With registrations now open for 2019/20 ePremier League, we spoke with players who shone last season to find out what it was like to play in the competition, as well as getting their tips for success.
Luke Mcilwee-Davies
The Cardiff City supporter had a superb campaign in 2018/19, breezing through his club playoffs and reaching the knockout stages before being beaten in the quarter-finals of the PlayStation competition.
How important is it for you to represent your club?
It was amazing to represent the team I love. It was important to me that I went as far as possible in the tournament for my team.
How did you become an ePL finalist?
I've played EA SPORTS FIFA ever since FIFA07. I have always loved football so FIFA always attracted my attention. I started playing games against my dad or older brother, and as the years went on I started to realise that I was really good at this game as I used to beat my friends all the time. It wasn't until last year where I took all that to the next step.
I was hitting elite all the time in FIFA Ultimate Team Champions and I was decent at it. My brother told me all about ePremier League and said I should sign up, so I thought I might as well.
After winning the online qualification and the club playoffs my confidence was sky-high. Going to London I was the underdog so after getting through the group stage in the finals I was the only person to not be verified. Although it was upsetting to be knocked out in the quarter-finals I was happy that I even got that far, and that I was able to represent a club I love and to make them proud.
Top three tips for anyone new to the ePL
1. Keep playing as often as possible to get better at the game. Play division rivals and FIFA Ultimate Team Champions as it's the most competitive game mode you can play to get you ready for the ePL.
2. Represent the team you choose to play for proudly, regardless of if it isn't the team you support. Just do the best you can for yourself and your chosen team.
3. Nerves are natural. Going from playing a game in your home to playing in front of thousands of people, I was extremely nervous throughout the whole tournament. Going to the Cardiff City Stadium to win the playoffs I was very nervous, but as that day went on the confidence kept building up. This helped a lot when it came to going to London for the finals. Just get yourself out there, push yourself and you'll become more confident.
What advice would you give amateurs for setting up their team for playing online?
It is essential to have a good squad. Play lots of rivals matches and do anything on FIFA Ultimate Team to earn as many coins as possible. The more coins you have, the better team you can build. Although skill is the biggest factor when it comes to FIFA, if you go into a match the better player but with a 10k gold squad, if your opponent has players as good as Messi or Ronaldo it won't take him as many shots to score as it would for you.
What formation and tactics work best for you when playing online?
As of now I'm still getting used to this game but I'm currently using the favourite formation for most from last year's FIFA, which is 4-2-3-1. That's two defensive midfielders sitting back cutting out passes, then three attacking midfielders. The wide CAMs are basically like wingers but aren't as wide. This formation is really effective for me and works well with my current squad and playing style.
What three FIFA Ultimate Team players are must-haves for this season's ePL competition?
Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, N'Golo Kante.
