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

    What is Luke De Jong doing in this Barca side?

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

      Jammy Dodgers have gone one up against the run of play. Pique.

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

    Was keen on picking Iheanacho on wc. No go area now with Daka scoring 4 goals?

    Alternative is Edouard.

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

      Same, but it’s wait and see for me now. Currently on C. Wilson in that slot. Watkins worth monitoring too.

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

      No go no go

  3. pjomara
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Daka is averaging a goal in the PL every 39 minutes and a goal in Europe every 22 min. If he can keep those ratios going he'll have a decent career in England.

    In 2021 he scored the fastest ever hat-tricks in the history of the Austrian Bundesliga and in the history of the Europa League.

    Since his hat-trick he's had 5000 FPL transfer in

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

      Daka is Leicester's all-time top goalscorer in European competitions!

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

      he has had 39 mins in 8 GWs, am I missing something? Clearly will end in tears
      People considering Kelechi is pretty hilarious also

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

      Okay? More boring stats.

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

    Doucoure DCL > Raphinha Edouard -8 done.

    After tonight I will decide on Matip to Chilwell.

    Raya
    Trent Matip Cancelo
    Raphinha (S)alah Son Gray
    Edouard Vardy Antonio

    Foster Livra Hojbjerg Duffy

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

      Ooft … so a -8 and possible -12 …. Gamble big to win big.

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

        -12 GW8 gained me green arrows.

        Hits are always frowned upon.

        Doucoure and DCL out long term on my bench makes no sense.

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

          He who dares Foo, he who dares!

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

            Heading into Redlight District teritory.

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

          Broken clock is right twice a day mate..just saying

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

      Why did you still had DCL in the first place? Guy is out since GW3...

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

        Or did you transfer DCL in last week? 🙄

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

          Sounds about right 🙄

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

        DCL was back in training GW7. I rolled the dice hoping he will be ready GW8. Backfired.

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

          I'm sorry for you man. Well, then get rid of him. I would perhaps get Toney over Edouard. Cheers.

    3. Don Van Vliet
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Why not just plat Livramento and do your transfer next week for nothing?

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

        Yes, he does have a great fixture.

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

        Livra is a great autosub. DCL and Doucoure injured on my bench and most likely to lose value on both, Russian roulette it is.

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

      I’m trying for the opposite. I want Matip to be busy tonight

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

      Just start Livra

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

      Would have played Livra but fair play! GL

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

    Sarr out for Foden in? Good or bad in your opinion?

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

      I still have fear about the City rotation. And Sarr is nailed … and now looks to be playing centre forward … and I think on pens. I wouldn’t at this time.

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

        Sarr is good, but plays for a very very poor side. I luckily had him for his two good GWs but feel like now is the time to move on. Foden has immense upside and has nice fixtures.

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

          Valid points … but he doesn’t get you points if he doesn’t play in those decent fixtures …

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

            That's true. Man can never be quite sure with City assets, but I do feel every once in a while that I should give them a go. I hope it won't backfire. Cheers!

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

              Well, when you balance it all up, you have to put value in your gut feeling, good luck!

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

          I just watched that Leicester defence. Sarr could do well there.

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

            That's true. They are bad at the back. Difficult transfer, I just hope it won't backfire that much if I opt for it. Cheers!

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

            Gives me hope Andy! I think I'll keep my boy Sarr for a couple weeks at least.

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

    Which one?
    a)Traore/Benrahma->Elyounoussi/Mbuemo
    b)Tsimikas->Livramento and bench Benrahma or Traore
    c)Save ft

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

      Traore out for Mbuemo in

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

        This

      2. Don Van Vliet
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Mbeumo* in

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

        Agree

    2. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      cheers all

  7. RogDog_jimmy
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    draft league question

    I can only start 3 of these (assuming they all start - we can swap out up until games start) so who do I bench?

    a/ Gray (WAT)
    b/ Iheanacho (brf)
    c/ Jesus (bha)
    d/ Mbeumo (LEI)

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

      Bench B

      1. RogDog_jimmy
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers - i think that makes sense too. Away from home against the better defense, and if he starts it'd be likely he's subbed off for Daka relatively early.

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

          Exactly my thinking.

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

      B makes sense yeah

  8. Jimbo-Jones
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Doucoure injured, and Mbuemo & Raph both rising in price.
    Can't afford the straight swap of Doucoure -> Raph. 1ft, 0.2itb.

    1. Doucoure to Mbuemo
    2. Doucoure/Sarr to Raphinha/5.4 (-4)
    3. Hold, play White over Doucoure, and do the above for free next week

    Sanchez
    TAA Rudiger Christensen Livra
    Salah Bruno Sarr Doucoure**
    Lukaku Antonio

    White Gilmour Scarlett

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

      1 now imo.

  9. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ronaldo to Lukaku the obvious move here? WC available.

    Sanchez (Foster)
    TAA, Azpi, Cancelo (White, Tsimi)
    Salah, Mbeumo, Benrahma, Raphinha (Gilmour)
    Ronaldo, Wood, Antonio

    1 FT, 0.6m itb

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

      Yes, Lukaku bound for a double digit haul against Norwich.

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

      I'm not really sure about him. I'll probably bottle it and make that move buy I'm strongly considering other options. How do you feel about CR7 vs LIV, Wood in general and Benny?

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

        But*

  10. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I have three questions for you..

    1) Toney or Mbeumo?

    2) Is both the above two much Brentford?

    3) is it too early to get Mount?last two games 25 mins each only..

    Thanks 🙂

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

      I'm looking to have both and Raya in a couple of weeks.

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

      1) Toney
      2) Double up looks ok
      3) too early

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

      I think with those fixtures, having both is fine … depends on your team which one would be priority.

      Would pass on Mount for now.

      1. camarozz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Okay thanks for replies.. Taking all that into consideration I'm thinking of doing this..

        Digne➡️Cancelo
        Ings➡️Toney
        Benny➡️Tielemans - 4

        Original plan was just the 1st too but considering Tielemans aswell. Will be first hit of the season.

        What u think?

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

          I absolutely see the long term value there … but I’d maybe leave the Benny transfer and save the -4.

          And you just know that filthy troll Digne will return against Watford … and Nasty Pep will bench Cancelo. Go with your original plan … do first two for free … leave the third -4 for now IMO.

          1. camarozz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Yeah had Digne since day 1. Cannot wait to get rid.
            Guess I could wait on Benny but am planning to use BB this gw (Foster/White/Gallagher/
            Livremenco) so hoping they do well which would absorb the - 4)

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

              Interesting. I’ve been pondering the same (against my better judgement as I usually wait for a DGW) … currently foster Dias Benny Livramento on my bench …. Hmmmmm.

              1. camarozz
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                Iv always waited too but rarely works out plus if i want Mount etc I need to downgrade Gallagher so bench mightnt b as strong going forward. I'm tempted..

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

      1. Depends on the team. I like Toney better as he has pens and such an amazing goal scoring record. But Mbuemo offers slightly better value so if it helps your team more (e.g a Cancelo over a Shaw kind of thing) then I'd pick him.
      2. Yes, too much.
      3. I would not pick Mount even if he was nailed and had good fixtures. And I love him.

  11. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Im going Ronaldo >> Toney this week with one of my FT's.

    With the Ronny money upgrade one of to?
    A) Dennis > Vardy
    B) Gilmour > Son
    C) Gray > KDB

    1. Don Van Vliet
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      C

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

      B

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

      Depends on your bench! I like A if you've no wildcard. Great long-term option.

  12. Claudio555
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    CR7+Sanchez > Vardy+Mendy?

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

      I like it. For free?

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

      I don't think Chelsea defense will offer as much value as people think. City is the best option in that respect imo. CR7 to Vardy is on the cards for me though. Unless I pick Lukaku or Kane or Toney and do something drastic

  13. Captain Vantastic™
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sell Saka or Gallagher for Mbuemo?

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

      Saka

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

      Hmmmmmm. Saka.

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

      Saka wasn’t in training apparently 🙁

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

    Ooh. No Reece James start. Chilly tho.

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

      Did the TV chap just confirm Lukaku starts?

  15. Dthinger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I've just seen that Daka scored four goals today. Surely he will get more time in the PL now, right?

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

      Not necessarily... At most Rodgers plays two up top, often only one and he has three good options...