Champions League

The best players to own and captain for UEFA Champions League Fantasy Matchday 3

The UEFA Champions League is back after a three-week break and there are some massive ties lying ahead.

So, here’s a run-through of what you need to know for your UCL Fantasy captains and the player picks ahead of Matchday 3 (MD3).

There are some incredible prizes on offer in this free-to-play Fantasy game even for late entrants, 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.

SIGN UP TO PLAY UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FANTASY HERE


TEAMS TO BACK

CHELSEA

Malmo have scored none, conceded seven and looked thoroughly underwhelming throughout the first two UCL Matchdays. Whilst Thomas Tuchel will play a rotated side, he’s aware that they need three points after the loss to Juventus and we should still see some serious firepower on the pitch. This could be a great game for Kai Havertz (9.0m), Marcos Alonso (5.0m) and Ruben Loftus-Cheek (6.0m) to really prove their worth.

BAYERN MUNICH

Bayern’s first-half drubbing of Bayer Leverkusen was one of the most impressive halves of football I’ve seen. They’re averaging nearly four goals per game in the Bundesliga and have scored eight in their first two UCL games this season. Benfica are a solid side but so were Leverkusen before Bayern came to town. Julian Nagelsmann’s side is dripping with attacking quality and any of Robert Lewandowski (11.6m), Thomas Müller (9.5m), Serge Gnabry (10.0m), Leroy Sane (9.0m) and Joshua Kimmich (6.5m) could be considered essential picks in their own right.

RB SALZBURG

Salzburg have impressed in the UCL so far and Wolfsburg are now on six competitive games without a win under Mark van Bommel. Karim Adeyemi (7.1m) is clearly the star but Brendan Aaronson (5.5m), Noah Okafor (5.0m), Rasmus Kristensen (4.5m) and Maximilian Wöber (4.0m) are all also strong picks in their own right. With star striker Wout Weghorst (8.0m) ruled out, Wolfsburg will be on the back foot from the get-go.

PSG

Leipzig have crumbled at every sign of pressure or stiff competition so far this season, which bodes well for Mauricio Pochettino’s men. With Nuno Mendes (4.5m) and Achraf Hakimi (6.5m) at full-back, then Kylian Mbappe (10.5m) and Lionel Messi (11.0m) up front, PSG could rout die Roten Bullen.

BARCELONA

I didn’t think I’d include Barcelona in this list at all this season but I was impressed by their weekend win over Valencia. The return of Ansu Fati (7.5m) and emergence of Gavi (5.0m) has rejuvenated the Blaugrauna and they’ll be hoping to build on their win with the visit of a Dynamo Kyiv side which Bayern Munich put five past on MD2.

CAPTAINCY

TUESDAY 19 OCTOBER

Captain Sensible: Kylian Mbappe

PSG proved their quality against Manchester City on MD2 and now face an RB Leipzig who have seriously struggled against decent opposition so far this season. Mbappe has an assist in both UCL games this season and has five goals and four assists in the league. He’s fresh from a goal and an assist against Angers at the weekend and is in better form than Messi on the other wing.

Captain Differential (less than 10% owned): Lautaro Martinez (10m)

I’m loathe to continue underestimating Sheriff Tiraspol but something has to give at some point. Lautaro Martinez has five goals in six Serie A starts and is on penalties for an Inter Milan side who desperately need a win to kick-start their UCL campaign. With just 1% ownership and very few ‘great’ fixtures this week, he could be the perfect differential.

WEDNESDAY 20 OCTOBER

Captain Sensible: Robert Lewandowski

Lewandowski is a goalscoring machine from the most in-form side in world football. He grabbed braces on MD1 and MD2, with nine goals from eight Bundesliga games this season. Regardless of fixture, Lewandowski can score big and he could well add another brace against Benfica on Wednesday.

Captain Differential (less than 10% owned): Kai Havertz

Expect wholesale changes from Tuchel ahead of Malmo’s visit. Havertz has struggled for form and starts this season but this presents a perfect opportunity for him to both start and prove his worth to this Chelsea side.

SPOT THE DIFFERENTIAL

A selection of players who are less than 5% owned to help your team climb the ranks on MD3.

  • Arnaut Groeneveld (Villarreal – 1% – 6.0m) – Groeneveld, or Danjuma as he’s more commonly known, has a goal and an assist from his first two UCL appearances and has four goals in his last six La Liga games, including a brace against Real Betis. Facing Young Boys, the former Bournemouth man is a great differential option for your team, despite Villarreal’s poor domestic form.
  • Karim Adeyemi (RB Salzburg – 4% – 7.1m) – Adeyemi is in searing form and is reportedly in talks with both Bayern and Dortmund over a move back to the Bundesliga. He’s the third highest scoring player in UCL Fantasy so far and is against a Wolfsburg side in dreadful form. He has 8 goals and an assist from 10 Austrian Bundesliga games and is somehow still only 4% owned.
  • Ansu Fati (Barcelona – 2% – 7.5m) – Fati is a special talent and finally back to full fitness after a long lay-off. He’s got two goals in just 94 minutes of football since returning and started his first game of the season in the weekend win over Valencia. Dynamo Kyiv don’t present overly tough opposition for a Barcelona side that seem to be re-finding their feet and Fati could star.
  • Marcos Alonso (Chelsea – 5% – 5.0m) – Predicting Tuchel’s wing-back rotation is a risky game but I back Alonso to start at home to Malmo, in theoretically the easiest game of Chelsea’s group stage. Ben Chilwell (5.5m) started and starred at the weekend and will likely be saved for the league. Despite putting in some less than impressive performances of late, Alonso should get the nod and do well against the minnows of Group H.
  • Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich – 1% – 10.0m) – As with the entire Bayern team, Gnabry’s performance levels have elevated under Julian Nagelsmann. The German winger got his second brace of the season against Leverkusen on Sunday and now has five goals in eight league games for 2021/22. Bayern are steamrolling everything in front of them (except Kevin Trapp) and, despite Benfica’s current good form, this game should be no different.
365 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Looks pretty much City’s strongest XI

    1. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Took Jesus as a differential on WC, not popular move but liking the chances he starts vs BHA

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Jesus seems to be starting most league games when available or featuring.

        Mahrez preferred in the Champions League.

        Massive squad so Pep can do as he pleases. Except an out and out 9.

        1. Kellz86
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I wonder if Jesus simply doesn’t want to play as a full 9 or if Pep just doesn’t rate him there. Surely he was supposed to be the understudy to Aguero when frost brought in

          1. FOO FIGHTER
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Jesus is a 9 by trade but clearly does not work out as a CF in Pep's system otherwise he would be playing down the middle.

            1. Gunneryank
              • 2 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              I read somewhere he said he likes playing out wide? I think?

          2. AC/DC AFC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            There was an interview where Jesus said he was now more versatile as a striker and a winger. He seemed a bit surprised by it but said he enjoyed playing for the team.

            So i guess it's all on Pep but he can offer a lot.

            I'm not convinced that Grealish is in the false 9 groove but they all seem to rotate.

            I think they'll miss Torres and end product leading the line.

            But KDB and Gundogan will help when back and Sterling still to score a few.

          3. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Actually displaced Aguero there briefly and competed as a 9 with him for a while but as AC/DC says he's been "reformed".

            Think Pep just doesn't like strikers at heart and can't resist converting everyone into some form of mid.

          4. St Pauli Walnuts
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            He was young when he first arrived, players adapt. He's been playing on the wing for Brazil for a few season now and as a City season ticket holder, IMO he is way more effective as a wide forward than in the middle.

  2. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/24265253

    Bench needs to be ready GW9.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Formation isn’t the problem it’s the personnel

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        If Tuchel switches to a back 4 I will skip owning any CHE defence other than Rudiger.

        1. Gunneryank
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I think he's gonna be my only Chelsea player full stop.

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

          I guess Rudiger is good when he plays one of the three at the back. He seems to be not good playing in a back 4. Chel fans comment is this.

          1. FOO FIGHTER
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            So Christensen and Silva the CB's?

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

      Again what is the need of doing that when the results are coming?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        They got absolutely battered by Brentford. If it was 5-1 it would have been a fair result.

        1. Smelbow
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Seriously?

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

          I'd say 2-2 more like haha

      2. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Been playing poorly and getting lucky recently

  3. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Current WC draft. Yay or nay?

    Raya, Sanchez
    Trent, Cancelo, Livra, Rudiger, 4.4
    Salah, Foden, Mbeumo, Raphinha, Brownhill
    Lukaku, Antonio, Toney

    1. EL tridente
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good!
      Do you plan to get Son in the nearest future?

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Indeed. Not entirely sure how yet, but I would like him in.

    2. Deer-in-headlights
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      You might consider Sanchez to Foster as Raya should be enough given their fixtures.

  4. CABAYE4
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Now the dust has settled, wanted to ask if people thought there were any lessons to learn from Son-gate.

    My personal tale of woe is that selling Son at 10:55 cost me 13 points… now I made a bad call on results but in the same circumstance should I do the same again?

    A. Ignore Twitter team news on Saturdays even when well circulated
    B. Write this off as a fluke and use any information as more often than not it will pay off

    Any thoughts?

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

      Lost 15 pts here from it too. Still B easily

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B just ignore it when it comes to Son.

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

      That son news was true right? Also the cr7 benching case. Many of us captained him without knowing or trusting that he is benched. And those aware of the benching switched the armband even though cr7 's rival caotains failed. So it is worth searching around twitter on Saturdays imo.

    4. Gunneryank
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B.

      I use a philosophy when it comes to gaming in general that goes like this: be process oriented, not results oriented. You have to have an honest and rigorous examination of what your decision making process is, but if it's sound, stick with it.

      I bought Dias right before the deadline because it was a sound decision. Didn't work out. But ultimately, will it yield results? Probably.

      Assuming credible data, it was reasonable to sell Son because you were using information you had on hand. Using that information usually helps guide your team choices for better scores, no?

      1. CABAYE4
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        This is the approach I have always taken to the game.

        More and more now though there is lots more information available, some of which is credible but harder to verify that it is. Makes things more difficult.

    5. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Ignore everyone pal. Make your own decisions based off what you see. You can’t blame anybody then. If you see a rumour at 10:55 and choose to believe it then that’s on you I’m afraid.

      1. CABAYE4
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Everyone uses some information - whilst you make your own decisions everyone chooses to rely on information of some sort.

        Ultimately our call I agree, but each player needs to decide what information they’re going to use.

    6. CABAYE4
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks all

    7. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Lost 27points on my last minute Son to Mahrez(C) move on WC. One of my worst ever last minute transfers.

      1. Firminooooo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Still a good move. Mahrez(almost 100% to start) home vs Burnley, with Son probably out. Had to captain over Salah away vs Watford with new manager.

  5. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Jesus seems to be the most nailed on City attacking asset for PL.

    Not like Mahrez is getting any Pep love down the right except for CL matches.

    1. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Lol. ‘Nailed’ is not a word i associate man city attackers. Outside Dias, Ederson nobodys safe

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Go have a look at Marhez's minutes. Who else plays down RW for City in PL?

      2. Kellz86
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Even Dias got the odd benching, Ederson is the only lock (international duty reasons excluded)

    2. space mercenary
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I am considering him with DCL and dropping Ron and Rom. It would enable me to have Mane I'm midfield. Despite Rom's fixture, I think the latter combo will be better value.

  6. el polako
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    So Foden & Grealish both starting tonight suggests that Lukaku will be rested this weekend but there is hope for Alonso.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I don’t follow

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Just cracking the Peps & Tuchel roulette for folks here, easy peasy.
        Conscious there will be hundreds of questions about who will start for both team.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Are you still scared? 😀

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yes 🙁
        On top of that I hear voices now...

    3. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Exactly.

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        It's really obvious, isn't it.

    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I understand.

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Good horsey.

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

      Wut?

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          2 years, 5 months ago

          He's making a joke about people trying to predict rotation based on who plays, and has exaggerated it to include both teams and managers, #Lampoonery

      2. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Pep and Tuchel are sharing beds.

    6. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Doucoure replacement:

      A) Gallagher
      B) Mbeumo

      1. DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Easy B

      2. Gunneryank
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        B

    7. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Any chance a Armstrong starts v burnley ? Thanks 🙂

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        A chance cause Broja looked to have picked up a knock

      2. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Doubt it unless Broja is injured. Might do Armstrong > Broja, might ignore Southampton, might just permanently bench arsmtrong and forget I ever bought him

      3. Ross Geller
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        We have no idea. Wait for presser and hope that Hasenhuttl gives us any useful info

    8. TKC07
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Any idea why Stones is missing in City UCL squad today?

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Played three games in a row

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          So who to pick, Dias or Laporte lol.

    9. daitheboot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      So that he can start v Brighton?

    10. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      KDB > Son sounds good this gw? Gives me -

      Ramsdale
      TAA - Dias - James - Livramento
      Salah - Son - Foden - ESR
      Lukaku - Hwang

      Foster - Armstrong - Manquillo - Brownhill

      KDB was always the Son placeholder on WC. Moreover, I’d need to downgrade next gw anyway to fund ESR > Raphinha.

      Would also leave me enough cash to do Armstrong > Toney in gw 11.

      Thoughts? 🙂

    11. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Trent still the best attacking defensive asset to own in FPL. No other player in his price range can put him to bed. He will even take on premium forwards full stop.

    12. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Not a fan of this City kit

    13. Original Sin
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      When did Doucoure get injured? Just checked my team and Doucoure is flagged.

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

        Late on in Hammers game

        1. Original Sin
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Ok, how serious is it? Long term injury?

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

            See the tweet here

    14. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Nightmare WC played last GW. What is my best move for next GW?

      Ramsdale
      Cancelo James TAA
      Mahrez Foden Salah Mbuemo
      Hwang Antonio Lukaku

      Bench: Livramento, Normann, Duffy, Foster

      Thinking Mahrez to Raphinha.

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

        You didn't pick this squad just for GW8.

        1. Firminooooo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Punted on Mahrez(C) over Son. Did not turn out well. My plan was Mahrez to Raphinha this GW.

    15. Walter White (WW)
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      lolkaku gonna blank this weekend too?

    16. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      CANCELOOOO!!

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Alonso-esque positioning

        • Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Assist Foden - great pass from deep False 9 position to player highest up the pitch - the left back.

        • Walter White (WW)
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Should have done this in gw8

      2. Mooster©️
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Play Rashford or Alex Sandro?

        1. Gunneryank
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Post on the current article. And neither yet for me.

          1. Mooster©️
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Ok:)