NMA - UCL MD-2 Fantasy Player Picks

The 2024-25 UEFA Champions League season kicked off with plenty of drama and excitement, marking an exhilarating start for UCL Fantasy managers. MD-1 saw jaw-dropping performances from players across all positions, giving fantasy managers much to ponder when building their teams for the upcoming rounds.

Goalkeepers David Raya (€5.5m) – Arsenal

David Raya was a standout between the sticks for Arsenal, racking up 11 points with a heroic performance. Arsenal’s 0-0 draw against Atalanta saw Raya pull off a stunning double penalty save, securing a clean sheet and rewarding fantasy managers handsomely.

At €5.5m, Raya offers immense value, especially with his ability to make critical saves. His penalty heroics and clean sheet make him one of the top goalkeeper picks for upcoming rounds, and his ownership is set to rise as managers scramble for reliable stoppers.

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Łukasz Skorupski (€4.5m) – Bologna

Another goalkeeper who matched Raya’s feat is Bologna’s Łukasz Skorupski, who also earned 11 points. Skorupski was instrumental in his team’s 0-0 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk, pulling off a penalty save and keeping a clean sheet.

While he may be a less popular pick than Raya, Skorupski’s budget-friendly price of €4.5m makes him a fantastic enabler option, perfect for managers looking to free up funds for other areas of their squads while still getting a solid return from their goalkeeper.

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Other Notable Goalkeeper Performances

Though Raya and Skorupski grabbed the headlines, Gregor Kobel (€5.0m) of Dortmund also impressed with 7 points.

He secured a clean sheet and made five crucial saves in Dortmund’s 3-0 victory over Club Brugge. For managers seeking consistency and value, Kobel offers another reliable option for upcoming fixtures.

Defenders Filip Panák (€4.0m) – Sparta Praha

One of the biggest surprises of MD-1 was Filip Panák, who accumulated a stunning 14 points. His all-round performance in Sparta Praha’s 3-0 win over Salzburg saw him earn a clean sheet, provide an assist, and contribute six ball recoveries.

To top it off, Panák was named Player of the Match. At a bargain price of €4.0m, he is undoubtedly the top budget defender pick. Panák’s low price and impressive point return make him a must-have for managers seeking a solid defender with attacking potential.

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Jeremie Frimpong (€5.5m) & Alejandro Grimaldo (€5.5m) – Bayer Leverkusen

Leverkusen’s fullbacks Frimpong & Grimaldo were instrumental in the team’s 4-0 demolition of Feyenoord. Both defenders showcased their attacking prowess while keeping a clean sheet, each earning 12 points. Their ability to rack up returns at both ends makes them two of the most dangerous defenders in the competition.

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Premium Defenders Deliver

High-priced defenders such as William Saliba (€5.5m) of Arsenal, Achraf Hakimi (€5.5m) of Paris Saint-Germain, and Antonio Rüdiger (€6.0m) of Real Madrid also delivered solid performances, earning 7-9 points each.

These premium defenders rewarded managers who opted for the big names, combining clean sheets with attacking potential. As high-ownership players, they remain essential picks ahead of MD-2.

Midfielders Florian Wirtz (€7.5m) – Bayer Leverkusen

Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz was the star midfielder of MD-1, delivering an outstanding 18 points. Wirtz was a creative force, scoring a goal and providing two assists in Leverkusen’s dominant 4-0 win over Feyenoord.

His ability to pull the strings in attack, coupled with his knack for finding the back of the net, makes Wirtz an invaluable asset. At €7.5m and a game against AC Milan in MD-2, Wirtz will make a great midfield pick.

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Bayern’s Midfield Trio

Bayern’s midfielders also stole the show during MD-1. Michael Olise (€6.5m) scored twice on his UCL debut, tallying 13 points, while Joshua Kimmich (€6.0m) provided three assists, earning 12.

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Jamal Musiala (€9.0m) chipped in with 9 points, rewarding his loyal owners with two assists. Bayern’s midfield offers a plethora of options for managers, with each player having the potential to deliver big returns.

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Phil Foden (€9.0m)

Foden of Man City is another player worth considering for MD-2 when City visits Bratislava. He might come as a surprise since he hasn’t featured much so far this season, but I’m confident that Pep Guardiola will give him a start this week as City needs creativity in the absence of De Brunye. Owned by just 7% of managers, Foden will be a differential.

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Lamine Yamal (€7.5m)

Yamal is another great midfielder pick for MD-2 as he has 8 points, a goal and a home game against Young Boys. After Barcelona’s shock opening defeat, the Spanish club will look to talisman Yamal to get them a first win of their UCL campaign.

Forwards Harry Kane (€10.5m) – Bayern Munich

Kane was in unstoppable form during Bayern’s 9-2 rout of Dinamo Zagreb, scoring four goals and racking up a colossal 21 points. Three of his four goals came from penalties, underscoring the importance of selecting penalty-takers in UCL Fantasy.

Kane’s ability to score consistently, combined with his role as Bayern’s go-to forward, makes him an essential pick for every fantasy manager. His ownership is likely to skyrocket after that performance, and managers will be watching closely to see if he can maintain this blistering form throughout the group stage.

However, Kane picked limped out of Bayern’s bundesliga game against Leverkusen. While he avoided serious injury, whether he will be fit enough to start Wednesday remains uncertain.

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Erling Haaland (€11m)

A rather popular pick for MD-2 is Erling Haaland visiting pot-4 club Bratislava. Haaland is a goal machine who can score multiple goals against any team, so he will probably be among the goals. He is even a leading captain candidate.

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Other Notable Forward Picks

While Kane stole the spotlight, other forwards also made notable contributions:

Antoine Griezmann (€9.0m): Griezmann earned 13 points with a goal and an assist in Atlético’s win over RB Leipzig. His play-making ability and clinical finishing make him a strong forward pick for managers who want a consistent goal threat. Kenan Yıldız (€6.5m): The Juventus forward scored a goal and earned 10 points, offering a budget-friendly option for those seeking a forward to free up funds elsewhere.

Budget-friendly forwards like Nicolás González (€5.0m), Victor Olatunji (€5.0m), and George Ilenikhena (€5.0m) also found the net during MD-1, making them intriguing choices for fantasy managers looking for low-cost attacking options.

The opening round of the UCL Fantasy season set a high bar. Whose form will withstand this week’s fixtures? In which fixtures are you investing? Making bold moves and balancing high ownership players with differentials will be key to climbing the rankings. Who are you selling? Who are you buying? Please log in and tell us in the comments.

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