UCL Fantasy: Matchday 1 Scout Picks
The Champions League is back, and with it comes the excitement of UCL Fantasy! With a new season comes a fresh slate, and we're here to help you get started with the best picks for Matchday 1.
Goalkeepers
Keylor Navas (PSG, £4.5m): Navas is a solid and experienced goalkeeper with great potential for clean sheets. PSG is likely to dominate possession and create chances, leading to limited opportunities for the opposition to test Navas.
Alisson Becker (Liverpool, £5.0m): Alisson remains a top-tier goalkeeper in the game. While Liverpool might face a tougher test against AC Milan, his clean sheet potential and potential for bonus points make him a worthy investment.
Key Considerations:
- Fixture Difficulty: Look for keepers facing weaker opposition, especially in the early stages of the group stage.
- Home Advantage: Home teams tend to concede fewer goals.
- Value: You might want to consider budget-friendly keepers like Navas, who can free up funds for attacking players.
Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool, £7.0m): One of the most attacking full-backs in the world, Alexander-Arnold is a reliable source of points through assists, clean sheets, and bonus points.
Achraf Hakimi (PSG, £6.5m): Hakimi is another attacking full-back who provides a consistent threat both defensively and offensively. He is likely to provide assists and clean sheets, making him a valuable asset.
Key Considerations:
- Attacking Potential: Look for defenders who can provide attacking threat with assists, goals, and bonus points.
- Clean Sheet Potential: Choose defenders playing for teams with strong defenses and favorable fixtures.
- Value: Consider budget-friendly options like Andrew Robertson (£6.5m) or Joao Cancelo (£7.0m) who can offer similar attacking potential.
Midfielders
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City, £11.0m): De Bruyne is arguably the best midfielder in the world and consistently delivers high scores in Fantasy. He offers a combination of goals, assists, and bonus points.
Bernardo Silva (Manchester City, £8.5m): Silva is a highly creative midfielder who can provide assists and goals while also contributing to clean sheets.
Key Considerations:
- Goal Threat: Look for midfielders who can score goals and provide assists.
- Set Piece Takers: Players who take free kicks and penalties can provide valuable bonus points.
- Value: Players like Phil Foden (£8.0m) and Mason Mount (£7.5m) can offer good value for money.
Forwards
Erling Haaland (Manchester City, £12.0m): Haaland is a prolific goal scorer and the most expensive player in the game. His ability to find the back of the net makes him a guaranteed source of points.
Kylian Mbappé (PSG, £11.5m): Mbappé is another prolific goalscorer and a dynamic attacking threat. He offers excellent goal scoring potential and a high ceiling for points.
Key Considerations:
- Goal Scoring Potential: Choose strikers who have a proven track record of finding the net.
- Fixture Difficulty: Look for strikers facing weaker defenses.
- Value: Consider budget-friendly forwards like Dusan Vlahovic (£9.5m) or Lautaro Martinez (£9.0m) who can offer good value for their price.
Captaincy Choice
Erling Haaland (Manchester City, £12.0m): Haaland has the potential to be a game-changer with his goal scoring prowess and favorable fixture.
Kylian Mbappé (PSG, £11.5m): Mbappé's pace and ability to create chances makes him a strong captaincy choice.
Key Considerations:
- Form: Choose players who are in good form and have scored goals in recent matches.
- Fixture: Look for captains who are playing against weaker opposition.
- Home Advantage: Players playing at home tend to perform better and are more likely to score.
Remember, this is just a starting point. Do your research and consider your own team's needs and budget. Good luck!
