Champions League

UCL Fantasy: Tuesday’s lessons learned and what to expect from today’s matches

Matchday 3 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 excellent wins for Liverpool and Manchester City – 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.

Five things we learned last night

  1. Ajax are serious

Ajax were superb from start to finish in their 4-0 win over Borussia Dortmund. It was a performance that announced to the world that Eric ten Haag’s side can play with the big boys once again. Antony, Sebastian Haller, Dusan Tadic and co looked unstoppable, with Antony and Haller both proving their worth as excellent Fantasy options. Noussair Mazrouai also picked up eight points for the second game running. Ajax were clinical going forward, solid at the back and deserve all the plaudits they’ll receive for a stunning performance.

  1. Messi is still Messi, but PSG’s defence needs serious work

Lionel Messi’s second-half brace secured a perhaps undeserved three points for PSG. RB Leipzig repeatedly took advantage of their high line and susceptibility to deep crosses, and could’ve had a few more if Andre Silva had come into the game in better form. Messi’s classy Panenka to win the game will steal the headlines, but this was not the performance of a well-organised side. 

  1. Jesse Marsch really doesn’t know how to organise a defence

On the other side, this was a performance in a similar vein to the rest of Jesse Marsch’s era at Leipzig – they created great chances going forward but looked pretty clueless at the back for large parts of the game. His Salzburg team were all-out attacking and he could still walk the Austrian Bundesliga, but the American’s lack of defensive nous is clear for all to see. They’ve now conceded 11 goals in three UCL games.

  1. Liverpool look like the side who won the competition in 2019

It wasn’t a vintage Liverpool performance, but Liverpool showed hints of brilliance against a very strong Atletico Madrid side. The link-up play between Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah is better than we’ve seen since the UCL-winning campaign, and Salah is the most in-form player in world football. Salah is essential across all forms of Fantasy Football and the UCL is proving to be no different, with five goals from his first three games.

  1. Vinicius Jr is finally starting to live up to the hype

Two goals, an assist, and a wholly impressive performance from the young Brazilian. He’s come under a lot of criticism for not meeting expectations since his move to Europe, but he seems to finally be coming good under Carlo Ancelotti. At 8.1m and 6% ownership in UCL Fantasy, Vini is a great, cheap, differential option up front if he keeps developing at his current rate.

Five things to expect in UCL Fantasy tonight

  1. Barcelona finally start to redeem themselves

Barcelona impressed against Valencia in the league this weekend and seem to be rejuvenated by the return of Ansu Fati and the emergence of Gavi. Barcelona face Dynamo Kyiv, a side they beat 2-1 and 4-0 in last season’s group stage, which presents a great opportunity for them to continue to build form and for Memphis Depay and Fati to run riot and start to save Ronald Koeman’s career. Watch out for Sergino Dest, who may well start on the right wing again. 

  1. Chelsea to brush aside Malmo 

Malmo have conceded seven goals and scored none so far in the UCL and visit the reigning champions this evening. Although Thomas Tuchel may field something of a second-string side, with rumours of a benching for Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea will still undoubtedly have too much for Malmo. Whoever starts at wing-back for Tuchel’s men will be a great option, most likely Marcos Alonso and Reece James.

  1. United to struggle against Atalanta

Manchester United were very poor against Leicester at the weekend, being outclassed by the Foxes’ high-pressing and organisation. Atalanta are famed for similar attributes, and this should bode well for the Bergamo side. Both the stats and eye test suggest that Cristiano Ronaldo’s return has negatively affected the Red Devils and this could be a second embarrassing night in Europe for Ole Gunnar Solksjaer this season. 

  1. Karim Adeyemi to increase his value once again

Wolfsburg have lost six games in a row and Karim Adeyemi is looking brilliant, both domestically and in Europe. Salzburg have been impressive against Sevilla and Lille so far and should be able to take advantage of the Wolves’ poor form. Adeyemi has earned four penalties and scored twice in this season’s competition. At just 7.3m, he presents an incredibly good value differential option up front.

  1. Well-organised Benfica will give Bayern a good game, but it won’t be enough

Benfica are a good side, as demonstrated by their 3-0 win over Barcelona, but Bayern’s 5-1 win over Leverkusen showed that they’re simply a class above at the moment. Although Benfica have kept back-to-back clean sheets, a team with Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane will always find a way to score. Once Bayern inevitably grab a goal, the floodgates may well open. 

306 Comments Post a Comment
  1. DycheDycheBaby
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    DAKA 4 goals. Sensational

    1. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Nacho probably not a good option now.

  2. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Daka again!

  3. Mmm mmm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts - on wildcard - with all of the great budget options available (don’t want to touch Lukaku), what are the thoughts on getting in Alonso and Chillwell knowing you’ll get one or the other for the next few games?

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I actually like it.

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        The Chelsea LWB slot, if you had them for every game this year by owning both Chilwell and Alonso, would have 62 points. That is the 2nd highest scoring player after Salah and 6 points ahead of Vardy.

    2. Not again Shirley
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Would you play both Chilly and Alonso then or bench 1? Just need to watch out for 1 point cameos if play both or the wrong one.

      1. Mmm mmm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Play and Capt and VC both

    3. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Could be very profitable although you'll be leaving yourself open to a 1pt cameo from either every week.

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        They don't cameo though. Chilwell didn't cameo once in 13 benchings. And Alonso too I think didn't come on once. He either starts or doesn't play.

        1. Mmm mmm
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Exactly

    4. ameisin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'm seriously considering this. I have Alonso + Rudiger and thinking about doing Rudi > Chilwell.

      I guess downside is only getting 1 score from CHE defence each week, but at least it's guaranteed, rather than having 2 only potentials.

      1. Mmm mmm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yep and for me avoids benching headaches from the in form budget players (Townsend, Hwang, etc)

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

          Nice, hadn't considered that! I've got by budget spread across the team with a strong bench, so would remove some of the headache for me too.

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

      How would you square it? Start both each GW or start Chilwell with Alonso first bench given Alonso is more likely to come on if he needed for his height?

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

        Ps - I am gonna have both Chilwell and Alonso if Alonso starts tonight

        1. Mmm mmm
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Surely Alonso now starts against Norwich

      2. Mmm mmm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        For Norwich planning on starting both, Chillwell C, Alonso VC

        One will start one won’t

        1. Mmm mmm
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Also unlikely either will come on for a cameo

    6. Mmm mmm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Let’s see how Chelsea line up and finish tonight

  4. bench boost for every gamew…
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Tielamans injured?

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      yeah came off with a knock

  5. F4L
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I was joking before but Vardy better keep his form up with Daka playing like this

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

      I badly want a Leicester forward - problem is there are 3 to choose from and I have no idea which to go for.

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        yeah same. In this set up it looks like Iheanacho is playing as the link man between midfield and the front 2, Daka and Vardy playing the same role as the striker playing on the shoulder getting in behind. Maybe Iheanacho is the one to get when considering price/gametime.

      2. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Vardy is the only Leicester option IMO.

  6. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Nacho's starting spot in danger.

  7. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Glad that Rodgers will finally realize that 2 upfront was always the play for his team; Daka and Nacho much better than playing the likes of Barnes and Perez.

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

      He'll have to sort their defensive out though. Just worried that that might be at the expense of a second striker if he wants to make the team more balanced.

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

        3-5-2/5-3-2 ..with good wingbacks and good strikers...changing personnel over changing the system would probably make it more balanced

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

    Cazy game this Moses

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

    Oh, Leicester defence...

    Excitement.

  10. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Mbuemo is gonna feast on Sunday

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

      One certainly hopes so!

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

        Or the woodwork just takes another peppering …

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

    D4KA muddying the second striker waters...

  12. DycheDycheBaby
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    My word. That tackle on Albrighton was horrific.

    1. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Somehow no red card given!

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

    Who will score more in GW9:
    A. Bruno + Mbeumo (1FT)
    B. Son + Greenwood (1FT)
    C. Son + Mbeumo (2FT)
    D. Bruno + Greenwood (current)

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

    Another "high end yellow card" in a few days?

    Scary precedent there

  15. Gazwaz80
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Kaku to Daka anyone? 😀

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Antonio to Daka next week

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

    Reece James on media duty. Assume that means he starts tonight.

    https://twitter.com/Sporf/status/1450845556142714887?t=N52so2zWHQ2L5dm6Bb5b_g&s=19

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Can't wait to sell him next week.

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

        Doesn't mean he won't start Saturday tho....

        But yeah, if he is benched Saturday I'm getting rid and putting down to a poor wildcard move

      2. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Early kick off Saturday coming back from injury as well. There's pretty much no way he starts vs Norwich if he starts tonight. Going to be tough to hold your nerve and bench him with NOR (H) written next to him.

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

          Fair point....I may have to sell this week....

      3. DycheDycheBaby
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I see it as good news. Reece needs game time.

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

          I mean it works both ways

          I don't think there is any way to read much into these things with managers such as pep and tuchel

        2. Mr. O'Connell
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I'm sure he'll get his 2 minutes against Norwich at the weekend

  17. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    So, already used a FT to do Alonso > Azpi.

    Ramsdale
    Cancelo TAA Azpi Rudiger Livramento
    Salah Rap ESR
    Antonio, Ronaldo

    Foster, Greenwood, Scarlett, Doucoure.

    A. Save
    B. Ronaldo > Lukaku -4(C)
    C. Ronaldo > Vardy -4
    D. Doucoure > Mbeuno -4

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

      A

    2. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Very unbalanced. Waaaaay too much money at the back and up top with very little in the middle. But like a skinny hillbilly with a mullet on top and large shoes that don’t fit right… 😛

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

    No Aguero, booo...

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

      Down with this sort of thing …

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

        What’s so objectionable about the OP?

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

          OP?

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

            Original post

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

              Ah, thank you. The ambiguity of my written words … I agree with the post … it’s the Aguero benching I’m directing my ‘down with that sort of thing’ at … was hoping Aguero started as I’m watching the match.

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

                Ah. True

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

    Will Salah run circles around Shaw?

    A. Yes
    B. No

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

      Shaw will cry off with a phantom injury 20 minutes in and console himself in the dressing room with a family size tub of Cadbury’s Roses.

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

        Based on?

        Or an attempt to be funny?

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

          Based on :
          Shaw is poor, has looked out of it for large periods of matches mentally and physically, playing in a shaky defence and Salah is in the form of his life with the most lethal attacking team in the league.

          Attempt to be funny:
          Cadbury’s Roses.

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

    Zambian FPL Addict - https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/profiles/aussybboy/

    Toon though-and-through, and Daka has just notched a Poker.

    Can it get any better?

    1. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      He thinks daka is useless

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

        Only a witch doctor away!

  21. Zilla
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Start 1
    A) Mbeumo (LEI)
    B) Smith-Rowe (AVL)
    C) Livramento (BUR)

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

      A

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

      A

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

    Adeyemi again

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

      Siewald on my bench. Didn't want to remove Alvarez for him after 4 points yesterday. We move

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

        *Seiwald, sorry

      2. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I left Seiwald on my bench for Baku!! I meant to change it after I heard about Wolfs poor defensive record recently and missed it!

        1. Paqueta Rice
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I sold Dzeko and Guerrero who was injured for Adeyemi and Cancelo though! Dzeko was a shame as he done well but still up

  23. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Live Score CHE lineup
    Are they usually accurate or guessing?

    Edouard Mendy
    Andreas Christensen-Thiago Silva-Cesar Azpilicueta
    Reece James-N'Golo Kante-Mason Mount-Jorginho-Ben Chilwell
    Timo Werner-Romelu Lukaku

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

      Guess work.

    2. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I’d hold Alonso if this were the case

  24. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Just seen Daka scored 4! Stil way too early right? Looking at Lukaku, Vardy and Iheanacho as a Ronaldo replacement

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

    Vardy will start GW9.

    After his 4 goals tonight, perhaps up top with Vardy vs Brentford?

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

      *Daka

    2. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Who loses out?

  26. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Didnt Daka storm the preseason?

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

    Mbuemo will get goals v Leicester.

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      You think? Not sure if I should move on Benrahma and I am looking at him as a replacement. Not worth a -4 though I don’t think …

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

        Yes I really do. Watched the game today and they were very open, I think Brentford will pick them off.

        -4 though I’m not so sure this week, long term you’ll want him though so I think it’ll pay off for you. Good luck.

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

    Disappointing news with the DCL further injury set back. Makes it easier to hold Antonio for many I suspect … Bamford and DCL were my favoured replacements … only really looking at Toney now ….

    Any other options in people’s opinion, should I look to ship over next few weeks?

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

      Edouard

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Nice punt. City game in 10 is off putting for many I’d say

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

        Yup good shout .. might have to monitor for a couple more games so that works … he can now consider himself as officially auditioning.

    2. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I held him from gw1 until last gw and finally moved him on. One of the Leicester boys or Toney are options I guess?

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

        Yes, valid options … just not sure regards starts … Nacho has been returning since he came back into the fold but Daka sent a fairly spectacular message tonight also.

        1. Paqueta Rice
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          But Nacho and Daka with less than 3% ownership too! Worth noting that Nacho assisted two of Dallas goals tonight mind. Been doing very well. Would love to see how they would line up with all 3 of them!

          1. Paqueta Rice
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            *both

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

            Yeah … it’s almost becoming another rotation headache … all three look to have something very decent to offer.

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

      I swapped him for Jimi on WC, and brought in Toney too

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

    Anyone got a clip of Daka's goals?

  30. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Doucoure broke his foot 🙁
    Such a shame, it was only the beginning..

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      What?! That’s awful, he has been brilliant