#UCLfantasy matchday nine: The Scout squad

Picking a #UCLfantasy squad is harder than ever as we reach the last eight, with bargains thin on the ground and more big names than squad capacity – so who makes The Scout's 15-man selection?

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Goalkeepers

In goal, clean sheets in Liverpool's last two home matches in the competition – against the attacking firepower of Napoli and Bayern München – prompt investment in Alisson Becker (€5.6m) for the visit of Porto, against whom the Reds posted two clean sheets in 2017/18. Ajax's Andre Onana (€4.6m) faces the more daunting prospect of a visit from Juventus, yet not only offers the possibility of a shut-out but also saves points – and his low price frees up funds elsewhere.

Defenders

Liverpool's imperious home form makes their defence worthy of close consideration too – although first-choice left-back Andy Robertson is suspended. Opposite full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold (€5.5m) always merits a look, however, particularly given his set-piece delivery, while Virgil van Dijk (€6.0m) could be an asset in both boxes. The same applies to Manchester City pair John Stones (€5.4m) and Aymeric Laporte (€5.9m), who face a tough trip to Tottenham but whose side are in exceptional form. Ajax's Nicolás Tagliafico (€4.7m) is another budget pick, although his 33 points this term demand his inclusion.

Midfielders

The game between Tottenham and Man. City looks too close to call, so a player from either team makes it into the midfield line-up. Christian Eriksen (€9.0m) claimed a goal and an assist in the first match at Spurs' new home last week, while Raheem Sterling (€9.6m) has been red-hot for club and country in recent weeks. Sadio Mané (€9.0m) has gone slightly off the boil in Liverpool's last couple of games, yet still has seven goals in seven appearances in all competitions, while Hakim Ziyech (€7.0m) could prove a useful differential pick; the Ajax midfielder has ownership of just 3% among #UCLfantasy managers. Blaise Matuidi (€6.2m) of Juventus completes the midfield.

Forwards

Speaking of differentials, with Cristiano Ronaldo's participation in serious doubt, Moise Kean (€4.8m) may well come into consideration for a Juventus start – the 19-year-old has seven goals in eight outings for club and country. Lionel Messi (€11.6m) is almost a mandatory pick, given both his eight goals in this season's tournament – making the Argentinian 2018/19's top Fantasy scorer with 52 points – and his record against English clubs. Liverpool's Roberto Firmino (€9.5m) is the other attacker, following three goals in his last five matches.