Matchday 2 Recap 

 Muniz (7M) Magic in Johor  

Ten-time Malaysia Super League winners Johor Darul Ta’zim showcased their credentials on the continental stage on the second matchday. Spaniard Juan Muniz starred in the Southern Tigers’ impressive 3-0 triumph over China PR's Shanghai Shenhua. The 32-year-old racked up a weekly high 16 points thanks to his splendid free-kick, assist and clean sheet. Hands up if you’re part of the eight percent of managers with him in your team?!  

Mitrovic (11M) lives up to hype 

Almost 60% of all Fantasy managers gave Aleksandar Mitrovic the captain’s armband, and the Al Hilal superstar certainly delivered. His goal and assist returned him nine points, a good way for the Serbian international to bounce back after blanking on Matchday 1. Give yourself a pat on the back for continuing to believe in him, too.  

All hail Asani (4M)  

The name Jasir Asani has been buzzing around the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 Fantasy community over the past few weeks following his phenomenal Matchday 1 outing in which he bagged a hat-trick. Over 500 managers jumped on board the Asani bandwagon, and for a second consecutive week the Gwangju playmaker repaid their faith. 

The Albania national team star netted from the penalty spot to ensure the AFC Champions League Elite newcomers sit atop the East standings with two wins from two following a 1-0 away victory at Kawasaki Frontale.  

Impressive Ibanez (5.5M) shines for Al Ahli  

Defenders are supposed to keep clean sheets, but Al Ahli Saudi’s Roger Ibanez offers more than just shutouts. The 25-year-old registered a goal and an assist to go along with his second successive clean sheet. He’s now the highest returning defender in the game with 21 points from the opening two matches.  

Matchday Three Tips from the Scout  

One to Have: Arif Aiman (6.5M)  

JDT are on fire with four points from the opening two games and a lot of that is thanks to their 22-year-old shining star Arif Aiman. With almost 40% of all Fantasy managers owning the Malaysian winger, our advice is to follow suit and snap up one of Asia’s brightest young talents.

Arif made a joint-most key passes (3) in the 3-0 win against Shanghai Shenhua on Matchday 2 to go along with another fabulous goal. He also has versatility in his attacking play as all three of his goals have come from his ‘weaker’ left foot. Impossible to stop? Let’s see if upcoming opponents Gwangju can do so. 

Differential Pick: Ali Majrashi (5M)  

When speaking of high-scoring defenders, names like Joao Cancelo or Sultan Al Ghannam might come to mind. However, a differential pick owned by only around 10% of all users is Al Ahli’s Ali Majrashi. The 25-year-old right back is listed at an affordable 5M and has back-to-back clean sheets. If you’re trying to avoid splashing the cash on a pricey defender, Majrashi is one to look at.  

Best Upcoming Fixture: Oscar (8M)  

Owners of Shanghai Port’s Oscar have had a difficult start to their AFC Champions League Elite campaign. The Brazilian has yet to show his best so far but that could change soon as Port next welcome Central Coast Mariners, who have lost their opening two games, to Pudong Stadium.

Oscar has been unlucky not to see any of his six key passes converted in his first two outings, and we believe there’s a chance it may be third time lucky in a home fixture where his side will be favourites. 

Captaincy Choice: Akram Afif (8M)  

Two goals and one assist across Matchdays 1 and 2 have seen the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Most Valuable Player Akram Afif rack up 15 points. The Qatari side’s attacking play mainly runs through the man donning the #84 jersey. For the 22% of managers who have the 27-year-old forward in your team, highly consider captaining him as Al Sadd welcome a winless Persepolis to Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Matchday 3.