Champions League Fantasy Football: Popular picks and potential differentials

UEFA.com assesses the options for Matchday 8 of #UCLfantasy, presented by Playstation, running through a mix of popular Fantasy players capable of game-changing scores and some differential options who could provide an edge.

GOALKEEPERS

Popular pick

Emiliano Martínez (€5.0m) vs Celtic (H)
The second-most popular goalkeeper on Fantasy, Martínez is third in his position when it comes to points gained. The reigning Yashin Trophy holder has kept four league phase clean sheets on his way to 37 points, and his Aston Villa side welcome Celtic to Villa Park on Matchday 8.
Owned by 19%

Potential differential

Mike Maignan (€5.5m) vs GNK Dinamo (A)
Maignan recorded seven points on Matchday 7 after making three saves and keeping Girona at bay in Milan's 1-0 win. His price tag may have contributed to a small ownership percentage, which offers differential benefits for those who pick Maignan against opponents who are without a goal in their last three European games.
Owned by 5%

DEFENDERS

Popular pick

Alejandro Grimaldo (€5.8m) vs Sparta Praha (H)
Capable of Fantasy returns through multiple avenues, Grimaldo is among the top five highest-owned defenders having gained 51 points, more than any other player in his position. Against Sparta Praha he will be looking to add to his two goals, an assist, four clean sheets and 26 ball recoveries.
Owned by 22%

Potential differential

Wilfried Singo (€4.7m) vs Inter (A)
Although Singo has only featured in five of Monaco's seven games, Fantasy bosses will have the advantage of seeing the starting line-up before the Matchday 8 deadline. Three of his five starts have resulted in a double-figure points haul, including 19 on Matchday 7, more than any other player, thanks to his winning goal against Aston Villa.
Owned by 1%

MIDFIELDERS

Popular pick

Lamine Yamal (€7.4m) vs Atalanta (H)
Yamal, whose ownership remains the highest among midfielders, provided an assist and was named Player of the Match against Dortmund on Matchday 6 and then won a penalty in Barcelona's 5-4 triumph at Benfica. Fantasy managers clearly have faith in Yamal's ability to score big at home to Atalanta, Hansi Flick's side having hit more league phase goals than any other club.
Owned by 45%

Potential differential

Igor Paixão (€6.7m) vs LOSC Lille (A)
Although he did not register an attacking return in Feyenoord's 3-0 victory against Bayern München, Paixão remains an excellent midfield pick from a budget and ownership perspective. The Brazilian has 30 points from his last five league phase appearances, with a goal and three assists in that sequence.
Owned by 0%

FORWARDS

Popular pick

Harry Kane (€10.7m) vs Slovan Bratislava (H)
Kane has already managed five league phase goals, four of those coming at home to GNK Dinamo on Matchday 1. With 22 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions so far this season, Kane – currently selected by a quarter of Fantasy managers – is sure to be a popular pick on Matchday 8, when Bayern are at home to point-less Slovan Bratislava.
Owned by 25%

Potential differential

Patrik Schick (€6.3m) vs Sparta Praha (H)
With fellow forward Victor Boniface returning to training, Fantasy managers should wait until Leverkusen's starting line-up is confirmed before opting for Schick. If the 29-year-old is selected, he will provide huge differential appeal. Schick has scored in his last five appearances in all competitions and his bargain price frees up funds for use elsewhere.
Owned by 1%