Never Manage Alone - NMA’s UCL Group Stage Article StreamThe Fantasy Soccer Bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51007/nma-fav.png2021-09-07T18:00:43-07:00http://www.nevermanagealone.com/rss/stream/224049692021-09-07T18:00:43-07:002021-09-07T18:00:43-07:00How to Play Fantasy UCL: Rules, Tips, Tricks, and Secrets
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<img alt="Russian PM Mishustin on working trip to Moscow Region" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fStE-m5KKpDQ00UUp0hbeUHBS3o=/154x0:4240x2724/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69828050/1234987782.5.jpg" />
<figcaption>Listen up, this is important! | Photo by Dmitry Astakhov\TASS via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>An overview of the basics of the game, including the Top-10 minnows to target for captaincy</p> <p id="DEYya5">The boredom of the international break is almost over! UEFA <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> — the biggest club competition in the world — is just under a week away. </p>
<p id="L62PVD">This also marks the return of the official UCL fantasy game. To get you started off right, here are the basics, tips, and tricks to help you get ahead of the curve.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="fcLMk1">
<h3 id="elLOG9">Picking a team</h3>
<p id="D4YkX5">Just like previous seasons, Fantasy UCL requires us to pick:</p>
<ul>
<li id="omcn04">2 goalkeepers</li>
<li id="uW1NcP">5 defenders</li>
<li id="Hm4Vqb">5 midfielders</li>
<li id="51ZhH0">3 forwards</li>
</ul>
<p id="wfzXlv">The budget available for the group stages is €100 million, and then we gain €5 before the <em>Round of 16</em> (€105 million total, give or take a few tenths for price changes). Like the previous seasons, the player-per-club cap increases as the tournament progresses:</p>
<div id="e0Dryl"><div data-anthem-component="table:10739881"></div></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="frQccZ">
<div id="2HlrXY"><div data-anthem-component="table:10739898"></div></div>
<p id="k39NSz">If you have played the previous seasons of the game, the points system is the same with just a couple exceptions. The most notable new wrinkle is the three points awarded to the “Player of the Match”. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Player of the match awards - data table - Kante=4, DeBruyne=3, others fewer." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wwpCOjPouIrIMEwoGuJhecA3NUQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22833107/Player_of_the_match.jpeg">
<figcaption>Top UCL “Player of the match” award recipients-2020-21. Source: <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.fantasyfootballreports.com/ucl-fantasy-the-most-motm-awards/" target="_blank">Fantasy Football Reports</a>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="x2ze3t">Although usually the majority of “Player of the Match” awards are given to the goal-scorers, last season Chelsea’s N’golo Kante surprisingly topped the chart with his brilliant displays in the knockout stages as the Frenchman’s clairvoyant interceptions and timely tackles preserved Blues clean sheets.</p>
<p id="paRbuw">The other wrinkle is that points awarded for winning penalties have also changed slightly: no points will be given (to the attacking player) or deducted (from the defending player) if the foul is a handball.</p>
<p id="CLNTJG">Elsewhere, the points awarded for goals, assists, clean sheets, saves, ball recoveries, and winning/conceding a penalty (through a foul) remain unchanged from previous seasons.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="LboVrS">
<div id="poCVln"><div data-anthem-component="table:10739885"></div></div>
<p id="8HAuyB">Like most other features of the game, the number of free transfers allowed before each match day increases as listed above. Although it is possible to make more transfers by paying a -4 point hit per additional transfer, I would not recommend doing so unless you can’t field a starting 11 without taking the hit.</p>
<p id="8csBs7">It is also possible to carry forward one (and only one) unused transfer from each group-stage matchday to the next, but once the knockout stages begin, no transfers can be carried over at all. </p>
<p id="Q77htk">In case you plan to use a chip in the next round, make sure not to carry forward a free transfer as the use of both the “Wildcard” and the “Limitless” chip allows unlimited transfers anyways and the free transfer will end up getting wasted. (Further details about the chips will be discussed in the upcoming segments.)</p>
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<h3 id="qiipBo">Substitutions</h3>
<p id="xNf2Nv">Like the previous seasons, we will have one substitution window per matchday during the group stage. Managers who played <em>Fantasy Euros 2020</em> will be accustomed to a more generous four substitution windows offering five tries at captain; we’ll need to adjust our armband strategy. With just one substitution window (two tries at captain), the risk of blanking with the captain’s armband is much higher. But fear not, NMA has you covered.</p>
<p id="KqxKLw">The auto-substitution and manual substitution rules remain unchanged from previous seasons. To learn how auto- and manual subs work, see the official <a href="https://gaming.uefa.com/en/uclfantasy/info/025f-0fd4b42cc0a7-74498b7df63b-1000/0">UCL fantasy rules article</a>.</p>
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<h3 id="hfYsaJ">Chips</h3>
<p id="i3nRbt">Similar to previous editions of the game, this year’s offers two chips, limitless & wildcard:</p>
<h4 id="SOZNbw">Limitless</h4>
<p id="aLJ2Jw">This chip allows unlimited (temporary) transfers with an unlimited budget for exactly one matchday. Like Cinderella’s coach and horses, the team then reverts to what it was in the <em>previous</em> matchday (erasing free transfers, so don’t waste them). It’s like FPL’s “free hit” but with infinite budget.</p>
<p id="r5VOK6">~</p>
<h4 id="Tcyf0F">Wildcard</h4>
<p id="IXKAbc">If you are familiar with FPL, the wildcard in UCL fantasy works the same way: You can make unlimited free transfers for a matchday. Normal budget applies, and these transfers stay.</p>
<p id="MMcwN7">~</p>
<h4 id="sTSEnc">Chip Tip</h4>
<p id="v6PvTW">Using the limitless in group stage and the wildcard before the second leg of the quarterfinals is the default approach. But using both in the group stage can also work like a charm since the group stage is when you can break away from the pack. Differential picks become much fewer as we move into the latter parts of the tournament because there are fewer players to choose from.</p>
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<h3 id="snkJcg">Top 10 Minnows to Target</h3>
<h4 id="Z3hMWX">#1-Club Brugge KV & BSC Young boys</h4>
<p id="XfvidZ">Club Brugge has conceded 11 goals in 6 Belgian pro league games - the 3rd worst team in the league for goals conceded. With all due respect, the Champions League is a much higher level than the Belgian 1st division, and in their current form, Brugge could be a victim of some big defeats, especially at the hands of title favorites <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Man City</a> and PSG.</p>
<div id="pVtV7K"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JPxaw9F1gsE?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="G70OTo">BSC Young Boys’ new coach David Wagner, like his team Young Boys, isn’t exactly well known for his defensive solidity. The Swiss club has conceded eight goals in six Champions League qualifying games against opposition weaker than their group stage opponents <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Man United</a>, Villareal, and Atalanta. Young Boys managed only three clean sheets in their ten Europa League appearances in the 2020-21 season. In his previous coaching stint, David Wagner managed FC Schalke 04 in 2019-20, conceding 58 goals in 34 Bundesliga games. He ended up getting the sack just a month into the 2020-21 season after a horrendous start to the campaign, another sign of the defensive weakness in his coaching.</p>
<p id="qe0WZr">~</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Shakhtar Donetsk v Borussia Moenchengladbach: Group B - UEFA Champions League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9JZdEE_FTSnAHXbf0ov2nuTZGdk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22833045/1229444752.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Christian Verheyen/Borussia Moenchengladbach via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h4 id="d1gVMi">#2- Shakhtar Donetsk</h4>
<p id="m31RvU">In the 2020-21 Champions League season, although Shakhtar Donetsk managed to finish above <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com">Inter Milan</a> in Group B, the Ukrainian club still conceded twelve goals in six group stage outings — a worrying number from a defensive standpoint. New Shakhtar manager Roberto De Zerbi, in his previous managerial stint at US Sassuolo, conceded 56 goals in 38 games in the 2020-21 Serie A campaign. That’s a number that doesn’t particularly highlight defensive coaching strength.</p>
<p id="hi7VpD">~</p>
<h4 id="lNTbLF">#3- FC Sheriff Tiraspol</h4>
<p id="iLtBod">Champions League debutants FC Sheriff Tiraspol have failed to make the group stages on eight previous occasions between 2008 and 2020. Although the Moldovan club conceded only two goals in their eight qualifying games this season, playing the likes of <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com">Real Madrid</a> and Inter Milan is a much different prospect. Their inexperience at the European level could see them make unforced errors, for which they could be punished.</p>
<p id="WrxP4d">~</p>
<h4 id="qhfRzD">#4- Lille OSC</h4>
<p id="jGP48M">2020-21 Ligue 1 Champions Lille have had a slow start so far this campaign. In their four league outings, the defending champions have conceded nine goals — the worst in the league. If new manager Jocelyn Gourvennec fails to steady the ship in the Champions League, the likes of Sevilla, Wolfsburg, and Salzburg could run riot against the French club.</p>
<p id="G0TOyS">~</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="RB Salzburg v FC Bayern Muenchen: Group A - UEFA Champions League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/d-JcwO3W4sQGXHy3OA0Jwc0nXj0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22833050/1229446037.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h4 id="IaOYFf">#5- RB Salzburg</h4>
<p id="cgO4bm">In the 20/21 Champions League season, RB Salzburg conceded an astounding 17 goals in 6 games, a clear indication of defensive weakness at the highest level. A poor defensive record in combination with a relatively inexperienced Matthias Jaissle at the helm could lead to loads of goalmouth action at Salzburg’s end. Although Salzburg has made a good start as a defensive unit in the Austrian Bundesliga (just 3 goals conceded in the first 6 games), the Champions League is a different ballgame altogether.</p>
<p id="FPJkGJ">~</p>
<h4 id="GMBl90">#6- FC Zenit</h4>
<p id="oyUUra">FC Zenit conceded 13 goals in six UCL group stage games last season in a group that was easier than their current draw. Despite sitting pretty at the top of the Russian Premier League, FC Zenit has conceded seven goals in six league games. That’s worrisome, especially when the likes of Chelsea and <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com">Juventus</a> are sharpening their knives for battle.</p>
<p id="t2J4qJ">~</p>
<h4 id="saGeuh">#7- S.L. Benfica</h4>
<p id="MjCiav">Jorge Jesus’s Benfica conceded 13 goals in eight Europa League games last season. Although Benfica conceded just one goal in their four qualifiers this year, it’s doubtful they’ll be able to sustain that kind of record against giants like <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> and <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com">Barcelona.</a></p>
<p id="7DDfOc">~</p>
<h4 id="0XJzqS">#8- Beşiktaş J.K.</h4>
<p id="oUzp4m">Sergen Yalcin and Besiktas’s recent European inexperience could lead to their downfall in the 2021-22 Champions League campaign. Although Besiktas looks solid and hasn’t conceded in the first three Turkish league outings, the Turkish league isn’t quite on par with the Champions League. Ask last year’s only Turkish Champions League club İstanbul Başakşehir for instance: The 2019-20 Turkish champions conceded 18 goals in their six Champions League outings on the way to an early exit.</p>
<p id="IOLCS8">~</p>
<h4 id="zolifj">#9-RB Leipzig</h4>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Manchester United v RB Leipzig: Group H - UEFA Champions League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/w6FkzfN8DrMarGr1M1DkbG1GXf8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22833053/1282741101.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="75gGfJ">Although the addition of Jesse Marsch to the club will improve Leipzig’s attack, question marks remain over the German club’s defense. Under Marsch, fellow Red Bull franchise RB Salzburg conceded 17 goals in six games last season. Given that RB Leipzig’s squad is stronger than Salzburg’s, the German club has always leaked goals. In the 2020-21 UCL campaign, Leipzig conceded 16 in eight games. That’s a figure that doesn’t exactly instill confidence in the club’s defense, especially when facing the likes of Man City and PSG.</p>
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<h3 id="OfHgZp">NMA Group Stage Article Stream</h3>
<p id="uEhLeU">For group-by-group analysis of each of this season’s UCL teams, please see <a href="https://www.nevermanagealone.com/2021/8/27/22640928/"><strong>NMA’s Group Stage article stream</strong></a>. </p>
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<h3 id="BWWCDe">NMA UCL Fantasy Mini-League</h3>
<p id="4OHnnO">If you played our UCL mini-league last season, or if you played our Euros mini-league over the summer, you should automatically be entered into NMA’s 2021-22 mini-league as soon as you create a team<em>. </em>Head to <a href="http://gaming.uefa.com/"><strong>gaming.uefa.com</strong></a> and get to work!</p>
<p id="yy4AUh">If you are new to us, then once you create a team you can join our mini-league manually with the following info. Come join us, we’d love to have you!</p>
<ul>
<li id="CcxNav">
<strong>League</strong>: Never Manage Alone</li>
<li id="IWi21K">
<strong>Code</strong>: 71MQALVG07</li>
</ul>
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<p id="v2b8Cz"><em>How excited are you for the start of the 2021-22 fantasy UCL season? When do you plan on using your chips? Which fixtures would you personally target for captaincy? Do you think any of the mentioned teams will be challenging to dissect? Have questions of your own? Please share in the comments section below.</em></p>
<p id="rNVxAo"><em>~</em></p>
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<p id="5cQVvq">~</p>
<p id="sC4kSM"></p>
https://www.nevermanagealone.com/2021/9/7/22661034/nma-how-to-fantasy-ucl-rules-tips-tricks-secrets-top-10-fixture-target-captaincy-ronaldo-messi-psgV Dhivakhar2021-09-06T14:46:02-07:002021-09-06T14:46:02-07:00Champions League Preview: Group H
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<img alt="Anders Christiansen takes the ball from Besikta’s Vagner Love - Malmo - Champions League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/w7iF4oTAUEo4gHcMTQrpk6zMjNY=/145x174:3717x2555/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69823084/1045658750.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Anders Christiansen is probably the only player from minnows Malmö that holds any interest for fantasy managers. | Photo credit should read ANDREAS HILLERGREN/AFP via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We EPL fans already know Chelsea, but... Step inside to meet the other three sides here</p> <p id="5s9jm0">Group H is probably not one of those UCL groups where “anything can happen”. Chelsea is the defending champion and has only strengthened since lifting the trophy back in May; <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com">Juventus</a> is a European titan that prior to last season had won Serie A nine years running. Grouped with middleweight Zenit and flyweight Malmö, the two powerhouses of world football should easily cruise to the Round of 16.</p>
<p id="hyOooX">The imbalances in this group have ramifications for fantasy managers, so let’s run the rule over each side to see where value lies.</p>
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<h3 id="pWQx2T">Malmö</h3>
<ul>
<li id="OqdKDY">Coach: Jon Dahl Tomasson</li>
<li id="RlIJSD">2020 Domestic League Finish: 1st</li>
<li id="VU2HWb">2020-21 UCL Finish: n/a</li>
<li id="ZUsKl8">Average Player Age: 26.7</li>
<li id="757yk5">Market Value: $28.52M</li>
<li id="oqAXo8">Odds for R16: +900</li>
<li id="cTy8f5">Odds to Win Tournament: +25,000</li>
</ul>
<p id="cooQjm">~</p>
<h4 id="H6iJXZ">Summer Transfers</h4>
<p id="Fi8tkF"><strong>In</strong>: Felix Beijmo (Werder Bremen), Aleksander Nilsson (Malmo U19), Markus Björkqvist (Malmo FF U17)</p>
<p id="zsh4zM"><strong>Out</strong>: Fouad Bachirou, Guillermo Molins, Tim Prica, Amel Mujanic, Marcus Antonsson, Romain Gall, Hugo Andersson, Mathias Nilsson, Pavle Vagic, Rasmus Bengtsson</p>
<p id="UImoq9">~</p>
<p id="HXuG9Y">Malmö failed to qualify for the Europa League group stage last season, crashing out via a 1-3 playoff defeat at the hands of Granada in October. However, they went on to win the Allsvenskan, Sweden’s top-flight domestic league. That earned them the right to play into the UCL group stage, and four rounds of qualifying later, here they are.</p>
<p id="oz1IqE">But let’s be clear: To say that Malmö is an underdog is an understatement. The prospect for advancing is bleak, and it’ll require luck just to nick the Europa League knockout-phase berth that is awarded to the third-place finisher in each UCL group.</p>
<h4 id="sMJDm0">~</h4>
<h4 id="X6yZNI">Fantasy Considerations</h4>
<ul>
<li id="kuz3qw">Penalties: Christiansen, Colak, Jo Enge Berget</li>
<li id="safh4J">Direct Free Kicks: Christiansen, Birmancevic</li>
<li id="JAOADZ">Corners and Indirect Free Kicks: Christiansen</li>
</ul>
<p id="mvJ2HL">I’m reluctant to name any fantasy picks from Malmö, but if I must then <strong>Anders</strong> <strong>Christiansen</strong> (€6.0M, MID) is probably your best bet. Managed by a former center-forward, Malmö sports the best offense in the Allsvenskan, and the club’s talisman and captain is the cornerstone of the attack. Christiansen hogs set pieces, including PKs, and has been involved in 11 of his team’s 37 goals this season, far more than any other player.</p>
<p id="iaOgC9">Defensively Malmö ranks 10th of 16 in the Allsvenskan, a league that is nowhere near the caliber of Europe’s best. Therefore, a fantasy strategy that targets attackers playing against Malmö could pay dividends.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="nSTaSB">
<h3 id="ChcQXh">Zenit St. Petersburg</h3>
<ul>
<li id="CFmzqu">Coach: Sergey Semak</li>
<li id="J0qDoU">2020-21 Domestic League Finish: 1st</li>
<li id="Wc8Sc8">2020-21 UCL Finish: Group Stage</li>
<li id="LPoyrs">Average Player Age: 27</li>
<li id="BvpVGX">Market Value: $190.52M</li>
<li id="8oyrIx">Odds for R16: +200</li>
<li id="alBn0x">Odds to Win Tournament: +20,000</li>
</ul>
<p id="RSpMUz">~</p>
<h4 id="kmXi5B">Summer Transfers</h4>
<ul>
<li id="ILmH9H">
<strong>In</strong>: Claudinho (RB Bragantino), Dmitri Chistyakov, (Rostov), Stanislav Kritsyuk, (Gil Vicente), Danila Prokhin (Sochi)</li>
<li id="maVoNP">
<strong>Out</strong>: Sebastián Driussi (Austin FC), Danila Prokhin (Rostov), Andrey Lunev (Bayern Leverkusen). Yuri Zirkhov (released without club), Daniil Shamkin (Baltika), Dmitri Chistyakov (Rostov)</li>
</ul>
<p id="6YRJX5">~</p>
<p id="1z2Zox">Sergey Semak was appointed manager of Zenit in May 2018, and the club has won the Russian Premier League every season since. Such is its dominance that Zenit lost only three league matches last season, and is undefeated six matches into the current campaign.</p>
<p id="8vI1Jy">Curiously, Zenit was unable to duplicate that success in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>, exiting in the group stage after collecting only a single point from six games. They’ll hope for an improved showing this time around, but their odds of advancing to the Round of 16 remain long.</p>
<h4 id="zxfABe">~</h4>
<h4 id="hMyLwz">Fantasy Considerations</h4>
<ul>
<li id="8aslii">Penalties: Azmoun, Dzyuba (Sutormin if on pitch)</li>
<li id="w7TvuE">Direct Free Kicks: Malcom, Santos, Rakits’kyy</li>
<li id="4zQplO">Corners and Indirect Free Kicks: Santos, Claudinho</li>
</ul>
<p id="cM1rua">Like Malmö, Zenit boasts the most prolific offense in its domestic league, but Semak rotates his attackers regularly enough to annoy fantasy managers. </p>
<p id="w5EZ6n"><strong>Sardar</strong> <strong>Azmoun</strong> (€8.0M, FWD) is the team’s leading scorer, with five goals across six league games. </p>
<p id="7hV4st"><strong>Aleksandr</strong> <strong>Erokhin</strong> (€6.5M, MID) has scored four this season and could be a solid value in midfield.</p>
<p id="oMmeAT">If you are looking for a cheap differential pick, <strong>Wilmar</strong> <strong>Barrios</strong> (€5.0, MID) could be a cheeky play. The defensive midfielder conceded a penalty and was shown yellow twice in Zenit’s 2020-21 UCL campaign, but still emerged as the team’s leading fantasy scorer. How did he do it? One recovered ball at a time (for a total of 52).</p>
<p id="eXYMBb"><strong>Artem</strong> <strong>Dzyuba</strong> (€8.0M, FWD), who was named the MVP of the Russian Premier League in 2019-20 and who scored 20 league goals last season, has yet to get off the mark in the 2021-22 campaign. I would avoid the 33 year-old unless his form improves.</p>
<p id="86ok1q">Semak’s back four is much more settled, and here my choice is <strong>Yaroslav</strong> <strong>Rakits’kyy</strong> (€4.5M, DEF). Fantasy managers love a defender who offers attacking threat, and Rakits’kyy is just that. He shares direct free kick duty and has the second-most assists on the team. He was Zenit’s #2 fantasy producer in last season’s UCL campaign.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="bMZWSU">
<h3 id="D3pFvT"><a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com">Juventus</a></h3>
<ul>
<li id="Cm1GAF">Coach: Massimiliano Allegri</li>
<li id="mqdJK1">2020-21 Domestic League Finish: 4th</li>
<li id="lk1tj9">2020-21 UCL Finish: Round of 16</li>
<li id="PwTLRB">Average Player Age: 27.3</li>
<li id="gMbYqP">Market Value: $704.44M</li>
<li id="zHiGXD">Odds for Round of 16: -400</li>
<li id="w8u7Im">Odds to Win Tournament: +2000</li>
</ul>
<p id="NUwyMT">~</p>
<h4 id="MIGgU3">Summer Transfers</h4>
<p id="rQUQon"><strong>In:</strong> Weston McKennie (FC Schalke), Moise Kean (<a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com">Everton</a>), Kaio Jorge (Santos FC), Manuel Locatelli (Sassuolo), </p>
<p id="nsRFsH"><strong>Out:</strong> Cristian Romero, <strong>Cristiano Ronaldo</strong>, Merih Demiral, Gianluigi Buffon, Gianluca Frabotta, Stefano Gori, Marko Pjaca, Nicoli Fagioli, Radu Drasgusin, Weston McKennie</p>
<p id="gGLC61">~</p>
<p id="Pv57jS">Juventus’ best summer transfer was the recruitment of manager Massimiliano Allegri, who returned to Juventus after a two-year absence in which the club suffered two last-16 exits in the Champions League and scuppered a nine-year monopoly on the <em>Scudetto</em>. Sacking Allegri to acquire European success was a gamble that failed, but that mistake has been easily corrected.</p>
<p id="ioxCgR">The other failed gamble, splurging €370M in fees and wages on Cristiano Ronaldo, crippled the club tactically and financially, and it may not be so easy to fix. Ronaldo is gone to <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Manchester United</a> now, which has alleviated the tactical limitations his presence created, but with him goes a significant source of goals (101 in 134 appearances, to be exact).</p>
<p id="sEBfl9">~</p>
<h4 id="ro70AY">Fantasy Considerations</h4>
<ul>
<li id="Dm3h4D">Penalties: Morata, Cuadrado</li>
<li id="4bC9wm">Direct Free Kicks: Cuadrado, Dybala</li>
<li id="lU3CiX">Corners and Indirect Free Kicks: Cuadrado, Dybala, Kulusevski</li>
</ul>
<p id="TELYgG"><strong>Alvaro</strong> <strong>Morata</strong> (€9.5M, FWD) actually outscored Ronaldo in the UCL last year, notching six goals to CR7’s four. This is especially impressive when you consider that CRon was on PKs. That duty now falls to Morata, so he could once again lead Juve in UCL fantasy points.</p>
<p id="3wezGy">Our readers who followed the Euros this summer will remember Italy’s dynamic <strong>Federico</strong> <strong>Chiesa</strong> (€9.0M, MID). Chiesa had a good UCL campaign last season too, equaling Ronaldo’s goal tally and surpassing CR7’s fantasy production. He should play an even more important (and reliable) role in Allegri’s lineup now that Ronaldo is gone.</p>
<p id="PBGUO3">If you can’t find room in your budget for Chiesa, then <strong>Juan</strong> <strong>Cuadrado</strong> (€8.0M, MID) is a less expensive alternative. The versatile middie is on set pieces and notched six assists in last season’s UCL campaign.</p>
<p id="hz4uec"><strong>Moise</strong> <strong>Kean</strong> (€7.0M, FWD) completed a deadline-day loan to Juve from Everton. He is yet to feature for his new club, but if he can claim a spot in Allegri’s S11 he’d be fantastic value for money. He scored three goals in last season’s Champions League tournament while playing on loan for PSG.</p>
<p id="GPFmEm">Among Juve’s defensive cadre, my pick is <strong>Wojciech</strong> <strong>Szczesny</strong> (€5.5M, GK). Zenit and Malmö are attack-oriented teams that are a level below the Italian behemoths, so Szczesny offers a good chance at clean sheets plus saves when he faces them. Just make sure you have a viable (playing a different day) alternative for the Chelsea fixtures.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="lGTsGc">
<h3 id="74QDKo">Chelsea</h3>
<ul>
<li id="Z9Gg9l">Coach: Thomas Tuchel</li>
<li id="smKg7T">2020-21 Domestic League Finish: 4th</li>
<li id="XpBJGV">2020-21 UCL Finish: <em><strong>Champions of Europe</strong></em>
</li>
<li id="kCBNeC">Average Player Age: 26.7</li>
<li id="d34Ocd">Market Value: $970.75M</li>
<li id="yvSgP4">Odds for Round of 16: -1200</li>
<li id="IVjw0f">Odds to Win Tournament: +750</li>
</ul>
<p id="GfPU3K">~</p>
<h4 id="roCcU3">Summer Transfers</h4>
<p id="KKYQEy"><strong>In</strong>: Romelu Lukaku (<a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com">Inter Milan</a>), Saul Niguez (<a href="https://www.intothecalderon.com">Atletico Madrid</a>), Marcus Bettinelli (Fulham), Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea U23), </p>
<p id="gpZBsy"><strong>Out</strong>: Tammy Abraham, Kurt Zouma, Fikayo Tomori, Davide Zappacosta, Victor Moses, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Olivier Giroud, Kenedy, Emerson, Michy Batshuayi, Marco van Ginkel, Danilo Pantic, Izzy Brown, Willy Caballero, Jamal Blackman</p>
<p id="C0nY1M">~</p>
<p id="Hsuexm">The addition of Romelu Lukaku gives Chelsea what it lacked most glaringly last season — a forward for all occasions who can finish clinically when allowed space and muscle defenders off the ball when not. That he now joins the squad that won the last tournament without him means that Chelsea must surely be among the favorites to win it again this season as well.</p>
<p id="Oms18g">Chelsea’s success in the last campaign was rooted in tactical intelligence and the way that Thomas Tuchel employed a high press while remaining defensively sound. As Jonathan Wilson of <a href="http://si.com">si.com</a> says, “The semifinal against <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com">Real Madrid</a> was a masterclass in holding an opponent at arm’s length.” Tuchel also won the chess match against grandmaster Pep Guardiola in the final, sealing his reputation as one of the top tacticians in all of world football.</p>
<p id="zAGlLg">With the highest odds of any team in the tournament to make the R-16 (92%) and to win its group (67%), it would be a genuine shock to see the defending champs fail to advance. </p>
<p id="d0FPEk">~</p>
<h4 id="zJ1Irw">Fantasy Considerations</h4>
<ul>
<li id="HsXtXc">Penalties: Jorginho, Lukaku, Mount</li>
<li id="YwvQGc">Direct Free Kicks: Mount, Alonso, Havertz</li>
<li id="XrtFIL">Corners and Indirect Free Kicks: Mount, Chilwell, Ziyech, Alonso</li>
</ul>
<p id="OS2UAd"><strong>Romelu Lukaku</strong> (€10.5M, FWD) is almost a must-have. The 28 year-old who scored 64 goals in 95 appearances for Inter Milan now spearheads Chelsea’s talented offense. The Belgian scored four goals in the UCL last season; now that he is playing for arguably the best team on the planet in a weak group, I expect him to exceed that tally this time around — he’s well-known as a flat-track bully.</p>
<p id="tJtRo0"><strong>Mason</strong> <strong>Mount’s</strong> (€7.5M, MID) influence in the side has steadily grown, and I expect him to build on his two goals plus two assists from the last campaign. He seems to be relatively immune to Tuchel-tinkering, and he hogs a fair share of set pieces. Priced at just €7.5M, he’s the best value among Chelsea’s attacking midfielders.</p>
<p id="TU4RTQ"><strong>Jorginho</strong> (€6.0M, MID) was Chelsea’s #4 UCL fantasy asset last season, something you might not expect from a defensive midfielder. The Italian is Chelsea’s primary penalty taker, but his main method of fantasy production is ball recoveries — he racked up 23 points last season from those alone. He also offers the potential for clean sheet points, something you can bank on from Chelsea in this group. Jorginho is excellent value for money at this price point.</p>
<p id="iHUSqG"><strong>Antonio</strong> <strong>Rudiger</strong> (€6.0M, DEF) was Chelsea’s top-scoring defender in fantasy UCL last season. He’s a nailed-on member of what is perhaps the best defense in world football, so you can expect your investment to be rewarded with clean sheets.</p>
<p id="ZibuIG"><strong>Edouard</strong> <strong>Mendy</strong> (€6.0M, GK) kept a UCL-best nine clean sheets and made 32 saves on his way to the tournament trophy last season. Fantasy managers usually don’t like to shell out for goalkeepers, but <em>for just €6.0M you can own last season’s top UCL points earner</em>. Given the weak competition in this group, it will be hard to resist him.</p>
<p id="YRZ8xa">Since Chelsea is a virtual shoo-in to win the group, I’d advise maxing out your quota of Blues. Since we’re allowed only three (!) from any one team, that will probably happen without trying. Caveat emptor though — if (when?) they punch their ticket to R16 early, Tuchel may rest and rotate for the remainder of the group stage matches. Be sure to manage your substitution strategy so you won’t be burned.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="HrZJKy">
<h3 id="OfHgZp">NMA Group Stage Article Stream</h3>
<p id="uEhLeU">For group-by-group analysis of each this season’s UCL teams, please see <a href="https://www.nevermanagealone.com/2021/8/27/22640928/">NMA’s Group Stage article stream</a>. This article completes the stream; to read the rest go there.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="ABywAp">
<h3 id="BWWCDe">NMA UCL Fantasy Mini-League</h3>
<p id="4OHnnO">If you played our UCL mini-league last season, or if you played our Euros mini-league over the summer, you should automatically be entered into NMA’s 2021-22 mini-league as soon as you create a team<em>. </em>Head to <a href="http://gaming.uefa.com/"><strong>gaming.uefa.com</strong></a> and get to work!</p>
<p id="yy4AUh">If you are new to us, then once you create a team you can join our mini-league manually with the following info. Come join us, we’d love to have you!</p>
<ul>
<li id="CcxNav">
<strong>League</strong>: Never Manage Alone</li>
<li id="IWi21K">
<strong>Code</strong>: 71MQALVG07</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="jVuAxm">
<p id="NlxQFM">Stats and info quoted in this article were sourced from <a href="http://si.com">si.com</a>, <a href="http://transfermarkt.com">transfermarkt.com</a>, <a href="http://fantasystipsters.com">fantasytipsters.com</a>, <a href="http://highpresssoccer.com">highpresssoccer.com</a>, <a href="http://projects.fivethirtyeight.com">projects.fivethirtyeight.com</a>, <a href="http://footballcritic.com">footballcritic.com</a>, <a href="http://gaming.uefa.com">gaming.uefa.com</a>, <a href="http://wikipedia.org">wikipedia.org</a>.</p>
<p id="uYW5vu">~</p>
<p id="VSzhuS"><em>Whom are you looking to buy from this group? Which sides do you expect to advance? Do you know more about any of the non-English sides than the rest of us? Please share in the comments below!</em></p>
<p id="rngfqy">~</p>
<p id="UKu0os"></p>
https://www.nevermanagealone.com/2021/9/6/22655587/nma-champions-league-preview-group-h-malmo-zenit-juventus-chelseaDavid Brian2021-09-06T09:45:00-07:002021-09-06T09:45:00-07:00Champions League Preview: Group G
<figure>
<img alt="Sevilla FC v Rayo Vallecano - La Liga Santander" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zyYRAVks9dF8Vf9u6pkYGn9bApU=/440x137:3606x2248/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69822277/1334432977.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Can En-Nesyri and new transfer Lamela deliver for Sevilla? | Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>With Sevilla the slight favorite, this group is wide open.</p> <p id="7Wt2ev">This is a group that could finish in any order, with divergent predictions depending on the pundits. With three new coaches and Sevilla’s veteran at a whopping two years with his club, tactics will be a challenge to predict from small sample sizes and a few vastly altered rosters. Overall, Sevilla is the favorite by the smallest of margins, with a real battle to ensue for the 2nd place spot. Let’s have a look at the clubs:</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Pobb2K">
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="AS Saint-Etienne v Lille OSC - Ligue 1 Uber Eats" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8BpMiyRh1UmVF8rnNq2bWujbOeA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22829423/1335942734.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="HNFouI">Lille OSC (France)</h3>
<ul>
<li id="5xPVC8">
<strong>Coach</strong>: Jocelyn Gourvennec</li>
<li id="IZYk3t">
<strong>2020-21 League finish</strong>: 1st (Ligue 1 Champions)</li>
<li id="b4IYKX">
<strong>Odds to win the tournament</strong>: +15000</li>
<li id="VifTFo">
<strong>Penalties</strong>: Burak Yilmaz (€8m), Jonathan Ikoné (€7m)</li>
<li id="DWfaNe">
<strong>Free kicks</strong>: Jonathan Ikoné (€7m), Benjamin André (€5.5m), Yusuf Yazıcı (€7.5m)</li>
<li id="claTJK">
<strong>Corners</strong>: Yusuf Yazıcı (€7.5m), Benjamin André (€5.5m)</li>
<li id="mO1bj5">
<strong>System of play</strong>: 4-4-2</li>
</ul>
<p id="RyKMqX">Lille started this season with a new coach and only one win in four matches after a fairy-tale 2020-21 season that crowned them Ligue 1 champions on the strength of a defense that conceded a mere 23 goals. With Gourvennec at the helm, pieces are still being experimented with and rotation is a concern for fantasy assets.</p>
<p id="F58el9">~</p>
<h4 id="rNHADe">Fantasy assets to consider:</h4>
<p id="q3cH5U">Striker: <strong>Burak Yilmaz</strong> (€8m) — The best option from a Lille team that looks to be struggling at the moment.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="NqJw7z">
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Elche CF v Sevilla FC - La Liga Santander" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YwFgUrXysWLB66W7etXwYqyibf4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22829424/1336935140.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>En-Nesyri is a solid striker option at an affordable price. </figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="AHkLeY">Sevilla FC (Spain)</h3>
<ul>
<li id="iX5OUT">
<strong>Coach</strong>: Julen Lopetegui</li>
<li id="oZQKVV">
<strong>2020-21 League finish</strong>: 4th (La Liga)</li>
<li id="W2Nr3C">
<strong>Odds to win the tournament</strong>: +6600</li>
<li id="4qQdJN">
<strong>Penalties</strong>: Youssef En-Nesyri (€8.5m)</li>
<li id="us3TUE">
<strong>Free kicks</strong>: Marcos Acuña (€4.5)</li>
<li id="ZPIHRg">
<strong>Corners</strong>: Marcos Acuña (€4.5), Érik Lamela (€6m)</li>
<li id="HD44K9">
<strong>System of play</strong>: 4-2-3-1</li>
</ul>
<p id="KNgoTL">Sevilla is the only club in this group with multiple seasons under the same manager. Lopetegui’s men also have the experience and success of winning the UEFA Europa League a record six times. Finishing nine points behind champions <a href="https://www.intothecalderon.com">Atlético Madrid</a>, Sevilla was stout at the back in 2020-21, conceding the 3rd fewest goals. The side has started the season well, currently sitting in 2nd spot, with only one goal conceded while scoring five.</p>
<p id="VW4cPP">~</p>
<h4 id="f8EB4W">Fantasy assets to consider:</h4>
<p id="yiHXVx">Goalkeeper: <strong>Yassine Bounou</strong> (€5m) — Top goalkeeper in the group and could see some player of the match points.</p>
<p id="CDbmAS">Defense: <strong>Marcos Acuña</strong> and/or <strong>Diego Carlos</strong> (€4.5) — Both are solid defense picks, but Acuña is only 6% owned compared to Carlos at 12%. Acuña has been active so far with 14 crosses, 9 free-kicks, and 5 corners taken respectively.</p>
<p id="wcFY5t">Midfield: <strong>Érik Lamela</strong> (€6m) — has been excellent since his transfer from <a href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com">Tottenham,</a> netting a team-leading thre goals in 121 minutes played. Second most corners taken.</p>
<p id="cATY7w">Striker: <strong>Youssef En-Nesyri</strong> (€8.5m) — A nice start with two goals and an assist. On penalties. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="HKvflt">
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FBL-WC-2022-QUALIFIERS-GER-ARM" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ijZ1eM2612ianwLkHqHPOSR3B3U=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22829429/1235075197.jpg">
<cite>Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>The 19 year-old Adeyemi is on fire to start the season! </figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="ZB4MII">FC Red Bull Salzburg (Austria)</h3>
<ul>
<li id="FHLoRl">
<strong>Coach</strong>: Matthias Jaissle</li>
<li id="UlFVCC">
<strong>2020-21 League finish</strong>: 1st (Austrian Bundesliga)</li>
<li id="201HJf">
<strong>Odds to win the tournament</strong>: +15000</li>
<li id="MGeoPj">
<strong>Penalties</strong>: Karim Adeyemi (Not added yet)</li>
<li id="6pNbUp">
<strong>System of play</strong>: 4-3-1-2</li>
</ul>
<p id="gGTmmd">This is arguably RB Salzburg’s best chance to continue beyond the group stage, having long dominated the Austrian Bundesliga. The Red Bulls have already won 6 of 6 and score lots of goals. That said, their defense will need to step up. They also have the added challenge of a new starting XI, having lost outstanding players such as Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu to the English Premier League.</p>
<p id="Z04o2d">~</p>
<h4 id="sV5oCj">Fantasy assets to consider:</h4>
<p id="oSc433">Defense: <strong>Rasmus Kristensen</strong> (€4.5) — the 0% owned right-back is on fire in attack, with three goals, one assist, and two big chances created in five games. Sneaky differential if the defense performs well.</p>
<p id="q5vj27">Midfield: <strong>Brenden Aaronson</strong> (€5.5m) — still finding form in the Bundesliga this season with just one assist so far, but the American played well in qualifying.</p>
<p id="DiCh5R">Striker: <strong>Karim Adeyemi</strong> (Not added yet) — The young man has been absolutely electric to kick off the season with six goals plus an assist in six matches. Also presumably on penalties. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="el3SfN">
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="VfL Wolfsburg v VfL Bochum - Bundesliga" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6LVbowvzIiwMSm3LajQDeKmAjS4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22829432/1334146798.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Martin Rose/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Weghorst is on penalties and the best option for fantasy at Wolfsburg.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="Y0aKrm">VfL Wolfsburg (Germany)</h3>
<ul>
<li id="zeRvkG">
<strong>Coach</strong>: Mark van Bommel</li>
<li id="EMXzsq">
<strong>2020-21 League finish</strong>: 4th (German Bundesliga)</li>
<li id="OJPKQN">
<strong>Odds to win the tournament</strong>: +15000</li>
<li id="PMFySu">
<strong>Penalties</strong>: Wout Weghorst (€8m)</li>
<li id="8akpM1">
<strong>Free kicks</strong>: Max Arnold (€6.5m), John Brooks (€4.5)</li>
<li id="ITvKUh">
<strong>Corners</strong>: Max Arnold (€6.5m), Kevin Mbabu (€4.5m), Jérôme Roussillon (€4m)</li>
<li id="XvFW1w">
<strong>System of play</strong>: 4-2-3-1</li>
</ul>
<p id="QuT2xY">Wolfsburg has started the season well, currently topping the Bundesliga with three wins in three, conceding only one goal. During the 2020-21 season, they conceded the 2nd fewest goals on the way to a 4th place finish.</p>
<p id="jaXtqC">~</p>
<h4 id="QjZQfb">Fantasy assets to consider:</h4>
<p id="wRXLrR">Goalkeeper: <strong>Koen Casteels</strong> (€5m) - possible multiple clean sheets. Seven saves and 100% save rate so far.</p>
<p id="5TMWr6">Defense: <strong>Jérôme Roussillon</strong> (€4m) - cheaper than Brooks and has taken 2nd most corners this season as well as two free kicks. <strong>Kevin Mbabu</strong> (€4.5m) - 8 corners taken so far, the most for Wolfsburg.</p>
<p id="PLSWUy">Midfield: <strong>Ridle Baku</strong> (€5m) - Exciting young right-winger with an expected goal rate of 1.3 in 2021-22.</p>
<p id="wljYAl">Striker: <strong>Wout Weghorst</strong> (€8m) - Dangerous and imposing. Scores goals. On penalties. The best option for a Wolfsburg asset. </p>
<p id="xxfwKO">~</p>
<p id="8Cdtv8">Stats and information for the article were sourced from: soccerwhizz.com , uefa.com , transfermarkt.us , vegasinsider.com , Wikipedia.com , <a href="http://sofascore.com">sofascore.com</a> , fbref.com</p>
<p id="hnHZVb">~</p>
<h3 id="OfHgZp">NMA Group Stage Article Stream</h3>
<p id="uEhLeU">For group-by-group analysis of each this season’s UCL teams, please see <a href="https://www.nevermanagealone.com/2021/8/27/22640928/">NMA’s Group Stage article stream</a>. New articles are added to the stream daily.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="8JU3Gx">
<h3 id="BWWCDe">NMA UCL Fantasy Mini-League</h3>
<p id="4OHnnO">If you played our UCL mini-league last season, or if you played our Euros mini-league over the summer, you should automatically be entered into NMA’s 2021-22 mini-league <em>as soon as you create a team. </em>Head to <a href="http://gaming.uefa.com/"><strong>gaming.uefa.com</strong></a> and get to work!</p>
<p id="yy4AUh">If you are new to us, then once you create a team you can join our mini-league manually with the following info. Come join us, we’d love to have you!</p>
<ul>
<li id="CcxNav">
<strong>League</strong>: Never Manage Alone</li>
<li id="IWi21K">
<strong>Code</strong>: 71MQALVG07</li>
</ul>
<p id="afCZMm">~</p>
<p id="n8zzcu"><em>Do you see possible budget player of the match points in these clubs? Is this RB Salzburg’s best chance to finally make is through the group stage? Whom are your picks to shine in Group G? Please let us know in the comments below! </em></p>
<p id="jPEAq6">~</p>
<p id="zyILTc"></p>
https://www.nevermanagealone.com/2021/9/6/22659063/nma-champions-league-preview-group-g-lille-sevilla-salsburg-wolfsburgGradyBri2021-09-04T15:00:00-07:002021-09-04T15:00:00-07:00Champions League Preview: Group F
<figure>
<img alt="Unai Emery &amp; Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - Villarreal CF v Manchester United - UEFA Champions League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RLWtTANznJjTBrCmxpwWN8nlwys=/0x263:2874x2179/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69817978/1320209175.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Unai Emery got the better of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in last season’s Europa League Final. | Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We take a look at Group F, which contains last season’s Europa League finalists. </p> <p id="I2ZhwP">Group F features European heavyweight <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Man United</a> spurred by the surprise return of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Red Devils were frustrated in last year’s Europa League final, losing on penalties to Unai Emery’s Villarreal who also feature in Group F. This will be Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s chance for redemption after strengthening significantly in the summer.</p>
<p id="x9PM2z">Elsewhere we have an exciting Atalanta side who have made it to the latter stages in the competition over the last couple of seasons and hope to do the same after earning their place by finishing 3rd in Serie A. Swiss Champion Young Boys are the final team to make up the group, led by former Huddersfield and Schalke 04 Manager, David Wagner.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="9CGs7F">
<h3 id="fZ0Xfo">Villarreal</h3>
<ul>
<li id="kBt7ul">
<strong>Coach</strong>: Unai Emery</li>
<li id="qj8st9">
<strong>2020-21 League finish</strong>: 7th (La Liga)</li>
<li id="N8iaVp">
<strong>Odds to win the tournament</strong>: 90/1</li>
<li id="LrDULk">
<strong>Penalties</strong>: Moreno (€8.5m), Alcácer (€7.5m)</li>
<li id="RfvJOR">
<strong>Direct Free kicks</strong>: Parejo (€6.5m), Trigueros (€6m), Gómez (€6m)</li>
<li id="XPQB4k">
<strong>Corners & Indirect Freekicks</strong>: Parejo (€6.5m), Trigueros (€6m), Gómez (€6m)</li>
</ul>
<p id="20AqT5">Manager Unai Emery certainly has great European pedigree, winning the Europa League four times (Sevilla: 3, Villarreal: 1) and reaching the final five times. Villarreal will now try their luck in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>, having never won the competition previously. </p>
<p id="RgIHlr">Striker <strong>Gerard Moreno</strong> (€8.5m) is the main source of goals, having scored 23 in La Liga last season plus seven goals and five assists in the Europa League. His namesake, <strong>Alberto Moreno</strong> (€4m) offers good value as a defender who has been deployed to the left side of the midfield this season where he should increase his potential attacking returns.</p>
<p id="zcZbg6"><strong>Daniel Parejo</strong> (€6.5m) has been out with an injury for over a month so free-kicks and corners have been shared between <strong>Moi Gómez</strong> (€6m) and <strong>Manu Trigueros</strong> (€6m), the latter scoring in his most recent league game. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="ekby0W">
<h3 id="2Pt0Vh"><a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Manchester United</a></h3>
<ul>
<li id="lH35Kf">
<strong>Coach</strong>: Ole Gunnar Solskjær</li>
<li id="Z0xbPn">
<strong>2020-21 League finish</strong>: 2nd (Premier League)</li>
<li id="QShvbE">
<strong>Odds to win the tournament</strong>: 10/1 </li>
<li id="r1j70p">
<strong>Penalties</strong>: Ronaldo (€11M), Fernandes (€10.5M)</li>
<li id="vKFW35">
<strong>Direct Free kicks</strong>: Ronaldo (€11M), Fernandes (€10.5M)</li>
<li id="6Fk3QF">
<strong>Corners & Indirect Freekicks</strong>: Fernandes (€10.5M), Shaw (€6m)</li>
</ul>
<p id="hgphCX">Man United is raring to go with new talisman <strong>Cristiano Ronaldo</strong> looking to lift the Champions League trophy once more after blanking with <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com">Juventus</a>. Unsurprisingly, Ronaldo is the most expensive player in the game at €11m,<strong> </strong>and for good reason. He has great pedigree in this competition, and he will be set for a starring role. Overshadowing <strong>Bruno Fernandes’</strong> potential as we’ve seen in the Portuguese national team, Ronaldo is likely to take PK and free-kick duty. Ronaldo also has the threat of his aerial prowess so Bruno Fernandes looks set to step up and take corners and some free-kicks.</p>
<p id="VsnRx3">Solskjær has a large squad and has been known to rotate players in Europe, so fringe players such as <strong>Jessie Lingard</strong> (€6m) could well feature and offer an attractive bargain option. <strong>Edinson Cavani</strong> (€9m) performed well last season and should receive game time in this competition. It’s difficult to predict a starting lineup due to squad depth, with <strong>Marcus Rashford</strong> looking to return from injury. He will rival <strong>Mason Greenwood</strong> and new signing <strong>Jadon Sancho</strong> for a place in the side. Mason Greenwood has been deployed at center forward so far this season, but this will be under threat from Ronaldo. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="nlcAo4">
<h3 id="Ws5tmv">Atalanta</h3>
<ul>
<li id="EfpLxZ">
<strong>Coach</strong>: Gian Piero Gasperini</li>
<li id="6CzG5o">
<strong>2020-21 League finish</strong>: 3rd (Serie A)</li>
<li id="VdKUI2">
<strong>Odds to win the tournament</strong>: 60/1</li>
<li id="Nq4192">
<strong>Penalties</strong>: Iličić (€9m), Muriel (€8.5m)</li>
<li id="c496xz">
<strong>Direct Free kicks</strong>: Iličić (€9m), Malinovskyi (€7.5m)</li>
<li id="oI3LKQ">
<strong>Corners & Indirect Freekicks</strong>: Iličić (€9m), Malinovskyi (€7.5m)</li>
</ul>
<p id="G0z5qe">We saw a host of Atalanta players feature over the summer in Euro 2020, so we know they’re capable of big performances. Attack-minded defender <strong>Joakim Mæhle</strong> (€5m) was one of the players who impressed during the Euros and can deliver returns at both ends of the pitch, offering great value for money as a differential (2% ownership). Left-back <strong>Robert Gosens</strong> (€5.5m) is proving to be a popular pick after showing his strong attacking returns in the Euros, especially his goal and assist in a MOTM performance against Portugal.</p>
<p id="pV24Us">Elsewhere, <strong>Iličić</strong> (€9m) is listed as a midfielder in the game and will be relied on for creating opportunities in front of goal. Forward <strong>Duván Zapata</strong> (€9.5m) is currently injured so <strong>Luis Muriel</strong> (€8.5m) will be expected to lead the line. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Voo2BA">
<h3 id="c5g0Og">Young Boys</h3>
<ul>
<li id="9WkQ2v">
<strong>Coach</strong>: David Wagner </li>
<li id="DRGAAW">
<strong>2020-21 League finish</strong>: 1st (Swiss Super League)</li>
<li id="GAdMg3">
<strong>Odds to win the tournament</strong>: 250/1</li>
<li id="EElHNp">
<strong>Penalties</strong>: Siebatcheu (€6.5m), Sierro (€5.5m)</li>
<li id="hDxyaI">
<strong>Direct Free kicks</strong>: Sierro (€5.5m)</li>
<li id="3Qmf2p">
<strong>Corners & Indirect Freekicks</strong>: Sierro (€5.5m), Garcia (€4.5m) </li>
</ul>
<p id="mYpC2Q">Young Boys may have great success in their domestic league, but they are certainly the weakest side in this group. They have even had a poor start in this year’s domestic league, having won only once in their first four fixtures.</p>
<p id="3wYK2e">Forward <strong>Siebatcheu</strong> (€6.5m) is currently their danger man, with three goals and an assist so far in the season. Striker <strong>Jean-Pierre Nsame</strong> who would usually be on penalty duty is currently out injured and not in the UCL squad. </p>
<p id="rzuTBP">Young Boys gained their entry to this year’s competition via the playoffs, having played in six games to get to this point. Siebatcheu (€6.5m), scored three goals in these games while defender <strong>Garcia</strong> (€4.5m) and midfielder <strong>Sierro</strong> (€5.5m) each picked up a couple goals. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="uFgU2k">
<h3 id="BWWCDe">NMA UCL Fantasy Mini-League</h3>
<p id="4OHnnO">If you played our UCL mini-league last season, or if you played our Euros mini-league over the summer, you should automatically be entered into NMA’s 2021-22 mini-league <em>as soon as you create a team. </em>Head to <a href="http://gaming.uefa.com/">gaming.uefa.com</a> and get to work!</p>
<p id="yy4AUh">If you are new to us, then once you create a team you can join our mini-league manually with the following info. Come join us, we’d love to have you!</p>
<ul>
<li id="CcxNav">
<strong>League</strong>: Never Manage Alone</li>
<li id="IWi21K">
<strong>Code</strong>: 71MQALVG07</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="QSkYgh">
<p id="fnvZae"><em>What do you think of Group F? Which players are you backing to do well? Which team will finish where? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments!</em></p>
<p id="FlIJLX">~</p>
<p id="dM1LQk"></p>
https://www.nevermanagealone.com/2021/9/4/22646238/nma-champions-league-preview-group-f-manutd-villareal-atalanta-youngboysPaul_Oliver2021-09-04T08:51:21-07:002021-09-04T08:51:21-07:00Champions League Preview: Group E
<figure>
<img alt="Philippe Coutinho - Bayern Munich - UEFA Champions League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yzhIK12tvHeiORn6BdRduo29ft4=/0x168:4121x2915/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69817272/1268082275.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Barcelona loanee Philippe Coutinho wins the Champions League with Bayern | Photo by Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Can the new-look Barca take its chance at redemption?</p> <p id="qmBbzt">Welcome to a one-stop destination for everything you need to know about Group E! </p>
<p id="2HjK1V">This group comprises 2019-20 Champions <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a>, heavily changed <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a>, perennial UCL contenders Benfica, and Ukrainian champion Dinamo Kiev. Don’t be mistaken by the two big names in the group – Benfica is a genuine contender, and Kiev isn’t a pushover either. Let’s take a comprehensive look at each of these teams.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="AWNjfT">
<h3 id="jC8Ulh">Bayern</h3>
<ul>
<li id="VLLYq0">
<strong>Coach: </strong>Julian Nagelsmann</li>
<li id="TQVzGF">
<strong>Average player age:</strong> 26.1</li>
<li id="BXGL5Z">
<strong>Market Value:</strong> €852m</li>
<li id="dwtKjl">
<strong>2020-21 UCL Finish: </strong>Quarter Finals</li>
<li id="fyKvr7">
<strong>Penalties: </strong>Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller</li>
<li id="PM8rph">
<strong>Direct Free Kicks: </strong>Robert Lewandowski (near), Leroy Sané, Marcel Sabitzer</li>
<li id="nfBoeY">
<strong>Indirect Free Kicks: </strong>Joshua Kimmich</li>
<li id="hfnkzh">
<strong>Corners: </strong>Joshua Kimmich, Leroy Sané</li>
</ul>
<p id="1oRZ1C">Bayern’s most recent success came in the 2019-20 season, when they went on to win an unprecedented sextuple. Then Bayern manager and current German national team coach Hansi Flick setup an extremely high line coupled with frantic and physical gegenpress. This worked to the strengths of the team and the “final-eight” format to finish the 2020 tournament (only four games to play).</p>
<p id="qllpmW">Bayern put seven past Chelsea (on aggregate), eight past Barcelona, and won 3-0 against Lyon. The final pitted Bayern against PSG, and it was a tight affair. Kylian Mbappe and Neymar are practically unstoppable when they’re on the ball, so Bayern’s approach to the game was to stop just that. Manuel Neuer was also in the form of his life, saving the few chances PSG managed to create. On the other end of the pitch, a lob from Joshua Kimmich was converted by Kingsley Coman, a Paris native himself. In this process, Bayern also broke the record for the number of consecutive wins, at 11.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="UEFA Champions League 2020/21 Group Stage Draw" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OkAdqQQ5o4VghrzI1gq2qwYOrzc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22826549/1228833234.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Harold Cunningham - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="F3yOEL">This invincible form couldn’t be taken deep into the 2020-21 run. The winning streak was ended at 15 by <a href="https://www.intothecalderon.com">Atletico Madrid</a> against squad rotation. Injuries piled up and hampered an already thin squad. A Bayern side without talisman Robert Lewandowski could only manage a draw against PSG, thus eliminated by away goals in the quarterfinals. (PSG were subsequently knocked out by City, without their main man Mbappe – goes to show how important squad depth is; that’s what won it in the end). </p>
<p id="LNG7H2">The extreme high line is undoubtedly a defensive liability, but the “Mia san Mia” attitude of the club conveys that they aren’t going to change that. Instead, their motto has been “concede but outscore”.</p>
<p id="SW11Up">~</p>
<p id="XYnIa6">In the transfer market, the experienced but injury prone Jerome Boateng was replaced by a more than capable Dayot Upamecano. Meanwhile, teenage phenom Jamal Musiala’s meteoric rise earns him a place in the starting XI. Finally, Marcel Sabitzer was brought in near deadline day to provide the much-needed squad depth, to say the least.</p>
<div id="S5m0pc">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">February's Goal of the Month was a real stunner <br><br>Marcel Sabitzer's long-range rocket wins the award <a href="https://t.co/Bs4xouzA7a">pic.twitter.com/Bs4xouzA7a</a></p>— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bundesliga_EN/status/1375397868689879041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="oBV3K7">Julian Nagelsmann was also brought in (at a record fee for a coach at €25m), to fill a Hansi Flick-sized void. The tactically astute 34-year-old manager had driven RB Leipzig to compete on all three fronts. Though he is known to favor a back three, he plans to tinker with the finer details in Bayern’s traditional 4-2-3-1.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="TZLVmm">
<h3 id="wjADV5">Barcelona</h3>
<ul>
<li id="8j0Mfl">
<strong>Coach: </strong>Ronald Koeman</li>
<li id="dASzVR">
<strong>Average player age:</strong> 26.1</li>
<li id="H57vqi">
<strong>Market Value:</strong> €676m</li>
<li id="qTR86d">
<strong>2020-21 UCL Finish: </strong>Round of 16</li>
<li id="boPFob">
<strong>Penalties: </strong>Memphis Depay, Martin Braithwaite</li>
<li id="DuP8QQ">
<strong>Free Kicks: </strong>Memphis Depay, Phillipe Coutinho</li>
<li id="cdWt4z">
<strong>Corners: </strong>Memphis Depay, Phillipe Coutinho</li>
</ul>
<p id="LiY6rP">Ever since they were knocked out by a particular team by a particular score line, it has all been going south for Barcelona. In fact, the decline coincided with the later part of ex-President Josep Bartomeo’s term. High profile, big name signings were prioritized over long term stability. A grand total of 1.08 billion euros were spent in the term, and even after factoring in Neymar’s 222 million sale, it left them with a loss of around 250 million euros. The biggest buys were Coutinho (€145m), Dembélé (€130m), and Griezmann (€120m), none of whom have justified their price tags to date.</p>
<p id="cAqhQj">In an optimist’s view, the 2019-20 defeat was the much-required punch in the face. Several players made their opinions public, exposing what was already known by most. The infamous “Burofax” by Messi himself led to changes in the power dynamics of the club, which ultimately led to Bartomeu resigning. </p>
<p id="KhFYko">Fast forward to now, and Barca has a new manager, a new president, and pretty much a new team. The clean-up was never going to be easy; being unable to register arguably the team’s best ever player speaks volumes. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FBL-ESP-LIGA-BARCELONA-MESSI" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FbTV6SAD4FdYHCNZys5owie5QVs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22826555/1234564027.jpg">
<cite>Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="KVGRu6">Selling the club’s second highest earner, Antoine Griezmann, to a direct rival (following Luis Suarez’s path) and Miralem Pjanić’s post-deadline day loan move, along with a number of pay cuts, shaved a hefty 145 million euros off the wage bill, putting the club on course to fit La Liga’s salary caps and achieve long term financial recovery.</p>
<p id="ynYZNj">Back on the pitch, Memphis Depay and Luuk de Jong join the Dutch contingent. The La Masia talents, including new #10 Ansu Fati, Pedri, Riqui Puig, Gavi, Eric Garcia and Oscar Mingueza, will see a LOT more minutes. Barca will look to play their quick, attacking tiki taka style of football, especially with the dynamism of Depay up front. Even though they have been in the news for all the wrong reasons lately, this Barcelona team still has the personnel required for a deep run in the competition. All the new names might just be a blessing in disguise that could, at least initially, add a sense of unpredictability to their game plan.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="UGVxjA">
<h3 id="P1GKSu">Benfica</h3>
<ul>
<li id="OAFWqi">
<strong>Coach: </strong>Jorge Jesus</li>
<li id="3horAm">
<strong>Average player age:</strong> 27</li>
<li id="SweqMe">
<strong>Market Value:</strong> €286m</li>
<li id="wGEq0m">
<strong>2020-21 UCL Finish: </strong>N/A</li>
<li id="2LEFR8">
<strong>Penalties: </strong>Pizzi, Haris Seferovic</li>
<li id="9LX2NJ">
<strong>Direct Free Kicks: </strong>Alejandro Grimaldo, Julian Weigl, João Mário</li>
<li id="uhZBOe">
<strong>Indirect Free Kicks: </strong>Pizzi,<strong> </strong>Éverton, Alejandro Grimaldo</li>
<li id="40di56">
<strong>Corners: </strong>Pizzi,<strong> </strong>Éverton, Alejandro Grimaldo</li>
</ul>
<p id="rKT7Ra">SL Benfica plays in the Portuguese top flight, the Primeira Liga. It is also known as Liga Portugal Bwin and Liga NOS for sponsorship reasons. With a total of 37 league wins, Benfica is one of the “Big Three” in Portugal, along with Porto (29 wins) and Sporting CP (19 wins). The bigger news surrounding this league is that they have just surmounted the Ligue 1 to break into the top 5 leagues in Europe (<a href="https://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/uefarankings/country/#/yr/2022">according to UEFA Country Coefficients</a>). What we can comprehend from all this is simply that Benfica is not to be taken lightly.</p>
<p id="wWkDh0">Benfica’s last UCL appearance was in the 2019-20 season, bowing out at the group stage. They failed to get through UCL qualifying last year, hence participating in the Europa League. With three wins and three draws, Benfica finished second in the group behind Rangers before being knocked out by Arsenal 3-4 on aggregate in the round of 32.</p>
<p id="MTmThT">However the Portuguese have put up some strong performances in their domestic league, finishing third last season and winning four of four so far this time around. They have also strengthened considerably by making multiple marquee signings. </p>
<div id="RxklNB">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Biggest transfer profit since 2010/11. [<a href="https://twitter.com/Transfermarkt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Transfermarkt</a>] <a href="https://t.co/UPEffqQ2P1">pic.twitter.com/UPEffqQ2P1</a></p>— Football Talk (@Football_TaIk) <a href="https://twitter.com/Football_TaIk/status/1430237625676230657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="7bQCmX">Under reappointed head coach Jorge Jesus, they tend to field a back three while pushing their high-flying wing-backs Grimaldo and Gilberto far up the field. They prefer to absorb the pressure and launch quick and incisive counters. They defend narrow and look to win balls in the midfield. Such a tactics could reap rewards against high line defenses like Bayern Munich’s. A weakness in their game however, is the gap left behind the pushing wingbacks.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Y8lIS0">
<h3 id="1V13x7">Dinamo Kiev</h3>
<ul>
<li id="nIVoS1">
<strong>Coach: </strong>Mircea Lucescu</li>
<li id="d2tHwW">
<strong>Average player age:</strong> 25.5</li>
<li id="Uel060">
<strong>Market Value:</strong> €133m</li>
<li id="nQX6dk">
<strong>2020-21 UCL Finish: </strong>Group Stage</li>
<li id="qOBThH">
<strong>Penalties: </strong>Viktor Tsygankov, Carlos De Pena, Gerson Rodrigues </li>
<li id="cwonTD">
<strong>Free Kicks: </strong>Viktor Tsygankov, Carlos De Pena, Gerson Rodrigues</li>
<li id="xZ72wn">
<strong>Corners: </strong>Viktor Tsygankov, Carlos De Pena, Gerson Rodrigues</li>
</ul>
<p id="m8trV5">Ukrainian Premier League serial winners Dinamo Kyiv (the “Bilo-Syn”) won last season’s domestic title by a whole eleven points. The team is a constant presence in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>.</p>
<p id="9qp0uc">Last season, the Ukrainians also drew a group with Barcelona (plus <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com">Juventus</a> and Ferencvaros). The results were surprisingly symmetrical, with Barcelona and Juventus tied in the top two spots on points. Dinamo lost all four matches against those two, drew one and won one against Ferencvaros to finish in a Europa League spot.</p>
<p id="5nADsq">Dinamo (Greek for power) plays a 4-2-3-1. Viktor Tsygankov on the right wing and Vitaliy Buyalskyi in attacking midfield are the team’s primary sources for goals.</p>
<p id="2FK7ww">Between the Bilo-Syn and Benfica (and probably even Barcelona), the fight for the Europa League spot in the group is going to be tense.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="5cpZcR">
<h3 id="CZXBKW">Possible Lineups and Transfers</h3>
<h4 id="fFMs9S">Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1)</h4>
<p id="y0A1GP">Manuel Neuer – Benjamin Pavard, Dayot Upamecano, Niklas Sule, Alphonso Davies – Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka – Jamal Musiala (Leroy Sané), Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry (Kingsley Coman) – Robert Lewandowski. </p>
<p id="x5FxcN"><strong>In:</strong> Dayot Upamecano (Leipzig), Omar Richards (Reading), Sven Ulreich (Hamburg), Marcel Sabitzer (Leipzig)</p>
<p id="qFexOf"><strong>Out:</strong> Angelo Stiller (Hoffenheim), Javi Martínez (Qatar SC), David Alaba (<a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com">Real Madrid</a>), Jérôme Boateng (Olympique Lyonnais), Lasse Günther (Augsburg), Fiete Arp (Holstein Kiel), Alexander Nübel (Monaco), Nicolas Kühn (Erzgebirge Aue), Lars Lukas Mai (Werder Bremen), Sarpreet Singh (Jahn Regensburg), Adrian Fein (Greuther Fürth, loan), Chris Richards (Hoffenheim, loan)</p>
<p id="oNBcpd">~</p>
<h4 id="SC42sh">Barcelona (4-3-3)</h4>
<p id="j02Foa">Marc-André ter Stegen - Sergiño Dest, Gerard Piqué, Clément Lenglet (Eric Garcia), Jordi Alba - Pedri, Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong - Ousmane Dembélé, Memphis Depay, Martin Braithwaite (Ansu Fati/Philippe Coutinho).</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FBL-ESP-LIGA-BARCELONA-NED-DEPAY" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/K33gZTG6svK0HvBbY7es7wI4iZE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22826558/1234113248.jpg">
<cite>Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="65srjJ"><strong>In:</strong> Sergio Agüero (<a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a>), Eric García (Manchester City), Emerson Royal (Real Betis), Memphis Depay (Lyon), Luuk de Jong (Sevilla, loan)</p>
<p id="VOmOSy"><strong>Out:</strong> Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain), Juan Miranda (Real Betis), Jean-Clair Todibo (Nice), Konrad de la Fuente (Marseille), Matheus Fernandes (released), Francisco Trincão (Wolves, loan), Junior Firpo (<a href="https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com">Leeds</a>), Carles Aleñá (Getafe), Monchu (Granada), Ilaix Moriba (Leipzig), Rey Manaj (Spezia, loan), Emerson Royal (<a href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com">Tottenham</a>), Antoine Griezmann (Atlético, loan), Miralem Pjanić (Beşiktaş, loan)</p>
<p id="f9mSue">~</p>
<h4 id="pKj5gD">Benfica (3-4-2-1)</h4>
<p id="SI9plc">Odisseas Vlachodimos - Lucas Veríssimo, Nicolás Otamendi, Felipe Rodrigues da Silva - Diogo Gonçalves, Julian Weigl, João Mário, Álex Grimaldo – Pizzi, Rafa Silva - Roman Yaremchuk.</p>
<p id="jPSp5p"><strong>In:</strong> Rodrigo Pinho (Marítimo), Gil Dias (Monaco), João Mário (Inter), Soualiho Meïté (Torino), Roman Yaremchuk (Gent), Nemanja Radonjić (Marseille, loan), Valentino Lázaro (Inter, loan)</p>
<p id="OrsKw0"><strong>Out:</strong> Jardel (released), Pedrinho (Shakhtar Donetsk), Franco Cervi (Celta Vigo), Caio Lucas (Sharjah), Tiago Dantas (Tondela, loan), Nuno Tavares (Arsenal), Nuno Santos (Paços Ferreira, loan), Filip Krovinović (Hajduk Split), Alfa Semedo (Vitória SC), Luca Waldschmidt (Wolfsburg), Florentino (Getafe, loan), Tomás Tavares (Basel, loan), Carlos Vinícius (PSV, loan), Andreas Samaris (released), Chiquinho (Braga, loan)</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="SL Benfica v PSV Eindhoven - UEFA Champions League: Play-Offs Leg One" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubNgJVsjNrmurrc94a-Ii2nS1OE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22826559/1335030667.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Euro 2020 performer Roman Yaremchuk signs for Benfica</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Fyr9WF">~</p>
<h4 id="s9LvyA">Dynamo Kyiv (4-2-3-1)</h4>
<p id="avg7dR">Denys Boyko - Tomasz Kędziora, Illya Zabarnyi, Artem Shabanov, Vitaliy Mykolenko - Serhiy Sydorchuk, Mykola Shaparenko - Viktor Tsyhankov, Vitaliy Buyalskyi, Carlos de Pena - Ilya Shkurin,</p>
<p id="TdG63Q"><strong>In: </strong>Denys Antyukh (Kolos), Ilya Shkurin (CSKA Moskva, loan), Eric Ramírez (Dunajská Streda), Vladyslav Kulach (Vorskla), Vitinho (Athletico Paranaense)</p>
<p id="WAfwgr"><strong>Out:</strong> Mikkel Duelund (NEC Nijmegen, loan), Clayton (released), Fran Sol (Eibar, loan), Serhiy Buletsa (Zorya, loan), Akhmed Alibekov (Zorya, loan), Nazariy Rusin (SK Dnipro-1, loan), Mykyta Kravchenko (SK Dnipro-1, loan), Heorhii Tsitaishvili (Chornomorets Odesa, loan), Vladyslav Dubinchak (SK Dnipro-1, loan), Mohammed Kadiri (Chornomorets Odesa, loan), Sidcley (PAOK, loan), Benito (Gorica, loan), Gerson Rodrigues (Troyes, loan)</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="DACto8">
<h3 id="Dz2eH1">Fixtures and Analyses</h3>
<p id="UFeTJs">The side on the left plays at home, and bold date indicates the day (first or second) the matches are happening. Pay attention to these while planning for your matchday squad.</p>
<h4 id="iwxWfa">Matchday 1 (<strong>14</strong>/15<strong> </strong>September):</h4>
<ul>
<li id="Z8ujDP">Dynamo Kyiv - Benfica</li>
<li id="TJp7T2">Barcelona - Bayern</li>
</ul>
<p id="ysu5WB">~</p>
<h4 id="wXjsnu">Matchday 2 (28/<strong>29</strong> September):</h4>
<p id="dHr2FP">Bayern - Dynamo Kyiv</p>
<p id="0MIFnq">Benfica - Barcelona</p>
<p id="q1RSPm">~</p>
<h4 id="NA3tns">Matchday 3 (19/<strong>20</strong> October):</h4>
<ul>
<li id="rTv9rW">Barcelona - Dynamo Kyiv (early kickoff)</li>
<li id="LbfdZ6">Benfica - Bayern</li>
</ul>
<p id="ZQ0ozV">~</p>
<h4 id="mTtVi2">Matchday 4 (<strong>2</strong>/3 November):</h4>
<ul>
<li id="4vMqxt">Dynamo Kyiv - Barcelona</li>
<li id="ZLKUNs">Bayern - Benfica</li>
</ul>
<p id="6gREn9">~</p>
<h4 id="xpfaU6">Matchday 5 (<strong>23</strong>/24 November):</h4>
<ul>
<li id="HIvUX3">Dynamo Kyiv - Bayern (early kickoff)</li>
<li id="upIAQE">Barcelona - Benfica</li>
</ul>
<p id="JYqzKy">~</p>
<h4 id="ppuvGx">Matchday 6 (7/<strong>8</strong> December):</h4>
<ul>
<li id="Nm4bdt">Benfica - Dynamo Kyiv</li>
<li id="RQqpfj">Bayern - Barcelona</li>
</ul>
<p id="Rw6tFJ">~</p>
<h4 id="oH6WrO">Analysis</h4>
<ul>
<li id="B1JLDD">MD-1 and MD-6 will be the most crucial for all the teams in Group E because they will most likely separate 1st from 2nd (could be Bayern or Barcelona) and 3rd from 4th (could be Benfica or Kiev).</li>
<li id="rsJa2f">If the winner in the Bayern vs Barcelona match goes on to win MD-2, MD-3 and MD-4, rest and rotation is likely in MD-5 and MD-6 because 1st place would be virtually fixed (depending on H2H and GD).</li>
<li id="JjazPF">None of the defenses here are known for keeping clean sheets, so prioritize defenders who range forward enough to yield attacking returns.</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="uu0NUB">
<h3 id="Cxyi6S">Fantasy Prospects</h3>
<p id="WyjzIF">Now, for what really matters — who should we consider buying to pip rival fantasy managers?</p>
<h4 id="pZU4lu">FWD </h4>
<p id="WTfDcz"><strong>Must haves:</strong> Robert Lewandowski (Bayern, €11.5m), Memphis Depay (Barcelona, €8.5m)</p>
<p id="yuag3J"><strong>Differentials:</strong> Roman Yaremchuk (Benfica, €7m), Ousmane Dembélé (Barcelona, €8m)</p>
<p id="WU5JJp">~</p>
<h4 id="EfULUy">MID</h4>
<p id="YBjwfE"><strong>Must haves:</strong> Rafa Silva (Benfica, €7m), Serge Gnabry (Bayern, €10m)</p>
<p id="FTvdcI"><strong>Differentials:</strong> Viktor Tsygankov (Kiev, €7.5m), Vitaliy Buyalskyi (Kiev, €7m), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona, €8.5m), Jamal Musiala (Bayern, €6.5m)</p>
<p id="yFcxkg">~</p>
<h4 id="l2U870">DEF</h4>
<p id="9HUyBk"><strong>Must haves: </strong>Joshua Kimmich (Bayern, €6.5m), Jordi Alba (Barcelona, €6m)</p>
<p id="6ApG2n"><strong>Differentials:</strong> Dayot Upamecano (Bayern, €5.5m), Gilberto (Benfica, €4.5m), Alejandro Grimaldo (Benfica, €4.5m), Andre Almeida (Benfica, €4m)</p>
<p id="QDQLSH">~</p>
<h4 id="lokr5K">GK</h4>
<p id="535A5v">I don’t expect too many clean sheets in this group (rotation may be favored in later stages). Dinamo’s #1 choice Georgiy Bushchan is out injured, so if you had to take someone from this group, you could consider Benfica’s Odisseas Vlachodimos (€4.5m).</p>
<p id="XlmbcM">~</p>
<p id="8kmLCs"><strong>Player Stats and Transfer Stats courtesy of: </strong><a href="http://uefa.com">uefa.com</a>, <a href="http://transfermarkt.com">transfermarkt.com</a>, and <a href="http://fantasytipsters.com">fantasytipsters.com</a></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="NovY11">
<h3 id="OfHgZp">NMA Group Stage Article Stream</h3>
<p id="uEhLeU">For group-by-group analysis of each this season’s UCL teams, please see <a href="https://www.nevermanagealone.com/2021/8/27/22640928/">NMA’s Group Stage article stream</a>. New articles are added to the stream daily.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="8JU3Gx">
<h3 id="BWWCDe">NMA UCL Fantasy Mini-League</h3>
<p id="4OHnnO">If you played our UCL mini-league last season, or if you played our Euros mini-league over the summer, you should automatically be entered into NMA’s 2021-22 mini-league <em>as soon as you create a team. </em>Head to <a href="http://gaming.uefa.com/"><strong>gaming.uefa.com</strong></a> and get to work!</p>
<p id="yy4AUh">If you are new to us, then once you create a team you can join our mini-league manually with the following info. Come join us, we’d love to have you!</p>
<ul>
<li id="CcxNav">
<strong>League</strong>: Never Manage Alone</li>
<li id="IWi21K">
<strong>Code</strong>: 71MQALVG07</li>
</ul>
<p id="OvTjby">~</p>
<p id="UGQdsr"><em>Who will finish in the top 2? Who will continue the European journey in the Europa League? Could the group be tighter than it looks? Did I get the formations and predicted lineups right? Please voice your opinions in the comments!</em></p>
<p id="KgBjjY"><em>~</em></p>
<div id="X0xvgp"><div data-anthem-component="poll:10734929"></div></div>
<p id="kGEZcu">~</p>
https://www.nevermanagealone.com/2021/9/4/22655799/nma-champions-league-preview-group-e-barcelona-bayern-benfica-kyivsraxan2021-09-02T20:21:53-07:002021-09-02T20:21:53-07:00Champions League Preview: Group D
<figure>
<img alt="UCL Trophy - Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IxkQxRNC20By6mXzdKoeUDCvK7A=/0x657:3811x3198/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69811990/963597884.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>A close look at the UEFA Champions League 2021-22 Group D: Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sheriff Tiraspol</p> <p id="9YH1pC">Group D of the 2021-22 UEFA <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> is almost identical to Group B of 2020-21. Coincidentally, <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com">Inter Milan</a>, <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com">Real Madrid</a> and Shakhtar Donetsk have again been drawn into the same group, Sheriff Tiraspol replacing Borussia Mönchengladbach this time. Let’s take a look at each team’s prospects for the upcoming tournament.</p>
<p id="mn06D4">Note: All lineups in the article are mere predictions.</p>
<p id="F095hm">Set-piece takers courtesy of: <a href="https://fantasytipsters.com/ucl-fantasy-guide-rules-tips-and-set-piece-takers-for-each-team/">Fantasytipsters</a></p>
<p id="6Hy1cm">Betting odds: <a href="https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/soccer/uefa-champions-cup-odds/">Sportsbettingdime</a></p>
<p id="OzTbCc">Underlying stats: <a href="https://understat.com/">Understat</a></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="dYjcQn">
<h3 id="skPWF5">Inter Milan</h3>
<ul>
<li id="kBt7ul">
<strong>Coach</strong>: Simone Inzaghi</li>
<li id="qj8st9">
<strong>2020-21 League finish</strong>: #1- Serie a</li>
<li id="N8iaVp">
<strong>Odds to win the tournament</strong>: +5000 (SBD)</li>
<li id="LrDULk">
<strong>Penalties</strong>: Lautaro Martinez (FWD, €10M) , Edin Džeko (FWD, €7.5M), Alexis Sánchez (FWD, €8M)</li>
<li id="RfvJOR">
<strong>Direct Free kicks</strong>: Hakan Çalhanoğlu (MID, €8.5M), Marcelo Brozović (MID, €6.5M)</li>
<li id="XPQB4k">
<strong>Corners & Indirect Freekicks</strong>: Hakan Çalhanoğlu (MID, €8.5M), Ivan Perišić (MID, €8M), Federico Dimarco (DEF, €4.5M)</li>
</ul>
<p id="CueCFY">~</p>
<p id="kMwyOH">After Real Madrid, Inter Milan is the second favorite to make it out of Group-D, a relatively straightforward group on paper. However, in a similar 2020-21 group, likewise tipped to make it to the knockout stages, the Italian champions were left shell shocked by Borussia Mönchengladbach and Shakhtar Donetsk to disappointingly finish bottom.</p>
<p id="z7ijkA">Inter today is arguably weaker than the side that won Serie-A last season, having lost key players like Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi, who were instrumental in the Nerazzurri’s title success. Likewise, the exit of manager Antonio Conte, the most integral part of the title-winning team, will strain Inter this season. Simone Inzaghi’s appointment could improve Nerazzuri’s chances of a deep run in the Champions League — He is possibly the most impressive Italian coach of the past few years. Likewise adding Edin Džeko and Hakan Çalhanoğlu to fill the aforementioned voids. </p>
<p id="NijSXk">~</p>
<h4 id="R3AUUI">Fantasy Prospects</h4>
<p id="GDBZnu"><strong>Lautaro Martinez</strong> (FWD, €10M)</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Hellas Verona FC v FC Internazionale - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/p6rfmcpyrpces3U5fyPlFjwFTaU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22824048/1337148459.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="cXHevK">Employed as a second striker behind target man Džeko, Lautaro Martinez could score for fun again this season. Playing as a second striker with Lukaku in the 2020-21 Serie-A, Martinez amassed 17 Goals plus 6 assists (xG -16.89 & xA- 6.31) in 38 appearances. With Martinez set to take penalties and continue playing as the second striker with Džeko, the output of the Argentine should be as good as last season if not better, making him an attractive fantasy asset.</p>
<p id="Kc5jQo">~</p>
<p id="Bb896w"><strong>Edin Džeko</strong> (FWD, €7.5M)</p>
<p id="x9qqIZ">Edin Džeko has taken Lukaku’s role as Inter’s target man and seems to be working like a charm at the moment. Although Dzeko scored only seven goals with three assists (xG-14.25 &xA-2.37) in the 2020-21 Serie A, the Bosnian can be considered a touch unlucky, uncharacteristically missing easy scoring chances. This season though, Džeko has scored one and assisted one in two appearances, already looking sharper than he did at <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma</a>. At €7.5 M, Džeko is one of the best value options with relatively easier fixtures than other assets in the price range.</p>
<p id="YZuHDV">~</p>
<h4 id="gxmmOL">Possible 11</h4>
<ul>
<li id="5rTiTj">Samir Handanović</li>
<li id="I0dmdN">Alessandro Bastoni, Stefan de Vrij, Milan Skriniar</li>
<li id="ttAsf3">Ivan Perišić, Marcelo Brozović, Matteo Darmian</li>
<li id="XjKDST">Nicolò Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu</li>
<li id="j5aoMq">Lautaro Martinez , Edin Džeko</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="i8p2EL">
<h3 id="Cno8H2">Real Madrid</h3>
<ul>
<li id="uhj5A4">
<strong>Coach</strong>: Carlo Ancelotti</li>
<li id="xhs1Kw">
<strong>2020-21 League finish</strong>: #2- La Liga</li>
<li id="4TIjpA">
<strong>Odds to win the tournament</strong>: +1600 (SBD)</li>
<li id="jEWSiK">
<strong>Penalties</strong>: Karim Benzema (FWD, €10M), Eden Hazard (MID, €9.5M)</li>
<li id="TKIKcj">
<strong>Direct Free kicks</strong>: Toni Kroos (MID, €8M), Luka Modrić (MID, €7.5M), Isco(MID, €7M)</li>
<li id="V5RqWu">
<strong>Corners & Indirect Freekicks</strong>: Toni Kroos (MID, €8M), Luka Modrić (MID, €7.5M), Isco (MID, €7M)</li>
</ul>
<p id="ZahSid">Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, Real Madrid’s Champions League campaigns have been disappointing by their mighty high standards. Although two semifinal exits and one round-of-16 crash in the last three seasons isn’t necessarily bad, trophies are the only way into the hearts of the Madridistas, so the pressure is mounting on Carlo Ancelotti and his players to deliver a much anticipated title.</p>
<p id="OJJJDt">Nicking Kylian Mbappe would have made Madrid one of the title favorites, but Los Blancos still have a squad that can challenge. David Alaba’s arrival and the return of Eden Hazard (from injury) and Gareth Bale (end of loan) could boost Madrid’s hopes.</p>
<p id="CYbLzG">~</p>
<h4 id="b16N83">Fantasy Prospects</h4>
<p id="6u8lLz"><strong>Karim Benzema </strong>(FWD, €10M)</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Real Betis v Real Madrid CF - La Liga Santander" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4btvRNKlDbQSaUNxmGRGKxRDTsg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22824061/1234972076.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="gKeKqA">Benzema is Real Madrid’s talisman, and it’s always smart to pick the “main man” of a team in UCL Fantasy (though he is not main enough to expect PKs etc). With relatively favorable fixtures, “Big Baller” Benzema could menace defenders this season. Benzema is coming into the tournament on the back of a decent Euro 2020 performance and an excellent league campaign in which the Frenchman scored 23 goals while providing nine assists (xG -19.45 & xA -6.76) in 34 appearances. He would have won the Pichichi trophy if a certain Lionel Messi hadn’t outscored him, but then again, who does Messi not outscore?</p>
<p id="Lkwd3r">~</p>
<p id="ZYQp9i"><strong>Dani Carvajal</strong> (DEF, €5M)</p>
<p id="0gyiTg">With David Alaba set to be relieved of his temporary role at left-back by the imminent return of Ferland Mendy from injury, the competition for center-back roles will tighten. Only two of David Alaba, Éder Militão or Nacho will feature in the back four, so picking center-backs from Real Madrid is a gamble. To avoid this rotation risk, Dani Carvajal — one of the most nailed-on players in the Real Madrid starting 11, looks a good buy at €5M. The right-back has already scored this season, looking creative and clinical down the right-hand side. Plus, Real Madrid’s easy fixtures in the group stage improves his chances for clean-sheet points, making him a good fantasy asset to own.</p>
<p id="4WYKrq">~</p>
<h4 id="TpUsbQ">Possible 11</h4>
<ul>
<li id="MthJBm">Thibaut Courtois</li>
<li id="C21Gvw">Dani Carvajal , Nacho, Éder Militão, David Alaba</li>
<li id="y2CqSl">Isco, Casemiro, Federico Valverde</li>
<li id="V5kCDl">Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Eden Hazard</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="PDQDRa">
<h3 id="Nb7xo8">Shakhtar Donetsk</h3>
<ul>
<li id="iNfGsY">
<strong>Coach</strong>: Roberto De Zerbi</li>
<li id="MmGk8F">
<strong>2020-21 League finish</strong>: #2- Ukrainian Premier Liga</li>
<li id="hEKKFo">
<strong>Odds to win the tournament</strong>: +15000 (SBD)</li>
<li id="JqpV9H">
<strong>Penalties</strong>: Lassina Traoré (FWD, €6.5M), Tetê (To be listed), Júnior Moraes (To be listed)</li>
<li id="cxsAaR">
<strong>Direct Free kicks</strong>: Manor Solomon (MID, €6M), Marlos (MID, €6M), Alan Patrick (MID, €6.5M)</li>
<li id="4iZbng">
<strong>Corners & Indirect Freekicks</strong>: Manor Solomon (MID, €6M), Dodô(DEF,€5M) , Marlos (MID, €6M)</li>
</ul>
<p id="uJOren">After a brave display in 2020-21 to finish 3rd in Group B above Inter Milan, Shakhtar will hope for more this season. In qualifying this season, Shakhtar comfortably beat Genk 4-2 over two legs in the third round and edged past Monaco in a nail-biting 3-2 win, courtesy of an extra-time own-goal turned in by Monaco’s unfortunate Ruben Aguilar. Drawn into the same group as Real Madrid and Inter Milan for the second successive season, the Ukrainian club will be happy to repeat their previous year’s feat of a 3rd place transfer to the Europa League.</p>
<p id="OtIux3">~</p>
<h4 id="gRbf7B">Fantasy Prospects:</h4>
<p id="R11qHY"><strong>Lassina Traoré</strong> (FWD, €6.5M)</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="AS Monaco v Shakhtar Donetsk - UEFA Champions League: Play-Offs Leg One" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ucEG3KN4C5HkMRje0W16rY0JL_o=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22824063/1335122725.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="eRV94u">Lassina Traoré is the stand-out fantasy option from Donetsk. The ex-Ajax prodigy had a cracking 2020-21 Eredivisie campaign where the Burkinabé scored seven goals and provided five assists in his twelve appearances. Although there are better options at this price point with similar fixture difficulty (Olivier Giroud, Martin Braithwaite & Antony to name a few), Traoré could be a decent differential as he has a high ceiling and could also share penalties with Tetê until the return of Júnior Moraes (ETA 31 October = MD-4).</p>
<p id="0SPSNJ">~</p>
<p id="Na4oPT"><strong>Tetê </strong></p>
<p id="EMZB8K">Tetê, who is yet to be listed in the UCL fantasy game, was Shakhtar’s break-out star last season. The Brazilian scored eight goals and provided four assists in 36 appearances, including a goal plus an assist in Shakhtar’s famous 3-2 win over Real Madrid their Group B game.</p>
<p id="EE2OMq">~</p>
<h4 id="bjsmoO">Possible 11</h4>
<ul>
<li id="snyzPA">Andriy Pyatov</li>
<li id="kOAa41">Dodô, Vitão, Marlon, Mykola Matvienko</li>
<li id="NaUCrg">Maycon, Alan Patrick</li>
<li id="QSvHGA">Tetê ,Marcos Antônio, Manor Solomon</li>
<li id="jAZQQb">Lassina Traoré</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Me1La2">
<h3 id="6t6oqw">FC Sheriff Tiraspol</h3>
<ul>
<li id="wivgaD">
<strong>Coach</strong>: Yuriy Vernydub</li>
<li id="h34lt7">
<strong>2020-21 League finish</strong>: #1- Moldovian Divizia Nationala</li>
<li id="K537Mg">
<strong>Odds to win tournament</strong>: +150000 (SBD)</li>
<li id="7NUJSb">
<strong>Penalties</strong>: Sébastien Thill (MID, €5.5M), Lovro Bizjak (FWD, €5.5M), Frank Castañeda (MID, €6M)</li>
<li id="wxc5uj">
<strong>Direct Free kicks</strong>: Sébastien Thill(MID, €5.5M), Gustavo Dulanto (DEF, €4.5M), Frank Castañeda (MID, €6M)</li>
<li id="Ipyqbw">
<strong>Corners & Indirect Freekicks</strong>: Sébastien Thill(MID, €5.5M), Gustavo Dulanto (DEF, €4.5M), Frank Castañeda (MID, €6M)</li>
</ul>
<p id="yHviuD">Sheriff Tiraspol made history by qualifying for the Champions League group stage after failing to make it out of the qualifying stages on eight previous occasions (2008 to 2020). Sheriff Tiraspol is the first Moldovan club to qualify for the group stages. Sheriff’s path was anything but easy; the Moldovan champions had to get past household names like FK Crvena Zvezda (aka Redstar Belgrade) and Dinamo Zagreb. Although facing the likes of Inter Milan and Real Madrid is an entirely different proposition, the Sheriff faithful will be glad the club has come this far. If the Wasps manage to pull off an upset, the fans and the players will cherish the memory for the rest of their lives.</p>
<p id="Fhzf9T">~</p>
<h4 id="Dw7SVT">Fantasy Prospects</h4>
<p id="MFMDEX"><strong>Frank Castañeda</strong> (€6M, MID)</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="SERBIA-BELGRADE-FOOTBALL-UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-QUALIFYING-CRVENA ZVEZDA VS SHERIFF" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jL8qDaI-9uVYgtRGT05Y5cXcbfU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22824069/1234469028.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Predrag Milosavljevic/Xinhua via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="kfkRDW">Sheriff captain Frank Castañeda is the talisman of the club. In the 2020-21 season, the Colombian netted a staggering 33 goals in 42 appearances. He will look to continue his goal-scoring hot streak in the Champions League.</p>
<p id="bm5zZb">~</p>
<h4 id="ogl4Sm">Other options</h4>
<p id="1s2T1b">Elsewhere, <strong>Adama Traoré </strong>(€5.5M, MID) (Not to be confused with the Wolves winger) has been on fire in the Champions League qualifiers, scoring four goals and providing two assists in eight appearances. <strong>Sébastien Thill </strong>(MID, €5.5M) is the main set-piece taker of Sheriff and has great assist potential. Thill also shares penalty duties with Castañeda, making him an excellent value option.</p>
<h4 id="YUEwyR">Possible 11:</h4>
<ul>
<li id="yT9xf7">Georgios Athanasiadis</li>
<li id="Y8SFZT">Cristiano,Danilo Arboleda, Gustavo Dulanto, Keston Julien</li>
<li id="5YOpy8">Sebastien Thill , Edmund Addo</li>
<li id="BWBE5C">Adama Traoré ,Dimitrios Kolovos ,Frank Castañeda</li>
<li id="jr2pEe">Momo Yansane</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="HaauVv">
<h3 id="BWWCDe">NMA UCL Fantasy Mini-League</h3>
<p id="4OHnnO">If you played our UCL mini-league last season, or if you played our Euros mini-league over the summer, you should automatically be entered into NMA’s 2021-22 mini-league as soon as you create a team<em>. </em>Head to <a href="http://gaming.uefa.com/"><strong>gaming.uefa.com</strong></a> and get to work!</p>
<p id="yy4AUh">If you are new to us, then once you create a team you can join our mini-league manually with the following info. Come join us, we’d love to have you!</p>
<ul>
<li id="CcxNav">
<strong>League</strong>: Never Manage Alone</li>
<li id="IWi21K">
<strong>Code</strong>: 71MQALVG07</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="YVdddo">
<p id="vlA6T1"><em>Are there other options we haven’t talked about? Why are Tete and Junior Moraes still unlisted? Which team will win Group D? Which team will finish second? Which team will secure 3rd place and transit to the knockout phases of the Europa League? Who will win the Champions League? Who will win the Europa League? Do you have thoughts of your own? Please share them in the comments section below!</em></p>
<p id="1pf8Vc"><em>~</em></p>
https://www.nevermanagealone.com/2021/9/2/22654124/nma-ucl-preview-groupd-inter-milan-real-madrid-shakhtar-donetsk-sheriff-tiraspol-hazard-benzema-baleV Dhivakhar2021-09-01T13:55:35-07:002021-09-01T13:55:35-07:00Champions League Preview: Group C
<figure>
<img alt="Erling Haaland - Borussia Dortmund - Champions League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/s6qO18k5N-yBytyRHD48uAWwB7k=/0x270:3227x2421/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69805577/1234962778.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We take a look at the most open group: Ajax Amsterdam, Borussia Dortmund, Sporting Lisbon and Besiktas</p> <p id="zRgQln">Group C is the group for <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> neutrals — Any of the teams can get a result against any other on a good day. On paper <a href="https://www.fearthewall.com">Borussia Dortmund</a> looks best-placed to win the group, as they are the side with the highest coefficient. However, with the team still adapting to the sale of Jadon Sancho plus the style and tactics of a new manager, the other teams might think Dortmund is not as formidable as its rating suggests.</p>
<p id="6k3UeV">Last season, Sporting Lisbon won its first Portuguese title in 19 years, a remarkable achievement, but the side’s inexperience might work against it as most of its players have little or no experience in the Champions League.</p>
<p id="KpKFGr">Another league champion in the group, Ajax, will be eager to right the wrongs of last season’s Champions League campaign that ended in the group stage. Turkish League champions Besiktas added more Champions League experience by bringing in Chelsea forward Michy Batshuayi on loan. Although Besiktas operates on a tight budget, the tactical nous of manager Sergen Yalcin will have the Black Eagles confident of upsetting a favorite and making it out of the group. </p>
<p id="CQhGJd">Let’s take a look at how these teams fared last season and what to expect from them in the Champions League this season.</p>
<p id="2t0fG3"><em>(Disclaimer: Lineup predictions are speculative for all the teams due to squad depth, injuries as well as managerial predilection for player rotation and formation tinkering.) </em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="7oazx9">
<h3 id="jS8Y7b">Ajax Amsterdam</h3>
<ul>
<li id="mkNEiO">
<strong>Coach</strong>: Erik ten Hang</li>
<li id="P44LPV">
<strong>Average age</strong>: 25.6 </li>
<li id="Xzn7yd">
<strong>Penalties</strong>: Dusan Tadic, Labyad</li>
<li id="jwJU3T">
<strong>Free kicks</strong>: Dusan Tadic, Schuurs</li>
<li id="sGx8mu">
<strong>Corners</strong>: Dusan Tadic, Blind</li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Ajax v Vitesse - Dutch Eredivisie" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fsJBw5GeZw2kYUZ8oWg5QD_tQ3k=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22816792/1337086233.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Peter Lous/BSR Agency/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="ZfVmxg">Ajax qualified for 2021-22 Champions League by clinching the Dutch league title for a record 35th time. A 4-0 victory against Emmen at the Johan Cruyff Arena helped the Dutch team secure the title with three games to spare. The Dutch champions scored 102 goals last season, averaging three goals per game all season.</p>
<p id="u0kbkz">After what was described as a “gap year” by Ajax director of football affairs Marc Overmars, the onus was on Ajax to dominate the 2020-21 Dutch league season despite the club’s financial difficulties. Ajax opened the season on the road against Sparta Rotterdam, and despite an early red card for Nico Tagliafico, Ajax went on to secure all three points. This set the tone for the next few months as Ajax racked up one win after the other. One of those games was the record-breaking 13-0 victory at VVV Venlo. </p>
<p id="XxkcAr">The Amsterdam side continued strong form till the end of 2020 when it stumbled at home to FC Twente. The club also suffered an unexpected Champions League exit around this time while going on to drop more points in the league against Willem II. In an attempt to arrest the shocking downturn in results, Ajax did excellent business by bringing in Sebastien Haller from West Ham United. However, an administrative error meant Haller wasn’t registered to feature for the club in the Europa League, and Andre Onana also got suspended for more than a year for a doping allegation.</p>
<p id="McG1KR">The situation gave domestic challengers hopes of overtaking Ajax, but when then the league eventually resumed after the winter break, Ajax came flying out of the gates and went on another run. That was enough for Ajax to secure the league title and then complete the local double two weeks later by beating Vitesse Arnhem. Ajax took the unusual step to share their league title with their fans by melting the trophy to make 42,000 stars.</p>
<p id="uSQILr">In the Champions League, Ajax endured a very disappointing campaign, bowing out at the group stage. Ajax came third in a group that also featured <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>, Atalanta and Midtjylland. That was enough to shunt the club into the Europa league round of 32. The club’s Europa League campaign also didn’t go according to plan, and saw them crash out in the quarterfinal against <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma</a>.</p>
<p id="9jtGLU">~</p>
<p id="1sUqbC">Ten Hag deploys an attack-minded team committed to high-pressing, quick-passing, and possession. The team sets up in a 4-3-3 formation that looks like a 4-2-3-1 in practice. Central midfielder David Klaassen is more likely to join the attack or maintain a higher position than being the pivot in front of the defense.</p>
<p id="RePtuH">~</p>
<h4 id="zYyZHm">Transfers<strong> </strong>
</h4>
<p id="AE1HFS"><strong>Ins:</strong> Mohammed Daramy, Steven Berghuis, Jay Gorter, Remko Pasveer</p>
<p id="ETP43Y"><strong>Outs: </strong>Razvan Marin, Lassina Traore, Noa Lang, Kjell Scherpen, Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, Carel Eiting </p>
<p id="yIwUUe">~</p>
<h4 id="68NEIH">Possible 11</h4>
<ul>
<li id="nnTq9O">Marten Stekelenburg, </li>
<li id="HpajIQ">Tagliafico, Blind, Schuurs, Mazraoui</li>
<li id="Z9FmNs">Gravenberch, Alvarez</li>
<li id="A3lILf">Tadic, Antony, Klaassen</li>
<li id="kjgoMe">Haller</li>
</ul>
<p id="NGc7F0">~</p>
<h4 id="rtY0j7">Fantasy Considerations</h4>
<p id="YUCUhg"><strong>Dusan Tadic:</strong> 32 year-old Serbian striker Tadic has been the primary source of goals and assists for Ajax these past few seasons, and he isn’t showing signs of slowing down anytime soon. He has two goals and an assist already in just two games this season.</p>
<p id="PhCJBf">Tadic plays just behind the striker to create chances and score goals. With 22 goals plus 26 assists last season, Tadic is definitely one to be considered by fantasy managers. In just six Champions League games last season, Tadic scored two goals and assisted a further three. </p>
<p id="E6q033"><strong>Sebastien Haller:</strong> The Ivory Coast and former West Ham forward plays right in front of Tadic as the club’s main striker. Although Haller failed to muster a goal in the Champions League season, he was still able to contribute twenty goals plus eight assists last season. Tadic’s ability to create chances in tight spaces combined with Ajax’s fast and sleek style of play should give Haller a lot of chances to do damage in the opponent’s box.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="rIzBc5">
<h3 id="MFZx3a">Borussia Dortmund</h3>
<ul>
<li id="2FTk2L">
<strong>Coach:</strong> Marco Rose</li>
<li id="HXsuhD">
<strong>Average age:</strong> 24.8</li>
<li id="JIlzdk">
<strong>Penalties</strong>: Erling Haaland, Marco Reus </li>
<li id="ULVO53">
<strong>Free kicks: </strong>Rapheal Guerriero, Marco Reus</li>
<li id="AkhLcV">
<strong>Corners: </strong>Rapheal Guerriero, Marco Reus</li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Borussia Dortmund v TSG Hoffenheim - Bundesliga" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YcVr521Z79KQPZgWfm6CPtChY0Q=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22816794/1234962791.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="DT94IK">Borussia Dortmund failed to provide stiff competition for eventual Bundesliga winners <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> last season, but they still did enough to earn a third-place finish and a place in this season’s Champions League. </p>
<p id="fA3MXO">BVB began the 2020-21 season with former Nice manager Lucien Favre in charge but a spate of unimpressive results got him sacked midway into the season. The club’s embarrassing 5-1 loss to Stuttgart proved to be the final straw; he was sacked less than 24 hours after the match. With the club seven points adrift of Champions League places, the managerial reins were handed over to Edin Terzic on an interim basis. On appointment, Terzic set about restoring players’ belief and making little tactical tweaks. One of those tweaks was moving Jadon Sancho from the right flank to the left, resulting in him improving from two goals in 16 Bundesliga appearances to six in nine on the left. </p>
<p id="mw0d3L">Erling Haaland was another beneficiary, claiming that he benefitted from “talking a lot”, which resulted in 22 goals scored under the tactician. Terzic’s switch to a 4-3-3 also allowed Dortmund to have an extra man in midfield, which meant they were able to seize initiative in matches rather than relinquish possession and rely on counter attacks. Terzic ended the campaign lifting the German Cup for the 5<sup>th</sup> time. For his impressive work, Terzic was rewarded with a new 3-year deal as the club’s assistant manager.</p>
<p id="CSiHQK">Close to the end of last season, Borussia Dortmund handed the reins to former Borussia Monchengladbach manager Marco Rose for the 2021-22 season. Rose moved to Gladbach from sister club Red Bull Salzburg having led them to back-to-back Austrian Bundesliga titles along with the Austrian Cup. The appointment should see Erling Haaland become more clinical, as Marco Rose was the manager who handed him his Salzburg debut in 2019. He scored 29 goals in just 27 matches under Rose before moving to Dortmund. </p>
<p id="CjC1uK">Dortmund began the new Bundesliga season in impressive fashion by annihilating last season’s Champions League contenders Eintracht Frankfurt 5-2 at Signal Iduna Park. But then, just like the highly inconsistent Borussia Dortmund sides we have come to know, the team succumbed to defeat in its second match, where it faced Sc Freiburg. Dortmund then proceeded to win its third game 3-2 against Hoffenheim.</p>
<p id="YCSM0K">In his three games in charge this season, Rose has tried a couple different formations, which has seen Erling Haaland up top alone or with new signing Donyell Malen as his strike partner. It looks like Rose is yet to settle on a particular formation as he learns his new club and the players at his disposal.</p>
<p id="qeWF7v">~</p>
<h4 id="g93jTf">Transfers<strong> </strong>
</h4>
<p id="7mFGYL"><strong>Ins:</strong> Donyell Malen, Gregor Kobel</p>
<p id="TxbCml"><strong>Outs:</strong> Jadon Sancho, Leonardo Balerdi, Thomas Delaney, Jeremy Toljan, Sergio Gomez, Lukasz Piszczek</p>
<p id="ixeTzL">~</p>
<h4 id="Iifp9r">Possible 11</h4>
<ul>
<li id="cejstV">Kobel</li>
<li id="uW3FG7">Thomas Meunier, Axel Witsel, Manuel Akanji, Rafeal Guerreiro</li>
<li id="JkmhWg">Jude Bellingham, Dahoud</li>
<li id="ROOpdC">Thorgan Hazard, Marco Reus, Reyna</li>
<li id="52vv8k">Erling Haaland</li>
</ul>
<p id="fzFxwR">~</p>
<h4 id="3tb4Fi">Fantasy considerations</h4>
<p id="pXuNPS"><strong>Erling Haaland:</strong> Last season’s top Champions League scorer will be one of the first names in fantasy managers’ minds. Despite bowing out in the quarterfinals, Haaland finished two goals clear of PSG’s 2nd-place Kylian Mbappe and four clear of former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud.</p>
<p id="c931Z8">Haaland has scored an astonishing 20 UEFA Champions League goals in just 14 games. Haaland achieved the milestone in ten fewer matches than the next player on the list, <a href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com">Tottenham’s</a> Harry Kane who had set the previous benchmark when he struck his 20<sup>th</sup> goal in November 2019 – on his 24<sup>th</sup> appearance in the competition. Haaland is also the first to reach the landmark figure before his 21<sup>st</sup> birthday (20 years and 231 days). With Dortmund drawn in a very balanced group, Haaland seems primed to continue his hot scoring streak. </p>
<p id="n4Cmlp"><strong>Marco Reus:</strong> Club captain and mercurial winger Marco Reus was also instrumental to BVB last season, scoring eleven goals and providing ten assists. When fit, Reus can be as dangerous from the flank as anyone. He is also on penalty kick duties when Haaland isn’t on the pitch. He too has began the new season in impressive fashion, with one goal plus two assists in three games. </p>
<p id="ttlW4U"><strong>Rapheal Guerreiro: </strong>Although Borussia Dortmund isn’t known for having a tight back line, Guerreiro also isn’t your everyday defender. The Portuguese left-back scored six goals while providing ten assists last season. Those are numbers a lot of attacking midfielders and strikers would be proud to boast at the end of a season. So, if you are looking to take a punt on a Borussia Dortmund defender, Guerreiro should be your go-to man. <strong> </strong></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="dHWsK3">
<h3 id="1kOpLj">Besiktas</h3>
<ul>
<li id="oTjxBm">
<strong>Coach:</strong> Sergen Yalcin</li>
<li id="UrQ0st">
<strong>Average age:</strong> 27.4</li>
<li id="G7qgtd">
<strong>Penalties</strong>: Rachid Ghezzal, N’Koudou</li>
<li id="Zszt9G">
<strong>Free kicks: </strong>Rachid Ghezzal, Teixeira</li>
<li id="T6YlX2">
<strong>Corners:</strong> Rachid Ghezzal, Teixeira, Ozyakup</li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Besiktas v Caykur Rizespor - Super Lig" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/A8nMiw7Yy7J_DMVq006b1O3LV1s=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22816795/1333988859.jpg">
<cite>Photo by /BSR Agency/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="vDtkWf">When Besiktas coach Sergen Yalcin was placed in charge of the club at the beginning of the 2020-21 season, not much was expected. The club was dealing with financial issues that limited his ability to sign new players, but he exceeded expectations, managing to win the double on a shoestring budget. The title was secured on the last day of the season with Besiktas pipping rivals Galatasaray on goal difference by only one.</p>
<p id="8XAQHC">Yalcin deploys a 4-1-4-1 formation that is reliant on creating individual solutions to problems encountered on the field. Yalcin’s deeply individual footballing philosophy means he is not afraid to change strategy if needed, and he also rotates his starting eleven effectively based on the opposition. </p>
<p id="A2JbXh">There are six players in constant circulation in the center of Besiktas’ game: Atiba Hutchinson, Josef de Souza, Bernard Mensah, Necip Uysal, Dorukhan Tokoz and Oguzhan Ozyakup. They’re tasked with creating attacking and defensive solutions depending on the opponent. While the ability to create individual solutions is effective, it doesn’t provide a comprehensive solution.</p>
<p id="1HKoru">Yalcin mostly sets up the team to cede possession until his fast wingers can win the ball and spring counterattacks. The reliance on wingers gave rise to former <a href="https://fosseposse.sbnation.com">Leicester</a> winger Rachid Ghezzal. The winger was solely responsible for eight goals plus 17 assists, making him one of the best players in the Turkish league last season.</p>
<p id="D0lXcj">~</p>
<p id="5K0vMx">Besiktas began its 2021-22 defense of the domestic league title with an opening day 3-0 victory against Rizespor. They however drew their next match against Gaziantep before returning to winning ways against Fatih Karagumuruk.</p>
<p id="MwSK98">~</p>
<h4 id="k3E7Tm">Transfers<strong> </strong>
</h4>
<p id="fh037M"><strong>Ins:</strong> Rachid Ghezzal, Umut Meras, Mert Gunok, Can Bozdogan, Michy Batshuayi, Salih Ucan, Kenan Karaman, Mehmet Topal, Valentin Rosier </p>
<p id="JYIx69"><strong>Outs:</strong> Vincent Aboubakar, Dorokhan Tokoz, Alpay Celebi, Karem Kalafat, Umut Nayir</p>
<p id="D7k4Vi">~</p>
<h4 id="mxMD96">Possible 11</h4>
<ul>
<li id="YrPRQh">Destanoglu</li>
<li id="Ep3KZ7">Valentine Rosier, Welinton, Vida, N’Sakala</li>
<li id="FRbwcK">Josef de Souza</li>
<li id="fx4E4Y">Rachid Ghezzal,<strong> </strong>Atiba Hutchinson, Texeira, Nkoudou</li>
<li id="8dHmuD">Michy Batshuayi</li>
</ul>
<p id="KnlaPY">~</p>
<h4 id="rpEbrv">Fantasy considerations</h4>
<p id="BT1YHe"><strong>Cyle Larin:</strong> Canadian born Cyle Larin is classed as a midfielder but plays very close to the striker. Larin was instrumental in Besiktas’ Turkish Super League and Turkish Cup triumphs, finishing the season with 23 goals plus six assists in 45 games. 19 of those goals came in the league, where he was joint second. If Besiktas are to make it out of Group C, Larin will have to hit the heights of last season. </p>
<p id="8kbZN6"><strong>Rachid Ghezzal:</strong> Ghezzal was by far Besiktas biggest creative outlet last season. His pace and intricacy in the final third sparked Besiktas’ title charge. He had the most key passes per 90 mins in the super league (2.9), the second most crosses per 90 mins (2.2). His 17 assists is the most created by a single individual in a Super League season. He also has the ability to score long-range curlers and screamers.</p>
<p id="F7egsa"><strong>Rosier: </strong>Although it might not be wise to rely on Besiktas’ defenders against the caliber of opponents in Group C, right-back Rosier still looks like a decent investment as he has started the new season in impressive form.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="uvF0QG">
<h3 id="3gELwW">Sporting Lisbon</h3>
<ul>
<li id="5xemEA">
<strong>Coach: </strong>Ruben Amorim</li>
<li id="oUAfIv">
<strong>Average age:</strong> 24.8</li>
<li id="KzkW4Y">
<strong>Penalties</strong>: Pedro Goncalves, Jovane Cabral</li>
<li id="drhZIM">
<strong>Free kicks: </strong>Pedro Goncalves</li>
<li id="UxpIGn">
<strong>Corners:</strong> Pedro Goncalves</li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Sporting CP V Belenenses SAD - Liga Bwin" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HQolzSn0KuBpUqPXOLra4otf0YY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22816797/1335566598.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="771kKi">Sporting Lisbon ended a 19-year drought to win its first Portuguese League title last season. Sporting secured the title with two games to spare after defeating Boavista at the Estadio Jose Alvalade. </p>
<p id="cdM73o">This completed the club’s recent revival from dark times that saw dozens of fans with their faces covered force their way into the team’s training complex to assault players and staff. The shocking attack came off the back of Sporting’s inability to secure one of the available Champions League spots. The May 15, 2018 incident resulted in the removal of then-club president Bruno de Carvalho, along with seven players ending their contracts.</p>
<p id="LaUnwS">Sporting is widely known for the quality of players its academy produces, and it doesn’t look like its production train is set to end anytime soon. No less than ten of its current first team players come from the academy. Its football academy also developed the likes of Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Paulo Futre, Nani and Ricardo Quaresma, among other talented players.</p>
<p id="Nj8rko">Sporting manager Amorim uses a 3-4-3 formation that changes into 3-4-2-1 and even 3-3-3-1 during games. The team’s style of play relies on a sturdy defense that conceded just 20 goals in 34 games. By playing three at the back, the team has an extra body in midfield to take possession and then outnumber opponents in attack. The team attacks mostly from the flank, winger Goncalves being the team’s top scorer.</p>
<p id="gQCP8g">~</p>
<p id="X9XWc2">Sporting has had enjoyed an impressive start to the new season, winning three and drawing one. Sporting began its title defense with a 3-0 win against Vizela at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.</p>
<p id="K8H6Cd">~</p>
<h4 id="l20wC7">Transfers<strong> </strong>
</h4>
<p id="Gi6gmI"><strong>Ins:</strong> Manuel Ugarte, Ricardo Esgaio, Matheus Reis, Goncalo Esteves, Ruben Vinagre, Joao Virginia</p>
<p id="HaDK9h"><strong>Outs:</strong> Luis Maximiano, Josip Misic, Vitorino Antunes, Tiago Ilori, Pedro Mendes</p>
<p id="PewrI5">~</p>
<h4 id="E1G8Bl">Possible 11</h4>
<ul>
<li id="K5Ehq8">Adan</li>
<li id="cuuJOe">Inacio, Sebastien Coates, Feddal</li>
<li id="U5qTBA">Esgaio, Palhinha, Nunes, Vinagre</li>
<li id="aGjDgr">Pedro Goncalves, Cabral, Paulinho</li>
</ul>
<p id="Udjusy">~</p>
<h4 id="557XqF">Fantasy Prospects</h4>
<p id="bfuYX2"><strong>Pedro Goncalves</strong>: This 23-year old Portuguese right-winger was the focal point for Sporting Lisbon in its title win last season. The young attacker scored a whopping 24 goals and added three assists. He has picked up from where he stopped last season by scoring four goals in just five matches this season.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="jQeu3m">
<h3 id="OfHgZp">NMA Group Stage Article Stream</h3>
<p id="uEhLeU">For group-by-group analysis of each this season’s UCL teams, please see NMA’s Group Stage article stream <a href="https://www.nevermanagealone.com/2021/8/27/22640928/ucl-group-stage-draw-and-preview-manchester-madrid-chelsea-liverpool-barcelona-juventus-milan">here</a>. New articles are added to the stream daily.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="3Kiw0o">
<h3 id="BWWCDe">NMA UCL Fantasy Mini-League</h3>
<p id="4OHnnO">If you played our UCL mini-league last season, or if you played our Euros mini-league over the summer, you should automatically be entered into NMA’s 2021-22 mini-league <em>as soon as you create a team. </em>Head to <a href="http://gaming.uefa.com/">gaming.uefa.com</a> and get to work!</p>
<p id="yy4AUh">If you are new to us, then once you create a team you can join our mini-league manually with the following info. Come join us, we’d love to have you!</p>
<ul>
<li id="CcxNav">
<strong>League</strong>: Never Manage Alone</li>
<li id="IWi21K">
<strong>Code</strong>: 71MQALVG07</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="a64YHq">
<p id="G2hQa1"><em>What do you think of Group-C? Will you invest in players here, or just watch the matches until the dust settles? Please share your thoughts in the comments.</em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="OyhQQ8">
<p id="G0YQd5">Stats and info referenced in this article were sourced from: <a href="http://Bundesliga.com">Bundesliga.com</a>, <a href="http://lastwordonsports.com">lastwordonsports.com</a>, <a href="http://cnn.com">cnn.com</a>, <a href="http://soccerway.com">soccerway.com</a>, <a href="http://nbcsports.com">nbcsports.com</a>, <a href="http://uefa.com">uefa.com</a>, <a href="http://bbc.com">bbc.com</a>, <a href="http://forbes.com">forbes.com</a>, <a href="http://themastermindsite.com">themastermindsite.com</a>, <a href="http://squawka.com">squawka.com</a>, <a href="http://transfermarkt.com">transfermarkt.com</a>, <a href="http://eurosport.com">eurosport.com</a>, <a href="http://Turkish-football.com">Turkish-football.com</a>, <a href="http://dailysabah.com">dailysabah.com</a>, <a href="http://ixbet.whoscored.com">ixbet.whoscored.com</a>, <a href="http://breakingthelines.com">breakingthelines.com</a>, <a href="http://si.com">si.com</a>, <a href="http://guardian.com">guardian.com</a> </p>
<p id="NewG1p">~</p>
https://www.nevermanagealone.com/2021/9/1/22650011/nma-champions-league-preview-group-c-ajax-dortmund-lisbon-besiktasOlakunleafo0982021-08-31T12:20:05-07:002021-08-31T12:20:05-07:00Champions League Preview: Group B
<figure>
<img alt="San Siro Stadium - AC Milan - Champions League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Qhb_3pr6vZ0o-YvYW7WtCYu2Qfw=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69799619/1234945794.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>San Siro is back! | Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Soccrates/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Let the Russian Roulette begin!</p> <p id="49unVW">A revolver rests on a dusty square table. Spectating from afar, you witness four men sitting with hands by their sides, gauging each other with piercing stares.</p>
<p id="FKHcCx">One of them is bald with a heavy white beard: Stephano Pioli, wearing black and red vertical stripes with seven UCL trophies standing behind him.</p>
<p id="xnSn4M">To his right, the mad Argentine Diego Simeone sporting white and red vertical stripes, with his army of <a href="https://www.intothecalderon.com">Atletico Madrid</a> players carrying spoils of war from last season’s destruction of Spanish giants <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com">Real Madrid</a> and Barcelona.</p>
<p id="zOT1mN">To Diego’s right is a rather young Portuguese man with calculating eyes. He sports a mixed black and white beard and wears vertical blue and white stripes. This is Sergio Conceicao trying to figure out how to respond to the ghost of Jose Mourinho taunting him about how he is the only one to win the UCL with Porto. </p>
<p id="IiqYr3">The last man, wearing all red and eyeing Milan’s trophies counts “4, 5, 6...and 7”, then moves his glance towards Pioli and in a German accent mutters “uninterested”. The short stare ends, and he turns to look at the banner behind him that shows six UCL trophies and is printed with the words “You’ll never walk alone, Jurgen Klopp”. </p>
<p id="SI0eki">With an Italian accent, Pioli says to Klopp, “We have one more than you.” The German shrugs him off, the Portuguese grins and the Argentine hastily reaches for the revolver and screams, “Let the Russian roulette begin!”</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="yxq9uQ">
<h3 id="Z6ZBar"><a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Atletico Madrid</a></h3>
<ul>
<li id="EyDiqQ">
<strong>Coach: </strong>Diego Simeone</li>
<li id="QzPgDM">
<strong>Average player age:</strong> 27.6</li>
<li id="F8XjLi">
<strong>Market Value:</strong> 738.90 Million Euros</li>
<li id="Sh3PuA">
<strong>Penalties: </strong>Luis Suarez, Joao Felix</li>
<li id="79cA79">
<strong>Free Kicks: </strong>Kieran<strong> </strong>Trippier, Koke, Joao Felix</li>
<li id="rzTcz8">
<strong>Corners: </strong>Kieran<strong> </strong>Trippier, Koke, Saul Niguez</li>
</ul>
<p id="nQqHsX">Last season, Atletico Madrid capitalized on the slight dip in form of Barcelona and Real Madrid to win Spain’s La Liga, thereby qualifying directly to the UCL where they claimed a well deserved spot in Pot A of the draw. This caused dismay in other groups, as titans Barcelona and Real Madrid were consequently drawn from other, lower-level pots.</p>
<p id="743u1w">In Copa del Rey (Spanish domestic cup), Atletico Madrid suffered an early exit after a 1-0 defeat to third-tier league Cornella during the first week of January 2021. In last season’s <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>, playing in the same group as then-UCL title-holders <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a>, Atletico was pushed to the limit to produce a couple of very entertaining matches against RB Salzburg. Simeone and his team were ultimately knocked out during the round of 16 after losing to eventual champions Chelsea 3-0 on aggregate.</p>
<p id="wS7nm4">Currently, seven teams share the top of La Liga with 7 points after three rounds. Atletico Madrid is one of them, having drawn against Villarreal 2-2 this Sunday.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Club Atletico de Madrid v Villarreal CF - La Liga Santander" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zHv9iSSYs-CfGZgoRI3QYapEPDg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22816653/1337229328.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="ZBIok4">Atletico Madrid lost no key players, retaining all of them this season (so far). Young left-winger Marcos Paulo was brought in on a free transfer from Brazilian club Fluminense. The club also spent €65 million on two players, Rodrigo de Paul and Matheus Cunha. Both have explosive potential. While the latter may have difficulty breaking into the starting XI behind Suarez, Angel Correa and Felix, de Paul may find it easy — Serie A may know the player as Udinese’s conductor.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="4wEbvB">
<h3 id="swVtVL"><a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a></h3>
<ul>
<li id="uC4X0l">
<strong>Coach: </strong>Jurgen Klopp</li>
<li id="GHYkWC">
<strong>Average player age:</strong> 26.6</li>
<li id="RCsbc1">
<strong>Market Value:</strong> 887.50 Million Euros</li>
<li id="UkQz8J">
<strong>Penalties: </strong>James Milner, Mo Salah, Sadio Mane</li>
<li id="JuDZ9G">
<strong>Free Kicks: </strong>Alexander-Arnold, Salah</li>
<li id="xTeMIv">
<strong>Corners: </strong>Andy<strong> </strong>Robertson, Alexander-Arnold, Tsimikas</li>
</ul>
<p id="hiUXsm">With Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip injured for most of last season, Liverpool achieved third place in the EPL. As two of the main players to win the EPL and UCL in recent years, third place is definitely an achievement in a league with eight giants. Consequently, Liverpool qualified directly to the group stage of UCL this season and were placed on pot B.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Virgil van Dijk Continues his Rehabilitation at Liverpool" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bIkzwBSibDlbgB7xp2jk_amk4HQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22816673/1317592701.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="ybZlW7">Two Salah goals were not enough to keep the Reds alive in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> last season as they lost 2-3 to <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Man United</a> courtesy of goals from Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes in the fourth round of the tournament. Liverpool was also knocked out in the fourth round of the EFL Cup at the hands of Arsenal by penalty shootout after a goalless draw in October 2020. Two months earlier, the same matchup had ended with the same result, Liverpool losing the FA Community Shield final. Liverpool is currently one of five clubs sitting in second place in the EPL on 7 points.</p>
<p id="YPUhMV">In last season’s UCL, Liverpool won a strong group that included Atalanta, Ajax and Midtjylland to qualify to the round of 16. RB Leipzig were no match for them, a mere stepping stone for the English club to proceed to the quarterfinals by 4-0 aggregate.</p>
<p id="uvwJz0">Both Real Madrid and Liverpool were suffering from injury woes at the time, scrapping for a spot in the semis, but a brilliant Toni Kroos performance in the first leg was enough to knock out Liverpool on a 3-1 aggregate.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Liverpool Training Session" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vL9lCo8WDoQT-PuTIPDsUrdlP-4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22816672/1336106601.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Ibrahima Konate with Sadio Mane</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="iqNBNz">Liverpool’s failure to win any trophies last season is attributed to major injuries. €40 million were allocated to bring in RB Leipzig center-back Ibrahima Konate as a failsafe measure this season after Ben Davis and Ozan Kabak clearly did not bring what is needed to the team. Liverpool U23 squad player Harvey Elliott was promoted to the first team and has two starts under his belt.</p>
<p id="xwhnYA">In exchange, Liverpool sold Harry Wilson (Fulham) for €14 million, Taiwo Awoniyi (Union Berlin) for €6.5 million and Xherdan Shaqiri (Lyon) for €6 million. Georginio Wijnaldum left the the club on free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain and may make waves in Group A.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="H1Z9nb">
<h3 id="IyqPMi">Porto</h3>
<ul>
<li id="JtN1Wt">
<strong>Coach: </strong>Sergio Conceicao</li>
<li id="qC0Gdm">
<strong>Average player age:</strong> 26.3</li>
<li id="gMr3cf">
<strong>Market Value:</strong> 277.00 Million Euros</li>
<li id="NMSjX1">
<strong>Penalties: </strong>Sergio Oliveira</li>
<li id="AVqdwN">
<strong>Free Kicks: </strong>Otavio, Fabio Vieira</li>
<li id="h58J6y">
<strong>Corners: </strong>Bruno Costa, Otavio</li>
</ul>
<p id="apuKcO">Porto played a strong season in 2020-21 but ended mostly without any spoils except the Portuguese Super Cup, a one-off match representing Primeira Liga (Portugal’s top league) against Benfica, winning 2-0. In other competitions, Porto finished second in Portugal’s domestic league, five points behind Sporting CP, still enough to qualify directly to the UCL group stage. Porto reached the semifinals of Taca de Portugal (Portugal cup tournament) only to lose against the eventual winners Braga 4-3 on aggregate.</p>
<p id="dFcv55">Porto were drawn as part of Group C in UCL last season against <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Man City</a>, Olympiacos and Marseille. Porto had no trouble defeating the Greeks and French over both legs to qualify to the round of 16. In the process, Porto conceded only three goals in the opening match and kept five clean sheets afterwards. The real surprise took place in the round of 16 as Porto knocked out out flailing <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com">Juventus</a> utilizing the now-recinded away-goal tie-breaker after an aggregate score of 4-4. In the quarterfinals Porto was knocked out just one goal shy from accomplishing another stunning surprise, losing to Chelsea 1-2 on aggregate.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FC Porto v Belenenses SAD - Liga Portugal Bwin" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wIzcLneV17uKdwxbUtdckwWtizU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22816689/1333152579.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="6Bu8wl">Porto kept the books balanced during the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a>, receiving €21.25 million and spending €24.7 million. Notable arrivals are left winger Pepe from Gremio Brazil (adding confusion since Portuguese defender Pepe is still a starter), left back Wendell from Bayer Leverkuzen, Bruno Costa from Portimonense, and Fabio Cardoso. They also extended Marko Grujic’s loan from Liverpool. There are no notable departures from last season’s lineups, but PSG exercised their option to buy Danilo Pereira after completing his loan spell in France, and Porto also sold squad player Chidozie Awaziem.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="JZ3Wty">
<h3 id="Iwhz04"><a href="https://acmilan.theoffside.com">AC Milan</a></h3>
<ul>
<li id="qQsuf0">
<strong>Coach: </strong>Stefano Pioli</li>
<li id="fh4Bb5">
<strong>Average player age:</strong> 26.0</li>
<li id="mGEkfn">
<strong>Market Value:</strong> 463.40 Million Euros</li>
<li id="3LRIbX">
<strong>Penalties: </strong>Frank Kessie, Ibrahimovic</li>
<li id="NQuz1q">
<strong>Free Kicks: </strong>Ibrahimovic, Castillejo</li>
<li id="dsfcUe">
<strong>Corners: </strong>Castillejo</li>
</ul>
<p id="i6pSk7">After more than 10 years of Juventus’ monopoly over Serie A (Italy’s top league), three clubs overtook Juve to fight for UCL qualification towards the end of the season. AC Milan ended its season in second place after spending the majority of the first half of the season at the top, thus, ensuring qualification to the UCL group stage for the first time since 2013-14. Milan were not as successful in other tournaments last season. They were knocked out of Coppa de Italia in the quarterfinals by rivals <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com">Inter Milan</a> 1-2 and eliminated from the Europa League round of 16 by finalists Manchester United 2-1 on aggregate.</p>
<p id="vAkN92"></p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="AC Milan v Cagliari Calcio - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/a_rCcFS4vaNoREqAjPBwjIzQZ6M=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22816695/1234963886.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/NurPhoto via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="OpPRvf">It was a busy transfer window for Milan as they brought in Fikayo Tomori (€29.2 m) from Chelsea, Mike Maignan (€13.0 m) from Lille, Sandro Tonalli (€6.9 m) from Brescia, Fode Ballo-Toure (€5.0 m) from Monaco, and Olivier Giroud (€1.0 m) from Chelsea. Milan also took in four players on loan: Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid, Tiemoue Bakayoko from Chelsea, Alessandro Florenzi from <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma</a> and Pietro Pellegri from Monaco.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Stade de Reims v Paris Saint Germain - Ligue 1 Uber Eats" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/acI7-ld6Wpwfky4I0Jb2Jr85dy8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22816697/1234956908.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="zc7pWQ">Notable departures were Diego Laxalt (€3.5 m) to Dynamo Moscow, Gianluigi Donnarumma to PSG and Hakan Calhanoglu to Inter Milan (both on free transfers).</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="5pOiG8">
<h3 id="Xjh3Ql">Predicted Line-ups</h3>
<p id="km8vBx">Disclaimer<em>: Lineup predictions are speculative for some of these teams due to squad depth, open transfer window as well as managerial predilection for player rotation and formation tinkering. They represent nothing more than the most-selected players so far this season according to </em><a href="http://www.besoccer.com/"><em>www.besoccer.com</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<ul>
<li id="RgK0qj">
<em><strong>Atletico Madrid (3-5-2): </strong></em><em>Jan Oblak, Jose Gimenez, Mario Hermoso, Stefan Savic, Koke, Thomas Lemar, De Paul, Saul, Marcos Llorente, Yannick Carrasco, Angel Correa. (Suarez and new arrival Cunha may force Carrassco and Correa back on the bench when we get deeper into the season)</em>
</li>
<li id="JeqsoS">
<em><strong>Liverpool (4-3-3): </strong></em><em>Alisson, Van Dijk, Joel Matip, Tsikimas, Arnold, Henderson, Naby Keita, Elliott, Mane, Salah, Diogo Jota (Robertson and Firminio remain in contention to start over Tsikimas and Elliott/Jota respectively)</em>
</li>
<li id="cIG2Y1">
<em><strong>Porto (4-4-2): </strong></em><em>Diogo Costa, Pepe, Chancel Mbemba, Ivan Marcano, Joao Matio, Bruno Costa, Mateus Uribe, Luis Diaz, Otavio, Mehdi Taremi, Toni Martinez</em>
</li>
<li id="tFtTvy">
<em><strong>AC Milan (4-5-1):</strong></em><em> Mike Maignan, Tomori, Simon Kjaer, Theo Hernandez, Davide Calabria, Rade Krunic, Tonali, Brahim, Rafael Leao, Saelemaekers, Giroud. (Ibrahimovic should find his way back in the starting XI when returned from injury)</em>
</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="M461HP">
<h3 id="z8c6x7"><em>Fantasy Prospects</em></h3>
<p id="tTgbKH">It is possible for some fantasy managers to use their free transfers within Group A to alternate players facing weakling Club Brugge, but I cannot safely suggest that a similar strategy can be adopted here. This group could end with any team on top or with any team on bottom, so this is by far in my humble opinion the most unpredictable group for fantasy managers. For all I can predict, this group may end up with all teams tied for first place after all matches end in draws — hence my ‘Russian Roulette’ metaphor. If you must pick a player or two from this group, here are my somewhat-reserved recommendations:</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Liverpool v Chelsea - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kcVrzoLnC5W5z_Iblgg4yIQRBtI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22816704/1336958339.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<ul>
<li id="PidVsy">
<strong>Jota (€8.0m) </strong>from forwards. The other remaining options are too expensive and there are many better candidates to fill your squad from other groups.</li>
<li id="RnjxJe">
<strong>Llorente (€6.0m) </strong>OR <strong>Kessie (€5.5) </strong>OR <strong>De Paul (€7.5m).</strong> Kessie may be a surprise in the tournament and could return a high average of points compared to his price, while Llorente is usually more involved in attacking in UCL matches than he is in La Liga. De Paul’s price tag is rather expensive but I expect good things from him in particular. </li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="95zAA3">
<h2 id="BWWCDe">NMA UCL Fantasy Mini-League</h2>
<p id="4OHnnO">If you played our UCL mini-league last season, or if you played our Euros mini-league over the summer, you should automatically be entered into NMA’s 2021-22 mini-league <em>as soon as you create a team. </em>Head to <a href="http://gaming.uefa.com/">gaming.uefa.com</a> and get to work!</p>
<p id="yy4AUh">If you are new to us, then once you create a team you can join our mini-league manually with the following info. Come join us, we’d love to have you!</p>
<ul>
<li id="CcxNav">
<strong>League</strong>: Never Manage Alone</li>
<li id="IWi21K">
<strong>Code</strong>: 71MQALVG07</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="bD10at">
<p id="y4iXvK"><em>What do you think of Group-B? Will you invest in players here, or just watch the matches until the dust settles? Please share your thoughts in the comments,</em></p>
<p id="E2lL9P">~</p>
https://www.nevermanagealone.com/2021/8/31/22649783/nma-ucl-preview-group-b-atletico-porto-milan-liverpool-salah-ibrahimovic-suarez-felix-kloppMiQ