The UEFA Champions League league phase is nearing its end, and the race for positions is heating up. With 18 matches kicking off simultaneously on Wednesday, every goal could reshape the final standings.
Arsenal are leading the way with a perfect record, but the real tension lies below them.
Tottenham Hotspur sit in a surprise fifth place, Manchester City have dropped outside the Top 8 after a shock defeat to Bodo/Glimt, and clubs like Napoli face a nervous finish as they play against Chelsea.
Once
the league phase concludes on Wednesday night, attention will turn to the knockout phase playoff draw on Friday, January 30.
Teams finishing between ninth and 24th will compete in the playoffs, while the top eight qualify directly for the round of 16.
For UCL Fantasy managers, Matchday 8 is an important chance to pick the right players and gain an edge before the knockout rounds begin.
We have now put together our top player picks for UCL fantasy MD8.
Goalkeeper
David Raya (€5.5m) vs Kairat Almaty
Raya remains one of the most popular goalkeepers in UCL Fantasy, owned by 35% of managers. In their last match against Inter Milan, he earned three points but was unable to keep a clean sheet.
Now, heading into Matchday 8, Arsenal have won seven consecutive games for the first time in UEFA competition history and face a struggling Kairat Almaty side sitting 36th in the Champions League table.
At €5.5m, he offers both value and the potential to keep a clean sheet, giving Raya a strong chance to reward managers who have him with a solid UCL return.
Defenders
Jurrien Timber (€5m) vs Kairat Almaty
Timber is owned by 22% of managers and has delivered solid performances this season, earning 36 UCL Fantasy points. He has three clean sheets, one goal, one assist, and has recovered 19 balls.
Arsenal go into their final group game already through to the round of 16.
They now take on a bottom-placed Kairat Almaty side that has no chance of advancing, making this clash one of the most notable fixtures in Matchday 8.
Jules Kounde (€5.6m) vs Copenhagen
Kounde picked up three points in Barcelona’s 4-2 win over Slavia Praha in Matchday 7 and remains a reliable option for Matchday 8.
Barcelona face Copenhagen, a side that must win to stay in contention for the knockout stage. Meanwhile, Barcelona will be aiming to claim all three points to secure their spot in the round of 16.
Jonathan Tah (€5.4m) vs PSV
Jonathan Tah is a low-owned option in UCL Fantasy, selected by just 3% of managers. Those who have him have benefited, as he has already earned 31 points this season and scored one goal.
Bayern Munich travel to face PSV in Matchday 8, making Tah a valuable pick for managers looking for a differential in defense.
Virgil van Dijk (€6.2m) vs Qarabag
Van Dijk is one of the premium defenders in UCL Fantasy, owned by 33% of managers. He has already racked up 49 points this season, including three clean sheets and two goals.
Heading into Matchday 8, he faces Qarabag, offering managers a solid chance to add more points from a reliable defensive option.
Midfielders
Raphinha (€7.1m) vs Copenhagen
Raphinha has been a key attacking force for Barcelona this season, consistently creating chances and scoring in both La Liga and the Champions League.
After their impressive display against Slavia Praha, he faces a Copenhagen side that has struggled defensively, making him a strong pick for Matchday 8 for managers looking for attacking returns.
Michael Olise (€8.2m) vs PSV
Bayern Munich’s attack has been impressive this season, scoring freely in the Bundesliga.
Olise has already scored three goals and provided five assists in his first three matches of the year, averaging a goal contribution every 24 minutes.
He is also one of the premium midfielders in UCL Fantasy, having already accumulated 38 points.
Facing a vulnerable PSV defense, he offers managers a strong chance to add more points in Matchday 8.
Noni Madueke (€6.6m) vs Kairat Almaty
Madueke presents a promising attacking option for Matchday 8 as Arsenal take on a struggling Kairat Almaty side.
Since this game has little at stake for the visitors, it’s important for managers to check the starting lineup. If Madueke is included, he could be a key contributor with goals or assists.
Forwards
Harry Kane (€10.8m) vs PSV
Harry Kane remains one of the top forwards to consider for Matchday 8.
The captain has already contributed numerous attacking returns across European competitions this season, demonstrating his reliability in front of goal.
He now faces a PSV side that has struggled at the back, presenting a strong opportunity to boost his UCL Fantasy points. He has always been a must-have for every UCL manager.
Erling Haaland (€10.7m) vs Galatasaray
Manchester City suffered a shock defeat in Matchday 7, dropping points against Bodø/Glimt.
They return home eager to bounce back, with Erling Haaland expected to lead their attack as they face Galatasaray, who sit 17th in the knockout phase playoff group with three points behind City.
Haaland has scored just six goals so far in this UCL campaign, and after being rested on Saturday, he is likely to start for Matchday 8.
Kylian Mbappé (€11.0m) vs Benfica
Mbappé is one of the most lethal forwards in Europe. He was directly involved as Real Madrid scored six goals in their previous Champions League games, scoring twice himself.
With Benfica continuing to concede chances, the French forward has another strong opportunity to boost his scoring tally in Matchday 8.
He has already accumulated 67 points so far this season, making him one of the premium forwards in UCL Fantasy.
