<
>

Fantasy Champions League picks from Steve Nicol

AFP/Getty Images

To help you make your picks for your Champions League fantasy soccer team this weekend, we've enlisted the help of ESPN FC's Steve Nicol to pick out a player from each of the tiers in our ESPN Fantasy Soccer game.

Check out our detailed breakdown of the scoring system to make sure you're picking your team with this in mind. Get your mates involved ahead of this weekend's round of games and play each other each week in a head-to-head match.

Every week, you'll submit a new team, or you can actually stick with the same eight ... but only if they are still in the same tiers. So make sure you're always checking and selecting the best team to beat your rival each week.

So sign up today and get started!

Let's take a look at who Steve has picked for this weekend. And, just as importantly, why.

Tier 1 forward: Lionel Messi (captain)

Barcelona's star shines bright in fantasy, leading both the Champions League and La Liga in fantasy points ... by a wide margin.

Tier 2 forward: Antoine Griezmann

With so many talented forwards to choose from this week, the World Cup winner moves down to Tier 2. He's too good to pass up here.

Tier 1 midfielder: Paulo Dybala

Dybala starred for Juventus in the group stage and will look to help them break down the talented Atletico Madrid defense.

Tier 2 midfielder: Raphaël Guerreiro

Dortmund have plenty of attacking talent, and Guerreiro has been central to that attack in recent weeks, plus he was the star man in the group stage with four goals in four matches.

Tier 3 midfielder: James Milner

He always pops up with plenty of passes completed when he plays, plus he could take a penalty or assist on a goal. Not bad for a Tier 3.

Tier 1 defender: Aymeric Laporte

City are massive favorites and Laporte should have an easy day defensively, potentially opening him up for an assist or set piece goal.

Tier 2 defender: Aleksandar Kolarov

He's actively involved in the Roma attack and will face Porto at home, making this a solid matchup.

Goalkeeper: David De Gea

If United hope to topple PSG, De Gea will be a key figure. He's no lock to get a clean sheet, but saves are almost guaranteed, and if he does hold the visiting side scoreless, he'll have a huge fantasy day.