Champions League

UCL Fantasy: Wednesday preview and Tuesday review

UEFA Champions League Fantasy got underway on Tuesday but managers still have the opportunity to make changes to their teams, be it via the captaincy or by bringing in a substitute or two.

MAKE CHANGES TO YOUR UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FANTASY TEAM HERE

There are eight more games this evening, so it’s time to take a look at what we learned from last night’s fixtures – including shock results for Sevilla and Manchester United – and what to expect from tonight’s matches. 

READ MORE: Beginners’ guide to UCL Fantasy
READ MORE: UCL Fantasy discussion
READ MORE: FanTeam’s €250k Champions League Group Stage tournament

What we learned from last night’s fixtures

UCL Fantasy: Wednesday preview and Tuesday review 1
Barcelona aren’t a top side

They were swept aside by Bayern, lacking in quality all over the pitch and incredibly poor defensively. A trip to the Camp Nou is just not a threatening prospect for good teams anymore.

Robert Lewandowski is an unstoppable goalscoring force

His brace takes him to eight goals in five games this season for Bayern and his UCL games only get easier from here.

There’s never a quiet game when Atalanta are involved

The Bergamo side were involved in a great battle with Unai Emery’s Villarreal. They score lots of goals but are still relatively unsteady at the back. Backing their attack is never a bad option, but there is less confidence in their centre-halves.

Zenit St Petersburg are a solid outfit

They came very close to a draw with a Chelsea side they harried and pressurised all night. Yaroslav Rakitskyi and Wilmar Barrios were great for balls recovered and Rakitskyi kept Romelu Lukaku quiet for everything but the goal. Their players are good options for their upcoming tie against Malmo. 

Sevilla are inconsistent… and Red Bull Salzburg need to practise their penalties

Like at points last season, Sevilla promised a lot and delivered very little. Salzburg are an exciting attacking side and Karim Adeyemi was involved in almost everything they did going forward.

Manchester United aren’t the finished article

United’s defence still needs a lot of work and the Red Devils looked static going forward with Cristiano Ronaldo as a focal point. Young Boys didn’t deserve the win but United will now have to go all out for the rest of the competition to secure qualification.

What to expect from tonight’s games

UCL Fantasy: Wednesday preview and Tuesday review
Dortmund might not have as easy a game as expected

Besiktas will sit deep and aim to frustrate Dortmund, which is exactly what Freiburg did in the Black and Yellows’ only loss so far this season. The three Bundesliga games they’ve won (vs Eintracht Frankfurt, Hoffenheim and Bayer Leverkusen) were all against attacking sides who gave them space to go forward and presented Erling Haaland with opportunities to counter and run at them. Haaland is still a great option this evening, but if you want to bet against him, you wouldn’t be completely irrational. 

Paris St-Germain should score a lot of goals

This is set to be “MNM”‘s first appearance together. Club Brugge have been defensively poor of late, conceding six against Gent just two weeks ago. PSG have the shortest odds of scoring four goals or more this evening and one of their players looks likely to be the best captaincy option.

Whoever starts for Manchester City will be a great option

Red Bull Leipzig have been poor recently, can’t get a rhythm together under Jesse Marsch and lost 4-1 to Bayern at the weekend. However, predicting who will start for City is virtually impossible. 

Sporting Lisbon vs Ajax looks too close to call

Both are solid sides in strong domestic form. 

Shakhtar Donetsk should triumph

This is unlikely to be a rout for Shakhtar, however. Sheriff Tiraspol definitely have an upset in them, as they showed in qualification.

Liverpool v AC Milan could be tight

These are two defensively strong sides in good form. Liverpool should have too much quality for the Italians but it’s unlikely to be a high-scoring game.

Read Madrid should prosper v Inter Milan

Real won this tie home and away in last season’s group stages and Inter are a weaker side now without Romelu Lukaku or Antonio Conte, whereas Real are thriving under Carlo Ancelotti, especially going forward. Watch out for Karim Benzema, who’s had nine goal contributions in four games in La Liga this season. 

475 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Safer pick in terms of playing time out of Reece James & Alonso? I'm on wildcard and although I know the next two fixtures aren't great.. I'd rather get in a Chelsea defender now.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      James had a rest now, Chilly will always be hovering over Alonso

      1. Maddi Son
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers

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

      I'd guess James. The competition isn't as good or threatening on Reeces side Chilwell surely gets games

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Great name.
      James

    4. CapK
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Seems R.James is going to be 1st choice one side and chillwell is hovering over Aloso the other - Would say R.J is more nailed

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

    Worth swapping Matip for TAA 4ph? Not having TAA is scary.

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Not for a hit.

      1. bso
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        You are my voice of reason LRL. My team is not looking good. Trying to hold the WC. A challenge with Antonio out. How are you doing? WC GW7?

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I am benching Antonio. Looks like a season keeper so far to me. May not WC in GW 7 as I plan to have 2FT and get Lukaku and James/Rudiger.

          I think hold and get TAA after this GW. Not sure how your team looks.

          1. bso
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            I am holding Antonio too. He can score against anyone.
            Would appreciate your thoughts on this mess of a team. 0 FT 2.5 mib
            Shaw - Matip - Tsimi - Ayling - Livra
            Salah - Gray - Raphina - Gallagher - Brownhill
            Ronnie - Luka - Antonio

            1. Botman and Robben
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Since you have Ronnie & Luka, you will have to drop Antonio to a cheapie to fund TAA and upgrade one of the 4.0/.1 defenders.

              Or maybe go with just one power forward. For now, play 3-5-2. No hit

              1. bso
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Could go as is for now and no hit. Or use cash to fund TAA or upgrade elsewhere next week? So easy to drop big in the rankings.

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

      Yep and never look back

    3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah I'd say go for it. I WC'd last week and went from TAA to Matip but I'll be reversing that in the next few weeks

      1. bso
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah...I brought in Matip (not WC) and instantly regretted it. Will just do it and takes what comes.

        1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          He's still not a bad option, had a few efforts on goal so far and might nick a goal or assist at some point, was even in the baps until Mane's goal against Leeds!

  3. CapK
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    1.
    A) DCL > Bamford or Jimi
    B) Benrama > Raph
    C) Both for a hit

    2.
    Play one this week,

    A) B.Williams
    B) Allan

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Bammo if fit

      BWilliams

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

    https://www.arsenal.com/news/best-pictures-arsenal-training

    So now ESR was involved in training session. He missed one before (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVSVb-vuOl0) as I can't spot him anywhere.

  5. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Which club do you back to win the Champions League this season?

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

      Young Boys

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

      PSG

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      ABU

    4. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Bayern/Chelsea

    5. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Besiktas

    6. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Young Boys

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

    When is the Bielsa press conference? Tomorrow or Friday?

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

      Who cares? The way they are playing I would not own any of their players!

      1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        They'll come good, but I know what you're saying. They seem to have lost that spark for sure

      2. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Believe in the Raphinha...

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Should be tomorrow with them playing Friday

  7. Henning
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Whi to get in for Toney? Is anyone more nailed?
    1.Broja
    2.ASM
    3.Eduardo

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I only know who the second one of those is, so him

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

    It’s got to be c buddy

  9. Exeterslowly
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Benrahma or raphinha

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Raph

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Raph

  10. NWallis
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Did those of you who grew up in England read alot of Tennyson at school?
    Sweden

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

      Are you talking about the poet? What a random question?

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

        Yes the poet!

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      No. Did English at school till 18 and only know a couple of his works.

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        "Half-a-league, half-a-league" etc. and Lady of Shalott (though think painting is more famous than the poem).

      2. NWallis
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers!

    3. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Not read anything from him mate. Why do you ask?

  11. Fulchester's New Centr…
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Play Veltman this week or get Williams or Marcal (could stretch to Semedo, but would rather have the cash)?

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

      Marcel was lucky getting those assists but he does represent good value so probably best to go for him if you are strapped for cash

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

    2. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'd go with Marcal mate

    3. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      No reason to get em if you have Veltman

    4. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Semedo more nailed. Looked to have more goal scoring threat but might be another Traore.

      Marce more of the assisted atm

      Brighton could get a clean sheet. Tough

  12. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who to play this GW

    Raya
    Bachmann

    Any ideas would be welcomed

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

      Ooh that’s a tough one. I still have Sanchez but I’d go for the Watford man given they have slightly better fixtures?

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If you are not playing Bachmann this week, put him down to a 4.0

  13. tabby98
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Keep Mahrez or take out for a hit?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      This could be his week...
      Depends on 1st sub

      1. tabby98
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Veltman

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Keep

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

      Personally I’d get rid but every time I have said that he pulls it out of the bag

      1. tabby98
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Same here it’s a tough one

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

    Haaland HT captain fail!

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Not

    2. Mmm sausages
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Or not!

    3. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Only HT!

  15. tabby98
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Current Team:

    Sanchez
    TAA, Shaw, Ayling
    Salah, Mahrez, Benrahma, Raphinha, Sissoko
    Ronaldo, Toney

    Foster | Veltman, Tsimikas, Antonio*

    £0.3m ITB 1FT

    Any transfers to make or should I hold?

    1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Mahrez to Gray perhaps?

      1. tabby98
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Thinking of doing this & swapping Toney for bamford for a hit?

        1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Rumours are Bam has a knock, defo wait for pressers

          1. tabby98
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Thoughts on Toney —> Saint Maximin

      2. Maeki2
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Why gray?
        You have Jota/Greenwood/Foden/Torres/Pogba/Grealish that is better option

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

      I’m not liking Toney at the moment. There are some decent replacements for him if you need to make a swap

      1. tabby98
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Worth doing Mahrez + Toney —> Gray + Bamford (-4)?

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

          Good shout tabby

    3. Exeterslowly
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Or tsimkas to loveremnto

  16. rdpx
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Would you rather have:

    A: TAA & Kovacic + £0.2m

    B: Matip & Jota

    1. polis
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Is there no way to stretch to a 5.5 mid with A?

      1. rdpx
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Who are you thinking?

        I'm on WC so everything is possible but it would mean downgrading a 4.5 or 5.0 defender

        1. polis
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I think Doucoure, Townsend, Gray, Gallagher offer a bit more. Obviously the latter two a bit more than 5.5.

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A with not Kovacic

  17. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Manchester Unites bought the wrong english youngster from Dortmund it seems.

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

      And probably not in the race for Haaland next year as they already have Ronaldo