Mastering Fantasy WSL – Top Tips for Aerial Fantasy
Women’s Super League fantasy football is growing fast, and getting ahead of the competition means knowing the right strategies from the start. In this guide, @FWSL_Jono focuses on Mastering Fantasy WSL, breaking down the key tips, player picks, and tactics you need to gain an edge this season.
Whether you’re new to the game or an experienced manager, this article will help you set up for success.
Fantasy football has long been a popular game among all football fans, offering a way to engage more deeply with the sport by managing a virtual team of real-life players. With the rise of the Women’s Super League (WSL), the introduction of the Fantasy WSL game, now Aerial Fantasy, has opened up a new arena for fantasy enthusiasts.
The new WSL is nearly upon us, starting on Friday the 5th of September. For those of you playing Aerial Fantasy, I’d like to share my journey to becoming the number 6 ranked player in the World in the Second Chance League. I’ll also reveal along some tips on how to improve your own performance.
A Rocky Start: Learning from Early Setbacks
My journey started off on the wrong foot! In my first ever week I scored a mere 15 points from 11 players – a score that’s far from ideal. But, like any fantasy game, it’s not about where you start, but how you adapt and improve.
Analysing this early failure was crucial, it forced me to reconsider my strategies, especially in terms of player selection and fixture analysis.
Patience with Chips: Timing is Everything
I’ve played fantasy games for over 20 years (that makes me feel old!). I’ve had good finishes in FPL with 32k, 46k, 56k, 61k and 86k ranks.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in fantasy football is patience. Patience particularly when it comes to using chips, it’s tempting to deploy them early on for a quick boost. But, holding onto them for crucial blank or double gameweek and can make a significant difference.
This strategy allows you to maximize your points when other managers may struggle to field a full team or lack the explosive potential of double gameweek players.
Sensible Captaincy: A Long Season Requires Consistency
In fantasy football, the captaincy choice is often the most critical decision of the week. A solid strategy is to be sensible with your captain picks. It’s tempting to take risks. However, given the long season, consistency often trumps volatility.
By choosing reliable players who consistently deliver, you can ensure a steady stream of points. This is vital for climbing the rankings.
The Power of Doubling Up The Doubles: Attacking the Double Gameweeks
Get ready for the next round of FPL with our Essential Guide!
One of the biggest turning points in my first season came in Gameweek 19 (GW19). This was when I capitalised on Arsenal’s double gameweek. I picked both Alessia Russo and Beth Mead, in two of my three forward spots, as my captain and vice-captain.
This decision was pivotal. Russo scored an impressive 36 points, while Mead added 26 points to the tally. That week, I scored 100 points, a massive leap that bolstered my position in the rankings.
In Gameweek 21 (GW21) season one, I employed a similar tactic by selecting Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones and Catarino Macario for another double gameweek. With Sam Kerr, Mia Fishel, Mayra Ramirez and Lauren James all potentially out injured, forward options were very limited, and I thought both of these players would get good minutes. Beever-Jones rewarded me with 34 points, further proving that attacking double gameweeks with premium assets can yield huge returns.
Fixture Analysis: Spotting the Undervalued Gems
Another key strategy was focusing on favourable fixtures and undervalued players. In Gameweek 14 (GW14), Leicester City faced newly-promoted Bristol City. Sensing an opportunity, I selected Leicester’s striker, Jutta Rantala, who was owned by only 1% of players. Rantala didn’t disappoint, racking up 22 points and proving that sometimes, it’s the lesser-known players who can give you the edge.
In season two I selected under 2% owned Shekiera Martinez in GW20 and captained her against lowly Crystal Palace, she scored me a massive 48 points and rocketed me to 16th in the world.
Conclusion: Persistence Pays Off
My journey to becoming the sithth best player in the world in the Second Chance League of Fantasy WSL has been one of learning, adapting, and seizing opportunities. While my season began with a disappointing 15 points in the first week, I turned things around by attacking double gameweeks, analyzing fixtures, and being patient with chips.
For those looking to improve, remember that every decision counts. Focus on form, fixtures, and the long-term potential of your players. And most importantly, enjoy the game, after all, it’s the love of football that drives us all to compete and improve
