The UEFA Champions League returns for Matchday 2, giving fantasy managers another chance to rack up crucial points. With several exciting fixtures on the horizon, making the right player choices could be the difference between climbing the ranks or falling behind. Here’s a look at the best picks in every position — from goalkeepers to […]
The UEFA Champions League returns for Matchday 2, giving fantasy managers another chance to rack up crucial points. With several exciting fixtures on the horizon, making the right player choices could be the difference between climbing the ranks or falling behind.
Here’s a look at the best picks in every position — from goalkeepers to forwards — to help fantasy teams stay ahead of the competition.
Goalkeepers
David Raya (5.5m, Arsenal v Olympiacos)
Our first-choice goalkeeper for Matchday 2 is Arsenal’s David Raya. He’s the most popular option in the game, with 30% of managers selecting him.
Raya started the campaign well, scoring six points in Matchday 1, and has another favorable fixture as Arsenal face Olympiacos.
With the Gunners looking solid at the back, Raya has a good chance of a clean sheet, while his ability to earn save points makes him a safe and reliable pick.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (6m, Monaco v Man City)
Donnarumma is another reliable choice for Matchday 2. He scored six points in Matchday 1 and is currently the second most-selected goalkeeper in the game.
Manchester City will face Monaco next, and Donnarumma heads into the fixture with one clean sheet so far, which came against Napoli in the opening round.
His consistency and shot-stopping ability make him a safe pick, especially for managers looking for a dependable alternative to David Raya.
Defenders
Achraf Hakimi (6m, Barcelona v Paris)
Hakimi is a standout pick in defense for Matchday 2. He combines set-piece threat with clean sheet potential, making him a reliable option at both ends of the pitch.
His attacking runs and involvement in PSG’s forward play mean he’s always a danger to the opposition.
Hakimi will be up against Barcelona this week, a tough fixture on paper, but his ability to create chances and pick up attacking returns keeps him worth considering.
He’s also one of the most-owned defenders in the game, sitting in over 51% of squads, showing just how trusted he is by fantasy managers.
Virgil van Dijk (6m, Galatasaray v Liverpool)
Liverpool’s captain is a strong pick for Matchday 2, offering both set-piece threat and clean sheet potential. He’s currently owned by over 29% of managers, showing how trusted he is by fantasy players.
Van Dijk made a huge impact in Matchday 1, scoring a goal, earning the Player of the Match award, and collecting 12 points. With Galatasaray up next, he has another great chance to deliver, whether through a clean sheet or another attacking return.
Pedro PorroDenzel (5m, Bodo/Glimt v Tottenham)
Spurs’ Porro comes in at a very reasonable €5.0m, making him a great value option in defense. He started the UCL campaign well, earning eight points in Matchday 1, and has been a consistent performer for Spurs so far this season.
His attacking runs down the right flank, combined with Tottenham’s improving defense, make him a strong pick. With his current form in both the Champions League and the Premier League, Porro looks like a smart, budget-friendly option for Matchday 2.
Denzel Dumfries (6m, Inter v Slavia Praha)
Dumfries is one of the most popular defender picks, currently owned by 26% of fantasy managers. Priced at €6.0m, he made a solid start to the campaign with seven points in Matchday 1, thanks to a clean sheet and four ball recoveries.
Inter Milan will face Slavia Praha in Matchday 2, a favorable fixture on paper. With his attacking role as a wing-back and Inter’s strong defensive record, Dumfries offers both clean sheet potential and the chance for attacking returns, making him a well-rounded option for your backline.
Alejandro Grimaldo (6m, Leverkusen v PSV)
Leverkusen didn’t get off to the best start in Matchday 1, drawing 2-2 with Copenhagen. However, Grimaldo once again showed why he’s one of the most attack-minded defenders in Europe, getting himself on the scoresheet and proving to be a constant threat going forward.
Priced at €6.0m and currently selected by 9% of fantasy managers, Grimaldo collected nine points in Matchday 1. With his ability to deliver goals and assists from defense, he remains a strong option for those looking to strengthen their backline.
Midfielders
Mohamed Salah (10.5m, Galatasaray v Liverpool)
Salah faces Galatasaray next, a side that conceded five goals in their opening match. With Liverpool in strong form, Salah looks like a key pick. He scored a goal and provided an assist in Matchday 1, showing just how dangerous he can be.
Priced at €10.5m and selected by 20% of managers, Salah earned 10 points in the opening round and remains one of the most reliable midfielders in the game.
Bukayo Saka (9.5m, Arsenal v Olympiacos)
Bukayo Saka could be a great pick for Matchday 2 as Arsenal host an Olympiacos side that has looked shaky so far. With Arsenal expected to dominate, Saka offers a strong route into their attack, especially since it might be tough to fit one of their forwards into your squad.
Priced at €10.5m, Saka has been Arsenal’s standout attacker for a while, consistently delivering points through goals and assists.
Vitinha(7m, Barcelona v Paris)
Vitinha is another strong midfield option for Matchday 2. Priced at €7m and selected by 31% of managers, he’s been steadily delivering for fantasy teams.
He picked up 5 points in Matchday 1 and will be facing Barcelona next. While it’s a challenging match, Vitinha has been a key part of his team’s attack, linking play well and creating scoring opportunities.
If PSG manage to get something from the game, there’s a good chance he’ll be involved, making him a smart pick for those looking for a reliable midfield option at a reasonable price.
Michael Olise (8m, Pafos v Bayern Munchen)
Bayern have been in free-scoring form lately, netting at least three goals in seven of their last nine matches. This week, they face Champions League newcomers Pafos, which could see that attacking run continue.
One player to keep an eye on is Michael Olise. Priced at €8m and selected by 34% of managers, he scored 4 points in Matchday 1 and has the potential to deliver more in this favorable fixture.
With Bayern likely to dominate possession and create plenty of chances, Olise could be a key source of points for fantasy managers.
Forwards
Harry Kane (10.5m, Pafos v Bayern Munchen)
Kane is one of the standout forward picks for Matchday 2. The Bayern penalty taker has been in incredible form this season, scoring a staggering 16 goals already and leading their relentless attack.
Priced at €10.5m and selected by 33% of managers, Kane delivered 15 points in Matchday 1. With Pafos up next, he has a great chance to add to his tally and continue rewarding fantasy managers who back him.
Erling Haaland (10.5m, Monaco v Man City)
Haaland is one of the top captaincy options for Matchday 2. Priced at €10.5m and selected by 30% of managers, the Manchester City striker picked up 6 points in Matchday 1 and has been performing well in the Premier League this season.
He’ll face Monaco away on Wednesday, and if your Day 1 captain doesn’t deliver, many fantasy managers will likely turn to the in-form Norwegian to maximize their points.
Kylian Mbappe (10.5m, Kairat Almaty v Real Madrid)
Another player who could be hard to leave out this week is Kylian Mbappé. The Real Madrid star has been in strong form, with his team winning all their early matches this season and building great momentum.
Up next, they face a vulnerable Kairat defense that conceded four goals in the opening round. This matchup gives Mbappé a fantastic opportunity to rack up points and reward fantasy managers who back him.
Who are you backing in your UCL Fantasy lineup for Matchday 2? Drop your thoughts, differentials, and captain picks in the comments—we’d love to hear your strategies.
Category: General Sports