With the FIFA World Cup on the horizon, one could not really be blamed for having A-League Men Fantasy lower on the priority list.
As such, there is a slightly different article this week, regarding the best tips and tricks for navigating not only the league’s break for the World Cup, but also what is best to do when the competition restarts in just under a month following this weekend.
A-League Men Fantasy works differently from Fantasy Premier League, in the sense you do not get unlimited transfers over the break, which makes sense given the Australian players could be back in time for the next round of fixtures should they fail to progress past the group stages.
The transfers you use over the break will detract from the 35 all managers received at the beginning of the season, with transfers working the same as every week, excluding the fact you have more time to think about your moves.
There are ways to outsmart the competition in that time, however, as Oliver Walker-Peel from the FPL Addicts Podcast takes a look at the best ways to spend the World Cup weeks.
BE ON SOCCEROOS WATCH
Australia is back on the world stage for the fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup, and some of the A-Leagues’ best will be part of its travelling contingent.
Seven of the 26-man squad announced on Tuesday afternoon are contracted to clubs in Australia’s top flight, perhaps headed by Melbourne City marksman Jamie Maclaren, and Tyneside-bound starlet Garang Kuol.
Beyond the simple matter of following the Socceroos as they embark on another campaign in front of the footballing world, make sure there is a contingency plan in place in case the worst comes to worst.
In order to do this, you could move on the likes of Mathew Leckie and Andrew Redmayne if you own them to be safe, though getting rid of Maclaren, Craig Goodwin or Jason Cummings ahead of this weekend may prove costly.
DON’T SET AND FORGET
With the next fixture following the Mariners’ clash with Macarthur falling in the second week of December, there may be temptations to make transfers now and not contemplate the game until the league’s return.
That would probably prove to be an oversight, with the aforementioned Socceroos stars being one reason why making transfers too early may be too rash a decision.
It is not only Graham Arnold’s charges you have to worry about though, as players not competing may well be thrust into friendlies, internally or externally, in order to keep fit.
As well as this, the time available could give clarity on certain decisions you may be contemplating, so exercising patience seems a smart decision on all fronts.
ENJOY THE FOOTBALL
While this may seem somewhat contradictory, but also in support of, the previous tip, just switch off from the game for a short while.
The month-long tournament only comes around every four years, so you can enjoy the tournament whatever way you choose.
Fantasy football will still be waiting for you by the time the A-League Men restarts, so there is absolutely no need to be tinkering with your sides (unless of course, you are that way inclined, no one can stop you!)
Get the TV on, get your mates involved, and get behind the Socceroos, or The Three Lions moreso in my case, and let the World Cup football engulf you!
Image credit: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images
