NMA – UCL MD-5 player selection

As the UEFA Champions League moves into MD-5, fantasy managers are increasingly focusing on key players who could make the difference. With some top teams heading into crucial games, here’s a look at the best players to target across all positions.

goalkeeper

Yann Sommer (€5.5 million) against Leipzig (H)

Sommer has been in outstanding form, scoring the most points of any goalkeeper in the competition as Inter Milan remain unbeaten in the league phase. A strong defense will be crucial against a Leipzig team still looking for their first points. With a 10% stake, Sommer offers excellent value for money at a relatively low price.

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Marco Carnesecchi (€4.5m) against Young Boys (A)

Carnesecchi is another goalkeeper with a fantastic performance, keeping four clean sheets in a row. Atalanta have been rock solid at the back and with Young Boys struggling to score, Carnesecchi should continue to add to his impressive tally. His low ownership percentage (3%) makes him a great differential pick.

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defender

Antonio Rüdiger (€6.0 million) vs Liverpool (A)

Despite Real Madrid’s struggles keeping clean sheets, Rüdiger was a solid fantasy player who scored goals regularly. The German defender scored on two of our four matchdays. Even though Pool is next in line, Rüdiger remains a strong choice on both defense and offense.

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Wilfried Singo (€4.6m) against Benfica (H)

Monaco’s full-back Singo was one of the most exciting defenders in the competition, offering a great mix of attacking potential and defensive stability. With a goal, an assist and multiple ball recoveries, he is a strong budget option, especially given his low possession rate of just 1%.

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Jules Koundé (€5.5m) vs Brest (H)

Given the favorable home game against Brest, Barcelona’s defenders will be in high demand. Koundé, who has shown solid defensive form, could not only keep a clean sheet but also contribute in attack. Barcelona are expected to dominate the game, making their defenders the best candidates.

midfielder

Mo Salah (€10.1m) vs Real Madrid (H)

Liverpool’s Salah continues to be one of our most consistent fantasy players, averaging 10 points per game since MD-2. He has been in excellent form with three assists and three goals in his last three appearances. With Real Madrid visiting, Salah’s experience in big games makes him a must for this round.

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Tijjani Reijnders (€5.6m) vs Slovan Bratislava (A)

Reijnders is one of the standout midfielders this season, having scored three Champions League goals in his last three games. Milan’s trip to Bratislava looks promising and Reijnders’ form suggests he could continue to pick up points, making him a great budget choice.

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Raphinha (€7.6m) vs Brest (H)

With 50 fantasy points, Raphinha has been the most productive player in the competition so far. His explosive form in the last few match days with five goals and three assists makes him an ideal candidate for captaincy. Barcelona’s home game against Brest should provide Raphinha with further opportunities to add to his tally. He’s also resilient and continues to deliver even after editor Jeff picks him up.

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Jamal Musiala (€9.0m) against Paris (H)

Musiala has been in exceptional form, scoring seven goals in his last eight games for club and country. His contributions in the Champions League, including a goal and two assists in his last start, underline his importance to Bayern’s attack. A home game against Paris could see him continue his good run.

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Nicolas Kühn (€4.5 million) against Club Brugge (A)

For those looking for a cheaper midfielder with a high ceiling, Kühn could be the answer. The German has been in good form, scoring five goals and three assists in his last five games across all competitions. His 16 points against Leipzig in the MD-4 shows his performance and makes him an interesting differential pick.

Forward

Viktor Gyökeres (€7.6 million) vs arsenal (H)

Gyökeres is one of the competition’s top scorers, including a recent hat-trick against Man City. With 37 points, he is the highest-scoring striker to date. His impressive form both at club and country makes him a strong choice for MD-5.

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Sandro Kulenović (€5.9 million) vs Dortmund (H)

Kulenović has been a revelation in recent matchdays, scoring a goal in both the third and fourth matchdays. His form, including two goals in the last game, makes him a solid budget option at just €5.9m.

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Erling Haaland (€11.0 million) against Feyenoord (H)

Haaland remains the most controlled striker and despite missing a penalty in his last Champions League appearance, he remains a top choice. With three hat-tricks this season and two goals in his final home game in the Champions League, Haaland could be a key figure as Man City look to reverse the longest multi-game spell in Pep’s tenure as manager.

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Serhou Guirassy (€7.8m) vs GNK Dinamo (A)

Guirassy has been one of our most consistent fantasy players, scoring or assisting in every Champions League game this season. His impressive goalscoring ability for both club and country makes him a viable option for MD-5, particularly for managers looking for a differentiated choice.

With these top picks in mind, fantasy managers should feel confident making tactical changes ahead of MD-5. Whether you’re looking for high-profile stars or low-capacity, high-potential players, there’s plenty to offer at all positions.

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What about your team? Did the scheduling change result in all of your players ending up on the same calendar day? Have injuries and suspensions blown holes in your squad? Are you playing a chip? Please chime in to share your thoughts and questions in the comments!

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