Champions League Fantasy Football: Popular Picks and Potential Differentials

Assets of both low and high ownership on #UCLfantasy, presented by Playstation, are on the agenda as UEFA.com picks out some players to consider ahead of UEFA Champions League Matchday 3.

GOALKEEPERS

Popular Pick

Yann Sommer (€4.5m) vs Salzburg (H)
Given his budget-friendly price, Sommer has been a popular choice among Fantasy managers this season. His ownership will have been satisfied with his clean sheet against Benfica last time out, and can hope for more of the same against Salzburg on Matchday 3 given Inter have kept six clean sheets in their last nine games in the competition.
Selected by 28%

Potential Differential

Nick Pope (€5.5m) vs Dortmund (H)
Newcastle head into Matchday 3 meeting with Dortmund top of Group F after their eye-catching win against Paris, and will aim to keep their second clean sheet of the competition. Pope was integral to their first, making eight saves in the goalless draw at AC Milan on Matchday 1, and looks well placed for another with the Magpies having conceded just once in their last four home games in all competitions.
Selected by 3%

DEFENDERS

Popular Pick

Rúben Dias (€5.5m) vs Young Boys (A)
Predicting Pep Guardiola's starting line-up is rarely straightforward but Dias is one of the more reliable inclusions. Having started Manchester City's last 11 Champions League games, Fantasy managers clearly have faith in his minutes as he features in over a fifth of all teams ahead of a first meeting with Swiss side Young Boys.
Selected by 22%

Potential Differential

Marcos Alonso (€5.5m) vs Shakhtar (H)
A rare opportunity may come the way of Alonso on Matchday 3. Barcelona's first-choice left-back Alejandro Balde is likely to miss the fixture with Shakhtar due to injury, potentially paving the way for Alonso to come into the side. The Spaniard is renowned for his attacking abilities, meaning it could be worth taking a risk on his inclusion.
Selected by 0%

MIDFIELDERS

Popular Pick

Martin Ødegaard (€9.1m) vs Sevilla (A)
A key cog in Arsenal's midfield, Ødegaard's ownership soared after his 15-point return on Matchday 1, and although he was unable to replicate that against Lens last time out, he remains a popular choice among Fantasy managers. With Bukayo Saka carrying an injury, the Norwegian currently looks the safer pick in the Gunners midfield.
Selected by 16%

Potential Differential

Brais Méndez (€6.6m) vs Benfica (A)
No player has accumulated more Fantasy points than Méndez, yet his ownership still remains relatively low. The Real Sociedad midfielder's two goals, assist and two Player of the Match awards have helped him to 26 points, and he also has played as a forward on occasion this season, further increasing his appeal. On Matchday 3 the Spanish side take on Group D's bottom side Benfica.
Selected by 4%

FORWARDS

Popular Pick

Harry Kane (€10.0m) vs Galatasaray (H)
There was disappointment for Kane owners on Matchday 2 with a somewhat surprising blank in Copenhagen, but Bayern now return to home ground, where Kane has struck seven times in all competitions this season. Having also been on target for England on international duty, the Bayern's striker's significant ownership can be confident of further returns.
Selected by 32%

Potential Differential

Álvaro Morata (€7.5m) vs Celtic (A)
Often overlooked in Fantasy circles, Morata's form this season warrants attention. The Spaniard has scored 11 times for club and country in 2023/24, and his 12 points against Feyenoord on Matchday 2 illustrates his potential. Atlético de Madrid face Celtic on Matchday 3, with Morata representing a tempting differential option.
Selected by 3%