Champions League

UCL Fantasy: What to expect from Wednesday’s matches and Tuesday’s review

Matchday 2 of 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 a shock defeat for Real Madrid – and what to expect from tonight’s matches. 

You can read our suggestions for Wednesday captaincy, differentials and teams to target/avoid in our first UCL Fantasy piece of the week.

WHAT WE LEARNED FROM LAST NIGHT’S FIXTURES

UCL Fantasy: What to expect from Wednesday's matches and Tuesday review 1
Inter Milan continue to struggle on Europe’s biggest stage

The reigning Serie A champions struggled in last season’s Champions League under Antonio Conte and these problems seem to be continuing into 2021/22 under Simone Inzaghi. They were passed off the pitch by a Shakhtar Donetsk side that lost 3-0 to Sheriff Tiraspol last time out; 34% possession and two shots on target isn’t good enough for a side of this quality and, as with last season, there’s a clear disparity between their domestic and European performances. Even with two games against Sheriff coming up, I’m not sure we can trust this Inter side to produce reliable Fantasy assets. 

We have to stop calling Sheriff Tiraspol ‘the Moldovan minnows’

What odds could we have got on Sheriff winning their first two proper UCL games? Whilst averaging 24.5% possession over two fixtures doesn’t seem like a sustainable way to win matches, it seems to be working for Sheriff. Whilst their victory over Shakhtar was impressive, beating an in-form Real Madrid side at the Bernabeu was nothing short of shocking. We have to start considering their players as genuine Fantasy options ahead of a double-header against an underperforming Inter Milan outfit. 

RB Leipzig still have a lot of work to do under Jesse Marsch

Winning 6-0 against Hertha Berlin at the weekend and then losing 2-1 to Club Brugge three days later is a perfect example of how inconsistent RB Leipzig have been under Jesse Marsch so far. Christopher Nkunku (€7.5m) notched a brace at the weekend and has scored all four of Leipzig’s 2021/22 UCL goals, but they look clueless at the back and poor going forward if Nkunku isn’t involved. Ahead of two games against a scarily impressive PSG side, RBL could find themselves out of knock-out contention very early on. Avoid ‘die Roten Bullen’ at all costs.

This might be PSG’s year

They didn’t have to be overly impressive in doing it, but by beating Manchester City, PSG have vanquished their conquerors from last season. Lionel Messi (€11.0m) is finally on the scoresheet in navy blue and this side really seems to be coming together under Mauricio Pochettino. Their 2-0 win proves that they can beat the big boys when needed.

Mohamed Salah is inevitable

Mohamed Salah (€10.5m) remains one of the most underappreciated talents in world football and one of the best Fantasy assets in any competition he plays in. Liverpool are looking as impressive as ever going forward under Jürgen Klopp and even with two games against Atletico Madrid coming up, Salah is still a great Fantasy option. 

Dortmund aren’t the same side without Haaland

Three shots on target against Sporting Lisbon and none against Gladbach at the weekend shows just how important Erling Haaland (€11.0m) is to this Borussia Dortmund side. If he doesn’t play, their Fantasy assets simply aren’t as good. 

What to expect on Wednesday night

UCL Fantasy: What to expect from Wednesday's matches and Tuesday review
Atalanta and Zenit to sweep aside opposition in the early kick-offs

These are two sides who are traditionally hard to beat in Europe and tonight’s two early kick-offs should be no different. Artem Dzyuba (€8.0m), Claudinho (€6.0m), Robin Gosens (€5.5m) and Duvan Zapata (€9.5m) are all primed for big performances. 

Chelsea to return to winning ways

Juventus are in poor form and struggling with injuries, whereas Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea will be hurting after their weekend loss to Manchester City and keen to get back to winning ways as soon as possible. Expect a clinic from the European champions in Turin. 

Manchester United to struggle against Villarreal once again

Poor recent results suggest that Manchester United are still in no position to get past the side who beat them in last season’s Europa League final. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has struggled tactically of late and there seems to be something missing from United’s displays. Don’t expect big performances from Cristiano Ronaldo (€11.0m), Bruno Fernandes (€10.5m) or their leaky defence. 

Barcelona could suffer second UCL loss in a row

Benfica are top of the Liga Bwin and haven’t lost a game since May. They host a Barcelona side who are seriously struggling at the moment and Luuk de Jong (€7.5m) is expected to lead the line for Ronald Koeman’s men. Barcelona could finish tonight with no points from two UCL games. 

Sevilla and Wolfsburg to play out low-scoring affair

Neither of these sides have averaged two goals a game in their respective leagues this season and have both built strong starts based off their defences. This is likely to be a tight game that could well end 0-0. 

Bayern Munich to continue impressive run of form

Bayern have been terrifyingly good under Julian Nagelsmann and should continue that form this evening as Dynamo Kyiv visit the Allianz Arena. It’s a tough enough game to expect the Germans to field a strong line-up and, after Kyiv’s 3-0 loss to Shakhtar in midweek, Bayern could make an example of the Ukrainians.

221 Comments Post a Comment
  1. WALOR
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I foolishly bought Van de Beek for UCL fantasy when I saw him in the lineup Matchday 1.
    No real chance that he'll start today, is there?

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

      It’s a long shot he starts.

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

        Didn't see the match, but assume he did not excel since taken off at the half.
        With Villareal a must-win, seems less-likely to get another start.
        He's gonna remain on my bench.

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

          He was taken off due to Wan-Bissaka’s red card.

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

    Sanchez - Steele
    TAA, white, veltman, shaw, livramento
    Raph, Salah, Sarr, Grealish, Allan
    CR7, Ings, Antonio

    2ft.

    Taa and shaw to rudiger and alonso? Wc over the international break

    1. Shah G
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, good moves..

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

      I would, if I had the extra FT.
      Already got in Rudiger for Shaw.

      1. Max City
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        keep TAA?

    3. t4thomas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      yeah, probably.

    4. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I’d do Taa to Alonso and then grealish to a 1 week punt I think

  3. jammie26
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Martinez
    Alonso, Tierney, Lowton
    Salah, Benrahma, Greenwood, ESR
    Antonio, Jimenez, Lukaku

    GTG?

    1. Max City
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      yeah think so

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

      Looks good.
      Captain?
      I'm on Lukaku, but considering Antonio.

      1. jammie26
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        On Lukaku, considering Alonso.

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

          Saucy

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

    One gameweek punt before WC.

    A) Torres >> Saka/Sarr
    B) Jota > Saka/Sarr
    C) Torres and Jota >> Saka and Sarr -4.

    Cant see them starting, but dont like hits before WC too.

    1. Max City
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      any of them can be gold..

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

        Or going totally wrong..

        1. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Yes could easily. Jota to Sarr I wouldn't be surprised if Bobby starts after scoring a brace from the bench last night.

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

    UCL Fantasy: Should I swap Bellingham's 5 points for Malinovskyi?

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Go for it. Have malinovskyi too & think Atlanta could score 3+.
      Do you think I should sub in Alonso for Bellingham? Juve depleted attack; could haul..? Or could be benched?

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

        I wouldn't trade it because the chances of a return attack aren't that great. At best you would have 8 points

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

      I personally don't sub out anyone with 4+ points, except if the person being subbed in is primed for a haul. Mali is a set pieces specialist (think JWP in FPL), not a rampaging bull asset like Belli, Haller or Nkunku

      Is 5 points your worst outfield performer from Tuesday? Then you might be okay with just a cap change

      I subbed Grealish, Alaba and Courtois out for Davies, Azpi and Bounou

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

    Sanchez - Steele
    TAA - Shaw - Tierney - Marcal - Livramento
    Salah - Sarr - Greenwood - Gray - Raphinha
    Lukaku - Armstrong - Jimenez

    should i do this? Have 2FT
    - Sanchez --> Ramsdale
    - Shaw --> Christenesen

    Then in gw8 wildcard?

  7. How I met your Mata
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Any alternatives?? Or are we G2G??

    Ederson Foster
    Christensen Rudigar Cancelo Coady Manquillo
    Raph Salah Grealish Gallagher Doucoure
    Jimi Lukaku Antonio

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good but it's going to give you benching headaches. If on WC I'd downgrade Doucoure to Luiz, to fund Christensen to Alonso and Manquillo to Duffy.

  8. King Huth
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    On WC...

    A. Gallagher Saka

    B. ESR Raphina

    thanks!

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B once Raph is available.

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Raphinha isn't available?

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I meant as long as he's available, which as far as we know he is.

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

      Gallagher looking pretty good, but can't look past Raph

  9. OLA
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Just cant choose two of Gosens, Aspi and Malinovskiy.

    One should stay on the bench. Any ideas?

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

      Azpi on bench

  10. Daniyal
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    shaw + torres + traore --> ben white + sissoko + son (2FT + -4)
    DONE

    knee jerky but oh well
    initial plan was to keep traore and do bamford to lukaku but his price drop made my knee jerky xD
    probably gonna cap Son in GW8 vs NewCastle maybe it makes up for it then

  11. YoungPretender
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Any of these -8’s worth it?

    A) Ronaldo, Bamford & Shaw > Lukaku, Aubameyang & Christensen
    B) TAA, Jota & Bamford > Alonso, Saka & Lukaku

  12. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    CL Fantasy. Have Baku from Wolfsburg playing. Play:

    A) Rousillon (Wolfsburg) vs Sevilla
    B) Grimaldo (Benfica) vs Barca

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

      Coin toss, but would go with Rousillon

    2. Lieutenant H
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Wolfsburg are strong defensively while En Nesyri will not play for Sevilla, I expecting Barca to score so all signs are toward Rousillon.

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Valid points. Thanks. Always worried about a defensive double up.

  13. Paddy Gooner
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    So with Trent not playing, does that mean Tsimi likely to start?

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

      I sure do hope so, otherwise I will have 2 defenders this week.

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

      I think it will be milner

    3. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Milner at RB mate

    4. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Possibly but Milner and Gomez are also options.

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

      Highly unlikely, I’d say. Probably Milner, and I’d still expect Williams and Gomez to be ahead of Tsimi at RB

    6. King Huth
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      milner

    7. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      At left back, it's currently Trent > Milner > Gomez > Robbo (hence Tsimi at LB)

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

        Ugh.

        *At right back, it's currently...

        Pardon me

  14. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    UCL fantasy: play 2 of Baku, D. Carlos and Kristensen

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

      Baku Carlos

  15. OLA
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    UCL fantasy: Malinovskiy or Azpilicueta?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Az

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

      Malinovskiy

  16. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Best outcome for Alonso to start at the weekend based on tonights game?

    For me, Juve game will put out his best XI. Id want Alonso to start and have a blinder to secure himself for the weekend. Chilly to be used in Malmo and league cup games.

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      if Alonso starts tonight surely he doesn't at the weekend - he is super fit but seems unnecessary to play him in 3 games in 8 days

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

        If alonso doesn’t starts tonight i will hit thr WC button!!

      2. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Would you then punt on Chilly as a one week transfer before WC in 8? Im not sure sure.

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          probably not, maybe someone will get a niggle tonight to make it clearer

      3. maglia rosa
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Am I correct in thinking Sadio that if say Rudiger or Azpi start tonight then they are less likely to be mentioned as a rotation risk because wingback’s tend to get rotated more due to the specifics of legging it up and down the wing all game?

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

          They're less likely to be rotated because they're quality and experienced. Azpi could end up at RWB in James' absence with Christensen, Silva and Rudiger at the back and Alonso LWB.

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

            Thanks for your reply GR…..so would it be fair to say that Christensen is an improved option with James struggling with his ankle?

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

              Reece isn't out long enough for this to be a viable factor for Chelsea's long run

              According to Tuchel, it's down to pain management now. That could be as soon as GW8, if I may be allowed to guess

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

                Cheers Ze Austin

            2. GreennRed
              • 12 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              When James is fit Christensen will rotate at times with Silva bit should get a lot more gametime than him.

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

                Cheers GR 😛

        2. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I guess so yeah, but Azpi has CHO and Chalobah competing for RWB/RCB at the weekend - Rudiger seems nailed but I wouldn't even rule out Christensen playing instead of him at LCB at some point (he's done it for Denmark) who knows when - honestly anything could happen

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

            Yeah. I think "nailed" for Tuchel is more of this mildly uncertain 9/10 than the 10/10 of, say, VVD or TAA

            1. SADIO SANÉ
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              yeah, long term I see no issue whatsoever with someone Rudiger/Azpi but on a one-off pre-WC punt people could get unlucky

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

                True, true

                The thing with Chelsea defence is that if you get one now, it's most likely for a while (some players have to stay on your wildcard anyway), so I'd suggest prioritising the long holds, except if the problem is funds

                1. SADIO SANÉ
                  • 8 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  yeah true - I already have Alonso and can technically get any other this week, but think I'm gonna get Semedo instead as I'm WC'ing next week

    2. King Huth
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      no one knw...

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

      With international break ahead I think Alonso starts at weekend irrespective of tonight unless has absolute howler.

  17. King Huth
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    What the best combo mid for 12.0

    so many options...

  18. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who to start?

    A. Duffy (ARS)
    B. Cancelo (liv)

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

      Cancelo

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

  19. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Both poor options, but who would u play this Gameweek ?

    A) Livramento - Chelsea away
    B) B. Williams - Burnley away

    Cheers.

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

    2. Gomolon
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

  20. C_G
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    should I get rid of shaw for Alonso/Rudi

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

      Yes

  21. potatoace
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Alonso and Chilwell should be made to fight it out in the UFC octagon this week, until only one of them can exit using their own legs.

  22. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    UCL Fantasy
    would you sub out Haller for Navas? too risky right?

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

    On a WC. What Arsenal cover would you get:

    A) Saka
    B) Smith Rowe
    C) White
    D) None
    E) Other

    TIA

    1. Del Griffith
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      White and Saka

    2. Alan The Llama
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A or Ramsdale

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

      Ramsdale maybe

  24. C_G
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Alonso or Rudi in? pls help.

    1. Del Griffith
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Alonso if your a Maverick, if not Rudi

  25. The Frenchie
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Why everybody only consider Alonso and Rudiger?

    I’m ok for Alonso but instead of Rudiger (5.7) Thiago Silva (5.4) or Christensen (5.0) could be cheaper options no?

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

    Don't like the risk of Alonso not starting...

  27. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Need to sell Shaw, Williams to come in for TAA 🙁