How to Field a Successful English Premier League Fantasy Soccer Team

Soccer is the most-watched sport on the planet, and the Barclays English Premier League is one of the top leagues in the world. Nearly every week from August to May, hundreds of thousands of fans watch the world's best players display their skills on pitches from London to Liverpool to Manchester. But you don't have to just be a spectator. You can match your wits against nearly 2 million other fans in the Fantasy Premier League. Here are some tips on picking a team that will compete for the title.

Instructions

    • 1

      Pick a goalkeeper for your fantasy Premier League team. This is likely to be the lowest-scoring position on the field, as goalkeepers rarely score or assist on goals. The most likely way for a goalkeeper to score points is by playing, keeping a clean sheet (shutout) or by saving several shots in a game. Goalkeepers are also penalized for giving up goals. The best choice is usually a goalkeeper from one of the "Big 4"--Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea or Arsenal. These teams usually have strong defenses and don't concede a lot of goals, so goalkeepers from these teams tend to score well from week to week. You also must select a substitute goalkeeper. It's best not to spend a lot of money here because if your top keeper gets injured you can always get another one on the transfer market.

    • 2

      Pick defenders. As per fantasy rules, you must pick five defenders. Here, again, picking among players from the Big 4 should be part of the strategy, as defenders, like goalkeepers, get a lot of their points from shutouts and are penalized when they give up goals. However, defenders are a lot more likely to score goals than goalkeepers, and they get more points for scoring than any other field player. If you find a defender who averages six to eight goals a season, he's likely worth it, even if his team does not have a good goals-against average.

    • 3

      Pick midfielders for your fantasy Premier League team. You will pick five of these as well. These are likely to be your most important picks, as a midfielder who scores often and assists on goals can bring lots of points to your team. Midfielders also get a small amount of points for shutouts. Look for players who score a considerable amount of goals, even if they play for a weaker team.

    • 4

      Pick forwards. You must pick three of these for your fantasy Premier League team. Of course, goal scoring is the No. 1 characteristic to look at, as forwards do not get points for shutouts, nor are they penalized when their team gives up a lot of goals.