Who should be my Champions League Fantasy Football captain for Matchday 9?
Friday, April 1, 2022
Article summary
UEFA.com examines the captaincy credentials of João Cancelo, Mohamed Salah, Kai Havertz and Robert Lewandowski ahead of the quarter-final first legs.
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Ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, UEFA.com presents a potential choice from each fixture for the captaincy on #UCLfantasy, presented by Playstation.
TUESDAY 5 APRIL
João Cancelo (€6.6m) vs Atlético (H)
Despite not featuring in two UEFA Champions League games this season, as well as keeping only one clean sheet, Cancelo has still scored more Fantasy points than any other defender. It is the frequency at which he makes attacking contributions that make him such a compelling captaincy option for #UCLfantasy managers, with the Portuguese international having already recorded two goals and three assists in the competition. With the English champions at home against Atlético in the first leg, the onus will be on them to push forward and Cancelo could again play a key role at both ends of the pitch.
Other options: Riyad Mahrez (€9.6m), João Félix (€8.9m)
Mohamed Salah (€11.1m) vs Benfica (A)
Having amassed 62 Fantasy points over the course of the competition – 29 more than any of his team-mates – Salah is the obvious armband choice for Liverpool's trip to Benfica. Only Robert Lewandowski and the eliminated Sébastien Haller have scored more goals in the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League than the Egyptian, who has found the net in six of his eight appearances in this season's competition. Salah's ownership currently stands at 43%, and it is likely that a significant portion of those owners will trust him with the captaincy on Matchday 9.
Other options: Virgil van Dijk (€6.2m), Darwin Núñez (€7.7m)
WEDNESDAY 6 APRIL
Kai Havertz (€9.2m) vs Real Madrid (H)
Havertz has proved to be a player for the big occasion, and having seemingly nailed down a spot as the central forward in Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea line-up, the German shapes up to be an intriguing captaincy choice for #UCLfantasy managers looking to go against the grain on Matchday 9. Seven goals in his last ten appearances for club and country speak of a player who is full of confidence right now and making the most of his opportunities. The reigning European champions will be aiming for a fast start in Wednesday's first leg against Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge, and in-form Havertz could be integral to their success.
Other options: Thiago Silva (€5.8m), Karim Benzema (€10.4m)
Robert Lewandowski (€12.2m) vs Villarreal (A)
Of course, there is always Lewandowski to reply upon instead. After a rare quiet night in front of goal at Salzburg on Matchday 7, the Bayern striker more than made up for that in the second leg, a hat-trick helping him to a mammoth 24 Fantasy points in the 7-1 win over the Austrian side. Lewandowski is now the top scorer in both the UEFA Champions League and on #UCLfantasy and that is reflected in his ownership, with the Pole comfortably the highest owned player in the game. If a Wednesday captain is needed, Lewandowski represents the safe choice.
Other options: Leroy Sané (€9.6m), Arnaut Danjuma (€7.2m)
