Welcome back to the UCL fantasy matchday 6 edition of My (@FPLReaction – Twitter handle) articles with allaboutfpl.
If you are new around here this is where I give you the best picks for the Matchday ahead using stats, reliability of minutes, and other reasons to back them performing in your fantasy teams for the matchday ahead. Also I have added features like my previous matchday preview, where I share my own journey and new exciting extras like a limitless and wildcard draft for those using their chips in the matchday ahead.
You can find the link to all our Champions League Fantasy blogs here. We have separate blogs for captaincy and Differentials do check it out on the link.
Let’s firstly take a look at my matchday 5.
UCL Fantasy Matchday 5 Review
What a crazy matchday just gone! We saw the Bayern v Dynamo Kyiv lineups along with the Man United v Villarreal lineups early, many UCL fantasy managers were relying hugely on Bayern who just squeezed a 2-1 win with goals from Coman and Lewandowski. With many expecting more from that game the matchday didn’t start in a great way for most.
You’ll see below I had a poor week :
For me Salzburg again were a huge letdown, I punted on Okafor but he didn’t even start, a 1-0 defeat by Lille meant that my other Salzburg double up failed to deliver along with huge picks like Sane, Mazraoui, and several more.
With a total of only 53 points, my lowest score so far my rank change was dramatic. Going from 280th in the world I took a rank drop to 1.5k. Although a huge rank change we have many rounds left and we also have to remember that there’s so few points in between us all now so it’s still very tight.
Important Note:
Before we get right into the top picks part of the article it’s vital that we are aware that we get to see the early team news for both Man City v Leipzig and PSG v Club Brugge. Man City and PSG two of the best teams in Europe and two teams many would love to see the lineups and react in terms of transferring their players in. With some of the best attackers in the world both teams also suffer rotation, this means as UCL managers it’s very difficult to be able to trust they start, but now we can target them with much less risk. This is also backed up by the fact that after matchday 6 we get unlimited transfers to build our team for the rounds ahead, meaning that we don’t have to hold onto those players and can treat the Man City and PSG players we bring in as one-offs, like a free hit.
Man City and PSG remain as having two of the most feared attacks in Europe which make matchday 6 really exciting, it also, however, makes it very difficult to differentiate between their attacking players because there are so many good ones, spoilt for choice can sometimes be a problem even when knowing the lineups, but don’t worry because I’ll cover all of that in this article.
Note: This article has been written over a 7 day period so some stats would have naturally changed with games taking place but not enough to de-stabilize any of the picks. If you’re looking for Limitless and Wildcard drafts for MD6 scroll down to the bottom after the top picks section for forwards.
Top Picks for UCL Fantasy matchday 6
UCL matchday 6 Goal Keepers
What’s interesting is that on Tuesday (the first day of UCL matchday 6) the options for goalkeepers are very difficult, with many of the bigger teams defensively unstable and the others being rotated out of the UCL so I’ve picked out this man.
Ederson
Team: Man City
Price: 6 million
Ownership: 5%
Man City have arguably the best defence currently in the Premier League and have always been well known for solidarity at the back.
4 clean sheets in the last 10 matches in all competitions for Man City which may sound lower than it should but still an indicator that they are more than capable of keeping clean sheets when they need to.
Man City underlying stats going into UCL MD6:
In terms of underlying defensive stats, Man City are up there. In the Premier League they are:
- 2nd best for goals conceded with 7 only behind Chelsea.
- Joint 1st for clean sheets with 8.
- 1st for Goal attempts conceded in the box
- 1st Shots conceded.
- 1st shots on target conceded
- 1st for headed attempts conceded.
- 1st for set play attempts conceded.
- 1st for big chances conceded
The list goes on in terms of underlying defensive stats for Man City, all indicators that they are a team due clean sheets and are regularly fantastic in the domestic league defensively.
Man City yet to keep a clean sheet in the UCL so far will be looking to bring that elite defensive form into their champions league campaign as it’s an area that needs to improve.
Ederson himself has been well known to be a top-class goalkeeper and that has shown in the last few seasons as the Man City number 1 shot-stopper.
In season 19/20 Ederson played 35 matches and kept an impressive 16 clean sheets, 36 matches played in season 20/21 and whopping 19 clean sheets kept and another 12 matches played and 7 clean sheets domestically this current season. This shows again just how good Man City and Ederson can be.
At 6 million the price is high for this man, although the clean sheets haven’t been there lately their first one in the UCL could well come against a recent inconsistent Leipzig who have lost 2 out of their last 3 matches.
A great option for those that are using limitless this week and even those people who don’t mind spending big at the back for UCL matchday 6.
Further Read: UCL Fantasy | MD6 | Differentials To Consider Ahead of Tuesday’s Deadline
Gregor Kobel
Team: Dortmund
Cost: 4.9 million
Ownership: 4%
Kobel offers a nice price in terms of goalkeepers at 4.9 million and not as expensive in comparison to the other options out there.
Domestically Dortmund haven’t been fantastic defensively, just the 2 clean sheets in their last 10 matches for them which again isn’t great however in the UCL proved a capable defence when keeping a clean sheet at home against Sporting, a team in huge scoring form and at home where they’ll play again this matchday coming up.
Their opponent is a huge factor in why I think Kobel can do well this week. Dortmund come up against an out of sorts Besiktas who are irrelevantly (in this case) defensively woeful but also have lost a massive 8 matches in their last 10 played at the time of writing.
In 4 of their last 10 matches in all competitions, Besiktas have failed to score. Failing to score in 2 of their 5 matches also played in the UCL.
As always with an unstable defence, which let’s be honest Dortmund have, usually lots of shots are conceded which combined with Besiktas lack of goals could lead to save points and finally that all-important haul of points that we constantly chase.
Against a team in awful form, at a good price, and nailed to play makes Kobel a top pick. If he doesn’t perform we always have the option of subbing a Wednesday keeper in.
Wojciech Szczesny
Team: Juventus
Cost: 5.8 million
Ownership: 5%
You’ll firstly see that Szczesny has taken a price rise this campaign already supporting good UCL form which we’ll cover.
Juventus have always been there or thereabouts amongst Europe’s elite but seem to be on a decline over the last few years however have usually had a very good defence.
Juventus have managed to keep 4 clean sheets in their last 10 matches in all competitions this season which is pretty good considering their in an inconsistent patch of form.
In the UCL that form seems to have improved with their form, 5 matches played and 3 clean sheets kept, suggesting that on the big stage they a better team defensively or simply that the level of opponent are weaker, perhaps a combination of both.
Juventus come up against Malmo in matchday 6 a team that have consistently shown that although their domestic form is very very impressive, in the UCL it’s entirely the opposite in that they’ve played 5 matches so far they’ve only scored 1 single goal, whilst also losing 4/5 of the matches played in their UCL campaign. The perfect opponent for Juventus and Szczesny to keep the clean sheet and even some save points from some poor finishing.
Szczesny has shown before he can perform at the top. In the 19/20 season he played 29 matches and kept 11 clean sheets. Just 4 out of the current 12 for him domestically this season but with 3/5 in his UCL campaign, he looks like he could add to that tally in his upcoming UCL match.
A higher price suggests Szczesny could be best used as a limitless option however against a poor team in the UCL who are struggling to score, the clean sheet feels highly likely which makes him a top pick for matchday 6.
Further Read: UCL Fantasy | MD6 | Differentials To Consider Ahead of Tuesday’s Deadline
Edouard Mendy
Team: Chelsea
Cost: 6.3 million
Ownership: 34%
The ownership of Mendy speaks volumes at first glance but also a very justified reflection in his reliability both at returning points and playing as a part of a very strong defensive unit.
Firstly Chelsea having a formidable defence over the years has been a given, setting records in the premier league, and since Tuchel has taken over Chelsea’s reign in all competitions as one of the best.
In all competitions, in the last 10 matches, Chelsea have kept a formidable 7 clean sheets in that same period. An incredible feat unmatched by many of Europe’s elite amongst the top leagues and divisions.
In the Premier League, a chunk of that great form lives. Underlying stats are a big indicator when trying to pick out the best and worst of all things in football so let’s take a look.
Chelsea defensive underlying number going into UCL matchday 6:
- 1st in the league for goals conceded, only 5.
- Joint 1st for clean sheets with 8.
- 2nd best for goal attempts in the box conceded.
- 3rd for goal attempts outside of the box conceded.
- 2nd best for shots on target conceded
Just some of the stats that further support the great strength of the Chelsea defensive unit.
The Chelsea form is even better, unbeaten in their last 10 matches and winning most of them, their UCL form is also good. In the 5 matches they’ve played they have only conceded 1 single goal, keeping 4 clean sheets in that same period, again emphasizing an elite defence.
Chelsea come up against Zenit next who are in inconsistent form in all competitions, even their domestic league which is arguably considerably weaker than many in Europe. 4 losses, 4 wins and 2 draws in their last 10 matches. In the UCL Zenit have played 5 and failed to score in 2 with one of them being their opponents Chelsea in matchday 6.
Mendy came to Chelsea to push Kepa for the first place spot but in doing that has become one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Coming 2nd in the Yachine trophy at the Balon D’or behind the world-class Donnarumma is no small feat, many believe Mendy should have won the best keeper award for his performances last season.
At a high price but rightly justified, the Chelsea keeper proves to be a top pick, whilst sitting as the 3rd highest scoring keeper in the game and against an inconsistent opponent 3 makes the top picks for UCL MD6.
Further Read: UCL Fantasy | MD6 | Differentials To Consider Ahead of Tuesday’s Deadline
TOP Defenders picks for UCL Matchday 6
Joao Cancelo
Team: Man City
Cost: 6.4 million
Ownership: 21%
Cancelo continues to make these articles of mine and for good reason, let’s take a look one last time in the group stages why he should make your teams.
Firstly Man City defensively we’ve already covered are elite. Although still awaiting a UCL campaign clean sheet it’s only a matter of time before that comes.
Although only 4 clean sheets in their last 10 in all competitions what City have offensively is enough to take the plunge, especially when we’re given the lineups early to make those reactive transfers to get their players in.
In attack Man City are up there, 24 goals scored in their last 10 matches averaging 2.4 goals scored per match.
The scoring form continues when looking at the City UCL campaign in that they’ve played 5 and scored 17 goals, an even more impressive average of 3.4 goals scored per match, amazing scoring form and with a player like Cancelo, you can be confident knowing he’s likely to be involved in some of them.
Their opponent in matchday 6 Leipzig have overall good form in their last 10 matches with only 3 losses in that period, however, 2 of those losses in their last 3 matches could suggest they have taken a dip as of late.
We don’t just buy Cancelo for his clean sheets so what else does he offer?
Let’s take a look at his heat map so far this season:
You’ll see not only does Cancelo hold great versatility which increases his reliability to the team and manager but also you can see that from his positioning he spends the majority of time attacking the opponents half with some nice patches in the opponent’s box, a huge first indication of how attacking he really is.
Cancelo is currently the 3rd highest scoring player in the entire Fantasy Premier League game with 80 points and only behind Trent and Salah from Liverpool. To add to that he is also the highest-scoring Man City FPL player with 21 points more than second-place Bernardo Silva.
In terms of underlying stats in the Premier League Joao is up there, he is 2nd amongst defenders for touches in the opponent’s penalty area, 1st amongst defenders for goal attempts (9 ahead of second-place Trent), and 1st for passes in the final third. Some fantastic attacking underlying stats.
This season in the domestic league he played 13 matches, created 3 assists, and kept 8 clean sheets, accumulating to 11 returns in 13 matches. Combine that with the fact that in the UCL he’s played 5 matches scored 2 goals and created 3 assists, and that makes 18 matches played with 16 fantasy returns, amazing form.
Providing he plays which we will see the lineup for anyway Cancelo has to be considered, whether the clean sheet comes or not he’s proved to be offensively brilliant and plays a team that concedes a lot of goals, for that reason he makes the top picks again.
Further Read: UCL Fantasy | MD6 | Differentials To Consider Ahead of Tuesday’s Deadline
Achraf Hakimi
Team: PSG
Cost: 6.7 million
Ownership: 30%
Hakimi makes the top picks for the first time this campaign so let’s take a look at why.
PSG defensively have been a little unsettled, some would say since the departure of Thiago Silva at the back but many would also say it’s their aggressive approach offensively that sees them outscore the opponents most of the time but leaves them open at the back.
In their last 10 matches in all competitions, they have only managed to keep a single clean sheet. In the UCL in the 5 they’ve played just another 1 clean sheet. Not very good at all, however when we combine other factors a case becomes much stronger.
PSG come up against Club Brugge next. 4 losses, 4 wins and 2 draws in the last 10 matches they’ve played in all competitions reflecting inconsistency. This is furthered by the fact they have lost 3 in the 5 UCL matches they’ve played this campaign.
Defensively it gets worse for Club Brugge with a huge 22 goals conceded in their last 10 matches, averaging 2.2 goals conceded per match shows one of the worst averages for goals conceded in that period amongst all teams playing in the UCL. A further 16 goals in the 5 matches played in the champions league as well. A huge advantage for Hakimi and PSG in UCL matchday 6.
The young 23-year-old Moroccan was a wanted man by many of Europe’s elite including European champions Chelsea before his move to PSG and I can see why.
Hakimi has spent the last few years of his career switching between some of the finest clubs in Europe, in his 19/20 season for Dortmund he managed to play 33 matches, created 10 assists, and scored 5 goals. That’s 15 attacking returns in 33 matches and that’s without the clean sheets.
In a move to Inter for the season 20/21, he also played 37 matches, scoring 7 goals, creating 8 assists, and again without clean sheets that’s 15 attacking returns in 37 matches alone.
Let’s take a look at his current heat map for PSG so far this season:
You’ll see not only does Hakimi spend a considerable amount of time in the opposition’s half but also a really impressive patch of darker red in the opposition’s box suggesting he loves to attack and try to contribute towards the team’s goal. Very exciting from a fantasy perspective.
This season so far after playing 14 matches Hakimi has managed to score 3 goals, create 2 assists, and 5 clean sheets accumulating to 10 returns in 14 matches.
Hakimi playing in a scoring team, against an inconsistent opponent and with his attacking threat becomes a great option for matchday 6.
Further Read: UCL Fantasy | MD6 | Differentials To Consider Ahead of Tuesday’s Deadline
Pedro Porro
Team: Sporting
Cost: 4.5 million
Ownership: 0%
There’s many things Porro guarantees this matchday which is why he makes the top picks article.
Sporting have an interesting campaign to say the least, being dropped into a group with the likes of Dortmund and Ajax but still coming out fighting in terms of form.
In their last 10 matches in all competitions, Sporting have hit ridiculous good form, in fact, form that could put them above many of Europe’s elite teams. 10 wins in their last 10 games played shows exactly that, some of the best form around.
Defensively in their last 10 matches, they have managed to keep a really impressive 6 clean sheets within that time, showing not just great form but fantastic stability at the back, something we look for when digging for UCL Fantasy assets.
Price is very key here, 4.5 million in a week where there aren’t many cheap attractive assets is a very good price for Porro. This price enables the pricey assets around the rest of your squad providing a good balance.
Many will question the difficulty of the opponent in Ajax and feel uncomfortable with Porro as a pick, however, now that Ajax are through heavy rotation to key players Is expected and so the challenge in theory for Sporting is less difficult.
Now we’re not just picking Porro for clean sheets. If the clean sheet goes because of Ajax we need good attacking potential. Let’s take a look at his heat map:
Pedro Porro heatmap
You can see that Porro plays on the right side and is extremely offensive with more movement in the opponent’s half than his own and huge patches inside the opposition’s box, extremely exciting for owners.
So far domestically Porro has played 9 matches, scored 2 goals, created 1 assist and 5 clean sheets, accumulating to 8 returns in the 9 matches played, fantastic for 4.5 million in terms of value for money.
Porro plays against a team who are already through and are rotating heavily, combined with his attacking potential and multiple routes to points Porro becomes a top pick for matchday 6.
Further Read: UCL Fantasy | MD6 | Differentials To Consider Ahead of Tuesday’s Deadline
Thomas Meunier
Team: Dortmund
Cost: 5.5 million
Ownership: 5%
It’s been a while since Meunier made the top picks article and that time has finally come again.
Dortmund as always seem to have this inconsistency in their form and especially since main man Haaland has left but now he’s back.
In Dortmund’s last 10 matches they have won 6 and lost 4 without any good trends. Only 2 clean sheets kept for Dortmund to suggest some instability at the back.
In the UCL it’s been a slightly disappointing campaign for Dortmund and again losing Haaland to a big injury seems to have cost them so many performances and points. In the 5 they’ve played they’ve only won 2 matches, Haaland being involved in both and losing the 3 consecutive games after that.
Although defensively bleak there’s a chance having Haaland back can bring back a team balance and settle down their backline.
We’re not just relying on Dortmund to be good defensively though otherwise, this pick wouldn’t be very good. Dortmund’s opponents in matchday 6 are currently one of the worst teams in the UCL in terms of form. In the last 10 matches, Besiktas have played they have lost a huge 8 of them. Combining that with the fact they’ve failed to score a goal in 4 of those matches also boosts Meunier’s chances for the clean sheet.
Offensively it’s really promising for Meunier, let’s take a look at his heat map for Dortmund this season:
Thomas Meunier heatmap
You’ll see huge attacking positioning in the opponent’s half by Meunier along with promising patches of movement both outside and inside the opposition’s box suggesting the attacking potential is good.
It’s been tough for everyone in the team especially Meunier without the big target upfront in Haaland. With Haaland’s return, this would boost anyone’s assist potential and even more so with Meunier who loves to whip balls into the box.
An old favorite from Euro Fantasy of mine who showed he could score and assist in the Euro campaign for Belgium and I think he should once again be favored this matchday. With 3 assists this season Meunier will be looking to add to his tally.
Meunier also has a really impressive ball recovery rate with 10 points collected from ball recoveries with the 5 matches played so far, another great route to points.
Meunier has lots of different routes to points, with the return of star man Haaland and playing against arguably one of the worst teams in the champions league Meunier could have great potential in UCL matchday 6.
Further Read: UCL Fantasy | MD6 | Differentials To Consider Ahead of Tuesday’s Deadline
Reece James
Team: Chelsea
Cost: 5.3 million
Ownership: 9%
Chelsea are rotating at the back during a busy festive period as much as they can and James just missed the Watford game. Some believe it’s a minor injury and that he’ll be back soon but I believe he was just rested, either way James will be back and this is the perfect match to get some minutes back on the board.
We’ve discussed already that Chelsea have some of the best defensive stats in the league Along with the joint-most clean sheets kept and the best for goals conceded amongst all teams in the Premier League.
In terms of form as already noted earlier, it’s up there. In their last 10 matches played Chelsea have managed a whopping 8 wins and 2 draws, 0 losses, fantastic form and some of the best amongst the great teams in Europe.
Defensively as good, 6 clean sheets in their last 10 matches in all competitions without conceding more than one goal in the other 4, showing that when they do concede goals it’s very little and not very often.
In the UCL both form and defence have been fantastic , 4 out of the 5 matches played they won. Combined that with the fact they have only conceded 1 single goal in all 5 champions league games reinforces that the Chelsea defence is a must buy into.
Chelsea’s opponent in matchday is Zenit. An inconsistent team even in their own domestic league which would be worrying as Zenit owner but not for managers wanting to target them. 4 losses, 4 wins, and 2 draws doesn’t suggest really poor form but in the UCL last time out against Chelsea they struggled to create much at all.
In regards to Reece James, this isn’t just about his clean sheet potential. Firstly let’s take a look at his heat map for Chelsea this season:
Recce James heatmap
You’ll see not only does he James spend a lot more time in the opponent’s half creating and attacking the opponent’s box , but the darker red heat inside the box suggests that James spends a lot of time there which is vital in finding an attacking defender. This shows that he is relentlessly surrounding the opponent’s defenders giving a higher potential of attacking returns.
In Fantasy Premier League Reece James leads at the top-scoring points returner for Chelsea. Not just that but also reigns as the 4th highest scorer in the entire game amount all positions.
In the Premier League amongst defenders Reece James is joint 1st for touches in the opponent’s penalty area, 1st for goals scored, and in the top 5 for both big chances created and chances created.
To put this into actual output James has played 10 matches in the domestic league so far scoring 4 goals, creating 4 assists, and keeping 4 clean sheets, accumulating to 12 fantasy returns in 10 matches played, a fantastic showing of a great fantasy asset.
At a great price, against an inconsistent opponent, James has the numbers and form to do some serious damage in terms of points returned and simply has to make the top picks for matchday 6.
Further Read: UCL Fantasy | MD6 | Differentials To Consider Ahead of Tuesday’s Deadline
Rasmus Kristensen
Team: Salzburg
Cost: 5 million
Ownership: 1%
For regular readers not only will you notice that this guy has made every single top picks article but you’ll also notice his price has rocketed up by 0.5 million since matchday 1, a true reflection of not just the points he’s returning but his potential to haul in any given game.
Salzburg went into the first few matchdays in the UCL with a rocket attached to them in terms of form and even took many by surprise. Storming the group stages with a draw but then beating both Wolfsburg and Lille.
In terms of overall form, it’s very tricky because their recent form has dipped. In their last 10 matches, Salzburg have lost 3 games, won 4, and drawn 3. Now you’re probably reading that and thinking that’s great but when looking further back the previous 10 matches they won 9, drew 1, and remained unbeaten during that period. Overall although they’ve taken a slight dip their still up there with some of the best in Europe.
Touching upon the defensive stats, Salzburg in the same 10 game period discussed above kept 3 clean sheets in that same period and then again the 10 matches before that 4 clean sheets kept. Although not fantastic the clean sheet potential is there.
Salzburg go into a thrilling last round of fixtures with every team in their group capable of still going through so Salzburg will have the motivation to come at this game with everything they’ve got.
Their opponent Sevilla are a tough team however not in the form of old. Although 4th in La Liga their domestic league they have won 5, drawn 3, and lost 2 suggesting Salzburg could easily catch them on a bad day.
Kristensen offers more than just the potential of clean sheets though. Firstly his price at 5 million offers managers the chance to enable money elsewhere around the rest of the squad for balance. There is a shortage of decent assets at a lower price in the game at this stage with the capabilities of Kristensen and we’ll see this as we go on.
Let’s take another look at the Kristensen heat map:
Unlike many heat maps I see, Kristensen shows more threat positionally than some midfielders I see never mind defenders. The huge dark red patches in the opponent’s box emphasize just how much threat he golds positionally which increases the potential of attacking returns.
So far this season Kristensen has played 15 matches domestically, scored 5 goals, created 3 assists, and kept 6 clean sheets, accumulating to 14 fantasy returns in 15 matches played, incredible form for a defender.
Kristensen has also been known to take penalties when teammate Adeyemi isn’t on the pitch, another huge route to points that cannot be ignored.
Scoring in his last domestic game in the 91st minute for Salzburg his threat is undeniable. With amazing attacking form and a cheap price, Kristensen becomes a great asset for matchday 6.
Further Read: UCL Fantasy | MD6 | Differentials To Consider Ahead of Tuesday’s Deadline
Alejandro Grimaldo
Team: Benfica
Cost: 4.7 million
Ownership: 1%
A brand new addition to the top picks article and a welcome one at that.
4.7 million prices defenders are hard to come by these days, especially good ones and that’s what we have here. A price tag as we know is vital in introducing those more expensive attacking assets in the team and helps balance out the budget financially.
Firstly Benfica has been a nice surprise in terms of the current UCL campaign, although pushed aside by Bayern like every other team that’s no fault of their own, that just shows how good Bayern are as a team, in fact, they even managed to get 2 goals past them in one of their head to heads. Beating the likes of Barcelona with ease in their first match shows just how far they’ve come as a team and currently sit 3rd in the group. This is important because this is a must-win game for them so their fate is in their hands with a little help from Bayern against their opponents Barcelona.
In terms of winning form in the last 10 matches in all competitions, Benfica have lost 3, drawn 3, and won 4, with only 1 loss in their last 8 matches, that of which was Bayern which isn’t bad.
Defensively in the 10 matches period above Benfica have kept just 2 clean sheets, not promising but then we look at their opponents for matchday 6.
Dynamo Kyiv the team up next for Benfica, the Portuguese team who have the advantage of playing in Portugal, already a good boost to their chances. The Dynamo Kyiv form is inconsistent, in their last 10 matches, they lost 4 and won 6, not bad but with 3 of those losses coming in the last 5 they seem to have taken a dip.
The Dynamo Kyiv form worsens as we specifically look at the UCL campaign. In the 5 matches they’ve played they have lost 4 and drawn 1 and only managed to score 1 goal in that time last time out at home against Bayern Munich. Their fate is sealed and won’t qualify for the last 16 so it’s questionable how they’ll approach this game as for domestically their neck and neck on points in joint 1st place, perhaps their priorities will be that.
Grimaldo offers more than having a good opponent and price though, let’s take a look at his heat map below:
Alejandro Grimaldo heatmap
You’ll see that Grimaldo predominantly plays on the left-hand side for Benfica. You’ll also see very exciting positioning from a UCL manager’s perspective in that he’s so attacking, spending most of his minutes running in the opponent’s half, and even has huge dark red patches in the opponent’s box highlighting huge attacking potential.
Last season in his 20/21 campaign he started 31 matches, not including clean sheets Grimaldo came away with 2 goals and 9 assists, 11 attacking returns.
This season Grimaldo has played 10 matches domestically, scored 2 goals, created 2 assists, and kept 3 clean sheets, totaling to 7 fantasy returns in 10 matches, impressive.
Grimaldo has also returned now in 4/5 UCL matches played either a clean sheet or attacking return, with 7 points last time out, a clean sheet, and 6 ball recoveries.
With a great fixture, amazing price, and solid attacking threat Grimaldo has the confidence and form to hit great potential in UCL matchday 6 and for that reason makes the top picks.
Further Read: UCL Fantasy | MD6 | Differentials To Consider Ahead of Tuesday’s Deadline
TOP midfielders picks for UCL Fantasy Matchday 6
Man City UCL MD6 analysis
You’ll see straight away that I haven’t mentioned anyone specific and that’s because we get to see their lineups.
The best thing about Man City is that there are so many options at different prices and the worst thing about City is that there are so many options at different prices. For that reason we sort of need to know who the best options are, the problem is there is so many factors including fitness, form, UCL form, who takes penalties and there’s an argument for many of them. Before we touch upon specific options we need to delve into Man City a bit more.
In terms of form Man City are up there. In their last 10 matches, they have won 8 out 10 with only 2 losses, one being a cup game and the other they managed to get a red card.
Offensively in the 10 matches mentioned above City have managed to score a nice 24 goals, averaging 2.4 matches scored per game, a fine average when looking to buy into an attack.
The Man City UCL campaign has been an exciting one, take into consideration their opponents and their free-scoring football and they’ve been a must-watch. After 5 matches City managed 4 wins, scoring an amazing 17 goals averaging 3.4 goals scored per match, an average any UCL manager should be looking to buy into.
The opponents next up for City are Leipzig, a team that in their last 10 matches in all competitions have lost 3, drawn 2, and won 5, although 2 of their losses have come in the previous 3 matches suggesting a dip.
Focusing on the Leipzig UCL campaign they’ve played 5, lost 3, drawn 1, and won 1. In that same period defensively the Germans have conceded a huge 13 goals giving them goals conceded per match average of 2.6 goals. Combine that 2.6 goals concede average to the Man City goals scored an average of 3.4 goals and you’ve got yourself a huge chance to cash in on goals with assets.
With that in mind and providing they start based on the early team news we get, I have ordered the Man City attack in priority order. Make no mistake, this is an elite attack and I am sure all of them could be good options and for that reason, a double City attack would be well thought of going into UCL matchday 6.
Riyad Mahrez
Cost: 9.3 million
Ownership: 4%
Mahrez makes the top picks for the first time since writing these articles and again another welcome addition.
An amazing career at Man City has seen Mahrez win plenty of trophies since leaving Leicester, but his form at his previous club isn’t anything to ignore, in his last season for Leicester Mahrez was fantasy football gold playing 36 matches, scoring 12 goals and creating 10 assists, accumulating to 22 goal contributions in 36 games.
Fast forward to season 19/20 for Mahrez where he played 33 games, scored 11 goals, and created 9 assists, another 20 goal contributions in 33 matches showing consistency but also two very equally strong routes to points with goals and assists, unlike most other midfielders.
Although Mahrez’s number of starts and attacking returns aren’t great his UCL campaigns have always been very consistent, almost like he thrives in the champions league, take a look at his numbers from past campaigns:
- UCL season 16/17- Played 9 , scored 4 goals , created 2 assists = 6 goal contributions in 9 matches.
- UCL season 18/19- Played 6, scored 1 goals , created 4 assists = 5 goal contributions in 6 matches.
- UCL season 19/20- Played 7 matches , scored 1 goals , created 4 assists = 5 goal contributions in 7 matches.
- UCL season 20/21- Played 12 matches, scored 4 goals , created 2 assists = 6 goal contributions in 12 matches.
This current campaign that great form has continued after 5 matches played Mahrez has sharpened up his goal threat with 4 goals, 4 attacking returns in 5 matches is great form.
Take a look at his heat map below:
You can see extreme levels of attacking positioning, predominantly from the right-hand side, reflecting a similar heat map to Salah and emphasizing that Mahrez like Salah is a wide forward and not necessarily a midfielder, this gives him an advantage ahead of other in-game midfielders in UCL fantasy.
Another huge factor the puts Mahrez above the rest is that he also takes penalties currently for Man City, again a massive advantage over the other options in his bracket.
Mahrez has form in his favored competition against an opponent conceding too many goals, for that reason has to make the top picks for UCL matchday 6.
Bernardo Silva
Cost: 7 million
Ownership: 3%
Silva takes second priority in the Man City attack for a few reasons so let’s take a look.
Firstly it’s important to recognize his price. 7 million for a Man City attacker feels like gold, not only is it cheap but it’s at a price point that can easily be moved to from a more expensive asset unlike his teammates Sterling and Mahrez that are much more pricier. Perfect for those with tight budgets this week and a huge factor as to why Silva takes second.
Although many in the fantasy world will question Silvas output and have before because positionally he’s never the most advanced midfielder, take a look at his heat map below:
You’ll see huge versatility in his positioning, being capable of playing on both the left and the right side of the pitch with plenty of movement in the Centre as well. This suggests that Silva seeks out and attacks any area of the pitch in which he sees weakness in the opponent. Finally, movement in the box, with any attacking asset you need to see movement in the opponent’s box and you have exactly that here, a truly superb heat map.
Interestingly in Fantasy Premier League Bernardo Silva is the second-highest scoring Man City play, ahead of all of the other attackers and just behind Cancelo, a telling sign that he could be great to bring in.
In FPL Silva has returned an attacking return in 7 out of the 13 matches he’s played this season, hitting double-digit points in 3 of those 13 matches as well.
This season so far in the 13 matches played Silva has scored 5 goals and created 1 assist, interestingly 3 of those goals have come in the last 4 matches played suggesting a surge of recent form, something we as fantasy managers always try to jump on before the end.
In the UCL last time out Silva came away with an assist and a player of the match award, again reflecting his great recent premier league form.
At a great price tag in a bracket with many options a lot more expensive Silva has fantastic recent form and comes up against a side that concedes a lot of goals and for that reason is the second asset I think of when looking at Man City attacking options.
Further Read: UCL Fantasy | MD6 | Differentials To Consider Ahead of Tuesday’s Deadline
Raheem Sterling
Cost: 10.1 million
Ownership: 0%
Sterling is another option that makes the top picks article for the first time and a very interesting one at that.
You’ll see that at 0% ownership Sterling could be a fantastic option that not many other players think of when putting their teams together, we all know differentials can be very powerful in terms of gaining rank if returning well.
Sterling tends to start off very slow in terms of minutes/form in seasons I can remember and this season is no different, but we’re now we’ll into the season now, and as expected Sterling has started to creep well into the City attack.
After a big money from Liverpool Sterling has won nearly everything with City and that’s reflected in his own form, let’s take a look at some of his numbers:
Premier League season 17/18- Played 33 matches, scored 18 goals, and created 11 assists = 29 goal contributions in 33 matches, absolute amazing form.
Premier League season 18/19- Played 34 matches, scored 17 goals, and created 10 assists = 27 goal contributions in 34 matches, again outstanding.
That progressed with 21 goal Contributions in 33 games (Season 19/20) and 17 goal contributions in 31 matches played (season 20/21).
This season was a slow start with only 3 goal contributions in 12 matches played but again it seems inevitable that his great form could ignite at any given moment.
Take a look at Sterling’s heat map below:
You’ll see an extremely advanced position for Sterling in the top left-hand corner of the pitch in the opposition’s half and in the box, a very exciting heat map and reflecting the out-of-position player he is in regards to the in-game midfielder bracket.
After trusting Sterling in the last UCL match out against French giants PSG Pep was rewarded with a goal, hopefully, this motivates Sterling for more.
Although pricey Sterling offers something different, a player with past world-class form and stats under his belt and looking to reignite the performances he once had, with an opponent like Leipzig up next, this could be the game he finds that.
Further Read: UCL Fantasy | MD6 | Differentials To Consider Ahead of Tuesday’s Deadline
Pedro Goncalves
Team: Sporting
Cost: 8.1 million
Ownership: 1%
Goncalves is another player who has made a reoccurring appearance in these articles, so why this matchday? Let’s take a look.
The Sporting form has been addressed but to remind us in the last 10 matches they have managed to win all of them, I repeat, all of them. An amazing run of form in all competitions and riding a wave of relentless wins that could be carried into matchday 6.
With 10 wins in 10 matches comes goals and that they have. 25 goals scored in the last 10 matches for Sporting showing an average in that same period of 2.5 goals, a really attractive number when looking into attacking assets to buy.
In terms of UCL, form Sporting are second above the chasing Dortmund, after 5 matches Sporting won 3 and lost 2 , scoring 12 goals along the way, nearly matching their 2.5 goals scored per match over the last 10 with 2.4 goals scored on average in the 5 played. Another great indication that Sporting regardless of form will score goals.
Sporting play a usually formidable opponent in Ajax, a team who have already progressed to the last 16, and a team that the last match rotated most of their first-team players out and just edged a 2-1 win against a poor Besiktas. What approach Ajax will take is unknown but we can make an educated guess and predict their domestic league is a priority for time being at least. What was a really tough fixture could become a really entertaining end-to-end game with lots of goals which is where Goncalves comes in.
Pedro Goncalves heatmap
You’ll see Goncalves predominantly plays on the right-hand side with some really nice patches of movement in the opponent’s box, showing his attacking potential.
The 23-year-old continues to impress in Europe but his previous season was even more impressive, playing 32 matches in the domestic league, scoring 23 goals, creating 3 assists, accumulating to 26 goal contributions in 32 matches, a fantastic feat for a then 22-year-old.
That great form has continued into the UCL campaign with only 3 matches played, 4 goals scored and 1 assist created, combine that with 3 extra points in 2 of those games for player of the match awards and he’s racked up a total of 42 points, averaging 14 points per game, incredible form.
Adding to all of this Goncalves is also the designated penalty taker which hugely boosts his potential for attacking returns.
With amazing form in the UCL, against an Ajax team in full rotation mode and already through Goncalves makes the top picks yet again.
Further Read: UCL Fantasy | MD6 | Differentials To Consider Ahead of Tuesday’s Deadline
Calum Hudson-Odoi
Team: Chelsea
Cost: 7.3 million
The 21-year-old has spent years trying to climb through the ranks at Chelsea to get his game time and get his chance to play regularly. With maturity and growth, CHO has improved his overall climb and fight his way to the top.
In a matchday where there’s lots of rotation the question rings in my ear constantly, will he play? The answer I think is yes. After playing in the last 7 matches for Chelsea and putting in some fantastic performances CHO was due a rest, and he got that with Reece James when Chelsea played Watford in the midweek game. Meaning CHO will be nice and fresh for a game Chelsea will look to win to secure 1st place in the group.
To secure CHO’s reliability of minutes further for a start CHO can also play RWB, and Tuchel the Chelsea manager has even said he will use CHO in LWB position when resting Alonso. Usually, you wouldn’t particularly want a midfielder playing wing-back but a position that Chelsea have made vital to their goal contributions makes it much more attractive. Hopefully, it doesn’t come to this and he plays his usual position as part of the front 3 in LW. A good example of why CHO feels a lot safer to play than other attackers.
Focusing more on Chelsea, the Premier Leaders (at the time of writing) are just edging contenders Liverpool and Man City by fine margins of points, that of the quality of the English teams this season and with that had to come good form. In their last 10 matches, Chelsea are not only unbeaten, which is fantastic but also won 8 out of that same 10 matches, incredible form and up there with the most elite teams in Europe.
With key players out Chelsea have met every challenge with their great squad depth, losing the likes of Kovacic, Kante, Mount, Lukaku, Werner Chelsea have still managed to score a good amount of goals. In the last 10 matches, Chelsea scored an impressive 27 goals, 2.7 goals scored per match on average which makes one of the best amongst the top teams in Europe and the champions league.
In the UCL the Chelsea form and goals continue. In the 5 matches, they played they only lost won, and won the other 4, scoring 10 goals in the process. Another example of why the Chelsea attack should be bought into.
The opponent up next in matchday 6 is Zenit. In the last 10 matches Zenit have only lost 4 and conceded 13 goals in the same 10 match period but taking into account their UCL form as well you’ll see in the 5 they’ve played lost 3, losing to Juventus twice and Chelsea once conceding 7 goals. A great opponent for a Chelsea attacking asset.
CHO provides a nice price point in which it’s easy to switch to as many of the best assets in UCL fantasy are above that in cost. This makes it much easier for managers to switch within their squads and only have to use one transfer. A very good price for a Chelsea attacking asset this matchday.
Take a look at CHO’s positioning below:
You’ll see a very exciting heat map in which he visibly plays as a wide forward predominantly on the left-hand side. The darker red on both the edge of and inside the opponent’s box suggests huge motivation to get in the box to create and score.
Adding to this CHO has started in the last 2 champions league games against both Juventus and Malmo where he scored 1 and created another with 14 points in the last 2 matches.
With a rest under his belt already and versatility at his advantage, CHO feels set to not just play but thrive with a great fixture amongst a team newly revived by having their star striker Lukaku back, for that reason CHO makes the top picks for UCL matchday 6.
Further Read: UCL Fantasy | MD6 | Differentials To Consider Ahead of Tuesday’s Deadline
Rafa Silva
Team: Benfica
Cost: 7.4 million
Ownership: 0%
A brand new addition to the top picks articles and a really interesting option going into matchday 6 and you’ll see why.
Benfica in the last 10 matches are a mixed bag in terms of form, 4 wins, 3 losses and 3 draws, a good showing of recent form though is the fact their unbeaten in their last 4 matches including one against Barcelona, had it not been for the last match they played being abandoned after winning 7-0 by half time that would be 5 matches. Overall a nice run of form over the last 10 regardless.
As you’ve just seen in regards to goals Benfica can put them away. In their last 10 matches in all competitions, they have scored 25 goals, averaging 2.5 goals scored per match, very impressive and an average as fantasy managers we need to utilize in our teams.
Upcoming opponents Dynamo Kyiv in their last 10 have won 6 and lost 4, not hugely poor. At that same time they’ve conceded 11 goals, again not bad but when taking into account their UCL form it reflects the fact they aren’t able to keep up to the standard of competition. After 5 matches played Dynamo Kyiv have lost 4 and drawn one, conceding 9 goals in that same period.
Dynamo Kyiv are now rock bottom with 1 point in their UCL group but joint top in their domestic Ukrainian league. This suggests that their priorities now lay with their league which could be they become more of a target than they already were. Fantastic when looking at attacking assets to use against them. Benfica, on the other hand, are 3rd in the group and go into a game that’s a must-win for them to qualify ahead of Barcelona providing a Bayern stop them again in their face off.
Rafa Silva has a nice mid-price which can be easily accessed in terms of switching him in which is another huge plus with managers who have limited moves and transfer to get their players in.
At 0% owned Silva makes an attractive differential, important to give us managers massive jolts of rank gain if they perform well enough.
So who is Rafa Silva? The 28-year-old Portuguese, arguably in his prime, is going into his 6th season with Portuguese giants Benfica.
Let’s take a look firstly at what positions Silva can play
You can see that Silva can play in 7 different positions and 4 very strongly, this is a huge show of versatility and also shows he can work any area of the opponent’s half to a good standard.
Let’s take a look at his heat map:
You’ll see large positioning all over the opponent’s half but predominantly attacking from the right-hand side, along with that huge darker red positioning in the opponent’s box, something we look for as fantasy managers when scouting a player.
Let’s take a look now at his number over the last couple of seasons:
Season 18/19 – Played 26 matches, scored 17 goals, created 2 assists = 19 goal contributions in 26 matches.
Season 19/20- Played 25 matches, scored 7 goals, created 5 assists = 12 goal contributions in 25 matches.
Season 20/21- Played 29 matches, scored 5 goals, created 5 assists = 10 goals contributions in 29 matches.
This current season looks to be statistically impressive for Rafa Silva, 10 matches played in his domestic league this season, scoring 5 goals and creating 3 assists leading to 8 attacking returns in 10 matches so far, very impressive.
Silva has a great fixture in a scoring team needing a win to qualify, his form this season suggests he could be a great pick for UCL MD6.
Further Read: UCL Fantasy | MD6 | Differentials To Consider Ahead of Tuesday’s Deadline
Marco Reus
Team: Dortmund
Cost: 8.1 million
Ownership: 2%
Another newcomer for matchday 6 Reus simply has to be considered for the match ahead.
Dortmund have always been a team to fear in attack and now with the return of Haaaland the fear factor magnifies even more, with Haaland ahead of Reus the potential is already there for returns.
In their last 10 matches Dortmund have won 6 and lost 4 , showing pretty good form in all competitions in that same period.
Focusing on their goal scoring , 18 goals scored in the last 10 matches for Dortmund with an average of 1.8 goals scored per match which is decent enough, weirdly the same amount as the previous 10 games before that when they had Haaland playing.
With all of the above already in mind Dortmund go up against Besiktas next. A team with frightening form and not in a good way. In their last 10 matches Besiktas have lost 8 matches with only 2 wins , hugely promising for Dortmund attacking assets.
Defensively Besiktas have struggled to say the least. In the same 10 match period as above they’ve conceded a whopping 23 goals , averaging 2.3 goals conceded per match which is the worst in the entire UCL competition amongst teams, a huge indication that Dortmund have massive potential.
In the UCL Besiktas have played 5 matches and lost all of them whilst conceding a huge 14 goals in that same period.
The 32 year old German has stayed loyal to Dortmund when many clubs , some of the best in Europe were interested in bringing the German in. Reus playing his 9th domestic campaign and 7th UCL campaign has the experience and talent to help Dortmund get the job done in matchday 6.
In terms of his positioning let’s take a look:
Quite a bizarre heat map, the type of heat map that you rarely see in these articles and that’s due to the sheer ground Reus covers in the opponents half. Playing all positions, left, right and central Reus attacks the opponent from every direction, seeking out weaknesses in the opponent, very impressive for a 32 year old.
This season playing 12 matches domestically Reus has managed to score 4 goals and create 4 assists, 8 attacking returns in 12 matches, very good.
With arguably the best fixture ahead for Dortmund, the return of their star man and the form of Reus, the German has everything to make him a top pick for UCL matchday 6.
Further Read: UCL Fantasy | MD6 | Differentials To Consider Ahead of Tuesday’s Deadline
TOP forward picks for UCL Fantasy Matchday 6
PSG
A small section specifically on PSG here. What’s worth noting is that they don’t have very good in-game options in the midfield bracket, that said the focus is on the forwards because the options are brilliant.
PSG have dominated French football for years excluding the odd year, giants in France and now holding a huge reputation as constant favourites in the champions league, however failing to win it every year.
This season they drew Man City in their groups which set up to look like an epic battle for top spot, after some fantastic matches Man City nabbed it, PSG now lay in second place , they can’t drop and they can rise , their stuck in second until the last round of 16.
Their form in the last 10 matches in all competitions is strong , 6 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss, that one loss being against Man City. Decent form.
In terms of scoring, 19 goals in their last 10 matches, averaging 1.9 goals per match which is ok , especially when you take into account their matchday 6 opponent.
PSG play Club Brugge in the last set of matches , winning 4 , drawing 2 , and losing 3. This doesn’t seem bad but when loosing into their UCL form they played 5 , lost 3, 1 win and 1 draw.
Defensively very poor Club Brugge have conceded a whopping 25 goals in their last 10 matches , up their with the likes of Besiktas for having the poorest defensive form and a huge target on their backs in terms of buying into attacking assets who play against. That’s also reflected in their UCL matches with another 16 goals conceded in the 5 matches played, definitely a fixture to target if there was one.
Two huge options stand out, arguably the best player that had ever lived in the game, and another player many have labelled one of the best in the world currently.
What’s important is financially doubling up on them will be very difficult indeed but could have huge reward especially when considering their opponent. Let’s take a look at both.
Kylian Mbappe
Cost: 10.8 million
Ownership: 16%
Immediately the price you’ll see is lower than a few other premium options in the game which makes it easier to potentially drop down to for an easy 1 transfer move.
The once 17 year old Mbappe really started to show his true quality in his second season with Monaco in the Ligue 1 in France, where he played 29 matches , scored 15 goals , created 8 assists , accumulating to 23 goal contributions in 29 matches, already showing early signs of world class at 17 years old, crazy numbers for his age.
After that fantastic season at Monaco PSG just had to bring him in and since the his numbers and output have really shone, let’s take a look at his career so far:
- Season 17/18- Played 28 games, scored 13 goals, created 8 assists, accumulating to 21 goal contributions in 28 matches.
- Season 18/19-Played 29 games, scored 33 goals, created 7 assists, accumulating to 40 goal contributions in 29 matches, absolutely phenomenal.
- Season 19/20- Played 20 games, scored 18 goals, created 5 assists, accumulating to 23 goal contributions in 20 matches, again more attacking returns compared to games played.
- Season 20/21- Played 31 matches, scored 27 goals, created 7 assists, accumulating to 34 goal contributions in 31 matches, amazing consistency.
This season that world class form has continued, playing 15 matches, scoring 7 goals and creating 7 assists, 14 goal contributions in 15 matches.
His form in the UCL is no different, the young Frenchman has played 5 matches and scored or assisted in every single one of them, 5 attacking returns in 5 matches.
For me an easy buy if he’s on the early lineup for PSG. His form is relentless and has been season after season, with rumours he’ll me leaving to Real Madrid in the near future he’ll be looking to impress now more than ever, a great fixture ahead and for that reason has to be considered.
Messi
Cost: 11.3 million
Ownership: 16%
The best player that’s ever lived some would argue, relentless on both consistency and surprises. Some of the things he can do with a football most players can only dream of.
Messi left Barcelona, after over a decade and he landed himself with the French giants PSG, one of the few clubs who could afford his wages in football.
To give just a small fraction of how good Messi has been whilst in his 30’s, arguably the age in which the decline of peak form begins let’s go through his last few seasons numbers at Barcelona:
- Season 17/18- Played 36 matches, scored 34 goals, created 12 assists combining to 48 goal contributions in 36 matches, wow.
- Season 18/19- Played 34 matches, scored 36 goals, created 13 assists combining to 47 goal contributions in 34 matches , again simply incredible.
- Season 19-20- Played 33 matches, scored 25 goals , created 21 assists combining to 46 goal contributions in 33 matches, amazing consistency.
Now at PSG Messi has played 8 matches domestically, scored 1 and assisted 3 goals. Add that to the 4 matches played and 3 goals scored in the UCL so far and that’s 12 matches played with 7 attacking returns, a very solid start by the 34 year old.
With recent form and a brilliant 7th Balon D’or award Messi goes into matchday 6 with huge confidence and form, a hugely attractive pick for the fixture ahead.
Further Read: UCL Fantasy | MD6 | Differentials To Consider Ahead of Tuesday’s Deadline
Erling Haaland
Team: Dortmund
Cost: 11 million
Ownership: 25%
A big return to the article for Norwegian striker Haaland. After a long time out due to injury he’ll be looking to make an instant impact in matchday 6.
Haaland’s ownership suggests that he’s highly owned however due to being injured for weeks this could even be a representation of the percentage of the game that aren’t actively playing and for that reason could be a great differential amongst the most active players in the game.
A reminder in the Dortmund form , in the last 10 matches, 5 wins and 5 losses for the Germans so not fantastic but also enough to keep them 2nd in the domestic league behind rivals Bayern.
In terms of goals the Dortmund side have managed to score 18 goals in their last 10 in all competitions, 1.8 goals scored per match on average and that’s without having star man Haaland for the majority of those games.
A huge factor in Haaland making those teams for matchday 6 is the upcoming opponent. As already discussed in the article earlier Besiktas in the last 10 have lost 8 matches and only won 2 , hugely poor form and one of the worst amongst the champions league teams, that form is also reflective in their champions league form where they have lost 5/5 of their matches played, another showing of how poor they are.
Defensively it only gets worse for Besiktas and better for Haaland’s potential. In their last 10 matches they’ve conceded a massive 23 goals , that’s 2.3 goals conceded on average per match and in the UCL another 14 goals concede in 5 matches , 2.8 goals per match conceded, again a massive show of potential for attacking returns.
At 21 years old now Haaland feels like a household name within the Europe elite of players. Already a wanted man by the top teams in Europe Haaland continues to impress, let’s take a look at some of the numbers he’s been posting domestically:
Season 19/20- Played 15 matches, scored 13 goals , created 2 assists combining to 15 goal contributions in 15 matches, already an impressive start to his top level career.
Season 20/21- Played 28 matches, scored 27 goals, created 6 assists , accumulating to 33 attacking returns in 28 games, truly coming into fantastic form during his second season.
This season with 8 domestic games under his belt he’s already notched up 11 goals and 3 assists , 14 goal contributions in 8 matches , an amazing start to the season.
Haaland is also a great first day captaincy option, a vital part of a matchday point total and another vital factor in picking players for your team.
With great form and the perfect fixture Haaland’s potential could be sky high and for that reason has to be considered for matchday 6.
Further Read: UCL Fantasy | MD6 | Differentials To Consider Ahead of Tuesday’s Deadline
Paulo Dybala
Team: Juventus
Cost: 9.2 million
Ownership: 2%
A new entry with Dybala and a really nice one. At 9.2 million the Juventus main man comes in at a price that’s easy to access, we also have to take into account that he’s far cheaper than a lot of the other heavy hitters in this forward bracket when arguably this match could outscore them all.
At 2% his ownership is telling, a differential which is clear, a great way to boost rank and a player definitely being over looked.
Juventus are qualified already with Chelsea and battle it out in separate matches to decide who gains control of the group, this is hugely important as we know in theory whoever wins the group has the easier opponent in the round of the last 16, both teams will be looking to win well.
5 wins, 1 draw and 4 losses in the last 10 matches for Juventus which isn’t bad considering they’ve had a few injuries to key players in the team, separately in the UCL played 5 and won 4, showing great form in Europe.
In terms of goals in all competitions in their last 10 , just 13 goals scored in that time with a 1.3 goals scored per match average, not bad. In the UCL another 9 goals scored in the 5 matches played.
The opponent next up for Juventus is a key factor in why Dybala makes the top picks. Malmo, a team that have only lost 2 in all competitions but in the UCL after playing 5 , lost 4 and drew 1, very poor form in Europe.
Goals conceded in all competitions have been ok to , just 11 with a 1.1 goals conceded per match average in the last 10 matches but then again when you take into the fact that in the UCL they conceded 13 goals, 2.6 goals conceded per game it shows they are a team to target , even more so when playing away from home where they conceded 8 goals in the 2 matches played. A team to target for sure.
Dybala , a player that’s stayed loyal to Juventus when many different teams have been interested in the Argentinian talent season after season. Coming into his 7th season now and arguably coming towards his peak age let’s take a look at what he’s done in terms of numbers over the last few seasons:
- Season 17/18 Played 33 matches , scored 22 goals , assisted 5 = 27 attacking returns in 33 matches.
- Season 18/19 Played 30 matches, scored 5 goals, created 4 assists = 9 attacking returns in 30 matches.
- Season 19/20 Played 33 matches, scored 11 goals, created 6 assists = 17 attacking returns in 33 matches.
- Season 20/21 Played 20 matches, scored 4 goals , created 3 assists = 7 attacking returns in 20 matches.
This season so far after playing 11 matches domestically he’s scored 4 goals and created 3 assists, 7 goal contributions in 11, very good.
Despite not always posting consistently good stats Dybala comes up against a very poor side when playing in Europe, also on penalties he gives you that nice extra route to points. Playing at home and looking to win the group , Dybala who has missed half of the UCL campaign due to injury will be itching to get back to top form , and where better than here.
Further Read: UCL Fantasy | MD6 | Differentials To Consider Ahead of Tuesday’s Deadline
Duvan Zapata
Team: Atalanta
Cost: 9.8 million
Ownership: 1%
Zapata continues to prove to be a great option in UCL fantasy for owners matchday in matchday out.
We can already see at a really low ownership of 1% that Zapata is floating way under the radar and becomes a fantastic differential going into the final game if the group stage.
We saw in recent articles that although Atalanta own some great players they were lack consistency in their game. Now in the last 10 matches they remain unbeaten with 6 wins and 4 draws under their belt showing top consistency which has seen them catch up to within striking distant if the top teams in Serie A, the domestic Italian league.
With consistency comes goals, 26 scored within that 10 matches period showing an elite average of 2.6 goals scored per match, catching up to the top clubs in Europe over the last few articles, a really impressive average actually and one that can’t be if ignored.
In the UCL that form also continues to improve with 1 win, 1 loss and 3 draws, playing in a very tough group with both Man United and Villarreal, not forgetting free scoring new comers Young Boys. Atalanta in that same 5 matches have also scored 10 goals, 2 goals scored per match on average.
Atalanta go onto play Villarreal in matchday 6 knowing a win will see either team qualify. Villarreal in the last 10 matches show huge inconsistency, losing 5, drawing 2 and winning 3, not a bad time to play then for the Italians.
Defensively as inconsistent as their results, 14 goals conceded in their last 10 matches.
In terms of Villarreal in the champions league they’ve played 5, won 2, lost 2 and drawn 1, another showing of inconsistency and you never quite know what you’ll get from them. With 7 goals conceded in the 5 played and a 2-2 thriller last time the teams matched up , buying into the match with attacking assets feels wise.
Since joining Atalanta in the 18/19 season from Sampdoria the Columbian talent seems to be playing at the peak of his career, check out his numbers:
- Season 18/19 Played 37 matches, scored 23 goals and created 7 assists = 30 goal contributions in 37 games.
- Season 19/20 Played 28 matches, scored 18 goals and created 6 assists = 24 goal contributions in 28 games.
- Season 20/21 Played 37 matches, scoring 15 goals and creating 9 assists = 24 goal contributions in 37 matches.
That solid consistency continues this season domestically with 13 matches played, 9 goals and 4 assists seeing him tally 13 attacking returns in 13 matches which is fantastic form. We see that stat matches in his UCL form with 5 matches played, 2 goals and 3 assists, the same amount of returns as games played.
Against and inconsistent opponent , unbelievable form and playing in a must not lose match the Colombian becomes a top pick for matchday 6.
Thats all of my top picks for matchday 6, their are however some key players injuries that we must monitor like Benzema , Danjuma, and Okafor of which many people own within the fantasy community, I’ll keep up to date with these using my Twitter account (@FPLReaction)
Let’s jump into the next part.
UCL Fantasy MD6 Limitless draft
For those clever players that still hold their limitless chip i can be completely honest and say I’m very jealous.
This is a new feature where I build you a limitless draft based on my article of top picks above.
Let’s see what it looks like ⬇️
UCL Fantasy MD6 Wildcard Draft
For those that still have their wildcard and want to attack the remaining fixtures with players most likely to play and with great fixtures take a look below ⬇️
So that’s it guys, Until the last round of 16 , thank you again for taking the time to read this, good luck in matchday 6.
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Louis Roberts
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