The UEFA Champions League returns this week with Matchday 4 of the league phase, as Europe’s biggest clubs prepare for another round of exciting fixtures. With matches taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday, teams will be looking to strengthen their positions as the competition moves closer to its halfway point.
There are plenty of interesting fixtures to look forward to, including Barcelona against Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid versus Bayern Munich and Manchester United‘s meeting with AS Roma. Paris
Saint-Germain will also travel to face Villarreal, while Liverpool and Real Madrid have away fixtures against Fenerbahce and AEK Athens respectively.
For UCL Fantasy managers, this is another opportunity to make smart selections and bring in players who can deliver valuable points. Recent performances, attacking contributions, defensive records and the difficulty of each fixture will all be important factors when deciding who deserves a place in your squad.
With that in mind, we look at some of the best players to consider for Champions League Matchday 4, highlighting options who could make a difference to your fantasy team’s points total.
Goalkeeper
David Raya (Arsenal vs Slavia Prague)
David Raya is a strong option in goal after keeping two clean sheets in his first three Champions League appearances. The Arsenal goalkeeper has played every minute of the competition so far and will enter Matchday 4 in good form after helping his side secure a 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. Raya did not have to make a save in that match, but he played his part in another important clean sheet.
Defenders
Sergino Dest (PSV Eindhoven vs Club Brugge)
PSV Eindhoven’s meeting with Club Brugge presents an interesting opportunity to consider Sergino Dest. The American defender offers plenty going forward and is capable of contributing to attacking moves from the right side. He has played all 270 minutes of PSV’s Champions League campaign and has already scored once. His attacking involvement, combined with his potential to collect points through defensive actions, makes him an appealing option for Matchday 4.
Virgil van Dijk (Fenerbahce vs Liverpool)
Liverpool will be looking for a response when their captain leads them out against Fenerbahce after Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Anfield. Despite the result, Van Dijk produced a solid individual performance, making several important interceptions and blocks to prevent the visitors from extending their lead. The Dutch international will now be expected to organise the defence and help his side return to winning ways in Istanbul. He also offers fantasy potential through clearances, interceptions and ball recoveries, while his aerial ability gives him another route to attacking returns.
Jacobo Ramon (Lens vs Como)
For managers looking for a budget-friendly defensive option, Como’s Jacobo Ramon is worth considering. The young centre-back has played every minute of their opening three Champions League fixtures, demonstrating his importance to the Italian side. He has also contributed a goal and an assist, showing that he can offer something at both ends of the pitch. Como face a difficult trip to Lens, but his defensive contributions and attacking potential make him an interesting selection.
Achraf Hakimi (Villarreal vs Paris Saint-Germain)
Achraf Hakimi is another defender worth considering ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s trip to Villarreal. The Moroccan has been in excellent form, scoring a hat-trick and providing two assists in his side’s recent 5-1 win over Le Havre. His performance showed just how much he can offer going forward, with his pace and attacking runs making him a constant threat. He will be hoping to carry that form into the Champions League, where his attacking contributions could earn valuable fantasy points. Although a clean sheet may not be easy to secure away from home, his attacking threat makes him an appealing option for Matchday 4.
Midfielders
Raphinha (Barcelona vs Aston Villa)
Raphinha could be an important player when Barcelona host Aston Villa. The Brazilian has scored twice in the Champions League this season despite playing just 131 minutes across two appearances. His creativity, movement and ability to contribute directly to goals make him an appealing midfield choice. If he gets enough playing time, he could deliver another valuable return.
Michael Olise (Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Munich)
Michael Olise has scored twice and provided an assist in this season’s Champions League, underlining his importance to Bayern Munich’s attack. His creativity, dribbling and eye for goal make him a threat going forward. However, after missing the 2-2 draw with Arsenal through suspension, he is now a doubt for the trip to Atletico Madrid due to a knee problem picked up against Borussia Dortmund. He has returned to training, but his fitness should be monitored before the deadline.
Phil Foden (RB Leipzig vs Manchester City)
Phil Foden is our midfield differential for Matchday 4. The Manchester City midfielder has scored three goals and provided an assist in his first two Champions League appearances, collecting 26 fantasy points. His ability to produce big returns makes him an attractive option for managers looking to gain an advantage over opponents. However, his starting position should be checked before the deadline.
Forwards
Kylian Mbappe(AEK Athens vs Real Madrid)
Kylian Mbappe has been central to Real Madrid’s strong start in the Champions League, scoring three goals and providing an assist in his opening three appearances. His pace, movement and finishing make him a constant threat in the penalty area. With Real Madrid travelling to face AEK Athens, the French forward has another opportunity to add to his impressive tally.
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray vs Stuttgart)
Victor Osimhen will be looking to make an impact when Galatasaray welcome Stuttgart to Istanbul. The Nigerian striker’s pace, strength and movement in the penalty area make him difficult for defenders to contain. He has already shown his quality in Europe, including being named Player of the Match against Lille. With home advantage, he could be a useful attacking option for Matchday 4.
Harry Kane (Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Munich)
Harry Kane completes our forward line after making an outstanding start to this season’s Champions League. The Bayern Munich striker has scored four goals and provided two assists in his opening three appearances. He will also head into the match as the current Ballon d’Or winner, adding to the attention surrounding his performance. His finishing ability, penalty duties and involvement in Bayern’s attack make him difficult to overlook, even against a tough Atletico Madrid side.
