UEFA Champions League Fantasy: Three tips for the best starter squad
3. Subs are key, unlike FPL
One of the biggest changes in the Champions League Fantasy from the more traditional Fantasy Leagues is the ability to make substitutions between matches.
Each matchday involves two days of play – Tuesday and Wednesday. Half of the teams play their games on Tuesday, while the other half on Wednesday. UCL Fantasy players can make full use of their bench in between the two playing days.
It works like this: If Ronaldo is in action on a Tuesday and scores 2 points, Fantasy managers can sub him out for either a forward, midfielder, or defender who is set to play on Wednesday – one they expect will deliver a better points haul.
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The caveat here is simple: you will lose the points once you substitute the asset. Similarly, players can switch their captains between Tuesday and Wednesday, but the one removed from captaincy will lose the advantage of double points.
if you play your FPL cards right
Simply put, if you play your cards right, you will be left with the highest possible score attained by a combination of eleven of your assets by the end of the matchday.
Two things are of note then. Firstly, it is sensible to split your squad between the two days of play (you can easily figure out who’s playing when with the help of the ‘Date’ tab on the squad screen).
Your focus, as such, should be on building a strong substitutes bench along with the main eleven – one which can easily deputize if some of the starting assets fail.
Secondly, it is sensible to pick assets who play on Tuesday first ahead of every matchday, even if it means benching some of your big names.
Borussia Dortmund will play their first group match on Wednesday, therefore, Haaland can be benched in place of assets playing one day earlier and brought in later.
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As the season progresses, more patterns and players will begin to emerge. But, for now, it is practical to back pedigree, keep the bench fluid, and focus on guaranteed starters.