Firstly I just want to say I have really missed writing for you. It has been a pretty busy time for content creating and playing lots of different fantasy football platforms and have focused too much on Video/Podcast content. With that, I neglected my writing of both articles and threads, but that changes here and now.
In this brand new series of articles each matchday (in UCL terms) I will provide you with my top picks for that particular week. Along with that my match daily team/rank review so you can keep up to date with my own journey. With the review, you’ll also get previews for the matchday ahead with my team going into the new exciting week of UCL football. You’ll also see my draft going into MD2 including my favourite players from the options below.
UCL Fantasy Matchday 1 Review:
Points : 68
Rank: 88,347
So firstly a solid start in terms of both total points and rank, one that I’m really happy with don’t get me wrong but there were areas that surprised me a little in a negative way.
Both Man United and Sevilla threw up surprises on the opening day which saw blanks and even a matchday ban for En-Nesyri which was totally unexpected. In fact, Sevilla worried me that much in the first game that counting on their cheap value assets moving forward could be a difficult thing to do.
Overall though it was a huge triple performance from my Dortmund assets, all I was very keen on owning as soon as I saw the fixtures. Captain Haaland with the goal after a daring move from Lukaku captaincy the night before, Bellingham returning an amazing 15 points and Meunier returning 7 points with a yellow card and no clean sheet.
A solid first week and hoping to kick on from that using the limitless chip.
Best Limitless Draft and Top Picks for UCL Fantasy MD2
NOTE: This was written on Tuesday 21st September so some stats may have changed when this is released.
My limitless chip is active this week, which will be questionable however was always the plan.
With tough matchups like Man City v PSG and Chelsea v Juventus, 3 of my UCL favourites, it means I can focus on the other teams and come back to those 3 when I wildcard in MD3 and their fixtures get great again with Man City playing Club Brugge twice, PSG playing Leipzig twice and Chelsea playing Malmö twice.
So the fixtures I’m primarily looking to target with my limitless chip are:
- Real Madrid v Sherif
- Porto v Liverpool
- Dortmund v Sporting
- Bayern v Dynamo Kyiv
Whilst also add from Man United who play Villarreal, Atalanta who play Young boys and Barcelona who play Benfica.
Starting with the Goal Keeper position, let’s take a look at some of the top picks going into matchday 2 regardless on whether you are using a chip or just navigating the matchday ahead with transfers.
UCL Fantasy MD2 Goalkeepers
Samir Handanovic (Inter)
Cost: 5.5 million
Inter have an interesting group and amongst those teams are Real Madrid. Luckily Inter now doesn’t have to face off with them again until Matchday 6. That means that for the next 4 matches Inter and Handanovic play Shakhtar, Sheriff, Sheriff, Shakhtar in that order. An amazing run of fixtures justifying the 5.5 million price tag.
Secondly, Inter play on a Tuesday night in MD2, meaning if Handanovic doesn’t do as well as everyone expects then we can just rotate him out on the Wednesday for a different goalkeeper.
Handanovic looks a little pricey but has a great run of fixtures. This would be ideal for those using limitless this week and could also be a long term hold.
Ajax
The reason there isn’t a name above this description is that there are two options, but don’t worry it’s not a rotation issue it’s more of an injury issue.
At the time of writing this article Stekelenberg currently has an injury so with that Remko Pasveer has stepped in.
Usually I wouldn’t include these options without injury clarity but if we carefully monitor the injury situation and wait for news I think one of these options could be the budget options our teams desperately need to include those expensive attacking options.
Let’s take a look at their basic info:
Stekelenberg (Ajax)
Cost: 4.5 million
Pasveer (Ajax)
Cost: 4.5 million
So you’ll see that both options are priced fantastically at 4.5 million. For me one of the best prices and value for money options in this position and for a team that not only play in a good group in terms of opponents but also have a great domestic clean sheet record.
4 clean sheets in their last 6 matches for Ajax with both Stekelenburg and Pasveer both claiming an equal amount of two clean sheets with both also losing one each.
Ajax plays Besiktas this week at home, a strong first match to continue their campaign. They then play Dortmund back to back, Besiktas again and then finally Sporting in the last matchday.
Conclusion:
I will monitor and update on my personal Twitter account @FPLReaction the injury situation and await for news regarding which one will play.
Both are cheap great value options, playing in a tough team in a good group with potential for both clean sheets and save points which is what we want. Ajax also play on a Tuesday night in MD2 which gives you the opportunity to rotate out on Wednesday if they don’t perform.
Koen Casteels (Wolfsburg)
Cost: 5 million
With 4 clean sheets for Wolfsburg in his last 7 matches, Casteels looks like he could be a great option. Averaging 2.4 saves per game in the Bundesliga showing he can also make saves when needed.
7 points already claimed for Casteel in UCL fantasy shows a strong start. With games against Sevilla, Salzburg, Salzburg again, Sevilla then Lille on the last matchday he could easily become a heavily consistent goalkeeper in terms of points returned.
Casteel shows great form, has a great group, a decent price and fixtures that could make him a long term hold. For these reasons, I think he could be a great option.
Manuel Neuer (Bayern)
Cost: 6 million
Neuer is 6 million which is expensive and rightly so. Playing for one of the tournament favourites and looking relentlessly good he could be that option that just gives you that reliability of a 6 pointer every match.
With 4 clean sheets in their last 5 matches, Bayern look fantastic defensively. That was shown against arguably their UCL group second favourite Barcelona in which Bayern rolled them over 3-0 without conceding. This gave Neuer his first 6 point return of the campaign.
Bayern now go on to play Dynamo Kyiv, Benfica, Benfica again, Dynamo Kyiv and then on the final day Barcelona. For me, this run says 18-24 points for Neuer and for that reason makes my list of options.
This pick is expensive but safe.
So there you have it, the goalkeeper section. You’ll see that I have excluded Mendy from Chelsea who not only stops a lot of shots but also plays for one of the most elite defences in Europe currently. This is due to the recent introduction of Kepa who played in the premier league and kept a clean sheet. I personally wouldn’t be surprised if we saw Kepa play some weaker opponents in this group stage in the future.
UCL Fantasy Matchday 2 Defenders:
Noussair Mazraoui (Ajax)
Cost: 4.5 million
For me a hidden gem in UCL fantasy. Hidden because he’s still only 3% selected by players.
In his last 5 league matches, Mazraoui has managed 2 goals, 2 assists and 2 clean sheets accumulating to 6 returns in 5 matches which is quite frankly amazing for a defender.
The stats show that Noussair can return both defensively and offensively if needed unlike many more expensive options in the game. This was shown in his opening UCL match against Sporting where Ajax failed to keep a clean sheet but he still managed to grab an assist and a 6 point return.
To reflect just how attacking Mazraoui is check out his domestic league heat map below:
You’ll see that he spends the majority of his match game time in the opponent’s half and also makes darting runs into the box.
At 4.5 million with fixtures against Besiktas, Dortmund, Dortmund again, Besiktas and Sporting. Not only do I think Mazraoui is a perfect MD2 option for all players but also a long term hold who also enables money to be used elsewhere amongst the team with his cheap price tag.
Trent Alexander Arnold (Liverpool)
Cost: 6.5 million
Trent is hands down one of the greatest defensive fantasy assets there has ever been. His relentlessness to go forward to clinch an attacking return in every match he plays is for me unmatched.
Last season in the premier league Trent managed 2 goals, 7 assists and 10 clean sheets. This is a season where Liverpool lost VVD and we’re plagued by injuries all season shows incredible potential moving forward.
This season in terms of stats, in the 4 matches he’s played in the premier league so far he has created 2 assists and secured 3 clean sheets. Making that 5 returns in 4 matches for Trent.
Deeper stats also reflect just show monstrous he is in terms of potential for attacking returns. He is 2nd for crosses amongst defenders with 41, 1st for successful crosses, 1st for chances created with 20 and 1st for big chances created with 4. Some incredible stats.
If that doesn’t convince you check out the heat map below showing his regular positioning:
You’ll see he spends most of his time in the opponents half. You also see he’s a regular corner taker which is fantastic when you have the likes of VVD in the team.
Liverpool’s opener could have gone smoother. Defensively they conceded but were without Van Dijk who had to sit the game out due to a knock. Statistically, Liverpool are far tighter with VVD in the team and this week he returns to the team after recovering.
Although the clean sheet wasn’t there an assist was. This shows that clean sheets are never always relied upon with Trent and his attacking output can be as good as his chances of the clean sheet.
With Porto up next, Atletico, Atletico again, Porto then finally Milan. Trent arguably has a tough group. But with VVD back to recover that elite defensive form for Liverpool and freedom to get forward more, Trent becomes both a great short term and long term option.
Thomas Meunier (Dortmund)
Cost: 5 million
Firstly I just want to mention that I think Meunier is cheaper than he should be in my opinion and for me offers fantastic value.
Firstly Dortmund are still finding their feet defensively currently with zero clean sheets in their last 5 matches. This would usually be a red flag initially for a defensive asset but his attacking prowess makes the balance.
Meunier created 4 assists in his last 5 matches including his first UCL game. Showing more creativity than most defensive assets out there in terms of actual assists.
Check out his heat map below, you’ll see as well as spending a lot of time attacking in the opponents half, he also like to make runs into the box:
In the opening champions league match although Meunier revived a yellow card and didn’t claim a clean sheet he still returned a huge 7 points for an assist and a fantastic 11 ball recoveries resulting in an additional 3 points.
Dortmund play in a great group on paper. Playing against Sporting next, Ajax, Ajax again, Sporting and then Besiktas, they have the fixtures to make Meunier a long term hold.
In conclusion, Meunier in my opinion has a fantastic price, great fixtures, huge assist potential which is proven, and a great option for both matchday 2 but for the entire group stages. A great option especially if Dortmund start finding their feet defensively.
Robin Gosens (Atalanta)
Cost: 5.5 million
Gosens became a very popular asset in the Euro Fantasy game because of how attacking he was for Germany and points returned, which is similar to how they reward points in the UCL Fantasy format.
This was shown in the opening match against Villarreal where he scored and came away from the match with 8 points and that was without the clean sheet.
Take a look at his heat map below for Atalanta:
You can see multiple runs into the box as well as heavy positioning and runs into the opponents half. This reflects just how much potential he can have to return attacking points.
Gosens plays Young Boys in MD2, then Man United, Man United again, Young boys and finally Villarreal. Usually, the Man United fixture would be a concern but with only 1 clean sheet in their last 6 matches, it’s not looking great defensively for them.
Gosens feels more a limitless pick for MD2 but there’s an argument for keeping the attacking defender long term with the huge goal threat skills he has.
Cost: 5.5 million
Firstly Sevilla have arguably the best group of opponents in the entire tournament currently and that is regardless of their first opening performance.
Playing Wolfsburg, Lille, Lille again, Wolfsburg and then Salzburg their fixtures are fantastic especially in a defensive sense at least.
Sevilla have still kept 4 clean sheets in their last 6 matches which shows a great defensive unit. This gives me hope that initially, the clean sheets are there for Navas to build upon points-wise.
With 3 clean sheets in 4 league games played for Navas, he builds upon it with his attacking potential. Check out the heat map below. You’ll see most of his time is spent in the opponents half attacking that right side:
With 15 goals conceded in Lille’ last 10 matches, the attacking potential could be there for Navas. Combine that with the defensive form and his long term group fixtures I still think Navas should make the cut for those teams.
Joshua Kimmich (Bayern)
Cost: 6.5 million
Firstly we need to mention that although Kimmich is classed as a defender in the game he is actually a central midfielder and you can see that from the heat map below:
You can also see from the heat chart that he is both defensive and offensive in that position. Initially, the thought of an out of position player, especially when it’s a defender further up the pitch and playing for Bayern is a no brainer.
Costly but reliable Kimmich provides both clean sheets and even attacking returns with scoring 2 goals from central midfield in his last domestic match and an assist in the league game previous to that along with 2 clean sheets in a row in the UCL and league combined.
Bayern regardless of being the top contenders to win the UCL have also got a nice set of fixtures. Playing Dynamo Kyiv, Benfica, Benfica again, Dynamo Kyiv and finally Barcelona on the last matchday. A great set of fixtures especially for Kimmich.
For long term hold even at that price, offering both defensive and potentially offensive points returns Kimmich could be that reliable points returner we all need and with a nice set of fixtures looks like a great buy.
Staying amongst the Bayern backline there is another interesting option, that you could also use either instead of or to double up on in defence.
Alphonso Davies (Bayern)
Cost: 6 million
0.5 million cheaper than his teammate Kimmich.
Although he isn’t an out of position player like Kimmich he may as well be due to the positions he does take up in terms of his heat map.
You’ll see he loves to attack and spend a lot of time in his opponents half and even the opponents box.
2 assists in his last 5 matches with Bayern shows attacking points potential. For me, it makes for an interesting debate as to which one if not both to go for.
Both are fantastic options if you can afford them.
One last potential hidden gem in defence?
Rasmus Kristensen (Salzburg)
Cost: 4.5 million
Salzburg have a very interesting group and play Lille , Wolfsburg, Wolfsburg again, Lille and then Sevilla. A group that feels it could go any way.
Rasmus so far domestically had played 7 matches and kept 3 clean sheets which already wouldn’t be bad value for money in the UCL right?
But it’s not just about clean sheets for us so let’s look at what he can do going forward. Firstly let’s take a look at his heat map so far in his current domestic league:
You’ll see that he spends masses of time in the opponents half and rarely gets close to his own box, which is a great start.
Not only within the 7 league matches he has played he’s scored 3 goals and created one assist, which is fantastic. In fact that 7 returns in his last 7 matches when combining clean sheets and attacking returns.
Kristensen has a fantastic enabling price to release cash to the rest of the team, has a great group and fixtures and has the attacking capabilities to give you that haul of points we are all chasing.
Have we found a gem? We’ll see. But at that price, it’s worth the punt to see if he is.
Now let’s move onto midfielders
UCL Fantasy MD2 Midfielders
Christopher Nkunku (Leipzig)
Cost: 7.5 million
For me, a one good one week transfer although Nkunku proved he could do it against another big tournament favourite in Man City. Scoring a hattrick against one of the best defences in Europe isn’t an easy feat but one that was achieved by Nkunku.
Club Brugge his next opponent although held PSG back seem to be leaking goals in their own division still, a division considerably weaker than the Bundesliga. 12 goals in their last 10 matches conceded by Club Brugge.
Last season for Leipzig he only started 19 games and still managed a solid 6 goals and 6 assists.
You’ll see from the heat map below that although early in the season still, Nkunku is primarily spending his time on the left side and often getting into the box.
Although his long term fixtures are extremely tough I really like Nkunku in the midfield bracket at 7.5 million against Club Brugge.
Mohammad Salah (Liverpool)
Cost: 10.5 million
Firstly Salah is already a legend in FPL and now currently leading the FPL stats for the most points so far this season by a huge 11 points ahead of second place.
With 4 goals and 3 assists in his first 5, premier league games already for Liverpool accumulating to 7 attacking returns in 5 matches is incredible form.
Salah leads the way in his domestic league with some of the best underlying stats in the league. 2nd for goal attempts Among all players within the league, 2nd for attempts inside the box, and joint 2nd for big chances in the league with Ronaldo. Some serious stats to back up the points returns.
Labelled as a midfielder by the game but arguably as lethal as any forward in the game, Salah plays a lot further up the pitch than the game suggests with its midfielder label. You’ll see below salah plays predominantly on the right just outside the box loving to run in and shoot.
With a fixture up next against Porto in MD2, Atletico , Atletico again, Porto and then AC Milan on the final day Salah seems like not only a great option for MD2 but potentially a great hold through the entire group stages especially after scoring against some of the most elite English teams season after season.
Jude Bellingham (Dortmund)
Cost: 7 million
Playing for a team that has only failed to score once in their last 10 matches and accompanied by one of the best strikers in world football currently in Haaland, it’s not a bad start.
Check out his heat map below, you’ll find that Jude likes to move around the pitch freely in his midfield role, although predominantly from the right and then central. You’ll also see he loves to run into the box:
Even more promising is his age and hunger. At 18 years old and with the ability he has, showing this to the world seemed to be his number one priority in his opener for Dortmund after claiming a goal, an assist, and even player of the match by UEFA which resulted in the massive 15 point haul he achieved.
With a goal and an assist in his last 5 matches in the Bundesliga Bellingham seems to be growing in terms of attacking output especially taking into account his performance in matchday 1.
Dortmund arguably has the best group to prevail their way out of playing Sporting next, Ajax, Ajax again, Sporting and then Besiktas.
For me not only is Jude Bellingham at a great 7 million price tag to enable more expensive options, he is also a great long term hold. His urge for goals keeps his goal threat high whilst his assist potential can only grow with Haaland ahead of him.
Limitless or not Jude Bellingham is a great option.
Ruslan Malinovskyi (Atalanta)
Cost: 7.5 million
In the previous domestic season, Malinovskyi had a fantastic season with Atalanta playing 36 matches (only started 22 of them) and scored 8 goals and created 12 assists. 20 goal contributions in 36 starts and cameos for the Ukrainian.
This form was reflected also in his international matches in the Euro qualifiers playing 8 matches scoring 3 and assisting 3 banking another 6 goal contributions in 8 matches.
Malinovskyi sofa score rating has stayed above 7 in Serie A so far, racking up 4 big chances created in the 4 starts he has for Atalanta. No goals yet this season but with an assist already in the bag, he’ll be looking to repeat his fantastic previous season and maybe even better it.
Although predominantly right-sided Malinovskyi loves to drift into central positions to shoot and create big chances.
Atalanta’ opponent in match day 2 Young boys have only kept one clean sheet in their last 10 matches conceding a goal per game on average.
Atalanta play Young boys, Man United, Man United again, Young boys and then Villarreal.
For me, a great short term option but many may question him long term due to playing Man United back to back in matchday 3 and 4, however they have only kept one clean sheet in their last 6 matches showing their defence is still unsettled. This makes me think Malinovskyi could still return you some points there.
Brendan Aaronson (Salzburg)
Cost: 5.5 million
Who is this guy? You must be thinking. Well, there are many reasons why Aaronson should make your teams this week and maybe even long term.
Firstly his price. 5.5 million offers you a great chance to spread funds to the rest of your team allowing yourself to be able to include some of the pricier options from ‘stronger’ teams.
The 20-year-old American is showing fine progress as a player. Already playing for the USA international is fantastic but returning attacking returns in them is even more impressive. In his last 10 international games scoring 5 goals and creating 2 assists totalling to 7 goal contributions in his last 10 for country, which is pretty amazing.
For Salzburg last season only started 15 matches and still came away scoring 5 goals and creating 5 assist with 10 goal contributions in 15.
Aarons mainly used just behind the frontmen as an attacking midfielder roaming right-sided and central positions but still anchoring toward the left sometimes reflects a somewhat freedom to roam and seek out the best position to attack from.
Heat map:
Salzburg have been somewhat underestimated by the UCL community and showed against Sevilla they won’t be a pushover in this competition.
Their next opponents Lille have only won 2 matches in their previous 10 showing poor recent form. Conceding 15 goals in that time averaging 1.5 goals conceded per game gives Salzburg and Aaronson the potential for another upset.
His fixtures are ok, playing Lille, Wolfsburg, Wolfsburg again, Lille and then Sevilla on the last group stage matchday.
For me the American makes for a great enabler at 5.5 million, playing for an underestimated team wanting to prove themselves, in good scoring form whilst their next opponent is not and has the fixtures to keep long term. For that reason, I think Aaronson could be a hidden gem within the game.
Paul Pogba (Man United)
Cost 8.5 million
Firstly Man United. 14 goals scored in their 6 matches in the tournament. That’s an average of over 2 goals per match so if we’re looking for relentless scorers we’ve found the right team.
The introduction of Ronaldo has given the United attack a free-flowing tempo that can ravage most teams, especially teams that are conceding a lot of goals, which takes us to their next opponents defence.
In their last 10 matches, Villarreal have conceded 15 goals averaging 1.5 goals conceded per match. The 10 before that 12 goals conceded. The point is that although Villarreal are very good at scoring goals and very good in an attacking sense their also quite poor defensively.
In-game the Man United attack is very pricey with the likes of Bruno and Ronaldo. However, Pogba at 8.5 feels like a very nice cheap way into that firing Man United attack.
You’ll see from the heat map below that Pogba is fully involved in the constant United threat. Playing predominantly on the left side but still utilising central positions and even towards the right side at times. His love to get forward shows:
This season playing 5 matches Pogba has already created 7 assists. Showing his extreme capability to create goals for his teammates. This for me makes him a good option.
Pogba plays against Villarreal, Atalanta, Atalanta, Villarreal and Young Boys. All teams that can score but concede a lot of goals, even Atalanta who have let slip 13 goals in their last 10.
For me with Ronaldo ahead of him to finish his chances created, the long term fixtures, the piece into that relentless United attack and his amazing start to the season, Pogba becomes a great option.
Serge Gnabry (Bayern)
Cost: 10 million
Serge Gnabry is shown as doubtful but has since recovered from his injury and the game just has not updated it yet. This was shown in that he played the previous domestic league match and was injured before that.
Let’s talk Bayern. Probably one of the most relentless teams in terms of goals scored and always fielding a strong team. Efficient goal scorer and one of the tournament favourites to many people. 38 goals in their last 10 matches which is close to unmatched in Europe at the top level. In fact, that averages out as 3.8 goals scored per game which is quite frankly insane. That’s nearly 4 goals scored per match.
A way into the Bayern Munich attack is vital if not essential. For me warrants a double up in the attack.
In the 19/20 season Gnabry 31 matches for Bayern scoring 12 goals and creating 10 assists. Last season played 27 matches, scored 10 goals and created 2 assists. Gnabry has started the current season in great form also, playing only 5 matches and scoring 3 goals already.
You’ll see in the heat map below that Gnabry can play both left-sided and right-sided attacks. This shows great versatility in the pitch, which is what we want in our assets:
Bayern plays Dynamo Kyiv next, Benfica, Benfica again, Dynamo Kyiv and then Barcelona.
For me, Gnabry is a Great long term asset, into arguably the best attack in the competition, with one of the best strikers in the world ahead of him. For me a great pick for the week ahead.
So plenty of midfielders to pick from there. Let’s move on.
UCL Fantasy Matchday 2 Forwards
Lautaro Martinez (Inter)
Cost: 10 million
My feelings on Martinez is that over the next few matches could probably match that of some of the best forwards in the game and we’ll see why.
Lautaro in season 20-21 for Inter played 38 matches, starting 30 of them, scoring 17 goals and creating 6 assists. That’s 23 goal contributions in 38 matches. This season so far with the loss of Lukaku to Chelsea Martinez is stepping up it feels. Playing 4 matches and already scoring 3 goals shows he’s up to the challenge this season.
Inter play Shakhtar next, then Sheriff, Sheriff again, Shakhtar and then finally Real Madrid in the final matchday of the group stages. For me, he becomes a long term asset.
Inter in the last 10 matches have shown how fluent they are in terms of creating and scoring. A ridiculous 37 goals in their last 10 matches just short of Bayern. 3.7 goals scored per game within that time on average.
For me at a price just cheaper than the heavy hitter premium forwards in the game, playing for a strong team that are hitting huge goal numbers recently with great long term fixtures, Martinez becomes a great asset.
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Cost: 10 million
Another great priced asset and is cheaper than the likes of Ronaldo, Lukaku and some other big hitters in the game.
Real Madrid currently holds more European titles than any other team is significantly important because it shows experience. In times when the squad isn’t performing or isn’t right, Real Madrid always show something that little bit extra in the champions league which make them a strong team for Fantasy assets.
Scoring 20 goals in their last 10 matches Real Madrid are averaging 2 goals scored per match, some great numbers when considering options.
Benzema leading from the front, last season came up with some incredible numbers. Playing 34 matches, scoring 23 goals and assisting 9, Benzema got close to matching the number of attacking returns to appearances last season with 32 goal contributions in 34 matches, simply amazing.
This season saying he has started well would be a massive understatement. In fact, with only 5 matches under his belt, he’s managed to score 6 goals and created 5 assists. 11 goal contributions in 5 matches shows an average of just over 2 attacking returns per match played so far, another incredible feat.
Real Madrid after playing a tough game against Inter now play Sheriff, Shakhtar, Shakhtar again, Sheriff and then Inter. The perfect fixtures for a long term hold.
At a price just lower than premium cost, Benzema is in ridiculous form hitting numbers other big forwards are not. The run of fixtures makes for a perfect time to settle with Benzema as a long term asset.
Haaland (Dortmund)
Cost: 11 million
Firstly Haaland is probably the most wanted striker in the world and up there with the very best even at 21 years old.
Dortmund haven’t failed to score a goal this season in any match. In fact, In the 8 matches they have played they’ve scored a total of 23 goals averaging 2.8 goals per match which is amazing. Exactly the type of team you want when looking to invest in attack.
Last season was massive for Haaland. He played 28 games, scored 27 and created 6 assists which meant he made 33 goal contributions in 28 matches played. That’s more than one attacking return per game. Incredible.
This season he’s continued that form. In the 5 matches he’s played in the Bundesliga he’s already scored 7 goals and made 3 assists. An average of 2 attacking returns per match. For me, that’s captaincy material.
Dortmund have one of the most appealing groups in the competition. With Sporting up next who conceded 5 goals against Ajax are looking shaken at the back. After Sporting they play Ajax, Ajax again, Sporting and then Besiktas. All teams that Dortmund will look to win.
For me, Haaland is a very obvious pick. Being capable of averaging 2 attacking returns per game is no easy feat. With captaincy in mind as well and great long term fixtures, Haaland becomes an easy selection for any team in any matchday.
Memphis Depay (Barcelona)
Cost: 8.5 million
For me one of the biggest bargains in the game and becoming if not already an elite finisher. Let’s look at why i think Depay could be one of the best value for money assets in the game right now.
Firstly it’s important to mention his previous season at Lyon. Playing 37 matches Depay managed an impressive 20 goals whilst creating 12 assists. 32 goal contributions in 37 matches, hitting double figures in goals scored and assists created is not a common thing.
That amazing form continued in his international campaign in the euro qualifiers after playing only 6 matches, scoring 6 goals and creating another 7 assists. Ridiculously good balance of goals and assists yet again showing 2 easy routes to points.
That form didn’t end in the qualifiers because in the Euro finals he played 4 matches scored 2 and assisted 1 goal.
Whist just starting his new life at Barcelona, a team who have got off to a slightly struggled start he has still looked prolific in his attacking returns. Playing only 4 matches so far in la Liga he has scored 2 and assisted 1.
The stats show a consistent goal scorer but even more a great creator. A great balance between goals and assists shows 2 routes to points and even more of a chance of hauling points in UCL fantasy.
Barcelona plays Benfica next, then Dynamo Kyiv, Dynamo Kyiv again, Benfica and then Bayern. Although the final game against Bayern is less than ideal the rest for me are perfect for Depay.
Depay shows great long term ownership potential in the fixtures with Barcelona. Amazing value for money at only 8.5 million when returning similar numbers to some of the elite forwards in Europe. A great option all around.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Man United)
Cost: 11 million
We’ve covered a lot of Man United attacking stats already and it’s safe to say they’re very good. 24 goals scored in their last 10 matches averaging 2.4 goals scored per game is an attack that should be invested in.
Ronaldo himself thrives off the champions league breaking multiple records on his way. 135 goals, the highest scorer in UCL history with Messi 15 goals behind him make this his competition.
Ronaldo has kept to incredible levels of consistency season upon season at 36 years old. Last season he showed once again how prolific he is with Juventus. He played 33 games, scoring 29 goals and creating 3 assists, 32 goal contributions in 33 games at 36 years old is ridiculously impressive.
This season Ronaldo returns to Man United after only playing 2 games domestically he has already scored 3 goals and scoring in his previous UCL game for them making that 4 goals in 3 games.
Man United play a very tough group in terms of the other teams attacking output. However defensively all 3 teams concede plenty of goals along the way. Their next opponent Villarreal have conceded 14 goals in their last 10 matches but interestingly in half of those games conceded 2 goals. Definitely, a team to target defensively it seems.
They also play Atalanta, Atalanta again, Villarreal and then Young Boys. Great long term fixtures in terms of attacking leaky defences.
Ronaldo consistent attacking returns and hunger to be the best in a team that’s scoring plenty of goals makes him a great option long term as well as short term.
Robert Lewandowski (Bayern)
Cost: 11 million
Similar to Ronaldo and Man United we have already discussed just how good the Bayern attack is. Their numbers as stated are some of the highest attacking numbers in Europe amongst the elite European leagues.
For Bayern, last season hitting numbers that not many players hit was a huge achievement. He played 29 games scored 41 goals and assisted another 7. That’s 48 attacking returns in 29 matches. Higher than anyone in this article and averaging 1.6 attacking returns per match.
This season Lewandowski’ fine form continues. Playing 5 matches but scoring 7 he still shows that returning more attacking returns to games actually played is easy for him.
Bayern are relentless and as already scoring a ridiculous amount of goals. They play Dynamo Kyiv, Benfica, Benfica again, then Dynamo Kyiv and finally Barcelona.
For me another easy selection. Statistically one of the best strikers in Europa if not the best, whilst playing for a team that are relentless goal scorers.
So that’s my options for this week finished. I hope you enjoyed reading through them and seeing just how much they are all capable of looking ahead to matchday 2.
UCL Fantasy Matchday 2 Limitless Draft
So this is what I’ve put together using the article. This includes some of the best options for both short term and long term. Playing the limitless chip you can see means I have not got budget restrictions and that shows:
Thank you for reading, I hope your Enjoyed it and also hope it helps you toward putting an effective team together for the weeks ahead.
I will return with my next article for matchday 3. Thanks again for reading.
Thanks for reading the UCL Fantasy matchday 2 top picks and limitless draft blog. Keep checking allaboutfpl.com for regular blogs. Also, follow our 33000+community on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay updated on regular Posts and FPL updates. Other group previews coming soon. Stay tuned and bookmark the link to all our Champions League Fantasy blogs.
2021/22 UCL Fantasy Mini League
Further Reads from ALLABOUTFPL Ahead of UCL Fantasy MD2:
UCL Fantasy Budget Enablers for the 2021/22 UCL Season
UCL Fantasy | Group A & B – Preview, Top Fantasy Assets To Own
Link to all our Champions League Fantasy blogs
What’s next from ALLABOUTFPL ahead of UCL Fantasy MD2?
We’ll be covering differential picks, budget picks, captaincy candidates, and more. Keep checking allaboutfpl.com for all our blogs and subscribe to our free newsletter through the link below. We’ll also be posting regularly about the same on our social media accounts so follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook keep our notification ON.
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Louis Roberts
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