The more you need it, the more you struggle to get it! And the teams left in the Europa League certainly need a trophy and the money that comes with it.
Are you hungry for success just as much? Here’s your chance to prove it in the arena of Europa League fantasy football.
Here are the players you need to win your event! And remember that you can always use this knowledge in the free game of FootballCoin.
These the Players You Need for Europa League Fantasy Football Quarterfinals First Leg
FC Porto – Nottingham Forest
Unlike you, Premier League managers are finding that they need to learn to prioritise at this stage in the competition. Should Nottingham Forest try to win the Europa League? Or, should the team just focus on avoiding EPL relegation?
This plays into the story of the quarterfinal against FC Porto! The Portuguese are favourites for this one, even though they are still involved in two other competitions.
Costa is the clear contender to be your starting goalie. Bednarek and Kiwior will find their EPL experience valuable here. Sainz is finally proving he’s a star (told you!), and, budget-wise, he’s a great pick.
Meanwhile, Forest manager Vitor Pereira will most likely use Milenkovic and Murillo. Both are good defensive picks. Dominguez and Sangare could also make good additions. I. Jesus is a bit of a long shot. Gibbs–White is always a worthy pick, if you can afford it.
Aston Villa – Bologna
Aston Villa, on the other hand, will prioritise the Europa League, most likely, given the poor run of form back in England. Bologna is a tough opponent.
However, the stars may finally come out tonight! Watkins, Rogers, Buendia and McGinn are some of the best attacking players left in the competition.
Martinez is a fine goalie, albeit a little expensive. Cash and Digne can contribute both defensively and in attack. And, Onana with Tielemans make a great midfield pairing when fit.
In other words, nearly all of Unai Emery‘s starting line-up deserves to be picked, provided that you are optimistic about the team’s ability to find the right motivation here.
On the other hand, I welcome the return of Bernadeschi to the European stage! Get him in your team!
Freiburg – Celta Vigo
Lastly, while Freiburg may not be on your list of regular viewing options, it has performed well in the Europa League. They’ll make for a difficult opponent to Celta Vigo, a team that’s often shone in settings like this.
Still, I think your UEL fantasy football team can be improved by a few of Celta’s players. Jutgla should be one of your first choices. He’s an excellent player and a budget pick. (Admittedly, there are some doubts about whether he will start!)
Radu can easily be your backup goalie. Rodriguez and Rueda have done well in this competition. However, I think, also, that M. Alonso‘s experience may prove invaluable.
And, if you’re looking for a striker, club legend Aspas is unlikely to start; whatever minutes he does get to play here, he’s likely to use them very efficiently.
The Players You Need to Avoid
Porto vs. Forest will be an entertaining game. However, I’m not yet convinced by the quality of many of the attackers. Ndoye and Hudson-Odoi are fine players, but not in great form, in my opinion. Moffi might struggle against EPL defenders.
Many players are dealing with some medical issues at this stage. But keep an eye on obvious injuries. Villa is without Kamara, suffering from a strained knee. Dominguez, Skorupski and El Azzouzi can’t start for Bologna.
Sadly for Celta, Iglesias is suspended. Alvarez, Vecino and Dotor are injured, while Aspas should see limited game time.
Porto’s de Jong, Aghehowa, Eustaquio and Perez are probably out for this one. Finally, Forest, already short on options, will be without Boly, Savona, Wood, or Cunha.
