EPL Fantasy Draft: A Superior Choice Over FPL?

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) has long been the go-to fantasy football game for millions of Premier League fans worldwide. As the league grows in recognition, more international and US fans are embracing the sport and generating allegiance to English Football Clubs. While the product of football (soccer for the yanks) is significantly higher in quality in the UK than the US, one thing the US does better - Fantasy Sports.

Now, don’t get us wrong, we still very much enjoy FPL. However, its lack of flexibility, strategy and community often leaves us wanting much more from our premier league weekends. A different fantasy contender has gained a strong following among avid football enthusiasts – EPL Fantasy Draft. This alternative format offers a fresh perspective on EPL fantasy football, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a different and, dare we say it, superior fantasy football experience. In this blog post, we'll delve into why EPL Fantasy Draft is a better option than FPL.

More Strategy, Less Template

One of the most significant differences between EPL Fantasy Draft and FPL is the draft format itself. In FPL, every manager has access to the same pool of players, leading to a template approach where certain players become universal and squad cloning becomes the norm. This can make the game somewhat predictable and reduce the thrill of finding hidden gems and challenging competition. While this is still a preferred format for those who just want to “set it and forget it”, many are seeking leagues where they can implement data, knowledge and strategy to challenge friends and strangers for glory.

In contrast to the template formula, EPL Fantasy Draft involves a unique player draft at the start of the season. Each manager selects players one by one, creating a diverse range of teams in the league. This dynamic drafting process requires careful planning and strategy, as you must consider not only the best players but also those who fit your team's specific needs. The result is a more engaging and unpredictable experience, with every squad being distinct.

Trades and Transfers: More Control Over Your Squad

In FPL, you are limited to making one free transfer per game week, and additional transfers cost you precious points. This restriction can be very frustrating, especially when you want to adapt to changing circumstances, play the matchups on the weekend or capitalize on emerging talents. This added flexibility in roster formation increases weekly engagement and adds fire to gameweeks that can be otherwise stale.

EPL Fantasy Draft, on the other hand, allows for free agent acquisitions and trades with fellow managers in your league. This added flexibility means you can address injuries, form slumps, or tactical changes by actively managing your squad throughout the season. It gives you greater control over your team and the ability to react swiftly to the ever-changing football landscape.

Format Flexibility and Community

EPL Fantasy Draft allows many different formats and added flexibility to create your own league fun. In FPL, you are mostly playing a global pool of all players or a large selected group of teams in a private league, but the format is always the same. EPL Fantasy Draft offers TONS of options to expand and customize your league. With added format flexibility such as Head-To-Head matchups and total points tallies, each and every week becomes a fiery new challenge.

Let us give you an example that may resonate with those familiar with FPL. A few years ago, our group had a 10-team Head-To-Head EPL Fantasy Draft league, but this group really wanted to emphasize successful take-ons and dribbles - so we decided those would count for extra points that season. This led to tons of unique picks, research into individual and personal dues each match week and a new interesting dynamic that kept us engaged. (PS - the lad who drafted Adama Traore had a great season)

Moreover, each and every week you had an individual matchup, only playing one manager/team each week. This allows for tons of rivalries to flower through the course of the season (and plenty of side bets) - creating tons of fun on weeks that could be relatively mundane! Flexibility is a huge benefit of EPL Fantasy Draft over FPL formats.

Every Player Matters

In FPL, players often become fixated on the big-name stars from the top clubs. As a result, many of the lesser-known players receive little to no attention, even if they are performing exceptionally well. This focus on a select few can limit your options and leave you at a disadvantage if the stars falter.

EPL Fantasy Draft promotes a more inclusive approach. Since each player can only be in one team within your league, it forces managers to pay attention to the entire player pool. It encourages you to unearth hidden talents and identify players from smaller clubs who can make a difference. This level of engagement makes every match and player relevant, fostering a deeper connection to the game.

So Which Format is Superior?

Well, that all depends on what you hope to get out of playing fantasy! If you prefer a hands-off approach and just like to play passively, FPL may be perfect for you. While Fantasy Premier League (FPL) has been a beloved fixture in the lives of football fans for years, EPL Fantasy Draft brings a fresh perspective to the world of fantasy football, offering much more flexibility and demanding more skill. Its unique drafting system, strategic depth, and emphasis on community engagement make it a superior choice for those looking to enhance their fantasy football experience. Whether you're a seasoned FPL manager or new to fantasy football altogether, EPL Fantasy Draft offers a captivating alternative that's well worth exploring. Embrace the excitement, strategy, and camaraderie of EPL Fantasy Draft and elevate your fantasy football journey.