Teams: Barcelona, Rosengård, Benfica, Eintracht Frankfurt
What can be said about Group A? Well, a lot, actually. Barcelona are the reigning Spanish league and UWCL champions, and are fully expected to top the group. But what about 2nd place?
Given the relative strength of the German league, Frankfurt, who finished third in the Frauen-Bundesliga last season, might be the next best team (despite being drawn from pot 4). But it’s their first time playing in the current group stage format of the UWCL (having not played in European competition for seven years). Meanwhile, Rosengård and Benfica make an immediate return as domestic league winners (coming through the League Path of qualification), and are once again drawn in the same group.
Unsurprisingly, reigning champs Barcelona have the most players priced £700,000 or higher. Yet even some of these might seem like pretty good value. For example, two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas is only £900,000, due to her misisng most of last season with an ACL injury. And even though £900,000 might seem like a lot to splash out on a defenders, María ‘Mapi’ León and Ona Batlle could still be considered value for money.
Players to watch:
Aside from the players already mentioned, Aitana Bonmatí and Caroline Graham Hansen are definitely the ones to watch, not just in Group A, but in the whole competition. They have both been in scintillating form since the start of the season. Hansen has scored 4 and assisted 4 goals in 5 league matches and has created 31 chances. Bonmatí has won every award possible last season. So far this season, she has assisted 3 goals and created 34 chances. Bonmatí also earned on average 11 fantasy points per match during the World Cup. Of course, they are both priced at £1,000,000.
Despite overcoming Juventus on penalties to make it to the UWCL, Frankfurt have had a tough start to their domestic season, which has been more down to the quality of the opposition than individual player performances. Considering that Frankfurt have a pretty good chance of getting out of the group, their players should be sound investments. Laura Freigang at £700,000 is looking very strong this season. But, alternatively, maybe as a 3rd or 4th choice striker, her German teammate Nicole Anyomi looks to be good value at £500,000 as her performances continue to improve. Like Barcelona, Frankfurt are littered with home international stars. Sara Doorsoun and Sophia Kleinherne are really strong defensive picks at £500,000 and £600,000, respectively.
But what about Rosengård and Benfica? The player to watch for the Swedish team is probably their striker Mai Kadowaki at £350,000, but Danish midfielder Olivia Holdt might be better value at £300,000, and also offers a credible goal threat. Meanwhile, Benfica’s will be without their top goalscorer last season, Cloé Lacasse. However, Kika Nazareth has stepped up to the task. She currently leads the Portugese league with 6 goals so far, at £400,000 she could help free up some cash! Benfica are an exciting team who managed to score in 4 out of 6 group stage matches last season. With Barcelona on match day 1, Benfica players may be best transferred into your starting line up for match day 2 against Rosengård.