With Champions League Matchday 3 approaching, it is time to share my team and see how my selections look for the next round of fixtures. There are plenty of players to consider, but choosing the right options will be key to getting a good return.
My aim is to build a balanced squad with players who can deliver points through goals, assists and clean sheets. As always, some picks carry more risk than others, so I will be hoping my choices pay off when the matches get underway.
Here is my Champions League Matchday 3 Rate My Team, along with a look at the players I am backing to deliver this round.
UCL Matchday 3 Team
I have gone with Alisson Becker in goal, hoping the Liverpool goalkeeper can earn points through saves and a possible clean sheet against Villarreal. Liverpool will need to be solid at the back, but Alisson’s ability to make important stops gives him another route to points if the visitors create chances.
My defence consists of Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos and Marc Pubill. Gabriel appeals to me because of Arsenal’s defensive strength and the threat he offers from set pieces.
Marquinhos gives me another option who could benefit from a clean sheet if Paris Saint-Germain defend well, while Pubill completes my back three. I am hoping Atletico Madrid can produce a solid defensive performance to help him bring in points.
In midfield, I have picked Bukayo Saka, Fermin Lopez, Vitinha and Jeremy Doku, with the Manchester City winger as my captain. Doku’s pace and ability to take on defenders make him an exciting captaincy choice, especially because he can create chances as well as score.
Saka also offers a good mix of goals and assists, while Lopez and Vitinha have the quality to contribute in attack. Their fixtures may not be straightforward, but both can still make an impact if their teams create enough opportunities.
Up front, I am backing Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Luis Suarez to deliver the points. Kane remains a strong option because of his regular involvement in Bayern Munich‘s goals, even though the match against Arsenal could be challenging.
Mbappe has scored in each of his first two Champions League appearances this season, making him difficult to leave out, while Suarez gives me another attacking option after contributing goals for Sporting CP in the opening matchdays. With Sporting facing LASK at home, I am hoping he can add to his tally.
On the bench, Thibaut Courtois, Denzel Dumfries, Noah Brown and Michael Olise. Courtois could earn points through saves, while Dumfries offers attacking potential from defence and Brown provides another defensive option. Olise would normally be an exciting choice because of his creativity and attacking threat, but he is suspended for Bayern Munich’s match against Arsenal and will not be available for this matchday.
I’m hoping my team can deliver a good return in Matchday 3, but I may still make a few changes before the deadline. If you were in my position, who would you bring in or take out? Let me know what you think of my team in the comments below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!