First match of the season is the hardest to win

[KL KWONG]

The first competitive match of a new season will always be a cup match preliminary round. I quite often lose this game because my team aren't ready for the game. I have unsigned players, all my players are now having one star lower and very likely I am playing against a team with higher level.

However, these are all sidelines. The most challenge thing is, I do not know the fixture until the new season starts. As a normal person who does not spend whole day in front of computer/mobile, there are times my team are full of unsigned players so when it comes to competition, they automatically used players in the wrong position.

I understand I have to rearrange formation, buy players and re-adjust team etc, but getting the right players within a few hours after the start of new season is quite difficult, especially if you are looking for good players on auction (yea i know getting players from scout is invincible).

Losing the first-leg of cup preliminary round puts you in a difficult position to go through. One has to significantly improve their squad to overcome the second-leg. Anyone shares the same view as I do?

[Buffs Mad]

It sometimes feels like that for me too (my own superstition is that I often concede at least 1 goal in first match even if I think I shouldn't). No idea if its real or simply a new season feeling.

I'd like a rest day because I feel rushed (others are not keen). But tbh I'm not sure if I'd use my rest day to fix things or just leave it and panic on Day 2 instead.

[KL KWONG]

I support the idea of having a "rest day". For now, you can win the league last night and then the next day you are starting a new season.
I think one day of buffer for managers to reassess their teams and buy players are better. Also I get to know the fixture so I can watch my team plays before its too late=]

[fingermouse27]

For as long as i can remember i have been drawn against teams 2 levels higher than me in the cup. its impossible to win. so i treat the 2 cup preleminaries as 'friendlies' Tomorrow is the real day one of the season for me. Saying that, with an experimental counter formation we squuezed through 3-2 on aggregate this season.

[muskrat]

people may make it tougher by playing some of their new purchases off the market in that game as well. I did this year, lost 4-1. put in the 2 guys that were going to be replaced in for the next match and won 3-1... lost by 1 goal on agg... oh well. don't play new players straight away, lesson learned.

[cookizzz]

Sometimes first Cup match is completed even before my server allowed me to log on to manage my team.

Usually, I prepare my team before season start with assumption that the 1st match will start immediately. I will not arrange any out of contract players as starters.

I will support to delay 1st cup match start time for several hours. Then managers will have chance to manage and re-arrange their teams. I believe most European, African & American will like this. And it is not too inconvenient to Asian or Oceanian managers.

[Top11 Manager]

what does it mean he has unsigned players? thx

[Buffs Mad]

Unsigned players are ineligble to play matches - their contract has expired but you have 7 days to renew their contracts.



and to the opponent the team looks like this - but the gaps will be filled with 2/3* 'gift' players that the engine puts in your team to ensue you have enough players to play the match.

[Brian Dang]

My case is different...
I am always win the CUP very 1st match (not 1st round coz they have 2 ways)...hehehee..

[Top11 Manager]

ok thx for explanation but why not sign the players on last day or so of previous season to avoid that disaster?