Champions League

UEFA Champions League Fantasy semi-finals second-leg preview

By Wednesday night, we will know which teams will compete in this season’s UEFA Champions League final.

In a reversal of last week’s England vs Spain meetings, Liverpool travel to Villarreal tonight and Manchester City hope to see off Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Here is a quick look at this week’s best captaincy and differential options for UCL Fantasy.

MAKE CHANGES TO YOUR UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FANTASY TEAM HERE

Tuesday Captains

Who are the best FPL captain options for Double Gameweek 31?

Top Pick: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Although Mohamed Salah set up Sadio Mane’s goal in the first leg, he is still out of form in this competition. Eight goals arrived in his first seven UCL outings but none in the four since.

Yet he was restricted to a 21-minute cameo against Newcastle United at the weekend to keep him fresh for this. Opponents Villarreal also rotated heavily during their 2-1 defeat at Alaves on Saturday.

Differential Pick: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

Upon further study of Jurgen Klopp’s squad management, Mane made way for Salah whilst both Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz played all 90 minutes.

Selected by 7% of UCL Fantasy managers, Mane has scored in both of his last two European starts. Before last Wednesday’s goal against Villarreal, he netted at Benfica in the quarter-finals.

Wednesday Captains

Real Madrid v Chelsea: How Karim Benzema has become one of world's top  strikers - BBC Sport

Top Pick: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)

Also selected as a top captain pick last week, Karim Benzema replied by scoring twice in the classic 4-3 thriller at Man City. Proving once again that he’s a man for the big occasion, the French international followed up two penalty misses against Osasuna by pulling off an audacious ‘Panenka’ penalty past Ederson.

Now on 42 club goals this season, Benzema was rested in the 4-0 win over Espanyol that secured their La Liga title. Naturally, he came on and scored. Real Madrid is synonymous with the Champions League and is still in this tie, despite Man City’s early dominance.

Differential Pick: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Owned by 15% of managers, Kevin De Bruyne was an unused substitute against Leeds United following his brilliant performance in the first leg. A goal, assist and all-round superb display from the 30-year-old, following on from four goals and four assists during his last six Premier League outings.

Spot the Differential

Gabriel Jesus made it clear against Madrid that he would be a golden  signing for Barça

A selection of players with small ownership that can give your team a boost up the rankings.

  • Andrew Robertson (Liverpool, 11%): He grabbed the clean sheet points that Trent Alexander-Arnold owners could only dream of at the weekend, continuing his incredible record of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) returns. From Andrew Robertson’s last 14 appearances, there have been 20 returns – either from clean sheets, goals or assists.
  • Gabriel Jesus (Man City, 6%): Also in great form is Gabriel Jesus. He’s started four of the last five matches (in all competitions), scoring seven times. With such confidence right now, expect Pep Guardiola to start him again at the Bernabeu.

FPLMarc Newcastle fan that spends far too much time thinking about FPL.

213 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Anyone know if Gordon's due to rise any time soon?

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      85% on FPLstats currently and rising fairly quickly, probably shouldn't be tonight but can't say I'd be shocked if it happened

      1. The Mantis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Cheers. Got the right funds for him now but possibly not tomorrow in that case. Not quite ready to pull the trigger either (upgrade from KDH was the plan)

        1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Yeah I think I'm getting him too and might just make the move myself tonight, not priced out as I'm moving Bruno G but avoiding a rise might mean I can move out a cheaper defender instead of James for my other move later on

          1. The Mantis
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Tbf if I use my other FT as well (Mount to saka) then no bother. Just much more appealing at 4.6.
            Yeah your plan sounds right. Gordon will be well up for keeping Everton up as well

  2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Jota for Diaz hmmmm

  3. The Mentaculus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Is it madness to play Dubravka when I could get Schmeichel for -4? FH37 so just for 36 & 38

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Saving the 0.4 could get me Laporte over Thiago Silva so may balance out with an extra game there

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Considering who Newcastle are playing yeah, maybe. Go for the move I'd say, decent GW38 fixture too

  4. Big_Andy_GAWA
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Jota starting tonight. Was hoping it'd be Diaz. Who would you get out of them for the double??

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Diaz, but they'll both probably start once each anyway

    2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Whoever you get you accept the minutes and Bobby could be close as well. Id go Jota personally

    3. Throwback
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Both risky - Diaz prob first choice key PL games - can see Jota getting the FA Cup final instead

  5. simong1
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Ramsdale
    TAA - Robertson - James - Cancelo - Laporte
    Son - Kulu - Saka - Mount
    Kane

    Dubravka - Gordon - Weghorst - 4.5

    Best option from the below? 2FT and planning to use FH37.

    A) Ramsdale & Mount > Schmeichel & Foden
    B) Kane & Mount > Nketiah & Salah
    C) TAA, Mount & Weghorst > Schar, Salah & 4.5 (-4) ...starting Gordon, Schar 1st on bench

    1. Fintroy
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Still think it's worth keeping Weggy, Burnley still have something to play for. Defo worth getting rid of Mount and any other Chels come to think of it..... rotation, there crap atm, nowt to play for and seem to be on the 'beach' already.....

    2. Throwback
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      B out of those options. Schar injured / bad fixtures

  6. Firminooooo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Would this be ok for BB? Or do Sterling to KdB, need 0.9 somewhere?

    Schmeichel Foster
    TAA Matip Alonso Cancelo Laporte
    Saka Sterling Salah Son Gordon
    Dennis Nketiah Pukki

    1. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Maybe Saka to Martinelli? Or just get Foden or Jesus?

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Prefer Foden to Sterling yes

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      You could do worse than play Foster this week and move Schmeichel to fodder (3.9)

      1. Firminooooo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        BB

        1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Ah sorry, you could go for Krul over Schmeichel and save 0.4, the other .5 is hard to figure out though. Are you decided on having Alonso? I'm not sure he'll play twice

    3. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Yep

    4. Throwback
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Would be more tempted to downgrade Sterling to foden then allows you to upgrade either Dennis or pukki

  7. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Anyone know if Stones trained today? Have him in my UCL line up.

    1. Geordie19
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      No he didn’t

      1. bso
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Thank you Geordie.

  8. beric
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Would you guys do Werner + Havertz -> Nketiah + Son for free?

    1. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Looks good, yeah. I fancy Havertz to play 70 or 75 mins against Wolves and be benched against Leeds. Arsenal striker looks decent and fancy him to continue starting...

  9. Riverside Red
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Any comments on FH team :
    Schmeichel
    Cancelo Rudiger Robertson van Dijk
    Salah Maddison Saka Foden De Bruyne
    Richarlison
    Bench: Nketiah White Scarlett
    Will need to change if any mid week injuries

    1. Geordie19
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Robbo playing tonight, may not play twice but otherwise good!!

      1. Riverside Red
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Thanks

    2. Throwback
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      White fitness ? Missed game on weekend. ARS defence looks fragile at mo with Tavares playing.

      1. Riverside Red
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Good point

  10. Geordie19
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    On FH
    And 5 points behind ML rival who has double city and double Liverpool defence and Raya in goal.
    Going double city defence and Rudiger but Would you go….
    A)Schmeicel, Matip
    B)schmeicel, James
    C)Allison, matip
    Thank you

  11. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    How’s this for a -4

    Dubravka & Barnes > Schmeichel & Gordon

    Rest of BB Team

    Ramsdale xxxxxxxxx

    Cancelo Rudiger Laporte White xxxxxxxx

    Salah Saka Ramsey Kuluveski xxxxxxxx

    Pukki Kane Dennis

    Any ideas would be welcomed

  12. John Colby (Capt)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Besides Schmeichel is anyone bringing in any other Leicester City players for this double game week?

    1. bso
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      So crazy...they have fantastic match ups but dare we bring in Madds?

      1. John Colby (Capt)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Squad rotation around European competition runs have been such a source of frustration.

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Have Maddison.

    3. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      No keeping amartey on BB as think b rotation so he could play 1

  13. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    looks like im getting matip on fh

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Yeh thinking Robo to matip

    2. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      What about Diaz as third Pool option since Mane and Jota start today? Definitely getting rid of Robbo on FH.

  14. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Keep Diaz or bring in V. Junior?
    Who do you guys think will go to the UCL final MC or RM?

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Toss of a coin. Ypu still have 5 transfers for the final. I subbed out Diaz fir Moreno and captained him. Will switch to Benzema tomorrow

  15. _Ninja_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Any of these worth a hit? (FH37)

    A. Mount -> Foden
    B. Sa -> Schmeichel

    Sa
    James TAA Laporte
    Salah Son Saka Mount Countinho
    Jesus Nketiah

    Dubravka Mateta KWP Doherty

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      B

    2. Fintroy
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Defo A. Chelsea's season is over. I'd also ship out James.

      1. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Season over? There's a very small possibility they could still finish 5th.

    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      B

    4. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Cheers!

    5. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Both

  16. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Worth doing Broja to Pukki -4 ?

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Don't fancy Pukki, now that Norwich are already relegated. What's your budget?

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        6.8 so unfortunately can’t get rich - Norwich play WHU & Leicester who will be tired

        1. Philosopher's Stones
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Dennis

          1. Stranger Mings
            • 3 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Cheers yeh could do

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Keep Broja and upgrade elsewhere?

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Yeh option already taking -8 so was thinking additional hit to get rid

    3. M2.0
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Nketiah

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        I think he is certainly the best option, but I just don't trust his finishing skills.

        1. Stranger Mings
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Pukki finishing skills?

      2. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Totally agree although already going Werner to Nketiah

  17. Mweene
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Do we think Matip plays both in the DGW?

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      On a BB and he's one of my targets. Though I've made peace with myself that many of my DGWers are technically gonna be SGWers this week.

    2. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Very certain after again seeing Konate start UCL.

  18. Mane Mane Mane
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Is Broja, Martinelli and James to Richarlison, Gordon and Cash a good move for -8?

    1. M2.0
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Is there any way that James to Cash could wait a week?

  19. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    FPL would be ruined if they added the ability to make post-deadline changes next season. Constantly catering to bad players, happened already this season by adding a second free-hit.

    Constant FPL management makes the game less fun. The worst time of this season was when Covid was wrecking the PL and you had to check every 5 minutes to see if a match was cancelled or not pre-deadline. Being punished for having a life outside FPL isn’t a good idea, which would be the case by adding something like a ‘captain twist’ post-deadline. A lot of serious and top players would definitely stop playing.

    Sorry to mention all this on this forum but saw quite a bit of discussion about it on Twitter and just genuinely quite surprised how many big FPL accounts are advocating change, when the game works perfectly fine as it is 🙂

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Casuals and people in different time zones would stop playing too. It won't happen. Think about being forced to check something every Saturday and Sunday. Some people have wives and children or a thing called life.

      1. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Yes, very true about the time zone thing as well.

    2. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Yep I hate that captain twisting in the WC and Euro games. Takes too much time and is not really fun.

    3. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Yup agree. Takes away that satisfaction of getting the captaincy right (e.g. Son over Salah this week). Boring if everyone has Salah (C) and then twists to Son/Kane after

    4. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I'm not sure the second FH has helped much other than showing that chasing doubles is often fools gold.

      The FH is best when it's a blank weekend to navigate lots of change.

  20. fedolefan
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Oh well, I guess I'll be selling Robbo then.

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Why?

    2. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Easy

    3. C0YS
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Did something happen to Robbo?

  21. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Guess most of my moves for 36 depends on whether I bring in son Or kdb as kane replacement

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I can afford Maddison to KdB for free, so I guess I'll just keep Kane and forget Salah. Wouldn'd bring Son in this week.

      1. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Son is cheaper than kdb
        Kdb was the original plan, this son haul has made me rethink

  22. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Schmeichel potentially rising tonight. Do Sa -> Sch now?

    1. C0YS
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Would only do it if you’re about to get priced out

      1. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Yeah, will price me out of my network of moves for the BB.

        1. C0YS
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          I would do it, there’s 2 price rises ahead of their European fixture

          1. Philosopher's Stones
            • 3 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Cheers. Would you consider Pickford as a Sa replacement or Schmeichel miles ahead in your view?

            1. C0YS
              • 8 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              I’m honestly leaning towards Pickford atm.
              1) Everton play a lot better with Mina in the team
              2) Everton have a lot to play for
              3) They’re in a bit of good form

  23. C0YS
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Which double-DGW keeper would you rather get for BB36 and 37 (have Mendy for 38)?

    A) Schmeichel
    B) Pickford

    I’d been on A for the longest time, but Everton assets are starting to look appetizing again

  24. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Seeing Qiass' post above, there's one change I've always wanted: let players accumulate their FT, may be 15 at max(the total number of players in your team). If you're willing to ride it out for 15 GWs, you can then do a virtual WC. Make the game a bit similar to real life management.

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I thought about that, but came to a conclusion that it would cause issues when injuries happen and make chasing more difficult.

      1. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        You can always use your FT any week you want due to injuries or whatever. It's just for the case where you don't want to use it, you can go on to accumulate more than 2 FTs.

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Yes please!

  25. CostaCoffee
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Opinions on this BB team?

    Schmeichel Pickford
    Cancelo James White Cash Livramento**
    Salah Mount Foden Gordon Saka
    Richarlison Kane Pukki

    0.4 itb

    Livra needs to go obviously, any recommendations?
    Ranked around 500 OR so want to either make or break my rank and do Salah to KdB (C), is that daft?

  26. COLLIN QUANER
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    If I see you driving dangerously, I will report you to the police. You have been warned

    1. NorCal Villan
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      No one likes a narc 😎

  27. Demba Demba
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    19 points ahead in ML, rival has BB this week and I have TC. Rival will likely captain Salah

    who do I TC? Salah, Son or KDB?

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Since you're already in the lead, capping Salah not a bad way to go.

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Yea, easy way to try to block him.

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      19 points not enough to look at blocking, Cpt who you think scores more

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Well, Salah is hardly bad idea this week. Depends on both teams and expected points for the rest of the season. Not enough to block, but safest pick to avoid falling a lot behind of the rival.

  28. Deer-in-headlights
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Which looks best for BB 36 and FH 37, 0.6 itb?

    A. Havertz + Werner + Pukki > Foden + Richarlson + Watkins (-4)
    B. Werner + Pukki > Richarlson + Watkins (free)

    1. OneArseneWenger32
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      wouldn't make any but prefer A a bit over B

  29. NorCal Villan
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Someone needs to remind Richarlison that at Chotchkie’s the minimum pieces of required flair is 15

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=3vdcw415OcQ&feature=emb_logo

  30. OneArseneWenger32
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    robbo start today as well as owning kane and son confirms fh in 36 i think..
    could then have them both back for 37-38 fixtures and punt on the likes of kdb/mane/richarlison/laporte/coutinho instead