Champions League Fantasy Football: Popular Picks and Potential Differentials

Ahead of the UEFA Champions League semi-final second legs UEFA.com assesses those players courting substantial interest among managers on #UCLfantasy, presented by Playstation, as well as those lesser-owned options who could prove lucrative assets on Matchday 12.

• Matchday 12 Fantasy captain
• Second-leg options
• Fantasy team of the week Matchday 11

GOALKEEPERS

Popular Pick

Alisson Becker (€6.4m) vs Villarreal (A)
A large spike in ownership has taken Liverpool star Alisson to within 1% of Thibaut Courtois and the Brazilian could well become the most popular goalkeeping asset ahead of Matchday 12. The Reds were the only side to keep a clean sheet on Matchday 11, beating Villarreal 2-0 in what was Alisson's third straight shut-out in all competitions, so it's little surprise to see #UCLfantasy managers swooping ahead of the trip to Spain.
Owned by 16%

Potential Differential

Ederson (€6.3m) vs Real Madrid (A)
Although Ederson is not the lowest owned of the four goalkeepers expected to feature on Matchday 12, the Manchester City stopper represents a marginal differential selection considering two other keepers boast a higher ownership. Although the 28-year-old conceded three goals in a thrilling first-leg triumph over Real Madrid, Ederson had kept four consecutive clean sheets prior to that in the UEFA Champions League. No goalkeeper has picked up more Fantasy points in the knockout rounds than Ederson's total of 25, and although he will no doubt be busy in Madrid, it could prove a shrewd move to bring him in.
Owned by 14%

DEFENDERS

Popular Pick

João Cancelo (€6.7m) vs Real Madrid (A)
After missing out on Matchday 11 due to suspension, offensive full-back Cancelo is expected to return to City's starting line-up for their second leg at Real Madrid. Although he is coveted for his attacking prowess, Cancelo's defensive attributes were clearly missed in the first leg and City should prove a tighter outfit at the back with him there. Combined with Cancelo's five attacking returns, 48 ball recoveries and 62 Fantasy points already over the course of the competition, it's easy to see why the highest-scoring Fantasy defender remains in such demand among managers.
Owned by 33%

Potential Differential

Ferland Mendy (€5.8m) vs Manchester City (H)
It was a night to forget for Real Madrid from a defensive perspective in Manchester, but Mendy proved his attacking worth with an assist. Given Mendy's offensive showing in Manchester, when he pushed forward at every opportunity, his #UCLfantasy potential cannot be understated on Matchday 12, with Real Madrid needing to overturn a one-goal deficit against opponents who failed to score in both their round of 16 and quarter-final second legs.
Owned by 3%

MIDFIELDERS

Popular Pick

Mohamed Salah (€11.2m) vs Villarreal (A)
Matchday 11 brought Salah's first attacking return in the UEFA Champions League since Matchday 7, an assist in Liverpool's first-leg win against Villarreal. His significant ownership, which remains the highest of any player, will be hoping that the Egyptian can better his tally of six points in the return leg. With Villarreal trailing by two goals, the Liga outfit will be forced into a more attacking approach, which may lead to opportunities for Salah on the counterattack as he bids to add to his eight goals and 71 #UCLfantasy points already scored this season.
Owned by 46%

Potential Differential

Arnaut Danjuma (€7.8m) vs Liverpool (H)
Villarreal will need to score at least twice on Matchday 12 to give themselves a chance of advancing to the UEFA Champions League final, and if they are to complete a memorable comeback, the likelihood will be that Danjuma has played a key part in it. Fielded largely as a forward by Unai Emery, Danjuma has already picked up six goals, two assists and 66 Fantasy points across the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League, with only Salah having accrued more points among midfielders. Whilst his ownership has now reached a double-figure percentage, Danjuma still represents a significant differential at this late stage of the competition.
Owned by 10%

FORWARDS

Popular Pick

Karim Benzema (€10.7m) vs Manchester City (H)
Benzema's red-hot form in the UEFA Champions League continued on Matchday 11 with the Frenchman scoring twice, albeit in a losing effort, at Manchester City. Benzema has now racked up a competition-leading 14 goals in this season's tournament, including nine across the last four matchdays, which has helped him accumulate 50 Fantasy points over that period. It is therefore no surprise that #UCLfantasy managers are heavily backing Benzema ahead of Matchday 12, in which Real Madrid will need to score at least once to stay in the competition.
Owned by 33%

Potential Differential

Gabriel Jesus (€8.5m) vs Real Madrid (A)
The Manchester City forward made only his second start in this season's UEFA Champions League on Matchday 11 and rewarded his manager's faith with a goal, Jesus's fourth in Europe this season despite playing only 274 minutes. This underlines the fact that even if the 25-year-old is not selected to start in Madrid, he still boasts significant #UCLfantasy potential for those looking to bring in a low-owned forward. However, considering his form – five goals in his last two appearances in all competitions – he could well find himself in Pep Guardiola's starting XI once again on Matchday 12.
Owned by 6%