It’s time for the 2022/23 Champions League final. With that comes the final matchday of the UCL Fantasy season.

The final will be played on Saturday 10th June at 8pm. The deadline for UCL Matchday 12 is at 8pm on Tuesday evening.

This newsletter is here to make sure that your UCL Fantasy team is ready to go ahead of the deadline.

Louis Roberts is back to EXCLUSIVELY share his thoughts ahead of Matchday 13.

It’s the final!

There is just one game in Matchday 13. This has several implications within our teams. Firstly and probably the most important factor is that managers have just one attempt at securing a successful captain, so choose wisely.

It is also vital to remember that we get the line-ups before the deadline, meaning we can make transfer decisions based on the team sheets. Another thing worth remembering is that we do not need substitutes at this point so it is vital that we put all of our focus into the starting XI and formation regarding transfer plans.

Finally, do not forget that we can own up to eight players from each side, so having an idea on how you think the game will go is key.

In terms of recent form, both clubs have impressed.

In their last 10 matches in all competitions Manchester City have won seven, drawn twice and lost once. In the same period the English side also managed to keep four clean sheets and score 19 goals, averaging 1.9 goals scored per game. Inter on the other hand have won a huge nine of their last 10 games, losing just one.

In that period Inter also kept five clean sheets and netted 25 goals which is an average of 2.5 goals. Although recent form suggests Inter have been stronger there are other factors that have to be considered.

Manchester City have had a more successful campaign overall, securing the FA Cup and the Premier League. The English side have also been more consistent both offensively and defensively domestically and in Europe. Not just this but Manchester City will have bags of motivation going into the game. Not only have they never won the Champions League, something they so dearly crave, but if they win the Champions League it means they have completed the treble. This is something only one other English side have done before in club history, interestingly that team is their rivals Manchester United.

How I think the game will go 

It will be interesting to see how Inter approach this game. Usually teams facing Manchester City will just sit back and try to catch them on the break with pace. However, Inter do not have the pace to do this in my opinion. Because of this I think Inter will try to break with their central attackers and good hold up play. They could also have some luck via set plays. Overall I think Manchester City will win the game and win it well.

Current Team from Matchday 12 

As you can see I already have a starting XI without the use of transfers. I am in a great position in every sense of the word. My current rank is 268th in the world. Because of that my main goal is to maintain rank and bag a second successive top 500 finish. It is important to be aware of your rank and mini-league objective when making decisions on captaincy and transfers as it will effectively make your moves for you. Because of where I am in terms of rank I will be looking to play it safe.

Team Reveal

My transfer plans are very simple and straight forward.

I want to have all five of Manchester City's standout attacking options which leaves me just three of their slots left to fill. I will be transferring out Vincius Junior, Matteo Darmian and Dani Carvajal for Jack Grealish, Ruben Dias, and Manual Akaji. It means that I am fully covered if Manchester City's goals and assists are shared amongst the frontline. I think many could go four, five or even six Manchester City defenders but I really feel like covering the offensive assets is a priority.

I still need to pick three Inter assets to start and a formation to choose. I think I prefer a 4-4-2 formation which means I will be starting Andre Onana (regardless of formation), Federico Dimarco and Lautaro Martinez. We can see that I still have two free transfers to use even after getting the starting XI I want. Those spare transfers will be saved just in case Pep decides he wants to drop one of his attackers and bring in say Riyad Mahrez. Interestingly, it is rumoured the Algerian will come in to replace Bernardo Silva for the final.

Captaincy 

Captaincy is also straight forward for Matchday 13. I believe Erling Haaland is the best captaincy option for the final. There is so many factors backing him including form, explosiveness and more but I think it also significant to highlight he is probably more likely to play 90 minutes than any other attacker on the pitch if things are not going to plan. Haaland will be the most captained player for Matchday 13 so if you are looking to gain points or rank and want to back against Haaland I think Kevin De Bruyne is your best bet.