UCL Rate My Team MD2

I didn’t begin UCL Fantasy from Matchday 1, so Matchday 2 marks the debut of my squad for this season. With the benefit of one round of games to analyse, I’ve finally built my team.

Goalkeeper and defence

I’ve gone for Gregor Kobel in goal. He only managed 1 point in MD1, but Dortmund now play Athletic Bilbao at home, and I’m banking on them keeping things tighter defensively. Kobel is nailed on, and I expect Dortmund to be on the front foot in this one.

I’ve doubled up on Arsenal defenders, starting with William Saliba, who missed MD1 through injury. He’s back now, and at home to Olympiacos, I like his chances of a clean sheet.

Alongside him is Riccardo Calafiori, who impressed against PSV, scoring 7 points. I thought he looked solid, and with Olympiacos at home this week, I want to stick with the double Arsenal defence.

The third slot goes to Nuno Mendes, who was outstanding in MD1 with a 13-point return. Barcelona away is tough, but I love his attacking potential. Even if PSG concede, Mendes has a way of getting returns going forward.

Midfield

Michael Olise is my Bayern pick in midfield. He gave me 4 points in MD1, and I expect more against PAF away. Bayern create loads of chances, and Olise is starting to get involved in their attacking play.

I’ve also gone for Kevin De Bruyne, now at Napoli. He got just 1 point last week after being subbed off following Lorenzo’s red card, but I’m not worried. He’s still central to everything Napoli do, and at home to Sporting, I’m hoping he delivers the sort of creativity and big returns we know him for.

Jeremy Doku has been in great form recently, chipping in with goals and assists almost every game bar the Arsenal one. He returned 8 points in MD1, and even though Monaco away isn’t an easy fixture, I’m backing him to keep that form going.

Finally, Lukas Provod is one of my favourite picks. He gave 12 points in MD1, showing why he’s such a good value. Inter away is a much harder test, and it is currently a toss-up between him and Yildiz.

Forwards

Up top, I’ve gone with a strong trio.

First, Erling Haaland, who I’ve given the captain’s armband. He only managed 6 points last week, but the numbers speak for themselves — 16 goals in as many games this season. He’s too good to ignore, and Monaco’s defence can definitely be got at.

Next to him is Harry Kane, who exploded with 15 points in MD1. He’s been in superb form for Bayern, and against PAF away, I see him as one of the best options for this week again.

Finally, I’ve brought in Julian Alvarez, who missed MD1 through injury but comes back in red-hot form after scoring a brace against Real Madrid in the league. Atletico face Frankfurt at home this week, and I really like Alvarez to make an impact straight away.

Bench

My bench has a nice bit of cover, too. Philipp Köhn (2 points in MD1) is unlikely to get much against Man City, while Edmond Tapsoba did not feature last week. Mbodji exploded with 17 points in MD1, but Inter away is not a fixture I want to start him in. And finally, Kenan Yildiz got 12 points for Juventus last week, so he’s definitely someone I’ll rotate in when needed.