense is in shambles. I have a WC draft that i'm really satisfied with but i will definitely get priced out of it before GW7. Do i hit the WC button while i can afford this?:

    Ramsdale
    TAA Rudiger James Williams
    Salah Torres Raphinha Gallagher
    Ronaldo Lukaku

    Steele Sissoko Livramento Scarlett

    A) Yay, hit it

    B) Nay, wait for GW7 fixture swing and downgrade James to Semedo if priced out.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Hard to say without seeing the old team

      1. 824545201
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Sanchez Steele
        TAA Shaw Ayling Tsimikas Livramento
        Salah Gundogan Benrahma Traore Brownhill
        Ronaldo Lukaku Scarlett

    2. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I can't see why you would choose Ramsdale with no backup. Arteta was not really clear about who will play.

      1. 824545201
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I'm fairly certain Ramsdale will be the first choice goalkeeper, his distribution is light years ahead of Leno.

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      It's a decent squad if you don't mind a poor score GW6. Personally I see Semedo keeping up with the big boys for quite a while.

    4. Khark
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B) Nay, wait for GW7 fixture swing and downgrade Rudiger to Semedo if priced out.

  3. Pukkipartyy
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    On the WC (Have CR7)

    A) Lukaku + Gray
    B) Bamford + Jota

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

    3. Snoop Udogie Dogg
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

      1. Pukkipartyy
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Intersting. I tought B would win easily.

    4. Brehmeren
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

    5. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      For now it’s B for me, but make a plan for Lukaku from 7 onwards

    6. 2001: A Space Origi
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

  4. Gazpilicueta
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    does anyone know where I can find info on defensive rotations?

    I am interested in home away rotations but also fixture difficulty rotations.
    I thought there was an article a while back but I cant find it.
    mainly interested in who rotates with Wolves and Southampton

    Thanks in advance!

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

      Just play with the fixture ticker here. I spend hours on it every week.

      1. Gazpilicueta
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        so no then?

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

          Well okay, there are pre-season articles in the archive on defensive rotations. I didn't think you'd want out-of-date stuff but it's there if you look for it.

          1. 2001: A Space Origi
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            I remember that article, apart from EVE/LIV, Manure/City and Ars/Spurs, none coincide every game week out of 38

  5. Mozumbus
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who will score more in the next 3 GWs:
    A. Bruno + Toney (will have 1FT to roll)
    B. Ronaldo + Mbeumo

    1. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B for me

    2. Delta Varane'iant
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      There's better options for 5.5 over Mbeumo. Gray 5.6, Townsend 5.4 for example.

      1. Mozumbus
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Would need to take a hit for that (?)
        If I take a hit, I may sort other issues first.

  6. dekikide
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    In a scenario where budget is spent on premiums more than usual, and DCL got injured.
    Do you think it is better to replace him (with Bamf/Jimenez), or go for a 4.5£ striker and upgrade a defender to Alonso, and play 4-4-2? (already own TAA and James R.)

    1. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes if Alonso is nailed

      1. dekikide
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Well Tuchel seems to fancy him and he seems to be in good form again. I haven't noticed Chillwel being Injured, it just seems he lost hes spot.. .. I guess.. I don't know.. Is Alonso considered nailed? 😀

  7. Kryptonite666
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Would you WC this team ?

    Sanchez
    Shaw Coufal Duffy (Livramento) (Amartey)
    Salah Jota Greenwood Gray Benrahma
    Lukaku Ronaldo

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      No

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

      Lol

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

      To it or from it?

      1. Kryptonite666
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Haha, from it. No Trent.

  8. Pigeon
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    How's this team? Bit light in midfield but do I have to downgrade anything?

    Haaland En-Nesyri Ronaldo
    Mount Seiwald Torres
    Hakimi Kimmich Baku Acuña
    Bono
    Adan TAA Casemiro Alvarez

  9. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Pogba or Greenwood? Thanks

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Greenwood. But if you have Ronaldo, neither.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Why ?

        1. Philosopher's Stones
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Upcoming fixtures not worth doubling up imo. Ronaldo alone should be enough.

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            I'd go Torres but far from being nailed. Cheers

  10. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Pepe or Traore from GW7 ➡ ?

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

      Pepe

  11. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Guys, I keep seeing comments about Bamford being injured.......I can not find anything online that supports this.........where is it coming from ??