Learn the Narratives
Before making your selections, it is imperative you develop a strong understanding of the league by learning about every club and player so that you can start making choices based on detailed knowledge. First start by looking into the favourites and the underdogs as this will give you an instant realisation of who are the top teams and who are the sides tipped to struggle.
Just like you would look for a secure casino that has your safety in mind when wanting to play poker, blackjack or roulette, it's wise to conduct thorough research so that you don't run into any surprises. Use platforms which will offer you detailed information and trusted data around each player so that you can develop your learning around what they could bring to your side. Don't be fooled by social media conjecture and fan opinion which can be shrouded in bias and emotion. Stick to sources like sportsbooks and pundits who know what is going on in the Premier League.
Tune into Team News
Premier League pre-match press conferences are a key tool that you must use when deciding how to build your Fantasy Football team each week. It is imperative you pay attention to each manager at all 20 clubs as when addressing the media, it will be confirmed which players have been sidelined through injury and who is missing through suspension. Instantly, you will know which players need not be selected or dropped from your eleven because they are certain to be absent.
However, the way you can gain an edge on your rivals is that, when you learn who has been ruled out of the next match, you can assess the squad list and work out which player is most likely to deputise. This can be of huge benefit to you as you may be able to find value and a player who is at a lower cost yet set to start but because after all, substitutes and reserves are often cheaper to buy when putting together your Fantasy side.
Always Assess the Fixtures
Looking at the fixtures is one of the most important elements of selecting a winning Fantasy Football side. It's key to note though that you should not just be looking at the immediacy of the next game but working out which moves to make by seeing who your players will face in the coming weeks and months.
To be successful in Fantasy Football, you must always be one step ahead and now what is coming up. For instance, you may have Everton playmaker Jack Grealish in your team and be confident of a return when the Toffees face all three promoted sides in a row. However, if the Blues then have to face Arsenal and Manchester City away from home, you may choose to take him out. If you don't look ahead, you could be caught out by dire runs which can impact your side's overall score and progress.
Don't Focus on the 'Big Six' Clubs
It is so easy to look at Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham when building your team but remember, finding value can give you a strong advantage over your Fantasy Football rivals. You should always be looking for players nobody else has so that you can benefit from the differential scores. Not only that, but players starring for clubs who perhaps don't catch the attention like the 'big six' may be cheaper and save you transfer funds to bolster your side elsewhere.
Last season, Bryan Mbeumo was playing for Brentford and though the Bees finished mid-table, the forward recorded 20 goals and amassed a huge array of points for his managers. This season, there are a number of top picks to be found from clubs occupying less of the limeweight and exploring their squads can help you gain points on your rivals by deciding to go against popular opinion and find some diamonds in the rough.
Overall, smart moves in Fantasy Football can be made by becoming an expert on the Premier League and knowing everything about each individual player and their clubs. By gathering key details and stats, you can swiftly make savvy picks which will see you gain points each gameweek.