Welcome to your new favourite Fantasy game: Official A-League Fantasy for the Isuzu A-League in Australia. In this article, I will aim to provide an overview of what the Fantasy A-League game is all about. Just a reminder, before we begin, we are heading into Round 7, so the season and League are well and truly underway.
SELECT YOUR COMPLETE TEAM
Your first task is to select a squad of 15 players who will carry your hopes for season 2022-23. Remember, you MUST select a squad of 15 players before the beginning of the next upcoming round in order to be entered into the competition and score points.
You’ll not score any points if your team is incomplete, and you’ll not be entered in the public and private league games. Your team will be removed from leagues if it’s incomplete at the start of the upcoming round.
All players are available for selection to all participants.
Note that some teams may have ‘byes’ or not play for various reasons in some rounds – you’ll not score points in that particular round from those players. Other teams will be scheduled to play twice – you’ll receive points from ALL of their performances in any given round.
Your team will comprise a starting line-up of 11 players and a bench of 4 players. Once you’ve entered your team, you’ll be able to make transfers (trades), and substitutions and set your preferred starting formation.
SELECTION RESTRICTIONS
Every player from each of the 12 teams is available for selection. The only selection restrictions are:a) Your $4,000,000 salary cap; and b) You’ll select the exact number of players required in each position from the FOURposition groups, which are:2 x Goalkeepers
5 x Defenders
5 x Midfielders
3 x Forwards
These restrictions are automatically enforced. You’ll just need to ensure you’ve selected and entered a complete squad.
HEAD-TO-HEAD LEAGUES
You can create or join and be a part of up to 10 private or public mini-leagues with your single team entry, where you’ll compete ‘head-to-head’ against friends and relatives or a small group of other participants in the competition.
On joining Official A-League Men Fantasy (unless you followed an invitation), you’ll automatically be added to a Public League. You can then create or join additional Private Leagues (where you can compete against friends) or enter more Public Leagues.
Your league will have its own “fixture,” where your team is matched up against other teams in that league each round. You’ll score a WIN and 3 points if you get a higher fantasy score than the team you “play” against (or 1 point for a draw). Your league ladder ranks your team based on your win/loss record as well as fantasy points difference or total fantasy points scored by each team.
Joining a new PUBLIC LEAGUE will automatically add you to a new Public League that will be auto-filled to form a head-to-head league of 12 teams. You cannot invite others to join Public Leagues.
If you create a PRIVATE LEAGUE, you’ll be able to invite others to this league (via the League screen). As ‘Administrator,’ you’ll also have the ability to REMOVE teams from your league until your league is finalised.
Click on the CHAT icon to open the Activity Feed. You’ll be able to chat and communicate with your league competitors live and direct. You can chat with your league competitors from any screen.
LEAGUE SETUP OPTIONS
12-TEAM LEAGUES (Private & all Public):
– Begin in Round 2;
– All teams play each other once, Rds 2-23.
CREATE YOUR OWN CUSTOM LEAGUES:
– Set your league size – from 6 to 20 teams;
– Set your league’s starting round.
– Pick the format of your own final – Top 4, Top 6, or Top 8.
– Percentage of team total points for secondary league ranking.
All leagues will play a three-round Finals Series over Rounds 24-26 (irrespective of whether it is a Top 4, 6, or 8 format) to find the overall league premiers. In some instances, and dependant on league size, the bottom half of the league may also play a minor Finals Series.
Depending on any custom league settings, or if joining the game in a later round, your team may produce an UNEVEN draw, where some teams may play against each other once, others twice, etc. – or not play some teams at all).
With the World Cup starting tomorrow, I wanted to share my often aberrant and atypical views of the World Cup chances and Fantasy game ahead of us, from my opinions of the group stage all the way to fantasy picks.
Group A
A very peculiar group for me and one to avoid in the fantasy sense. But why when the Netherlands have a clear path through?
It’s true that the Netherlands are high as seeds here, but let’s take a look at their opponents:
Senegal: Strongest team in Africa, almost everyone is playing in the top 10 European leagues, a team that most often scores either 0 or 1 goal due to their defensive style (possibly the QF exit in 2002 leaving a scar on their head coach Cisse?) that doesn’t suit the roster. They can easily kill the rhythm and torture every opponent to a draw.
Should I get anyone?Diallo (4M) and Sarr (6.5M) seem to be the main options. Iliman Ndiaye (4.5M) could be a nice differential if given a start.
Ecuador: A true CONMEBOL hit who had chances for the 2nd spot throughout the qualifiers but slipped in the end. After many players went to better clubs, they don’t seem to have the goal-scoring force and ability to beat anyone like they did before, marked by the fact that they scored three goals in the last six games while also being unbeaten.
Should I get anyone?No.
Why?They’re not consistent.
Surely someone?Ahh, I guess Moises Caicedo (5.5M) is okay and is involved in most goals. Estupinan is a bargain at 4.5M, so suit yourself.
Qatar: The all-but-not-controversial hosts, 2019 Asia Cup winners who lost a lot of their form recently and haven’t been playing at their best. However, pulling all their NT players from the domestic league to play friendlies for a month before the Euros (similar to Saudi Arabia) and the home-ground bias might just be enough to pull off some upsets. In a group with Senegal and Ecuador lacking offensive ideas and two of their best players being strikers Ali and Afif, everything is possible.
Should I get anyone?If anyone scores, it’s most likely the aforementioned duo of Afif and Ali, both priced at 4.5M. I wouldn’t bother with anyone else.
Group B
We need to look beyond just England here. But why when England have played the 3rd place match in 2018 and are the European vice-champs?
It’s true that they are, but let’s take a look at their opponents:
USA: I’ve recently seen a Twitter post saying that the USMNT is basically a squad of Football Manager wonderkids, and that might be the best way to put it. A team built for big things at home in 2026 still has some serious heat in their roster. However, many agree Berhalter mismanages them and that sacking him will need to happen if they want to reach the next step in Project 2026.
Should I get anyone?Ferreira (5.5M) is set to start and has impressed in the qualifiers. In the absence of their best strikers in Pefok and Pepi, he’s set to shine under the spotlight. However, the lack of big games might hurt him. Scally (4.5M) and Robinson (4M) are also set to start, but bear in mind the USMNT isn’t a great team defensively.
Wales: A team with a stack of talent up front, led by eternal Gareth Bale, but a really shaky defence and buildup. It’s a great success to even be in the World Cup, so they’ll try to play it safe and pass the group by upsetting the top 2 teams.
Should I get anyone? Bale (8M) and James (6M) are clear picks, with Neco Williams as a bargain at 4.5M.
Iran: Formerly the best team in Asia, faced with turmoil at home and injuries before the tournament, it’s difficult to say what to expect from Iran.
Should I get anyone? Taremi (7M) is the leader of this team, with Azmoun on the sidelines. Kanaani (4.5M) is a solid defensive option, with the midfield options out of form.
Group C
We need to look beyond just Argentina here. But why when Argentina haven’t lost in ages?
It’s true that they haven’t, but let’s take a look at their opponents:
Mexico: Nobody ever talks about Mexico, but they’re always at the WC, always passing their group, and they never reach their infamous quinto partido. They were handed a fairly interesting group, and it remains to be seen how they manage it.
Should I get anyone?Lozano (6M) is all that they needed in the last years. The meme himself, Ochoa (5M), is there for the brave.
Poland: A team that used to be a dark horse in every tournament they attended. Years passed, everyone’s older, they’re still qualifying but sort of flying under the radar. With the opening games against Mexico and Saudi Arabia, there’s a good chance they’ll know their fate by matchday 3 and surviving the first two games with two clean sheets remains possible.
Should I get anyone? I don’t think Lewandowski (10M) will do a whole lot at the tournament for his price tag of 10M, but he should offer a few goals with a grateful schedule. Jakub Kiwior (4M) is a starter and a potentially cheap enabler.
Saudi Arabia: The best team in Asia through the qualifying campaign, only losing to Japan away in 18 games. With everyone in only three domestic clubs, it’s boosting the chemistry to unreal levels. Also, their transition is brilliant, and coach Renard is among the best NT coaches managing outside Europe, with two AFCONs under his belt, focusing on physical and mental preparedness. On the road for over a month since the Saudi league got stopped, and the preparation friendlies results seem promising.
Should I get anyone? All eyes are on Salem Al-Dawsari (4.5M) as the leader of this team or Saleh Al-Shehri (5M). The absence of Al-Muwallad might be felt, but the team is still strong in attack. Kanno is a versatile pick at 4M as well.
Group D
We need to look beyond just France here. But why when France is literally the holding champions?
Winners curse, and everyone is injured, but let’s take a look at their opponents:
Denmark: They won twice against France in the last six months, which probably says enough. The brilliant form that led to the Euros semifinal and the (un)deserved loss against England has continued. I wouldn’t be surprised if they topped the group.
Should I get anyone? Friendship ended if you don’t have Skov Olsen (6M), who impressed throughout qualifying and is set to start. Captain Eriksen (8M) and Maehle (4.5M) are also popular and good picks.
Australia: A team that surprisingly passed the intercontinental playoffs vs Peru and booked a spot in Qatar. Without a single star and a fairly old lineup, it’s really hard to predict what they’re capable of. Personally the weakest team in the tournament for me.
Should I get anyone? No, but if you really want to, Goodwin (4.5M) is red-hot at the moment, with Hrustić still being unfit. Mooy (5M) doesn’t justify the price tag in my opinion.
Tunisia: Tunisia never seem to make a name for themselves, scoring only one goal since 1978 and after a disappointing AFCON, it’s hard to believe anything else might happen in Qatar. Maybe they can beat Australia and at least bring a smile to their compatriots faces once.
Should I get anyone? If anyone, it should be Khazri (4.5M), but he’s set to miss the initial game(s), so potential picks are Shkiri (5M) and Jaziri (4.5M).
Group E
We need to look beyond just Germany here. But why when they will advance from the group surely?
Their teams are too young to guarantee great results, but let’s take a look at their opponents:
Spain: One of the younger squads of Spain, led by Luis Enrique, barely has any standout players. However, the quality and diversity in offensive options make them a team that’s hard to look over. Many don’t see them going far, but with all the injuries and reliance on Barcelona players, we might be onto something here.
Should I get anyone?Not really, but if Sarabia starts, he might be a good punt.
Japan: A team that relies on the colony of their players in European leagues. However, having Minamino, Kubo, Kamada, Endo, and others brings a decent level of quality to this team, so don’t be surprised if they cause an upset versus the top 2 seeded teams.
Should I get anyone?It’s certainly a risky territory, but Mitoma (5.5M) and Kamada (5.5M) have been solid.
Costa Rica: A team playing atypical football, becoming somewhat of a WC regular is certainly the weakest one in the group, but they can cause some issues for the leaders with their double defensive block.
Should I get anyone?No, I don’t think anyone is good or young enough, not even Ruiz.
Group F
We need to look beyond just Belgium here. But why when they will advance from the group surely and are the 3rd place holders?
Their team has been through a change of generation, so let’s take a look at their opponents:
Morocco: After sacking their coach Halilhodžić and relying on domestic coaching talent, Mazraoui and Ziyech are back to the Moroccan team, but it still looks fairly unconvincing to me. The biggest challenge will be fitting all the stars into a well-oiled core group.
Should I get anyone?Not really, but Ziyech (7M) is a fair punt if you trust their chances. I know I do not.
Croatia: Big shoes to fill for the aging Croatian team as they’re defending their Russia silver. The team seems capable of replacing their top talent in all positions except for central midfield, where Modrić and Kovačić have to do much more than before, adapting to Brozović, Vlašić and all other passers-by in different formations. The defending looks to be better, with Gvardiol looking mature, but Dalić’s call on whether to start the reliable veteran duo Lovren-Vida or not will shape their chances and stamina throughout the tournament.
Should I get anyone?I would only recommend Perišić (7.5M) since he shines at big tournaments.
Canada: A team that shocked everyone by their amazing performances through the qualification stages (although some will say choosing frozen venues helped a lot), with young stars in Davies, David, Buchanan, Kone and others, playing rapid transition football, sort of a North American Gegenpressing evolution. I think their chances are good if they come in with the right mindset.
Should I get anyone?Davies (5M) is a must-have for every team, playing as either a winger or a #10 for his NT. Jonathan David (6M) is still hot, so I recommend him as well.
Group G
We need to look beyond just Brazil here. But why when they are the bookies’ favorites to win it?
The group is tightly contested, so not even Neymar can be guaranteed of 9pts. So let’s take a look at their opponents:
Switzerland: Switzerland have made a name for themselves at big competitions, but things haven’t really been going their way recently. A tournament where every major player is around 30 might be the last one we see of this generation. Handed a difficult group with Serbia and Brazil as old acquaintances, the former seeking revenge on them, passing the group will be a major challenge.
Should I get anyone?Embolo was great at the Euros and continued to score in pre-tournament friendlies and the Nations League. However, for some reason, he isn’t in the game, so I’d suggest Vargas (6M) as the next best thing.
Serbia: After years of being shadowed by Croatia and other Balkan teams when it came to their chemistry and performance on the field, Serbia finally has a great coach in former Yugoslav legend Stojković – Piksi. A really potent team with a high level of the starting XI but a lack of options on the bench. Will it be enough to pass the group?
Should I get anyone?Tadić (8M) has a steep price tag but is their main creator. With Mitrović still out at the beginning of the WC, all eyes are on Vlahović (8.5M) to provide goals.
Cameroon: A team that was often criticized for their poor AFCON organization and potential referee bribes, they arrived in Qatar after heroically catching up with the deficit away from home in Algeria. With several class players in Anguissa, Toko-Ekambi, Choupo-Moting, Mbeumo and Onana, they won’t be easy prey to the nominally higher-seeded Serbia and Brazil.
Should I get anyone? Difficult to say, but we knowthe attacking duo of Toko-Ekambi (7M) and Choupo-Moting (7.5M) combine for most of their goals, so I wouldn’t look any further than them.
Group H
We need to look beyond just Portugal here. But why when it’s a squad full of potential and Cristiano?
The group is possibly the hardest to pass of all, so let’s take a look at their opponents:
South Korea: It will be interesting to see what this group of players does with Son not fully fit yet. They don’t directly rely on him, but as a team that concedes a fair bit of counter-attack goals and plays to outscore their opponents, will they be able to do so without him?
Should I get anyone?Probably not, but Kang-In Lee (6M) is an interesting player to me and might shine on the WC at only 21yo.
Ghana: After shockingly eliminating Nigeria in the African playoffs, where they barely created a chance, the board of Ghana FA realized their team couldn’t do much without additionally recruiting players with their roots in Ghana. They recruited Tariq Lamptey, Inaki Williams, Patric Pfeiffer and two more to give this team additional depth. After a win in the final pre-tournament friendly versus Switzerland, their hopes will be set high. The will to get revenge on Uruguay for what happened in South Africa 12 years ago never fades,
Should I get anyone?Jordan Ayew (6M) is the main creator of this team, even with the European additions, so look no further.
Uruguay: Many consider them one of the black horses alongside Denmark, and it could actually come true after a solid change of generation, and this being Luis Suarez’s final World Cup. Marking 2022 with a title in his home team Nacional and a good result at the WC could be great.
Should I get anyone? De Arrascaeta (5.5M) should be in many teams as he offers great value for money in a good team. Otherwise, Nunez (8M) is a good pick if you want to avoid the very premium strikers.
Thanks and good luck in your Fantasy journeys. But wait, what about the favorites, are we not gonna get insights on those? Sure, here are my top 3 picks for each of the favorites: Netherlands: Dumfries (6M), Berghuis (7M), Noppert (4.5M).
I’m personally not a fan of them as I don’t see many goals happening in their group.
England: Trippier (5M), Shaw (5M), Mount (7.5M).
Kane is not an option here since he definitely won’t be good against teams who double block.
Argentina: Martinez (8M), Di Maria (8.5M), De Paul (5M).
I think De Paul provides great value for money, you can get Messi but I don’t think he’s worth it. I expect them to struggle vs Saudi Arabia.
A young and exciting Germany team with the creative spine from Bayern and youngster Musiala nailed, Kimmich on set pieces and Rudiger at the receiving end, no doubts here. Would consider Fullkrug if he were the No1 pick for a striker.
Lukaku is not fit yet so expect Batshuayi in most teams. Carrasco has impressed as usual and KDB is just inevitable. We all remember the second half vs Denmark at the Euros, after Denmark battered Belgium, he sole handedly turned the match around.
Brazil: Neymar (10.5M), Richarlison (7.5M), Lucas Paqueta (7M).
Three of the most nailed players and with Raphinha vs Antony for the winger position, whoever is picked by Tite is a good option. Portugal: Cancelo (6M), Bruno (9.5M), Ronaldo (10M).
No surprises here.
You can find additional World Cup Fantasy resources for the 22/23 season here.
The elite soccer division of the US and Canada is back after an amazing first round. A lot of surprises in the first round of the MLS Fantasy, from Vela getting subbed off by accident to Portland getting shut down. As a result, some favorites got less than they expected before the first kickoff.
We’ve seen some absolutely amazing goals, better than some recent goals of the season and we’re only one round in so get your popcorn ready and enjoy!
There’s much more to be seen in MD2 and FantasyTipsters brings you the best picks for Matchday 2.
Forwards
Rank
Name
Team
Opponent
Value
Comments
1
Carlos Vela
LAFC
vs SEA
10M
He just has to be here, expecting a comeback statement from him after what happened last week. Tough opponents, but nonetheless he is one of the most explosive players in the league. PS: It might not be best to captain him 🙂
2
Gustavo Bou
NE
vs DC
9.9M
After a great first week, Bou will be looking to partner up with Gil yet again and bring his team a victory in a tempting home game.
3
Chicharito
LA
vs RBNY
8.5M
His first game matched his tally from last year, great movement and spirit to come back from behind. All eyes will be on Chicharito who is now on course to prove the critics calling him "washed" wrong.
4
Ramón Ábila
MIN
vs RSL
8M
Best summarised by two classic books:
Charles Dickens - Great Expectations
Franz Kafka - Process
5
Jhonder Cádiz
NSH
vs MTL
7.9M
6
Raúl Ruidíaz
SEA
@LAFC
10.5M
One of the hardest possible matches for him and his club, but Ruidiaz is good at handling it and the season opener surely gave him a lot of confidence.
7
Valentin Castellanos
NYC
vs CIN
8.2M
A good game and an early one for the NYC forward to prove that he can be consistent again.
8
Gonzalo Higuain
MIA
@PHI
10M
9
Robert Berič
CHI
@ATL
10M
10
Robbie Robinson
MIA
@PHI
4.5M
After a great first round it would be odd to miss out on such a player bargain.
Midfielders
Rank
Name
Team
Opponent
Value
Comments
1
Emanuel Reynoso
MIN
vs RSL
9.3M
What else can be said about the main guy in Minnesota except him having to assemble the forces and get their first win of the season, which they look to be pretty capable of.
2
Carles Gil
NE
vs DC
9.9M
Possibly the most popular captain pick for week 2, Gil has shown pure class and the matchup promises to offer him plenty of attacking points opportunities.
3
Randall Leal
NSH
vs MTL
7M
Leal was the most dangerous player on the pitch against Cincinnatti and if Nashville could produce a similar performance in attack at home again then Leal could be in line for another big performance again.
4
Jamiro Monteiro
PHI
vs MIA
8.9M
Can the engine of the somewhat tired CCL team propel his team to victory, playing as a #10 again?
5
Kellyn Acosta
COL
vs ATX
6.3M
6
Rodolfo Pizarro
MIA
@PHI
8.9M
A standout performance in the first round of a man orchestrating every attack of his team is a good reason to have him in your squad for the next game, be it away or not.
7
Eduard Atuesta
LAFC
vs SEA
9.7M
Atuesta deserves a top 10 spot on any home matchday rankings. He has proven that on multiple occasions with his high floor.
8
Sebastian Lletget
LA
vs RBNY
7.2M
9
Hany Mukhtar
NSH
vs MTL
8.4M
10
Yimmi Chara
POR
vs HOU
7.7M
The classic hit or miss pick is always somewhere in your mind, you're not sure whether to put him in or not but then he comes back with a big haul when you expect it the least.
Defenders
Rank
Name
Team
Opponent
Value
Comments
1
Danny Wilson
COL
vs ATX
5M
A game against the newcomers shouldn't produce much hassle for the Scottish centre-back and his price point makes him attractive to Fantasy MLS managers.
2
Christian Mafla
NE
vs DC
4.5M
With Jones out after a red card in the first round, Mafla looks to be poised to start the next match at LB and his price point is not to be overlooked.
3
Anton Tinnerholm
NYC
vs CIN
6.1M
A real bonus point magnet in another game looking well for him. He might just be the man to get this week.
4
Bressan
DAL
@SJ
5.5M
This solid Dallas defender might prove to be a great asset in what smells of a one-sided tie away in California.
5
Richie Laryea
TOR
vs VAN
6M
After a goal and a great performance overall in the first round despite conceding 4 goals, another matchup against a fellow Canadian squad should give a good opportunity for better-rested Toronto to keep a clean sheet at home.
6
Brent Kallman
MIN
vs RSL
4,4M
7
Guðmundur Thórarinsson
NYC
vs CIN
4.7M
Cheapest way into the NYC defence that seems likely to grab a clean sheet this week.
8
Tristan Blackmon
LAFC
vs SEA
5M
While the Seattle game might prove to be much harder for LAFC compared to the first round ATX one, Blackmon remains a good option given his price point.
9
Nicolas Isimat-Mirin
SKC
vs ORL
5.6M
10
Nick DePuy
LA
vs RBNY
4.6M
Goalkeepers
Rank
Name
Team
Opponent
Value
Comments
1
William Yarbrough
COL
vs ATX
6M
Colorado playing in their home fortress against newcomers who have proven they can possess a threat, but an away goal vs Colorado would be a surprise nonetheless even for decent Austin.
2
Dayne St. Clair
MIN
vs RSL
5.9M
After an underwhelming performance on matchday 1, Minnesota will be looking for a clean sheet vs RSL, hopefully, this time a shutdown of their opponents.
3
Jimmy Maurer
DAL
@SJ
6M
Another decent game for the experienced goalkeeper, playing against possibly the weakest team in MLS away will turn some eyes towards him.
4
Matt Turner
NE
vs DC
5.9M
NE will look to keep a CS in this match with their home advantage against a DC attack that doesn't inspire much confidence.
5
John Pulskamp
SKC
vs ORL
4.2M
He is cheap and will be looking into proving he's worthy of a spot on the team while the other options are away. A great keeperoo option for this week as he plays first.
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