The UEFA Champions League is back, bringing another blockbuster round of fixtures. This week features colossal battles like Liverpool vs. Real Madrid and the clash of titans, PSG vs. Bayern Munich. With the fantasy game back for Gameweek 4, managers need strong punts and reliable big hitters. Here are eight top players we believe offer the best blend of form and fixture advantage to maximize your score.
1. Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
The case for Lautaro Martínez is simple: fixture advantage. Inter Milan hosts Kairat Almaty in arguably the biggest mismatch of the round, meaning Inter are expected to score multiple goals. As their best and primary striker, Lautaro is guaranteed to be central to Inter’s high score. He has already proven his efficiency in Europe this season, delivering 3 goals in just 2 UCL matches played, making him a high-floor pick for this week’s captaincy discussion.
2. Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid)
Simeone offers mid-priced value in a key home matchup against Union Saint-Gilloise. Union SG has struggled defensively against quality opposition, and Atlético is expected to be dominant at home. Giuliano Simeone, playing as a winger provides a direct threat and is in consistent form, recently being involved in multiple La Liga goals through scoring and creating chances. His role in a favored attack guarantees high potential for both goals and assists.
3. Estevão (Chelsea)
Estevão is the high-ceiling differential you need. The young Brazilian recently became Chelsea’s youngest-ever UCL goalscorer when he netted a penalty, proving the coaching staff trusts him in key moments. Chelsea travels away to Qarabağ, a team expected to offer plenty of attacking space. Estevão’s explosive potential is favored by the coach, making him a strong candidate for high returns in this favorable fixture.
4. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
This selection is all about exploiting a porous defense. Galatasaray faces Ajax, a side that has looked exceptionally fragile at the back, conceding a high number of goals early this season. Osimhen is the perfect player to punish this weakness. He is in lethal form, having delivered 3 goals in 2 UCL matches and averaging 6.5 shot attempts per match. He will be the undisputed focus of Galatasaray’s attack, promising massive points if he converts his chances.
5. Mason Greenwood (Marseille)
Greenwood is a unique high-risk pick with demonstrated immense upside. He recently delivered an unforgettable 4-goal and 1-assist performance in a domestic league match, confirming his massive fantasy potential when given attacking freedom. Despite a tougher matchup against Atalanta, Marseille plays with high confidence at home and needs goals. With 7 goals and 3 assists in 10 Ligue 1 matches this season, Greenwood is the primary creative and scoring force for the French side.
6. Kenan Yildiz (Juventus)
Kenan Yildiz is essential for managers targeting the early Tuesday kick-offs. The young playmaker has returned to full training and is expected to start for Juventus in a crucial home game against Sporting CP. Wearing the iconic number 10 shirt, Yildiz provides the creativity needed for Juventus to break down the opponent. His fantasy output has been reliable, delivering 1 goal and 1 assist in 3 UCL matches already.
7. Rasmus Højlund (Napoli)
Højlund offers a strong goal threat in a home fixture where Napoli is heavily favored against Eintracht Frankfurt. Eintracht’s defense has been weak, conceding goals in seven straight away matches across competitions. Højlund is the predicted starting striker and one of Napoli’s top scorers. He benefits directly from Napoli’s high goal expectancy in a game that is a must-win for the Italian side.
8. Nicolas Pépé (Villarreal)
Pépé is an excellent differential from a strong team playing a very weak opponent. Villarreal travels away to Pafos, a side that has shown a highly porous defense. Pépé, playing on the right wing, will be highly involved in the attack. He averages over 2.6 shot attempts per match and has already registered an assist in 3 UCL matches, making him a high-upside pick who offers a good return if Villarreal dominates as expected.
With the Champions League Group Stage reaching its critical midpoint, securing points is vital for every manager. Focusing on these high-upside players facing weak defenses offers the best strategy to climb the ranks and maximize your score this week.
