NMA - UCL MD-6 Player Picks

11 Dec 2023
Goalkeepers Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Aaron Ramsdale

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Arsenal’s early MD-6 game offers two key advantages for Aaron Ramsdale in UCL Fantasy: The early kickoff provides confirmed lineups before the deadline (followed by swift substitutions if needed). With Arsenal securing the group win, Ramsdale’s expected start, a favorable opponent in PSV Eindhoven, and Arsenal’s strong defense make him a compelling choice for fantasy managers. The added benefit of lineup visibility reinforces Ramsdale’s appeal (unless you already have Sommer below).

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Yann Sommer

Approaching Champions League MD-6, Inter’s Yann Sommer emerges as a top fantasy keeper pick. Inter’s need for victory against Real Sociedad motivates them to field a strong lineup, including Sommer. With an impressive defensive record of nine clean sheets in 14 Serie A matches, Inter has the potential to thwart Sociedad’s scoring efforts, especially if they adopt a defensive strategy.

Playing on the first day provides a strategic advantage, allowing managers flexibility to substitute Sommer if needed. At a cost-effective price of £4.5 million, Sommer enables budget flexibility for high-potential player investments.

In conclusion, Sommer’s involvement in a must-win match, Inter’s defensive strength, his individual capabilities, and the advantageous schedule on the first day make him a compelling choice for your UCL Fantasy MD-6 squad (unless you already have Ramsdale above).

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Gregor Kobel (€5m)

Every fantasy roster should have a Wednesday keeper, and Kobel has several bonuses: His match kicks off in the earlier time slot that day, so we can see him in the confirmed lineups before our substitution deadline.

With three clean sheets and a PK save, he’s the top earner among keepers in UCL Fantasy so far this season. Plus his Dortmund side needs a result, and he plays at home against a Paris side that has lost both of its previous road matches in this tournament. Caveat: PSG has not yet been blanked either, so let’s hope Tuesday’s keeper gets the job done.

UCL - Figure 2
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Defenders Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

Joao Cancelo

Barcelona’s solid defense, coupled with Cancelo’s proven attacking threat and recent stellar performance in MD-5 makes him a must-have for UCL Fantasy. His international contributions and improving form further strengthen the case. Caveat: Though Barcelona faces struggling Antwerp, 1st in group is virtually assured already.

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Kieran Trippier (€6m)

Newcastle needs a win, so top players will start and spend themselves. With top-notch defensive stats, and having already shut out Milan in Italy, they now welcome the Italian side to wind-swept St James’ Park in December, and it might rain.

Kieran Trippier (€6m), a creative force, leads Premier League defenders in various stats and boasts seven assists. His heatmap reflects promising positioning, especially for crosses. Trippier’s likely start, creativity, and set-piece skills make him a standout choice for UCL MD-6.

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Federico Dimarco

Inter must win MD-6 for top group placement, possibly starting Federico Dimarco due to defensive injuries. Real Sociedad, though tough, struggled in the reverse fixture. Inter’s solid defense, with a back-three system, benefits Dimarco, known for effective attacking contributions. Despite limited starts, Dimarco boasts two goals and four assists, making him a potent UCL Fantasy option.

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Giovanni Di Lorenzo (€5.5m)

Napoli needs a positive result in MD-6, with Giovanni Di Lorenzo (€5.5m) standing out as a reliable option. Despite Napoli’s recent struggles, Di Lorenzo remains consistent in both Serie-A and UCL.

As Napoli’s captain and a fullback, Di Lorenzo offers reliability in game minutes. His attacking prowess is notable, with three goals and four assists in Serie-A last season and an improved performance this season with one goal and four assists in the league and one goal and one assist in UCL.

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Di Lorenzo’s heatmap reveals his attacking nature, spending significant time in the opposition’s half and showing promising positioning in the opponent’s box. The upcoming match against Braga presents a potential clean sheet opportunity, but Di Lorenzo’s significant goal threat makes him a top pick for MD-6.

Midfielders Photo by ANP via Getty Images

Leroy Sane (€9.1m)

Bayern visits Man United for a less than crucial (for Bayern) match after dominating Champions League Group-A. Despite having nothing at stake, the historic matchup and Tuchel’s history against United suggest a competitive approach.

Currently second in the Bundesliga, Bayern, with eight wins in the last ten matches, is poised for goals against a United side needing a win for qualification.

Sane was rested in the last round. He excels in recent UCL campaigns, contributing ten goals and seven assists. His heatmap shows a dynamic attacking presence. Despite rotation risk, Sane remains a top pick for MD-6 against a United side that will go all out.

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Hakim Ziyech (€6.7m)

Galatasaray must win MD-6 to secure second place. The game at Copenhagen, struggling defensively, presents an opportunity. In great form with seven recent attacking returns, Ziyech stands out as a top pick.

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Jude Bellingham (€7.9m)

Coach Ancelotti’s aversion to rotation means that group topper Real Madrid is still worth solid fantasy investment despite having nothing to prove in the final group game. Madrid’s stellar form includes leading La Liga and showcasing a flawless Champions League run with an average of 2.6 goals per game.

Facing struggling Union Berlin (also with nothing left to play for) amplifies Madrid’s attacking potential, led by Jude Bellingham (€7.9m). Bellingham’s seamless adaptation to Real Madrid is evident in his stellar performance, with 17 goals plus six assists this season, including four goals and two assists in four UCL matches.

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Given his outstanding form and crucial role in the attack, Bellingham is a must-have for MD-6.

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João Mário (€7.8m)

Benfica, despite a lackluster Champions League run, has shown resilience, drawing 3-3 against Inter in MD-5. Needing a two-goal win to secure a Europa spot, they face Salzburg, a team vulnerable defensively.

Mário (€7.8m) excelled last season with six goals plus two assists in 10 Champions League matches. His recent hattrick against Inter signals a potential return to form. His versatility and box presence make him an appealing choice.

Heading into a must-win game against Salzburg, Mário’s recent form and goal-scoring potential place him among the top fantasy picks for MD-6.

Caution: There’s also a Porto defender with the same name, so choose carefully.

Forwards Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images

Kylian Mbappe (€11.5m)

PSG visits Dortmund for a critical MD-6 battle for qualification and top spot after a challenging group stage. Despite European setbacks, the Parisians have navigated the ‘Group of Death’ and possess untapped quality, with Mbappe leading their stellar form.

Inconsistent lately, Dortmund hosts a PSG side that has won eight of ten matches, averaging 2.7 goals per game.

Mbappe, renowned for consistency, contributed 34 returns in 34 matches last season and excelled in the Champions League. This season, with 15 goals plus two assists in 13 league matches, he’s a penalty-taking asset and a top pick for MD-6.

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Julian Alvarez

Given Haaland’s and Doku’s injuries, we expect Alvarez to lead Man City’s attack in MD-6. The Citizens travel to Belgrade to face Crvena Zvezda in a game that City should win comfortably despite having already locked 1st in group . Caveat: Pep has work to do domestically, so he could yet pull a rabbit out of his rotation hat, but at least we can see his lineup before Wednesday’s substitution deadline — Don’t miss it.

What holes do you have to fill in MD-6? What rotation risks do you carry? Have you pulled the trigger on a chip so you can manage the turbulence? And what questions do you have? Please log in and talk to us in the comments below!

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