As we while away the days and weeks until the player price lists for 2013/14 are revealed, die-hard Fantasy managers have welcomed the upcoming Euro 2013 Under 21 tournament with open arms. Kicking off in Israel on Wednesday June 5, the eight-team competition runs until Tuesday June 18 and, similar to last year’s Euro 2012, has an official McDonald’s game run by Uefa to entice us:
Already on the site, we’ve seen plenty interest with some impressive scouting by several site regulars already underway. Many of you will be more than familiar with the rule set, given that it works mainly under the same principles as UEFA’s official Champions League game. For those who are considering giving it a whirl, here’s a basic “how-to” guide for the uninitiated:
Squad Selection
Similarly to Fantasy Premier League (FPL), our 15 man squads must comprise of two goalkeepers, five defenders, five midfielders and three forwards. Initially, only three players per team can be selected for the group stages, though this increases to six for the semi-finals and nine for the final.
In terms of formations, there are eight different systems to choose from – no longer are we afforded the chance of a two man backline, however, with three defenders the minimum requirement. Each manager starts off with a budget of 100 million Euros but we are handed another five million Euros apiece for the knockout stages – similar to the FPL game, prices will fluctuate in accordance with player popularity.
Substitutions
A hands-on approach seems the most sure-fire road to success with this game. If any of our starting XI fail to produce the goods, they can simply be replaced by a bench option before the next kick-off – a vital tactic, given there are only five Matchdays across the entire tournament. Any player who we decide to sub out of our sides within the same Matchday will lose their points, however.
The “stick or twist” tactic affords us the option of having two captain options for each of the first three Matchdays which span the group stages. For example, if our armband selection for day one of Matchday 1 (which sees Israel play Norway and England face Italy) fail to produce, we can select another captain from the following day’s fixtures, where Spain play Holland and Russia square up to Germany.
Obviously, by removing the armband from a player you would automatically lose their double points, though if your captain is sent off, you cannot alternate the armband and are stuck with the offender until the Matchday ends – indeed, any player who is dismissed cannot be replaced in our XI until the following Matchday. The rolling captaincy option means a balanced squad is essential, then, ensuring we have as many possible armband alternatives in order to take advantage of the tactic.
Scoring Points
Many of the principles of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game are applied to the scoring system. Players are awarded two points for 60+ minutes or a single point for less time on the pitch. Keepers and defenders are also granted four points for a clean sheet, while midfielders get just a single point. Forwards are handed four points for a goal, midfielders get five, defenders are given six. It all sounds familiar and should be easy to get the hang of if you’ve never played the McDonald’s games before – click on this link for a full list of rules.
Assist awards – which are worth three points for each player – are slightly different than some of you may be familiar with, however. As the rules state:
A player will be credited with a ‘goal assist’ when he delivers/plays the final pass, cross, header or shot, which leads to the goal being scored. This will also apply to set plays (i.e. corner, free kick, throw-in etc.). In addition, An attempt, which rebounds from the goal frame, the goalkeeper or a defender, can be considered as an assist, if it leads directly to a goal. When a pass, shot or cross by an attacker contributes to an own goal, an assist can be awarded to the attacker. Only one player can be credited with an assist per goal scored. No assist is awarded to a player winning a penalty or a free kick. No assist is given to a player who creates his own goalscoring opportunity (i.e. solo run/dribble).
Other notable difference from FPL is that a player is awarded a single point for earning a spot-kick, regardless of whether it is scored. Furthermore, a player is deducted a single point for conceding a penalty irrespective of whether the ball ends up in the back of the net. Unfortunately, and somewhat surprisingly, the “recovered balls” rule for tackles and interceptions has been omitted this time round, meaning players are no longer on the radar for their more combative qualities. Points continue to accumulate if a game rolls on into extra-time in the knockout stages, though goals scored/saves made during penalty shoot-outs do not count.
Transfers
Fantasy managers have a single wildcard to wield over the course of the tournament, which can be played at point. The tactical approach is varied, going by comments on the site – some are looking to go all-out for Matchday 1 and overhaul their squads before the following round of fixtures, while others are courting caution and looking at Matchday 3, depending on the state of play in both groups.
Prior to the start of Matchday 2 and 3, though, Fantasy managers are given two free transfers to freshen up our 15 man squads. Before the semi-finals get underway, we have six free trades to make, with a further six available ahead of the final. Similar to FPL, transfers can also roll over to the following Matchday, though any additional trades over the allocated quota will knock two points off your overall score. In terms of selling price, the FPL 50% profit rules apply – if you buy someone at 10.0 and sell for 10.2, you pocket 10.1.
Scout League
Finally, a heads-up that we’re promoting the FFScout league, as set up by Demi a few days back. If you haven’t joined up already, the code is 655782-469143. Good luck to those involved! We’ll be publishing a player guide for the tournament at the beginning of next week, with plenty time for scouting still on the cards.
