UCL Fantasy Matchday 7: Scout Picks

Please note that these selections apply separately for the upcoming match day. UCL Fantasy also allows manual substitutions from calendar day to calendar day, so we want a strong squad of fifteen and not just a starting eleven with unusable bench fodder.

GOALKEEPS

The goalkeeping pool looks quite thin on Tuesday, with very few sides offering strong clean sheet potential. That makes a cheaper option worth considering, and here’s why Vanja Milinković-Savić (€ 4.1 million) comes into the picture. The Napoli stopper has kept four clean sheets in the last six games and now faces Copenhagen, a match that offers plenty of encouragement.

Wednesday also does not offer many striking options, but that of Atalanta Marco Carnesecchi (€4.8 million) could be the best of the bunch. The Italian has helped his side keep three clean sheets in their previous four games and faces a home game against a weak Athletic Club forward line.

DEFENDERS

Alejandro Grimaldo (6.1 million euros) continues to justify its premium price, even if Leverkusen remains unpredictable. The attacking full-back has scored at least nine points in each of his last three appearances and can already score nine attacking goals from 12 Bundesliga matches this season.

Juventus also deserves attention at the back. Three clean sheets in their last four league matches indicate improved defensive solidity, and a home encounter with Benfica adds to the appeal. For minute security, Pierre Over (€4.5 million) stands out as their most reliable option.

Newcastle also stands out on its own field. Three clean sheets in the first six games is encouraging, and then they play PSV. One of the most reliable routes to the backline is via Malick Thiaw (€4.8 million), who also has a goal threat due to set plays.

Club Brugge has a fantastic opportunity in front of it. Playing in the early kick-off against a woeful Kairat team should provide a platform for their defense to keep a clean sheet. One of the different options you can select is budget choice Joel Ordónez (€4.0 million).

Real Madrid host Monaco on Matchday 7. Los Blancos have been inconsistent from a defensive perspective, but the upcoming match should give them the chance to add another clean sheet to their collection. Dean Huijsen (€4.4 million) is the cheapest and most reliable route to the backline.

MIDFIELDERS

Kenan Yildiz (6.7 million euros) has also attracted attention in Europe, especially during recent rounds. A home match in Italy brings both attacking and defensive advantages, and Yıldız appears to be Juventus’ standout attacking option after scoring in both the fifth and sixth games.

Bayern arrive in strong form, having lost just once in their last ten games, and remain among the league’s top scorers. Michael Olise (€8.2 million) is hard to ignore, with an impressive 19 goals in 17 Bundesliga appearances this season.

Barcelona scores more than two goals per match on average and is then confronted with a shaky defense from Slavia Praha. Of Lamine Yamal suspended, Rafinha (9.3 million euros) seems to be playing the leading role. He comes into the round in red-hot form, with four goals and two assists in his last three games.

There is also a situation to keep an eye on at Chelsea. Cole Palmer is struggling with a thigh problem and could miss the home game against Pafos. If that happens, Enzo Fernandez (6.6 million euros) would likely incur fines. The Argentine already leads all Premier League midfielders in expected goal involvement without penalties, further increasing his appeal.

To enable premium options in the team, we could look at those of Club Brugge Hans Vanaken (€5.3 million). The Belgian team has already proven itself in attack during the current season, scoring three goals past Barcelona and four goals past Monaco. So a match against Kairat should give their talisman the chance to return.

FORWARD

Budget opportunities elsewhere have allowed us to deploy premium firepower up front. Leading the line is Erling Haaland (€10.7 million), with the Manchester City striker also receiving penalties. He looks set for a return against Bodø/Glimt, who have scored at least two goals in five of their six games so far. Rumors of attrition could threaten his minutes this week, so following news up to the deadline could be a wise move.

We’ve already identified Bayern Munich’s attack as a target for this week, but their meeting with Union Saint-Gilloise makes a double blow difficult to ignore. At the center of everything Harry Kane (10.8 million euros), who has already reached the 20-goal mark in the Bundesliga this season and remains Bayern’s focal point in front of goal.

Rounding out the premium trio is Kylian Mbappe (€10.9 million). Real Madrid are still having to settle for new management, but Mbappe has already managed 18 and 22 points this season, so overlooking him for a home game against Monaco feels like a risky decision. The Frenchman has been dealing with an injury for several weeks now, so keep an eye out for updates as we approach the deadline.

Those who want to take a risk by leaving out Haaland and Mbappe could opt for PSG’s Ousmane Dembele (€9.9 million), who faces Sporting CP or Barcelona Robert Lewandowski (€9.3 million) for his match against Slavia Praha.

UCL CONTEST 7 SCOUT PICKS