Thread by @sulleymike

#UCLfantasy

Thread on the 32 teams in the group stage:

Group A: BAYERN

Top 2 teams in the competition, so their assets are priced as such. They also play Atleti the first game so I am tempted to avoid in the first Matchday.

Bayern though have an incredible attack. Lewandowski (12m) is on pens and sneakily gets assists, Muller (10m) is so good and his place is so secure, Gnabry (10m) a shout for a hattrick every game. Sane (9.5m) same thing but he will have a shorter leash than others.

No matter what, Kimmich (6.5m) will play at midfield and now with the addition of Roca, might even be able to get forward and chip in goals, in addition to his set-pieces and trade-mark crossing from wide. Very very good option at DEF.

Goretzka (7.5m) is also quite good considering in the system he is allowed to play B2B and get in the box. He can at times be deployed as a CAM now that Bayern have the personnel at deeper positions.

The defense is not as easy to figure out. Sule (5m) is the cheapest player that should start most games. Pavard (5m) has been bad lately and Sarr the new RB or Chris Richards can easily play there over him. Davies (6m) should start most games and even at LW, an incredible option.

ATLETI:

This team loves to play the big teams because they embrace that underdog mentality. Atleti low-key have been a little bit inconsistent against smaller teams over the years, but they should still qualify from this group and be a threat later in the competition.

Bayern first game is tough though so I'd avoid. Other than that Oblak (6m) gives you the high floor of CS and save points. The system Atleti play favors him as a fantasy prospect.

The Atleti defense is quite underpriced compared to other teams. Felipe (4.5m) rock solid, not much goal threat but will be a ball recovery machine. I'm not sure who of Josema, Savic or Hermoso will partner him but it is Savic most likely.

Lodi and Trippier (5m) are the fullbacks. Both are decent assist threats as well but Lodi occasionally gets subbed so that Saul can play LB, and before the 60th minute mark too (not happened yet this year). These are fine options if not for the Bayern game.

What I don't enjoy picking from this team is the midfield and attack. Goals can come from anywhere although Felix (9m) is still a MID and had a stormer against Granada recently playing as a SS. Maybe you can pick Saul (7.5m). He recovers the ball and occasionally takes pens.

Marcos Llorente (6.5m) is so good if he is guaranteed a spot in the line-up because Simeone is not afraid to play him at SS. But he's not nailed, and neither is Correa (7.5m). Luis Suarez (10m) is one to watch, but I don't expect much from him.

SALZBURG:

I think this team is a bit unlucky to be drawn in this group because they have real quality to advance to the next round. I'm very impressed by Jesse Marsch. Also Salzburg is such a hotbed for youth talent. Chances are a few will really showcase themselves ala Haaland.

Tbf I've not seen them play since last year's group stage. Based on last year's and this year's data though Salzburg are not exactly set up to defend. Lokomotiv though are not quite free-scoring so maybe there can be options.

There is a chance that Onguene (4m) is the starter at CB. Although he failed to play in the qualifying games because of Corona, he started the last 2 domestic games. He's an OK pick but I'd not go here personally because there are better options at 4m.

Same goes for the rest of Salzburg's backline. At midfield and forward though there could be great value. My favorite pick is Szoboszlai (7m). This might yet be the last season he plays for Salzburg, he's that talented. On all set pieces and pens. Almost 1 G/A per 90. Only 19 too

Daka (7.5m) at CF is another one. I mean how does Salzburg do it? Dabbur, Haaland, Hwang, now this guy, and Adeyemi next. This guy is a goal machine, 11 goals in 7 games playing only 500 mins?? Not as cheap as Haaland last year but can be just as explosive playing Lokomotiv first

Mwepu (5.5m) can be a solid enabler for his ball recovery. I'm not as comfortable investing in Okugawa or Koita because their places are not as secure. But Salzburg's attack is really good, if they can put 3 past Liverpool at Anfield they can certainly cut it in this group.

LOKOMOTIV MOSCOW:

Weakest team in the group for sure, but they won't go down without a fight. It's incredible that last year playing against Sarri's Juventus, Bosz's Bayer 04 with Havertz, and Atleti, they never conceded more than 2 a game.

In general Lokomotiv won't bend over so easily so their goalie, Guilherme (4.5m), can be an OK rotation option. Ideally you want to rotate him with someone who has a good MD2 and MD6 fixtures since he's facing Bayern in these games. Otherwise their defenders at 4.5m I'd stay away

Similarly I'd not be so keen on Lokomotiv's midfield and attack as they are not cheap enough. However, Ignatyev (4.5m) is a great enabler as he's a fullback that at times is played as a winger in Lokomotiv's 442, and scored from that position in their last game against Khimki.

Group B: REAL MADRID

The meanest defense in Europe's top 5 leagues last year returns all of their starters and the manager. What do you expect this year? Courtois is playing out of his mind as well. If they can figure out the attack this team can go very far.

As mentioned, Courtois (6m) is a super solid pick. He makes saves on top of good possibility of getting CS. Also he doesn't have to face Inter until MD3. I back them to keep Inter at bay anyway.

Ramos (6.5m) is really really good too. On top of the CS potential, he might be the most attacking defender in the game, not to mention he hasn't missed a pen since 2013!! Madrid also have a few tricksters that can draw pens for him. Only problem though is his discipline (cards).

Varane, Carvajal, F. Mendy (5.5m) are solid if unspectacular options. Otherwise, I'm not so sure about Madrid's attack. Casemiro (6m) and Benzema (10.5m) are sure-fire starters but the rest is subject to Zidane-roulette when Hazard is not yet fit.

Madrid prioritized control and balance last year with Zidane at the expense of the attack, and it hasn't changed much this year. Valverde (6m) should play a lot considering how good he is but Vini, Rodrygo, Jovic and Asensio have yet to separate from the pack.

Maybe Odegaard (7m) can emerge. He was one of the best players in La Liga last year and is tactically versatile (CAM, RW). Madrid had a very quiet transfer window, it shows you how much they have faith in this guy that they let James go for free.

INTER MILAN:

I don't doubt Conte if the man has a week to prepare for his games. They are about to play 2 games in a week for 3 weeks straight! Also if Conte's teams can stop starting the game strong only to end it weak, that'd be great! Inter though should do well in this group

They have a very solid team from top to bottom. I'm just a little worried about Handanovic (5.5m)'s form at the moment, otherwise he's a fine option not least because he's incredible at saving pens. They don't have to play Madrid until MD3 as well.

Inter play 3 atb and 2 wing-backs. Naturally Hakimi (6m) becomes an incredible option. This man really had 5G 10A for BVB last year despite BVB only spent the latter half of their campaign playing 3 atb! He suits Conte's system to a tee and already has 1G 2A this yr. Amazing pick

I'm also intrigued by Bastoni (4.5m) who broke into Inter's first team last yr as a LCB at 20 yrs of age. He's a left-footer and is so composed on the ball and defending as well. Other than that the only Inter defender I'm comfortable with is de Vrij (5m).

Inter play with 3 midfielders in the middle of the park. It can be a 1-2 with a CDM or a 2-1 with a CAM. Either way expect both Barella (7m) and Vidal (7m) to start. I prefer Barella because he's usually deployed higher, and also is not as ill-disciplined.

And then there is the dynamic duo of Lautaro (10.5m) and Lukaku (11m) up top. I'd lean Lukaku as he's less likely to be subbed; Conte likes to sub Lautaro for Alexis in games. Lukaku is also on pens though not all of them. In bigger games I do trust Lautaro a lot more.

MONCHENGLADBACH (BMG):

They have emerged in recent years as one of the most exciting teams in Bundesliga. Marco Rose, from Salzburg no less, is a fantastic coach. But being in Pot 4 meaning that the CL draw wouldn't be kind to them.

Playing in the Bundesliga a very high scoring league, Gladbach only conceded just over a goal a game. This is thanks to the stellar play of Ginter (5m) and the Gladbach's backline, which mostly is a 4-chain but can be a 5-chain if needed.

In any configuration though they wouldn't excite me in this group, especially considering how diminished the attacking threats of Bensebaini and Lainer have been this season. Wendt (4.5m) is an OK option if they play a back 5 because then he's the LWB, but he's not nailed.

The midfield and attack though is a bit less dire. The "French connection" M. Thuram (son of Lillian, 8.5m) and Plea (8m) was the heart of their attack last season and should be still this season. Playing at SS is Stindl (8m) who takes pens and is a MID in the game.

Hofmann (7m) is also worth considering. He's been creating chances for fun for Gladbach this season. Neuhaus (6.5m) is worth monitoring, he's of the Goretzka ilk where he's an all-action type of midfielder although playing for a lesser team.

SHAKHTAR:

This team is in Pot 2 (!!) for a reason. Consistently performing in Europe thanks to a great array of Ukranian and Brazilian talents; last year only lost in Europa SF to Inter. But for fantasy purposes, playing Inter and Madrid first two is TOUGH.

Because of the fixtures I'd be reluctant to invest in the Shakhtar's backline. However Shakhtar have no issues scoring and so the likes of Junior Moraes (7.5m), Marlos (7m) and Taison (7m) are worth monitoring, when they get to play Gladbach twice from MD3.

Group C: MANCHESTER CITY

After many years of being in Group of Deaths, Man City are finally having great Group Stage draws and this year is no exception. City should comfortably top this group and do so in a dominant fashion considering how deep their squad is.

Considering City's favorable fixtures, it's worth getting a few of their players as 'set and forget' where you don't need to transfer them out and instead focus the transfers on other spots to chase fixtures/forms/etc. Ederson (6m) is good for this purpose but don't expect saves.

All of the City's first choice backline is at 5.5m. Both Laporte and Dias are fine picks, I actually prefer them over the likes of Walker, B. Mendy or Cancelo because Pep can trot out Ake at LB to muck things up.

The attack is where things are interesting. Similar to FPL, it's impossible to guess what Pep goes for. But KDB (11.5m) is a lock to start most games and he's on all set pieces and pens. My slight reservation with him is that he can be played in a withdrawn role as seen vs Leeds.

Another quite sure bet to play is Sterling (10.5m). I like him a lot because he is in and around the box to shoot or create for others, sometimes by drawing pens. Last year in the CL he got 6G 5A in 9 games despite missing sitters like the one vs Lyon.

You also don't have to worry about him bottling a big game in the group stage, and he should play with a fit striker now that they are getting healthy again. But other than these two I'd not feel good about any other City attacker.

Jesus might get the nod in the first game so you can go there if you plan to transfer him out later. You know Pep can't bench all of Mahrez, Foden, Torres and B. Silva but it's nervy checking the XI every MD. You'd be in trouble if City play on the 2nd day and they are benched.

I'd personally only consider KDB and Sterling, but if City attack is that explosive maybe it's worth getting lottery tickets into the Pep roulette. They are not so explosive as yet with their strikers not 100% fit, and City have issues in Europe at times when teams can go at them

PORTO:

In the last decade Porto have actually been quite good in the CL. It's impressive considering how many players leave Porto for bigger clubs every season (Telles this year). With that I think this Porto team, fresh off a Liga NOS title, is the favorite to qualify with City

That being said, it's nice that they play City first so we can hold off and observe them before investing in MD2. Porto this year have changed their team a lot as well, so until then there is a 3-game sample size to look at how the transfer window shapes up this team.

It's hard to say whether the backline is worth investing despite the City game. They kept CS in more than half of their Liga NOS games last year but didn't keep any in the Europa. Danilo Pereira and Telles also left and they signed only Sanusi and Grujic to replace them.

They also don't have anyone at 4m so I'm tempted to stay away. For the attack as Telles departs, will be interesting to see who will get the set piece and pen duties. From open play though, all of Marega (8m), T. Corona (7.5m), and Otavio (7m) should be good options.

Both T. Corona and Otavio are more of an assist man than a goal threat, but since their places are quite secure it's worth considering. Let's see how Grujic and F. Anderson get on, they are nice players for this Porto team and should boost the appeal of these attackers.

OLYMPIACOS:

This is a team infamous for being a tough away trip. COVID though will put a dent to that home advantage. They also sold Podence and Tsimikas since last year's group stage; though it's been a while since they have such favorable GS draw. They should fancy 2nd here.

Especially with them not playing City until MD3. I like Jose Sa (4.5m) as a rotation option. His team kept 18/26 CS last year in the Super League conceding only 9 goals. Despite the draw last year with Bayern and Spurs, Jose Sa averaged 2.5 PPG.

Olympiacos' backline is settled. Holebas, Ba and Rafinha (4.5m) are all decent picks; Holebas as we all know loves to go forward but also to get a yellow card. I don't think Ruben Semedo (5m) is worth the extra outlay when there are many better options at the price.

In attack I fancy El-Arabi (8m) and Valbuena (7m) to shine. Valbuena creates so many chances and takes all set pieces and pens. Meanwhile El-Arabi is just born to play in the Champions League, Europe or Asia: 24G in 33 apps. Insane.

Another guy that should start most games is M. Camara (5m), a decent enabler from groups ABCD if you need one. Not expecting much from others, including captain Fortounis who was super good for them until last year when he suffered an ACL injury and hasn't been the same since.

OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE (OM):

Surprised many, including myself, by finishing 2nd in the shortened Ligue 1 season last year. They really kept it tight at the back but wasn't exactly a free-flowing attacking side, and it has been like that this season too.

Despite the backline being the team's strength I'm not so keen on them to start with. This team is so different from the Europa 18/19 Final team, also missed Europe last year and has kept only 1 CS in 6 domestic games. No notable attacking threat of anyone in the backline as well

I'm not sure if the CDM B. Kamara (4.5m) being a DEF in the game is a good or a bad thing. He will get 4pts for a CS rather than 1 but Marseille might concede a lot and he will be punished for that. It's truly a wild range of outcomes for him, but definitely he's one to watch.

In attack there are a few names to consider. Thauvin (8.5m) and Payet (8m) are the soul of this attack both from open play and set pieces. You can expect most FKs, corners and pens to fall to them. Benedetto (8m) is OK but I prefer to invest somewhere else around this range.

A possible guy that can emerge is Cuisance (5.5m). He hasn't played a game yet for OM but the quality is clear, and if given a run of starts he might become a great option.

LIVERPOOL:

Still top-2 favorite for the whole thing despite the last game and the R16 exit last year. Well-rounded and balanced team esp. with Thiago. It will take something very special to take this team down at Anfield. That alone helps them despite not dominating as much away

Liverpool have a good draw, with both Ajax and Atalanta stylistically play right into their hands compared to Atleti or Napoli last year. They should score plenty of goals, the question is whether they can keep CS with Alisson out and Gomez underperforming.

Adrian (4.5m) on paper is such a fantasy bargain. But last year's group stage he didn't keep a single CS in 3 games; and everyone knows how prone he is to making errors. The moment Alisson heals is the moment he loses his spot. I'd not go here unless you plan to transfer him soon

If not for Adrian, both TAA and Robertson (6.5m) would be incredible options. Robertson has started taking more set pieces this year and gets in the box more to finish chances rather than simply creating for others. TAA not even at 100% yet and he's 2nd in xA for all DEFs in PL.

Think of them as wingers who get 4pts for a CS, you'd feel a lot better owning them. They technically play as wingers in this team and are the team's creative hubs. I'm not so bullish about VVD (6m) as you're relying on CS and his set-piece contributions, but he recovers the ball

Since Coutinho left there's been 0 Liverpool midfielder who is viable for fantasy. This year as well. It's hard enough to guess the exact 3 players that start. The most intriguing guy, Keita, has not played that well to be selected every week. Thiago is bought to control games.

But because of the midfield, Liverpool's attack is super good. Maybe the ceiling is not as high as some teams but you know it's either Salah (11.5m) or Mane (11m) most of the time. Salah is on pens so he edges it but otherwise it's really close between them.

I still feel good picking them despite the arrival of Jota. If Liverpool play true to their strengths the damage will already be done by the time Jota comes on for either of them. Firmino (9m) hasn't stopped underperforming his xG, and until he does I'm not interested.

ATALANTA:

This team is a Scudetto-contending team. They are that good. Liverpool are the worst team Atalanta can play against but the rest of the group is not an issue. They can make another run at the CL now with a deeper squad if they can avoid the big guns in R16.

Atalanta play a very specific and well-drilled way that maximize their players but also leave them really prone to conceding big chances. They kept only 9 CS in Serie A last year, and none in 3 games this year. That's why I'm not keen on Sportiello (4.5m) despite his price.

Although you can use him until GW3 when he faces Liverpool and Gollini is possibly healthy by then. Despite the price hike from last year Jose Luis Palomino (4.5m) is still cheap, and has a small upside of being one of the side CBs that go forward to attack.

Other than that it's not worth considering any other Atalanta CB if Hateboer (5m) and Gosens (5.5m) are there. These are my favorite DEF picks in the entire game. They function as wingers in the team, are encouraged to get in the box to attack crosses (some from the other WB).

Castagne also left and Atalanta only added Mojica so very little rotation worry for them. The attack is high-powered and they contribute a lot to it: Gosens got 9G 8A last year and 1G 2A this year in Serie A, while Hateboer got 2G 1A in 9 CL games plus 2G this year in Serie A.

It speaks volumes to Atalanta's recruitment that their attack is a bit of a minefield for fantasy despite its strength. Only Zapata (9.5m) and Papu Gomez (8.5m) are locks. It's a bummer that Papu is a FWD in fantasy but he is like Tadic for Ajax 18/19, you'd not mind picking him.

Both Zapata and Papu should be involved in the majority of Atalanta's goals. It's not crazy to double up on them. Meanwhile, you're playing a guessing game for the remaining 3 starters in the team even with Ilicic out. Pasalic (7.5m) and Muriel (8.5m) should start most though.

Personally I'm going with the Atalanta triple-up. The opening schedule is so favorable for them, and even against Liverpool I can see them score (it may be ugly on the other end). Most sensible is Gosens, Hateboer and Papu but Zapata for one of the WBs should work well too.

AJAX:

The collection of talent in 18/19 was unparalleled and it's sad they couldn't finish the fairy tale. Now, they simply are nowhere near as good. Understandable if you lose Ziyech, VDB, de Jong, de Ligt and Dest. Getting out of CL in GS then lost to Getafe last year shows.

The fixtures are also unkind to this team, having to play Liverpool and Atalanta in the first two. It's a great opportunity to observe their defensive assets to maybe go for it in MD3 and 4 when they play Midtyjlland.

I still like Tagliafico (5m) if not for the fixtures. He's a lot more attacking than Mazraoui (4.5m) at RB or Alvarez (4.5m) in midfield so it's totally worth the 0.5m extra. Speaking of Alvarez, like Kamara of OM he's a midfielder but a DEF in the game.

In attack Ajax are no longer playing with Tadic (9m) at F9. He's now at LW but what's even more surprising is that the starter at CF is Labyad (6m), a CAM by trade. Promes (8m), the usual LW is now deployed as a No. 8 / CAM. Antony (6m) completes the lineup at RW over Neres.

Although after the limp showing at Groningen and the arrival of Klaassen (6.5m) things can change. Let's see how they get on against Heerenveen, Venlo and Liverpool before investing. If Labyad can improve and play well at CF he's intriguing as a MID in fantasy.

MIDTYJLLAND:

What a story for this team. They haven't made GS of either CL or Europa since 15/16. In the PO this year they were down an away goal for 2/3 of the game against a good Slavia team, then stormed back to win it. That being said it's hard to see them finish 3rd here.

Midtyjlland are solid at the back in Superligaen, keeping 17 CS in 36 games last year and 3 in 4 this year. However playing in CL against Atalanta and Liverpool first two is very tough. They don't have any 4.0m asset at the back either (everyone is at 4.5m) so I'm staying away.

In midfield, Cajuste (4.5m) has missed only one game so far for Midtyjlland and that was the game sandwiched between 2 CL PO games against Slavia. He's not a goal threat but can recover the ball. I prefer the 0.5m saving over Onyeka (5m) who has only played in CL games thus far.

The attack should go through the trio Evander, Mabil and Kaba (6.5m) although none is the designated pen taker. Evander was amazing last year with 8G 10A in 30 Superligaen apps, but hasn't been a factor in their CL run. Kaba has played 90 in all the CL games, will this continue?

CHELSEA:

They had an awesome transfer window, adding multiple starting caliber players to the squad. The talent is surely there but can Frank Lampard maximize it? At the moment Chelsea are well-placed to top the group but this is not yet the season to challenge the big guns.

Chelsea defense last year, despite having a good xA, weren't keeping CS in both CL and PL. Chelsea couldn't defend set pieces and were frequently caught on the counter. It remains to be seen whether the various defensive reinforcements + Lampard's coaching can remedy these.

Despite this, the low prices and the favorable fixtures make me think twice about Chelsea's defensive assets. Zouma (5m) is a massive set-piece threat with 2G in PL this year. Chilwell (5.5m) owns set-pieces if Ziyech can't play and is free to attack with Azpi staying deeper.

They will be quite appealing if E. Mendy (5m) can shake off his injury to start the Sevilla game. He is a decent option who can pick up saves but given his injury situation, I'd avoid all Chelsea GKs for now.

Chelsea on paper have a really strong attack, but Lampard has never been able to select from a fully-fit squad this season. Lampard also is not afraid to chop and change both the players and the formation, though he seems to prefer the 4231 set-up at the moment.

In this set-up the obvious superstar is Havertz (9m) who plays at CAM. The problem is that this is also where Mount (7m) best fits in the set-up and Lampard really likes him, especially now that Pulisic and Ziyech (9m) are healthy it's unlikely Mount starts on the wing.

Given his quality and experience, Ziyech should start most games and he's a great option if he's deployed at RW. Werner (10.5m) can potentially come good but only if he doesn't play at LW. Pulisic (9m) is amazing but on paper can be left out if Lampard prefers Abraham (8.5m).

Chelsea should be able to play their full-strength attack in the Southampton game, and from there it's easier to evaluate all these players. For now, I'm avoiding all, including Jorginho (6m), the designated pen taker that isn't a guaranteed starter.

SEVILLA:

The Europa League kings. It's amazing to see different Sevilla teams conquer the tournament when they have a chance to do it. This might not be the year, since the team should have enough quality about them to qualify to R16.

Sevilla under Lopetegui are very solid defensively. In La Liga last year they kept 17 CS in 38 games, and in Europa it's 7 in 12. It's laughable that the most talented player contributing to this record, Kounde, is 4m in the game.

Kounde is obviously the pick of the bunch given his price. The next cheapest player is at least 1m more than him: Diego Carlos and Bono (5m), plus Navas (5.5m). The opening fixture against Chelsea and his minimal goal threat slightly put me off Kounde, but he has amazing value.

I'm keen to see if Acuna (5m) can make the LB spot his own. He's very productive there for Sporting last year and Reguilon had an amazing season at LB for Sevilla before moving to Spurs. If he's nailed he's my preferred pick, over Kounde, Navas and Diego Carlos, respectively.

Bono (5m) is a really good pick too. He made plenty of saves in the Europa last year which earned him the starting spot over Vaclik. If you are going with a 5m GK he's the best one for me.

The attack is not explosive, but Ocampos (8.5m) is a big part of it while also being the pen taker. Idrissi's arrival should dampen Suso and Munir's fantasy appeals and his. In midfield Rakitic (7m) can emerge as an option with good xG in 3 La Liga starts at CM.

STADE RENNAIS:

Also known as 'where Camavinga plays football'. He's really really talented, and the team around him is awesome too. They just scraped 3rd place last year to secure CL but are currently topping the Ligue 1 table with an undefeated record. They can make R16.

Lille last year had a limp showing in GS as a 3rd-place team from Ligue 1 after losing Nicolas Pepe and Rafael Leao; Rennes had a good transfer window to avoid that fate. It starts with their stalwart defense which kept 12 CS and conceded only 27 goals in 28 L1 games last season.

Rennes defense has the 3rd best xGA in L1 this season despite letting in 7 goals in 6 games. It starts at the back with the transfer window revelation Aguerd (4.5m) who is a massive goal threat with 12G in 104 senior apps. Given his form he should be safe despite Rugani's arrival

At full-backs I expect both Dalbert Estevao (5m) and H. Traore (4.5m) to start at LB and RB respectively. Both are decent assist makers, Traore is cheaper but Soppy can make the spot his own if given the chance. Newcomer Gomis (4.5m) should also provide really good value at GK.

The annoying thing is that Gomis cannot form a good rotation pair with either Jose Sa or Sportiello because of their MD3 and 4 fixtures (all against PL teams). If you're going for Gomis it's tempting to go with the 4.0 backup keeper instead.

In contrast to last year with only 38G in 28 L1 games, Rennes attack this year looks good with 14G already in 6 games. They might be able to do a number on Krasnodar MD1 and when that happens, Guirassy (6.5m) should be in and around things.

He's the cheapest forward I'm comfortable with in the game, as there's no more 4.5m Haaland this year and Doku, their Raphinha replacement, is not even in the game yet! Camavinga himself is not a fantasy option but his presence makes Terrier and Bourigeaud (6.5m) good options too

KRASNODAR:

The 3rd best team in Russia last year is off to a slow start this year, currently 8th in the table after 10 games. One thing that they have is some experience playing in Europe, having played in Europa GS 5 in last 6 years. 4th in this group is realistic for them.

Krasnodar haven't been able to keep CS in Europa for the last couple years, so I'm not expecting that to change. If you think the Krasnodar defense can carry their domestic form to CL then Safonov (4.5m), who is an absolute stud, is for you.

He is going to make a handful of saves. Meanwhile at RB, S. Petrov (4.5m) carries a big threat going forward, bagging 2G 4A in 37 apps all comps last year and already at 2G 1A in 10 apps this year. Whenever the Krasnodar defense holds up, these two are stand-out fantasy picks.

In attack it's hard to get excited about this team, even more so when you take into account the defenses in this group. Utkin (5m) should start most games at CM/CAM but he's very prone to be subbed early.

The attack is going through the Swedish duo Berg and Claesson (6.5m), and Cabella (6m). They should be involved among the goals should Krasnodar score. I don't think that'll happen often and given the options at the price range, I'll pass on them.

Group F: BORUSSIA DORTMUND (BVB)

All the speculations, rumors, and stuff, and Mr. Jadon Sancho is still a BVB player. This young and vibrant BVB team only lost Hakimi from last year and will get another year of growth from their starlets. If they are mentally ready, watch out!

BVB last year conceded only 8 goals in the Group of Death, and so far is 2nd in Bundesliga in xGA. The 3 atb system really works for this squad despite Favre's insistence to play a 4-chain in preseason. With the favorable group, it's worth considering their defensive assets.

BVB is good with 3 atb because it allows both Guerreiro (6m) and Meunier (5m) to be high-flying WBs. Meunier is cheaper but Guerreiro had monster numbers in this system last yr with 8G 3A in 29 Bundesliga games and has some set-pieces in his locker. Both are really good picks.

Hummels (5m) and Burki (5.5m) are solid picks too given Hummels' occasional goal threat and Burki's ability to save pens. But given BVB's attacking prowess it might be smarter to invest on the WBs and attackers instead.

In attack, BVB are spoiled for choice with a plethora of talent. Haaland (11m) is the focal point who is so obsessed with the CL he wakes up with its anthem. He scored 10G in 8 CL games (!!) last year and is already off to a fast start with 4G 1A in 3 Bundesliga games.

It's very hard to overlook him even with all the big names in FWD. Meanwhile Sancho (10m) is still here and is poised to have another big season after putting up a ridiculous 17G 17A in 32 Bundesliga games last season. Excellent picks no matter how Favre deploys his attackers.

At the moment he prefers to play a 2 man midfield with Reyna (6.5m) as a CAM and the striking partner of Sancho-Haaland. Reyna is trusted by Favre over Brandt, Reus or Reinier for this role and didn't fail him by getting 3A in the Freiburg rout. Amazing value from the 18-yr-old .

The only other player I might consider is Bellingham (6.5m). He's an amazing number 8 that BVB need from their midfield who brings something different from the likes of Can or Dahoud. His presence enables the attack to shine but I'd rather take the 0.5m saving to get Guerreiro.

LAZIO:

They finished 4th last year in Serie A but if it weren't for COVID they could have finished 1st. Lazio had an amazing run for 4 months topping the table but lost all momentum post-restart. First CL GS since 2007, they can fancy a R16 berth with this group.

Despite the rocky post-restart form Lazio still managed to concede only 42 goals in Serie A which was 2nd best. This season, even with the heavy loss to Atalanta, Lazio have the 6th best xGA. The defense surely has potential after the BVB clash in MD1.

A big part of this unit is Acerbi (5m) who carries quite a goal threat himself. Patric (4.5m) is a bit cheaper but is only good for CS and ball recoveries. Strakosha (5.5m) is a bit overpriced when you consider Keylor Navas or Szczesny is similar in price.

Lazio play a 352 with LM/RM instead of WBs. Which is why the RM, Lazzari (5m) is an intriguing fantasy prospect. He's a prolific assist-man with 13A in his last 68 Serie A apps. Marusic's injury opens the door for Fares (5.5m) to start at LM; it's worth keeping an eye on him.

The attack will go through the quartet of Immobile (10.5m), J. Correa (8m), SMS (8m), and Luis Alberto (8.5m). Immobile is the holder of the European Golden Shoe partly because he's automatic from pens, scoring 14/15 of his 36 (!!) Serie A goals this way. Such a prolific scorer.

I'm not going there personally but I can see him do well against his old club BVB with a point to prove. J. Correa plays SS and is a MID in the game, while Luis Alberto and SMS are end-product machines in the system. All three are decent picks, but I wouldn't double up here.

ZENIT:

The runaway Russian Premier Liga champs last year and currently leading the RPL table, Zenit got a decent draw in CL GS and will fancy 2nd with Lazio. The opening game against Club Brugge is a great opportunity for them to showcase their credentials.

In the last 40 RPL games Zenit have only conceded 24 goals, keeping 18 CS in the process. The shot-stopper, Kerzhakov (4.5m) could potentially be a bargain. He has to face BVB but one of these matches is in MD6 where you can possibly fire up a Limitless WC to get him out.

Unlike Gomis, Kerzhakov rotates really well with Jose Sa or Sportiello (but not so much with Guilherme). Elsewhere in defense take your pick out of the 4.5m men: the high-flying RB Karavaev with 7A in 30 Zenit RPL apps, the versatile Douglas Santos who can play DM, CB or LB

and is already at 1G 1A in 10 RPL apps this season, or the CB Rakitskiy who carries a goal threat and recovers the ball for fun. Zenit predominantly play a 442, with one of the CMs being Barrios (4.5m). He's the best MID enabler in the game albeit with no goal threat whatsoever.

If you are willing to shell out at least 1m more then Ozdoev (5.5m) will carry a little more goal threat in addition to his ball recovery, whereas Erokhin (5m) has the highest ceiling if he can remain in the starting XI which is the case for the last 2 games.

But the true talismen of this team is the duo Azmoun and Dzyuba (8m). Last year Dzyuba had 21G 16A in 37 games and Azmoun had 21G 10A in 38 games, really good numbers; and this season Dzyuba is at 7G 4A in 10 games. He's on pens too so I prefer him but Azmoun is a fine pick.

CLUB BRUGGE:

Another runaway champion last year, this time in the Belgian League. They did well to secure Europa in their CL group last year with PSG and Madrid in it. Expectations should be again low this year, with a quiet summer transfer window.

Club Brugge defense kept 17 CS in 29 league games, only letting in 14 goals. Although they struggled to contain PSG, Madrid and later Man Utd in Europe last season, the opponents in this group should be a bit less forgiving. They also don't have to play BVB until MD3.

There are plenty of budget options here: Mignolet (4.5m) is another cheap GK to consider although he doesn't rotate well with 4.5m options in group ABCD. The 19-year-old Kassounou (4m) recently broke into the 1st team although has yet to score in his senior career.

The 0.5m saving is worth it since Deli and Mata (4.5m) are not expected to get attacking returns although Deli is a ball recovery machine. In attack Club Brugge frequently switch between a 352 and a 433, but you can count on the pair Vanaken (7m) and Vormer (5.5m) to start.

Vanaken is central to everything they do in attack. Last year he "only" had 3A in 47 games after getting 19A and 17A the years prior, and he has never failed to reach double digits in goals for the past 5 years. He's already at 5G 3A in 9 games this season. Also, he takes pens!

Vormer meanwhile is on all set pieces, part of the reason he got 17A in 41 apps last year. He has had at least 12A in the last 3 seasons playing for Brugge. Otherwise, the 19-yr-old De Ketelaere (4.5m MID) started the last 3 games at LW. He could be the best enabler in the game.

BARCELONA:

The 8-2 defeat shows how much Barca have to do to get Messi his 5th CL. The club has been badly run for a few years and the future doesn't look so bright even with Ansu Fati leading the way. Despite this Barca still possess plenty of talent and should top this group.

There's no better way to start your CL campaign than to play at home against the CL debutant Ferencvaros. In my opinion this is the most lopsided game in MD1. Given how good Barca have looked so far under Koeman, a triple up is a must, but which three to go for?

Ter Stegen is nursing an injury but he should be back for the MD2 clash against Juve. In the mean time you can go for Neto (5m) as the stop-gap solution in MD1. He has kept 3 CS in 4 games this season so far and will allow Ter Stegen to ease his way back in.

Pique and Lenglet (5.5m) anchor the backline and are great options, Pique even more so for his massive goal threat. Injuries at the fullback position should see the summer signing Dest (5m) start. If he plays any bit as good as advertised (the next Dani Alves), AMAZING value here

The double pivot instilled by Koeman allows many fantasy options at the front: Messi (12m) at F9/CF, Coutinho (9m) at CAM, and Fati (8m) at LW. Griezmann is not included here because he cannot co-exist with Messi while Barca have other options there such as Trincao or O. Dembele

Messi is Messi and it's very hard to bet against him versus any team in the world let alone Ferencvaros. No-brainer pick for MD1. Fati (8m) is also an incredible pick, he has looked so good in the system he won La Liga POTM for September.

My preferred Barca triple-up is Messi, Fati, and Dest as I'm not that keen on Coutinho for triple Barca attack despite his long-range shooting; although swapping Dest for one of the CBs seems astute. The Juventus fixtures are not ideal but one of them is not until MD6.

JUVENTUS:

After winning Serie A in a not so convincing fashion and failing to beat Lyon in CL R16, Juventus gave Sarri the boot and started anew with first-time Coach Pirlo. This is now a completely different team but the early signs are good. CR7 will always give them a chance.

Juve now play a 352 that can easily morph into a 442. Regardless of the shape, they should keep a lot of CS with a strong backline that features the Harvard professors Bonucci and Chiellini (5.5m), the underrated goalie Szczesny (5.5m), and the new recruit McKennie protecting it

All of these players should make the RCB/RB Danilo (5m) a really value pick. Meanwhile the attack is remade with the arrivals of several players, the most intriguing of them being Kulusevski (8m). He was one of the best players in Serie A last year at 20 years old.

Although I would not go here personally because it's not possible to know where Kulusevski plays in Pirlo's system: SS, CAM, RM or RWB; the fellow summer signing Chiesa can play in those positions as well. I'd prefer Morata (9m) as he's the striker Juve seeked for to play off CR7

Especially with CR7 tested positive for COVID, Morata is going to be relied upon for goals while Dybala is getting up to speed under Pirlo. Other than that I'd not consider any other Juventus player, until I see what Pirlo has in store for this team when everyone is healthy.

DYNAMO KYIV:

They finished 2nd in the league last year with very little room to spare. This year they are led by the coaching legend and former nemesis Lucescu and are topping the league after 5 games. Dynamo should at least finish 3rd and give Juve a serious push for 2nd here.

Under Lucescu, the Dynamo Kyiv defense has been rock solid so far, conceding only 4 goals in 8 games with 4 CS. Considering that the Barca fixtures are not until MD3, it's worth taking a look at some of the options at the backline considering how cheap they all are.

Bushchan (4.5m) is another cheap GK that you can use as part of a rotation. He works best with Guilherme to relieve the Lokomotiv goalie of the Bayern fixtures. Elsewhere the 18-yr-old Zabarnyi (4m) has made a CB spot his own and even made his senior Ukraine debut recently.

Lucescu prefers to use the versatile Mykolenko (4.5m) at CB so I prefer Zabarnyi here, but if Mykolenko is played at LB he is worth the extra 0.5m and then some. He got 2G 6A in 18 league games last season playing there as a 20-year-old while also scoring a goal in Europa GS.

In attack Supryaga (6.5m) leads the line for this team and should play most games, even with the rotating cast of players around him as shown this season. He is already at 3G 5A in 8 apps for Dynamo this season. Playing on the left side is De Pena (6.5m) who has 2G in 3 CL apps.

De Pena has started all CL games for Dynamo Kyiv this season while staying on the bench in the league games in between. If this stays true, he is a good option as he also has pens in his locker. Similar to him but much cheaper and on the right side is Rodrigues (4.5m).

Rodrigues is incredible value if he keeps starting in the CL, although that means Tsygankov (7.5m) is benched and I just can't see it happening. Other Dynamo Kyiv players are not cheap enough to be considered.

FERENCVAROS:

The Cinderella story of the CL. After winning the Hungarian league convincingly, they went through FOUR qualifying rounds to get here, beating the likes of Celtic and Dinamo Zagreb. Last time they were in CL GS was 24 years ago.

It sure doesn't help though that they are in this group with Ronaldo and Messi, plus a talented Kyiv team coached by Lucescu. The opening game against Barcelona plus no cheap options means I'm steering clear of this team entirely save for Tokmac Nguen (6.5m) who is their talisman

Group H: PSG

They have to be considered as one of the main contenders for the trophy. Tuchel has done a fine job maximizing Neymar and Mbappe while making PSG play better as a team. The GS draw is not the best but PSG should finish 1st comfortably.

All the attention is on the superstar attackers but PSG have a very strong defense as well. When facing many quality opponents in the CL last season such as Madrid, BVB with Haaland, Atalanta, Leipzig and Bayern, PSG only let in 6 goals in 11 games, keeping 7 CS.

The Thiago Silva departure should be smoothed by Marquinhos (5.5m) switching from CDM to CB. He showed a knack of scoring in the Final 8 Tournament in Lisbon, while already grabbing a goal this Ligue 1 season. You can feel very confident in him throughout the GS, even against Utd

I feel Keylor Navas (5.5m) is a bit underpriced given the strength of this defense and his CL pedigree. Florenzi (5m) is a potential bargain if he has the license to push forward and be AS Roma Florenzi again. Given his domestic suspension Kurzawa (5m) should start in the CL.

He is also a potential bargain: his upside is a hattrick which he famously did against Anderlecht 3 years ago. Kimpembe (5.5m) is a good bet to start every game but he presents almost zero goal threat.

The PSG front 4 will be incredible fantasy options once again: Neymar (11.5m), Mbappe (11m), Icardi (9.5m), and Di Maria (9m). Di Maria at RW and Icardi at CF is certain, while Mbappe can either be at LW or SS and Neymar can either be at CAM or LW.

Take your pick amongst these names. As long as they all play together, you can't really go wrong with anyone other than maybe Icardi, who was totally out of favor in high-leverage CL games last year but should start all GS games this year.

RB LEIPZIG:

They got a favorable GS draw last year and took full advantage of it, going all the way to the SF where they fell to PSG without the service of Chelsea-bound Werner. With an amazing coach in Nagelsmann, and a squad full of young talents, they should finish 2nd here.

Between them currently leading Bundesliga, playing Basaksehir MD1 and not having to play PSG until MD3, I see no reason not to triple up on Leipzig. It helps that the game, for the 2nd year in a row, underprices their players.

Leipzig only conceded 37 goals last season in a free-scoring Bundesliga league, the 2nd best mark; they also have the best xGA so far in Bundesliga. Angelino (5m) therefore is an amazing pick. If RBL play a back 3 he's their LWB who goes forward and creates chances for fun.

The rare instance RBL play a back 4, which is last game against Schalke, he played as a LW (!!) and scored. There's also Halstenberg and Upamecano (5m) who play as CBs, Halstenberg might go forward in a back 4 and takes occasional pens while Upamecano recovers the ball.

There are so many options in the Leipzig attack for Nagelsmann, but for this season he seems to start Olmo (6m) more often than anyone. He is deployed at CAM, so far has 2A in 3 games and will only get better as he gets accustomed to the system. Amazing value pick here.

As Werner departs, the big winner is Forsberg (7m) as he sees himself thrusted into the starting XI. It's not realistic to expect the 16/17 Forsberg with 8G 22A in 30 Bundesliga apps, but he is already at 2G 2A in 3 games this season and should now be the primary pen taker.

Despite the arrivals of Sorloth and Hwang, I think the striker spot is still Poulsen's (8m) to lose. He's looked good in limited minutes for RBL so far this season, notching 2G 2A in only 148 mins of play. He also benefits from Werner's departure as now the attack's focal point.

Other than these three I'd be wary of picking any Leipzig's midfielder / attacker. The team sheet is already hard enough to predict with Sabitzer and Laimer out injured and RBL players being versatile enough to play multiple positions.

MAN UTD:

Caught fire post-restart after finding their best XI and did enough to secure top-4 in PL. But they are struggling in the league with the same XI and did little in the transfer window to address their biggest issues. 3rd in this group is a real possibility.

Solskjaer has to find ways to shore up the defense which is 2nd worst in the PL in xGA while playing one less game than most teams. I doubt that he can do it when he has PSG and Leipzig in the first two MDs. Until he does, I'm staying away from the entire Man Utd defense.

On paper, Man Utd should fancy attacking against teams who like to keep the ball such as PSG and Leipzig. But these teams have good defenses and Utd attack right now are not free-flowing, with the 2nd lowest NPxG in the PL thus far. Not to mention Utd's assets are priced up.

Though there's a chance Solskjaer shows his big-game prowess again. When that happens, I like Greenwood (7.5m) and Fernandes (9.5m) to be amongst the goals. Greenwood's natural finishing ability gives him a high upside, while Fernandes is automatic from pens and takes set pieces.

Rashford (9m) doesn't do enough in open play to justify a 0.5m saving over Fernandes, while we expect the striker spot to be a battle between Martial (9.5m) and Cavani (8.5m). All of these players will be decent options the moment Pogba starts playing true to his talent.

ISTANBUL BASAKSEHIR:

Last season was amazing for Basaksehir as they won their maiden league title while also topping their Europa group with Roma and Gladbach in it, reaching R16 before falling to Copenhagen. But you can't ask for a worse GS draw than that for them.

They can't also start the league season worse than what they have managed. They are dead last in the league after 4 games, failing to score even once. It's tough to find a reason to get on any Basaksehir player right now with PSG on the horizon in MD2.

If they can turn it around, though, it's very likely that the trio Ba, Crivelli (7.5m) and Visca (7m) will be involved. Visca is the primary pen taker for Basaksehir, got 19G 14A in 47 games last season, and is a MID in the game playing RW so I prefer him over the other two.

But this is a very difficult group for their defense, and none of their backline starter is priced below 4.5m; I'm staying away from all of them.

End of Thread.