UCL Fantasy MD3 Player Picks
· Yahoo Sports
Picking the right players is important in UEFA Champions League Fantasy, as a few good performances can make a big difference to your points. Managers will be hoping to find players who can deliver goals, assists and clean sheets in Matchday 3.
The previous round saw 78 goals scored across 18 matches, with Bradley Barcola topping the Fantasy points chart with 20 points after scoring a hat-trick. Ross Barkley also had an impressive outing, earning 18 points for Aston Villa.
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With another round of matches coming up, managers should look at recent form, playing time and the strength of each opponent before making their choices. Here are our top player picks for Champions League Fantasy Matchday 3.
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig)
The Belgian goalkeeper is a strong option for Real Madrid’s home game against RB Leipzig. He has made 11 saves in the opening two rounds of the Champions League, showing that he can earn Fantasy points through his shot-stopping ability even when his team struggles to keep a clean sheet. Real Madrid have not kept a clean sheet in the competition this season, but Courtois could still deliver a useful return if he makes several saves against 21st-placed RB Leipzig.
Defenders
Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona)
The Moroccan right-back offers attacking potential through his pace and forward runs, allowing him to support the attack and create chances in the final third. However, Barcelona’s attacking quality makes this a difficult fixture for PSG, so Hakimi’s clean-sheet potential is limited.
His attacking contributions could still earn him Fantasy points, but managers should weigh that potential against the risk of PSG conceding.
Matty Cash (Aston Villa vs Viking)
The Polish full-back could be a useful option for Aston Villa’s home meeting with Viking. The Norwegian side will travel to England for the fixture, giving Villa an opportunity to take control at home.
Cash’s runs down the right could provide attacking returns, while Villa’s home advantage gives him a chance to collect points through defensive contributions and a potential clean sheet.
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool vs Villarreal)
Liverpool’s captain offers defensive strength and a threat from corners and free kicks. Villarreal can pose problems going forward, so a clean sheet is not guaranteed, but playing at Anfield could work in Van Dijk’s favour.
His aerial ability also gives him a chance to score, making him an option for Fantasy managers looking for a defender who can contribute at both ends of the pitch.
Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City vs AEK Athens)
The Croatian defender came off the bench in Manchester City’s 3-2 win over Ipswich Town. AEK Athens are next to visit City, giving the hosts an opportunity to control the game and challenge for a clean sheet.
Gvardiol can also support attacks, but his recent substitute appearance raises questions about his starting place, so Fantasy managers should check the latest team news before selecting him.
Midfielders
Lamine Yamal (Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona)
The Barcelona youngster is one of the standout midfield options for Matchday 3 after providing two assists against Galatasaray and earning 11 Fantasy points. His creativity and ability to beat defenders make him a valuable attacking option, particularly when Barcelona look to create chances in the final third.
Barcelona also scored five goals in their 5-2 LaLiga victory over Real Betis at the weekend, underlining their attacking threat. The trip to Paris Saint-Germain will be more challenging, but Yamal’s ability to create opportunities for his teammates makes him worth considering.
Johan Manzambi (Aston Villa vs Viking)
Manzambi could be an interesting option following his recent attacking contributions. He scored in Aston Villa’s 6-0 Champions League victory over Fenerbahce and has continued to show his ability to make an impact in the final third.
Villa also benefited from his goal in their recent 1-0 Premier League win over Newcastle United. With Viking next on the schedule, his attacking involvement could make him a useful alternative for Fantasy managers.
Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich vs Arsenal)
The Colombian winger brings pace, direct running and the ability to take on defenders in one-on-one situations, making him a threat in the final third. Bayern Munich will be without Michael Olise, who is suspended for the match, which could see head coach Vincent Kompany start Lennart Karl alongside Luis Díaz, Ismael Saibari and Harry Kane in attack.
Diaz arrives in strong form after scoring a hat-trick and providing an assist in Bayern’s 6-1 Bundesliga win over RB Leipzig. However, Arsenal have kept clean sheets in their first two Champions League matches, so this will be a tougher test. Even so, Diaz’s recent performance and increased attacking responsibility make him worth considering for Fantasy managers.
Forwards
Erling Haaland (Manchester City vs AEK Athens)
Manchester City’s Norwegian striker remains one of the most attractive forward options for Matchday 3. He scored twice against PSG in the previous round and became the fastest player to reach 60 goals in Champions League history.
Haaland also scored twice in City’s 3-2 Premier League win over Ipswich Town, taking his non-penalty Premier League goal tally to 100. However, he picked up a knock to his foot and ankle during that match.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s meeting with AEK Athens, manager Enzo Maresca offered a positive update, saying Haaland had improved but would need to be assessed in training before a final decision on his availability. He remains a doubt, so Fantasy managers should check the latest team news before making him captain.
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig)
The French forward has scored in both of his Champions League appearances this season, taking his tally to two goals in the league phase. His pace, movement and finishing ability make him a constant threat in front of goal,and Real Madrid will look to him for inspiration against Leipzig.
Mbappe also scored twice in Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Sevilla at the weekend. His recent form across both competitions makes him a good option for Fantasy managers looking for a reliable source of attacking points.
Donyell Malen (Roma vs Slovan Bratislava)
The Dutch striker caught the eye in Matchday 2 by scoring twice against Real Madrid. He has also scored eight goals in eight appearances across all competitions this season, underlining his strong form in front of goal.
Roma have scored four goals across their first two league-phase matches, with Malen involved in three of them. Slovan Bratislava have conceded nine goals in their opening two Champions League fixtures, which could give him opportunities to find the net again.