Football
Final One Standing: Tips and Tricks
If you’re aiming to go deep in the Final One Standing competition, raw football knowledge isn’t enough, it’s all about strategy, patience and forward thinking.
Play smart, think ahead, and treat every decision as part of a larger plan.
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Think Beyond the Next Round
The most successful participants in Final One Standing don’t just look at this week’s fixtures, they’re planning two, three, or even four rounds ahead.
While it can be tempting to pick a powerhouse like Manchester City or Liverpool in the first few weeks, holding these heavyweights back can give you a significant advantage in the latter stages, when safe options become scarce and margins tighten.
Consider your weekly picks as a limited resource. The deeper you go in the competition, the more precious those elite teams become. Use them too early, and you’ll regret not having a top-tier safety net when the fixture list turns tricky.
Read Between the Fixtures
Always take time to examine the full fixture list each round. Not all games present equal opportunities.
Where possible, it can be wise to steer clear of potential traps like local derbies, matches following midweek European ties, or contests against relegation battlers fighting for their lives as these scenarios are ripe for surprise results.
Instead, target solid home teams facing weaker, out-of-form opposition. A mid-table side on a roll playing at home against a team in disarray often makes for a safer pick than a big-name team heading into a high-pressure away fixture.
Form Over League Position
A top-of-the-table team doesn’t automatically make a safe pick.
Recent form, squad rotation, and injuries can all undermine what looks good on paper. A team missing key players or on a losing streak, even if they’re title contenders, may not be the right choice on a specific week.
Stay up to date with the latest injury news, suspensions, and press conference updates. During congested schedules or cup weeks managers often rotate heavily, making even the best teams unpredictable.
A team’s real strength in each round might not match its reputation.
Track Your Picks
It might sound obvious but keeping track of which teams you’ve already used is critical. Whether you prefer a spreadsheet, a notes app, or pen and paper, tracking your selections can help you to pick more strategically.
Over time, you’ll start to see patterns and future possibilities. Maybe you’re saving Arsenal for Gameweek 12 when they have a dream home fixture, or maybe you’ve noticed a string of good fixtures for Fulham down the line. Keeping a log makes these insights easier to act on.
Play the long game
Remember, you’re not trying to win this round, you’re trying to survive every round. There’s no prize for flair or boldness early on. The flashy picks that pay off big also come with big risks, and if they go wrong then you pay the ultimate price.
The best strategy is usually made up of three key factors: consistency, caution, and discipline. Each round survived is a victory.
