The UEFA Champions League returns with the semi-final second legs, which also mark Matchday 16 for UCL Fantasy managers.
With a place in the final on the line, every decision matters more than ever, and I’ve gone through the players I think can deliver the most points this week.
From captain options to differentials, it is all about making the right calls at the right time.
I am focusing on players who look most likely to return points through goals, assists, and clean sheets. With only four teams left,
Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, and managers limited to six players per club, team selection becomes harder, with many similar picks.
Here is how my team looks heading into the second leg Matchday 16, with the deadline set for Tuesday at 8pm GMT.
UCL Matchday 16 Team
Goalkeeper and Defence
Heading into the second leg of the MD16 semi finals, I am still sticking with David Raya heading into this round, mainly because of Arsenal’s strong defence in Europe this season. A penalty may have stopped them from getting a clean sheet against Atletico last time out, but that is not enough to look away from their back line.
Back at home this week against the same team, there is still a good chance for Raya to get a clean sheet. They finished the league phase with a perfect record and five clean sheets, which shows how strong they have been defensively. With the tie still close after a 1–1 draw in the first leg, Raya remains an important pick for an Arsenal side chasing a place in the final.
In defence, I have doubled up on Arsenal with Gabriel Magalhaes and Piero Hincapie. Gabriel has been one of the best fantasy defenders this season, with clean sheet chances and some goal threat from set pieces. Hincapie gives extra cover to a defence that has been very solid at the Emirates. I also have Robin Le Normand to cover Atletico Madrid after they showed strong defensive play in the first leg.
Midfielders
Michael Olise, Ademola Lookman, Bukayo Saka and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are my main midfield picks for this round. After the 5-4 thriller between PSG and Bayern in the first leg, I expect another open game, so it makes sense to focus on attackers who are involved in goals. The other semi-final also looks tighter, so most of the attacking points could come from this fixture.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is in great form with four double digit returns in his last five Champions League games and he also takes penalties, which adds more points potential. Michael Olise has also been very strong for Bayern with eight goals, five assists and two Player of the Match awards in this campaign, showing he can deliver both goals and assists.
Bukayo Saka remains my main captain option for Arsenal. He is very involved in attack, takes set pieces and always looks likely to return points, especially at home against Atletico. Ademola Lookman is my differential pick, but he is still a real threat and already showed it in the first leg.
Forwards
I have gone with a forward line focused on the Bayern and PSG match. In a game like this, I think it is too risky to go without Harry Kane. He is in good form and owned by many managers, so if he returns points, it could hurt if you do not have him.
Heading into this round, I brought in Luis Diaz in attack. He has returned points in six straight Champions League games, which shows how consistent he has been. He also gives me another way into the Bayern attack this week.
To complete my attack, I have gone with Ousmane Dembele. He is in strong form and has delivered back to back double digit returns against Liverpool and Bayern. With Bayern not looking very solid at the back, I think he has a good chance of returning points again on Wednesday night.
Bench
My bench gives me good cover for the second set of games in Wednesday, with Matvey Safonov as a reliable option for PSG and Nuno Mendes adding pace if needed. Desire Doue and Josip Stanisic also provide cover across both matches, helping protect against any late changes or rotation.
With everything on the line in the semi-final second legs, which players are you most confident will deliver for you this week? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
