UEFA Champions League Fantasy Tips: Matchday 2 Preview and Lineup Analysis
As we gear up for Matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League, it is time to analyze our fantasy squad and make some strategic choices to maximize our points. In this blog, I have broken down my team to discuss the key matchups, players to watch, and why Leroy Sane deserves to wear the captain's armband.
Goalkeeper
Dmytro Riznyk (Shakhtar Donetsk) vs. Antwerp
Antwerp has not been the most prolific attacking team recently, failing to score in any of their last four games. With the team struggling to find the back of the net, Riznyk's chances of securing a clean sheet are increased.
Defenders
Joao Cancelo (Barcelona) vs. Porto
Joao Cancelo is renowned for his attacking prowess from the full-back position. He often gets involved in Barcelona's offensive plays, and has been contributing with assists and goals in his last few games. Additionally, Cancelo's ability to deliver quality set-pieces can also lead to assists from corners or free-kicks, making him a double threat.
Manuel Akanji (Manchester City) vs. RB Leipzig
Akanji is a key figure in Manchester City's defense that regularly features under their rotation concerned manager. The Swiss international's defensive contributions, such as tackles and interceptions, can earn him bonus fantasy points in addition to clean sheets which Pep Guardiola's side is known to keep.
Amar Dedic (RB Salzburg) vs. Real Sociedad
Playing at home gives RB Salzburg a huge boost, and theywill be aiming to capitalize on this advantage against Real Sociedad. With a clean sheet already under his belt, Amar Dedic, as a defender, can also be a goal-scoring threat from set-pieces and during attacking phases. This adds an extra dimension to his fantasy value.
Midfielders
Calvin Stengs (PSV) vs. Atletico Madrid
Calvin Stengs is the focal point of attack for PSV, capable of providing assists and creating goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. He already has three goals and five assists in nine matches for PSV this season, including a goal in Matchday 1 and will be a favorite to do so again against an inconsistent Atletico Madrid side. Plus he is a very good differential option to set your fantasy team apart from others.
Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich) vs. FC Copenhagen [Captain]
Being in red-hot form, Leroy Sane's exceptional pace and dribbling skills will make him a constant threat down the wing against FC Copenhagen. With six goals in eight games this season for his club, Sane's goal-scoring ability makes him a valuable asset. He is capable of finding the back of the net, which is essential for midfielders in fantasy football. A fixture against an easy opponent makes him the preferred captain option.
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) vs. Napoli
Does anything more need to be said? Bellingham has been Real Madrid's main man this season by consistently showing his ability to score goals at the right time. With seven goals and two assists from center midfield, he is a must-have for this season's UEFA Champions League fantasy.
Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan) vs. SL Benfica
Marcus Thuram's versatility is a bonus to his fantasy value. He can be a winger or even a forward, depending on the team's formation. The Frenchman has two goals and six assists this season for Inter Milan and his ability to provide assists goals, combined with his attacking prowess, makes him a potential source of fantasy points.
Forwards
Erling Haaland (Manchester City) vs. RB Leipzig
While Erling Haaland is the most prolific goal-scorer in European football currently, he has fond memories of RB Leipzig scoring five goals against them in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 last season. His clinical finishing ability makes him a constant threat to find the back of the net. Couple that with Manchester City's offensive firepower and you get an irreplaceable fantasy pick. Despite not scoring on Matchday 1, Haaland's eight goals in seven Premier League appearances this season set the stage for a goal fest against RB Leipzig.
Robert Lewandowski (FC Barcelona) vs. FC Porto
Robert Lewandowski has consistently been among the top goal-scorers in the UEFA Champions League and his ability to score goals in various situations makes him a reliable fantasy asset. Trusted with penalty-taking duties, he also offers an additional source of fantasy points. Barcelona scored five in their opening group game against Royal Antwerp with Lewandowski being on the scoresheet and more of the same will be expected against FC Porto.
Victor Osimhen (Napoli) vs. Real Madrid
Despite the recent controversy, Osimhen is back amongst the goals for Napoli and playing at home, the side will look to exploit their home-field advantage against Real Madrid. His presence in the attack can be pivotal against a fragile Real Madrid defence. Having provided an assist in the first game, he will be hungry to open his scoring account for this season in Europe's premier competition.