ServerVultr

By Eduard Bănulescu

⚡ La Liga Gameweek 1 Deadline Alert

• Contest Target: La Liga GW1 Free Entry Contest ($0 cost, real XFC prizes).
• Deadline: Saturday evening (before first La Liga kickoff).
• Roster Strategy: 11 Starters (mix of 1★/2★ free leased cards + 5★ cornerstone stars) + Assistant Manager multiplier.

👉 Build Your Free Serie A GW1 Lineup on FootballCoin Before Deadline

It’s on! The new La Liga season has started, and you probably have a lot of questions left unanswered. You’re looking to win your La Liga fantasy football contests, too, aren’t you?

I’m here to help. FootballCoin has set up a contest that includes the matches between the 25th and 27th of August, 2026. I’ve been writing fantasy football advice columns for a decade, and these are the players that I think you need.

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My GW1-2 La Liga Squad Reveal

These are the games from the second part of GW1 and also the ones that start GW2. Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are included in this one. I want to suggest a team that mixes experience and youth, stars and budget picks.

I’m playing in a 4-4-2 formation.

�

Position	Player Name	Club	Card Tier	Why Included for GW1
GK	Andrei Radu	Celta de Vigo	2★ – Free w/ lease	Clean sheet potential vs Osasuna
DEF 1	Dean Huijsen	Real Madrid	3★	Good, confident start to the season for Real Madrid
DEF 2	Rodrigo Riquelme	Betis	2★ – Free w/ lease	Underrated player in strong form
DEF 3	Jesus Vasquez	Valencia	2★ – Free w/ lease	Good full-back with strong attacking instincts
DEF 4	Xavi Espart	Barcelona	1★ – Free	This season can prove to be a major upgrade for him
MID 1	Miguel Roman	Celta de Vigo	2★ – Free w/ lease	In-form midfielder who can perform well against Osasuna
MID 2	Oihan Sancet	Athletic Bilbao	2★ – Free w/ lease	Can you believe he’s still a free card? Get him!
MID 3	Facundo Bernal	Betis	1★ – Free	Youngster with a lot of potential
MID 4	Jude Bellingham	Real Madrid	5★	One of the top midfielders in the world at the moment
FW 1	Ante Budimir	Internazionale	2★ – Free w/ lease	Consistent striker who is a real bargain pick
FW 2	Raphinha	Baarcelona	5★	Brazilian striker who put in a dominating performance in GW1
AM	Jordi Alba	Retired AM	5★	A 5* Assistant Manager is a must-have

3 Must-Have “Sleeper Picks” for GW1-2

• Alvaro Valles (Proven Shotstopper): Bargain pick with potential to maintain a clean sheet
• Abel Bretones (Creative Wing-Back):Bretones is, technically, a wide defender, but his attacking potential makes him a strong pick
• Inigo Arguibide (Attacking Defender): Young attacking player who is always capable of a strong tackle when needed

�

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The serve is the only shot in pickleball that starts every single point, which makes it far more important than most beginners realize. A legal serve keeps the rally alive in your favor, while a faulty one hands the point straight to your opponent.

Pickleball serving rules cover more than just the motion of your swing. They decide where you can stand, how the score changes hands, and even how you should plan your shot selection for the rest of the point. This guide walks through the serving rules, common faults, and the serving order, then shows how each rule shapes real match strategy.

Pickleball Serving Rules: The Basics You Need to Know

Every serve in pickleball must follow a few core requirements. Under the current rulebook, a legal volley serve must:

• Contact the ball below the waist (roughly your navel line).
• Keep the paddle head clearly below the wrist at the moment of contact.
• Swing in a continuous, clearly upward arc, with no pause or hitch.
• Be hit with at least one foot behind the baseline and none touching the court.

There is also a legal alternative called the drop serve, where you drop the ball and let it bounce before striking it. The drop serve removes the strict waist and paddle-angle requirements, which is why many newer players prefer it.

The served ball must clear the net and the opponent’s non-volley zone (the kitchen), landing in the correct diagonal service court. If it clips the net but still lands in the right box, the serve is live and play continues as normal.

Pickleball Serving Order: Who Serves and From Where

In doubles, the serving order works like this:

• The game starts with one team serving from the right-side court, since the starting score is always 0-0-2 (the “2” shows the second server is serving first).
• Players on the serving team alternate sides after each point they win, serving from the right when their score is even and the left when it is odd.
• When the serving team loses a rally, the serve passes to their partner, unless it was the very first server of the game, in which case the serve goes directly to the opposing team.
• Once both players on a team have served and lost the rally, the serve moves to the other team.

In singles, there is only one player per side, so the same person serves the entire time it is their turn, switching sides between even and odd scores just like in doubles.

Common Pickleball Serving Faults

A fault results in an immediate loss of serve, so understanding these rules helps you avoid giving away free points.

Fault Type	What Happens
Foot fault	Server steps on or over the baseline before contact
Illegal contact	Ball is struck above the waist or with the paddle head above the wrist
Out of bounds	Served ball lands outside the correct service court
Hits the net and fails to clear the kitchen	Serve does not cross the non-volley zone
Hits a permanent object	Ball touches a fence, post, or other fixture before landing
Hits the receiver	Served ball contacts the receiver or their gear before bouncing
Not grounded	Both of the server’s feet leave the ground at contact

Since 2026, referees have more authority to call borderline serves as faults rather than giving the benefit of the doubt, so keeping your motion clean and clearly within the rules matters more than ever in competitive play.

Pickleball Serving Techniques Worth Practicing

A legal serve is only the starting point. The technique behind it decides whether your serve sets up an easy return for your opponent or puts you on the front foot.

• Deep serves push the receiver back toward their baseline, giving your team more time to move into position before the return arrives.
• Spin serves use paddle angle at contact to curve the ball’s bounce, making it harder for the receiver to time a clean return.
• Soft, short serves land near the kitchen line and can catch an opponent who is anticipating a deep, powerful serve.
• Drop serves are a reliable option under pressure since they remove the strict paddle-angle and waist-height requirements, reducing your risk of a fault.

How Pickleball Serving Rules Shape Strategy

Because the serving team cannot score unless they win the rally they started, serving rules directly affect how aggressively teams play their opening shots.

• The two-bounce rule requires the ball to bounce once on each side before either team can volley. This means the server usually cannot rush the net immediately, so serves are often used to set up the third shot rather than to win the point outright.
• Serve placement decides positioning. A deep serve to the backhand corner limits an opponent’s return options, often forcing a defensive shot your team can attack on the next ball.
• Faults cost more than a point. Since a serving fault hands the serve over entirely, teams that serve conservatively in tight games tend to protect their lead better than those chasing aggressive, high-risk serves.
• Serving order affects momentum. Because only one partner serves first in doubles at the start of a game, teams often put their more consistent server up first to avoid an early, costly fault.

Pickleball Singles Serving Rules

Singles follows the same core serve mechanics as doubles, but with a simpler side-switching pattern since there is no serving partner to rotate through.

• The server always starts from the right court when their score is even and the left court when it is odd.
• There is no second server; if the server loses the rally, the serve passes directly to the opponent.
• Because there is more open court to cover alone, many singles players favor deep, well-placed serves over risky spin serves that could result in a fault.

Pickleball Serving Strategy for Beginners

If you are new to the game, focus on consistency before power or spin. A serve that reliably clears the net and lands deep in the correct box, even without much pace, wins more points over a full match than a powerful serve that faults one time in four. Once your basic serve is dependable, start adding depth variation and the occasional short serve to keep opponents guessing.

Why Getting the Serve Right Matters on Court

Serving rules might look like a technical checklist, but they shape almost every point in pickleball. Getting comfortable with the serve, both the rules and the strategy behind it, is one of the fastest ways to improve your game. If you want hands-on practice, Khelomore’s pickleball clinics and starter camps are a good way to work on your serve with proper guidance before your next match.

Final Thoughts

A consistent, legal serve is far more valuable than one that is powerful but unreliable. A serve that regularly lands deep in the correct service box will win you more points over time than an aggressive serve that frequently results in faults. Once you have built confidence with the basics, start experimenting with deeper placement, angles, and the occasional short serve to keep your opponents guessing.

Serving is more than just the first shot of a rally. It sets the tone for every point and can influence the outcome of the entire match. By understanding pickleball serving rules and practising with purpose, you will avoid unnecessary faults and develop a smarter serving strategy. If you want to improve your technique with expert guidance, Khelomore’s pickleball clinics and community events provide an excellent opportunity to sharpen your skills before your next game.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the basic pickleball serving rules?�

The ball must be served underhand, contacting below the waist with the paddle head below the wrist, or hit as a legal drop serve after a bounce. The server needs at least one foot behind the baseline and must land the ball in the correct diagonal service court.

2. What counts as a serving fault in pickleball?�

Common faults include stepping on the baseline before contact, hitting the ball above the waist, serving out of bounds, hitting the net without clearing the kitchen, or striking the receiver before the ball bounces. Any of these results in an immediate loss of serve.

3. How does the pickleball serving order work in doubles?�

The starting team serves once before the serve passes to the opposing team. After that, both players on a serving team get a turn to serve before the serve changes sides, alternating between the right and left court based on the score.

4. What is a drop serve in pickleball?�

A drop serve lets you drop the ball and let it bounce once before hitting it, instead of striking it out of the air. It removes the strict waist-height and paddle-angle rules that apply to a traditional volley serve, making it a safer choice under pressure.

5. Why is serve placement important in pickleball strategy?�

Where you serve determines how your opponent can return the ball. A deep serve limits their options and often produces a weaker return, while a short or angled serve can catch an opponent out of position, setting up an easier next shot for your team.

Arsenal began their Premier League title defence with a convincing 3-0 victory against newly promoted Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on Friday.

Kai Havertz struck early in the first half and Bukayo Saka doubled the lead before Martin Odegaard netted after the interval to complete Arsenal’s masterclass.

The Gunners have not successfully defended the English title since the 1930s, but Arteta insisted this week his players are hungry for more silverware.

Just 89 days after rounding off their title-winning campaign with a 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace in May, the champions showed no signs of being sated by that long-awaited triumph as they put Coventry to the sword.

ALSO READ: Arsenal complete signing of Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa

Arsenal beat Coventry 3-0

Coventry were playing their first Premier League game since 2001 after winning the Championship last season to end their long exile from the top-flight.

Having spent a season in the fourth tier, plunged into administration and twice been forced to ground-share away from Coventry in the 25 years since they were last in the Premier League, the return of Frank Lampard’s side was a feelgood moment.

But Arsenal had no room for sentiment as they dispatched Coventry in merciless style.

In their first home league game since being crowned champions last season, Arsenal strode onto the pitch with the acclaim of the sell-out 60,000 crowd ringing in their ears.

The party atmosphere created by Arsenal’s jubilant fans in north London was a fitting backdrop to a swaggering performance.

Tzolis, who provided two assists in the Community Shield, nearly bagged his first Arsenal goal in the opening minutes, firing just over from Odegaard’s pass.

He went close again moments later with a close-range effort that was cleared off the line by Bobby Thomas.

It was no surprise when Arsenal took the lead in ruthless fashion after 15 minutes.

Coventry defender Milan van Ewijk surrendered possession carelessly on the right flank and Riccardo Calafiori pounced, whipping in a cross that Havertz met with a clinical low strike from just inside the penalty area.

Arteta’s rampant team scented blood and went for the kill in the 23rd minute.

Rice and Odegaard exchanged passes to work the ball out to Tzolis, whose cross was pushed out by Coventry keeper Carl Rushworth into the path of Saka for a simple close-range finish.

Coventry had been reduced to helpless bystanders by Arsenal’s ceaseless pressing and clever movement.

If it was not already over, Odegaard put the result beyond doubt in the 49th minute.

Saka and Ben White teamed up to rip through the Coventry defence before Odegaard’s miscued shot from 10 yards scuffed past Rushworth’s weak attempted save.

Related

By Eduard Bănulescu

⚡ Gameweek 1 Deadline Alert

• GW1 Deadline: Friday evening (before kickoff).
• Roster Constraint: 11 Starters + 5 Substitutes (Focus on 1★/2★ free cards + Assistant Manager multiplier).
• Target Contest: Free  EPL🇬🇧-R1 Contest ($0 cost, 5.400 XFC rewards).

👉 Build Your Free GW1 Roster on FootballCoin Before Deadline

It always sneaks up on you, doesn’t it? The 26/27 fantasy Premier League season is about to start, and you’re not sure who to start. But you want to win, don’t you? You want to impress your friends with your managerial mastery?

I got you! I’ve been writing fantasy football guides for a decade. And although I can’t predict the future, as some have suggested, I think that I have in mind some player cards that will help you in Gameweek 1 of EPL fantasy football.

Need more? Here’s a guide I wrote with everything you need to know about fantasy Premier League this season and a full list of the bargain picks this season.

Now, knowledge is a powerful thing. But you’d best use it. Head over and join the free FootballCoin EPL contest.

My GW1 Fantasy Squad Reveal

As I told you before, my fantasy football selection never prioritises the stars, but also never forgets to consider them altogether.

Instead, I like to think about what my competitors might fail to consider. Who are the players that are likely to give you an advantage? Who are the youth players and veterans that aren’t being considered by most other managers?

With this in mind, and with the GW1 fixtures in front of me, here is my GW1 squad. Hope this will inspire you to make smart choices.

I’m playing a 5-4-1.

Position	Player Name	Club	Card Tier	Why Included for GW1
GK	Senne Lammens	Manchester United	2★ – Free w/ lease	Clean sheet potential vs Hull
DEF 1	Virgil van Dijk	Liverpool	5★	Passing, tackles, leads by example
DEF 2	Jeremy Jacquet	Liverpool	1★ / Free	Looking to make a meaningful debut
DEF 3	Thomas Meunier	Sunderland	4★	Good fixture, eager to impress
DEF 4	Abdukodir Khusanov	Manchester City	2★ – Free w/ lease	Looking to become defensive leader
DEF 5	Chadi Riad	Crystal Palace	2★ – Free w/ lease	Ambitious, smart, looking to make a splash
MID 1	Adam Wharton	Crystal Palace	2★ – Free w/ lease	Top midfielder near peak form
MID 2	Elliot Anderson	Manchester City	4★	Good, early fixture to settle him in
MID 3	Bruno Fernandes	Manchester United	5★	Corners, penalties, assists
MID 4	Dominik Szoboszlai	Liverpool	5★	Creative engine of a revamped Liverpool
FW	Erling Haaland	Manchester City	5★	Best striker in the world atm
AM	Wayne Rooney	Retired AM	5★	A 5* Assistant Manager is a must-have

3 Must-Have “Sleeper Picks” for GW1

Everything can change in a moment! Injuries, squad rotation, or a mystery trip to Spain can derail your squad selection.

Here are my 3 “sleeper picks,” players that I want you to keep an eye on ahead of GW1 of the Fantasy Premier League in FootballCoin.

• Robin Roefs (Proven Shotstopper): Consistent performer last season. Good, early fixture against Ipswich
• Johan Manzambi (Midfield Creator):�Great dribbler, powerful in the air, eager to impress on his debut
• Brian Brobbey (Athletic Forward): Battering ram of a striker. Found form late last season. Good chance to score against Ipswich

Final Checklist Before Deadline

• Double-check your starting line-up 60 minutes ahead of the FootballCoin contest’s starting time
• Make sure you have a 5*-rated Assistant Manager in your squad (it’ll give you 15 automatic points)
• Refresh your memory with my EPL fantasy guide and budget pick matrix

🚀 Ready to enter your lineup? Lock In Your Free GW1 Team on FootballCoin Now

The serve is the only shot in pickleball that starts every single point, which makes it far more important than most beginners realize. A legal serve keeps the rally alive in your favor, while a faulty one hands the point straight to your opponent.

Pickleball serving rules cover more than just the motion of your swing. They decide where you can stand, how the score changes hands, and even how you should plan your shot selection for the rest of the point. This guide walks through the serving rules, common faults, and the serving order, then shows how each rule shapes real match strategy.

Pickleball Serving Rules: The Basics You Need to Know

Every serve in pickleball must follow a few core requirements. Under the current rulebook, a legal volley serve must:

• Contact the ball below the waist (roughly your navel line).
• Keep the paddle head clearly below the wrist at the moment of contact.
• Swing in a continuous, clearly upward arc, with no pause or hitch.
• Be hit with at least one foot behind the baseline and none touching the court.

There is also a legal alternative called the drop serve, where you drop the ball and let it bounce before striking it. The drop serve removes the strict waist and paddle-angle requirements, which is why many newer players prefer it.

The served ball must clear the net and the opponent’s non-volley zone (the kitchen), landing in the correct diagonal service court. If it clips the net but still lands in the right box, the serve is live and play continues as normal.

Pickleball Serving Order: Who Serves and From Where

In doubles, the serving order works like this:

• The game starts with one team serving from the right-side court, since the starting score is always 0-0-2 (the “2” shows the second server is serving first).
• Players on the serving team alternate sides after each point they win, serving from the right when their score is even and the left when it is odd.
• When the serving team loses a rally, the serve passes to their partner, unless it was the very first server of the game, in which case the serve goes directly to the opposing team.
• Once both players on a team have served and lost the rally, the serve moves to the other team.

In singles, there is only one player per side, so the same person serves the entire time it is their turn, switching sides between even and odd scores just like in doubles.

Common Pickleball Serving Faults

A fault results in an immediate loss of serve, so understanding these rules helps you avoid giving away free points.

Fault Type	What Happens
Foot fault	Server steps on or over the baseline before contact
Illegal contact	Ball is struck above the waist or with the paddle head above the wrist
Out of bounds	Served ball lands outside the correct service court
Hits the net and fails to clear the kitchen	Serve does not cross the non-volley zone
Hits a permanent object	Ball touches a fence, post, or other fixture before landing
Hits the receiver	Served ball contacts the receiver or their gear before bouncing
Not grounded	Both of the server’s feet leave the ground at contact

Since 2026, referees have more authority to call borderline serves as faults rather than giving the benefit of the doubt, so keeping your motion clean and clearly within the rules matters more than ever in competitive play.

Pickleball Serving Techniques Worth Practicing

A legal serve is only the starting point. The technique behind it decides whether your serve sets up an easy return for your opponent or puts you on the front foot.

• Deep serves push the receiver back toward their baseline, giving your team more time to move into position before the return arrives.
• Spin serves use paddle angle at contact to curve the ball’s bounce, making it harder for the receiver to time a clean return.
• Soft, short serves land near the kitchen line and can catch an opponent who is anticipating a deep, powerful serve.
• Drop serves are a reliable option under pressure since they remove the strict paddle-angle and waist-height requirements, reducing your risk of a fault.

How Pickleball Serving Rules Shape Strategy

Because the serving team cannot score unless they win the rally they started, serving rules directly affect how aggressively teams play their opening shots.

• The two-bounce rule requires the ball to bounce once on each side before either team can volley. This means the server usually cannot rush the net immediately, so serves are often used to set up the third shot rather than to win the point outright.
• Serve placement decides positioning. A deep serve to the backhand corner limits an opponent’s return options, often forcing a defensive shot your team can attack on the next ball.
• Faults cost more than a point. Since a serving fault hands the serve over entirely, teams that serve conservatively in tight games tend to protect their lead better than those chasing aggressive, high-risk serves.
• Serving order affects momentum. Because only one partner serves first in doubles at the start of a game, teams often put their more consistent server up first to avoid an early, costly fault.

Pickleball Singles Serving Rules

Singles follows the same core serve mechanics as doubles, but with a simpler side-switching pattern since there is no serving partner to rotate through.

• The server always starts from the right court when their score is even and the left court when it is odd.
• There is no second server; if the server loses the rally, the serve passes directly to the opponent.
• Because there is more open court to cover alone, many singles players favor deep, well-placed serves over risky spin serves that could result in a fault.

Pickleball Serving Strategy for Beginners

If you are new to the game, focus on consistency before power or spin. A serve that reliably clears the net and lands deep in the correct box, even without much pace, wins more points over a full match than a powerful serve that faults one time in four. Once your basic serve is dependable, start adding depth variation and the occasional short serve to keep opponents guessing.

Why Getting the Serve Right Matters on Court

Serving rules might look like a technical checklist, but they shape almost every point in pickleball. Getting comfortable with the serve, both the rules and the strategy behind it, is one of the fastest ways to improve your game. If you want hands-on practice Khelomore’s pickleball clinics and starter camps are a good way to work on your serve with proper guidance before your next match.

Final Thoughts

A consistent, legal serve is far more valuable than one that is powerful but unreliable. A serve that regularly lands deep in the correct service box will win you more points over time than an aggressive serve that frequently results in faults. Once you have built confidence with the basics, start experimenting with deeper placement, angles, and the occasional short serve to keep your opponents guessing.

Serving is more than just the first shot of a rally. It sets the tone for every point and can influence the outcome of the entire match. By understanding pickleball serving rules and practising with purpose, you will avoid unnecessary faults and develop a smarter serving strategy. If you want to improve your technique with expert guidance, Khelomore’s pickleball clinics and community events provide an excellent opportunity to sharpen your skills before your next game.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the basic pickleball serving rules?�

The ball must be served underhand, contacting below the waist with the paddle head below the wrist, or hit as a legal drop serve after a bounce. The server needs at least one foot behind the baseline and must land the ball in the correct diagonal service court.

2. What counts as a serving fault in pickleball?�

Common faults include stepping on the baseline before contact, hitting the ball above the waist, serving out of bounds, hitting the net without clearing the kitchen, or striking the receiver before the ball bounces. Any of these results in an immediate loss of serve.

3. How does the pickleball serving order work in doubles?�

The starting team serves once before the serve passes to the opposing team. After that, both players on a serving team get a turn to serve before the serve changes sides, alternating between the right and left court based on the score.

4. What is a drop serve in pickleball?�

A drop serve lets you drop the ball and let it bounce once before hitting it, instead of striking it out of the air. It removes the strict waist-height and paddle-angle rules that apply to a traditional volley serve, making it a safer choice under pressure.

5. Why is serve placement important in pickleball strategy?�

Where you serve determines how your opponent can return the ball. A deep serve limits their options and often produces a weaker return, while a short or angled serve can catch an opponent out of position, setting up an easier next shot for your team.

KCB Rugby player George Ooro has credited his team’s built-in character and composure for their narrow 12-7 victory over rivals Kabras Sugar RFC at the 2026 Kabeberi 7s group stage fixture at RFUEA Grounds.

Ooro was the star player of the final match of the day, delivering a standout performance as both sides entered the clash undefeated following convincing opening victories over Nakuru RFC and MUST.

Reflecting on the tightly contested group stage battle in Nairobi, the talismanic forward stated, “We are so happy we are the victors. It was a nice game actually, and it’s the character that we are built with that has given us that win.”

ALSO READ: Kabeberi 7s 2026: KCB edge rivals Kabras to top group as both lead charge into main cup quarterfinals

He acknowledged that while a few scoring opportunities went missing during the match, the group’s collective teamwork ultimately carried them over the finish line.

The match opened with an early setback for the Bankers when Jone Kubu breached the defensive wall of Nygel Amaitsa, Ooro, and Samuel Asati in the third minute to score a converted try between the sticks, handing Kabras a 7-0 advantage.

KCB struck back right before the halftime whistle when Vincent Onyala offloaded cleanly to Ooro on the left wing to slice into the lead.

Ooro was the man who handed the Bankers the winning try in the second half with two minutes remaining, surging through the defence before Austin Sikutwa converted the kick to secure the comeback.

Looking ahead to the remainder of the tournament, Ooro signaled a different mentality following a frustrating previous outing at the Dala Sevens leg in Kisumu where they were eliminated in the quarters noting that the team remains determined to rebound.

The Bankers are now aiming to get the better of the reigning Dala 7s champions after falling short of the finals in Kisumu, while Kabras continue their chase for a third consecutive final appearance.

Dismissing bold title predictions for the fifth consecutive Kabeberi 7s winners Ooro emphasized that they still have a long way to go.

“It’s not over till it’s over, so I won’t give my predictions, but whatever I can promise is we’re going to come harder tomorrow.”

Japolo reaffirmed that KCB intends to take Sunday’s knockout rounds one match at a time while promising supporters an even bigger show as the tournament’s 37th edition reaches its conclusion at the RFUEA grounds.

Kabeberi 7s Sunday, August 16 – Knockout Stage

Challenge Cup Quarter-finals

9:00am — Kisumu vs CUEA Monks
9:20am — Nakuru vs Mombasa RFC
9:40am — Nondies vs Impala RFC
10:00am — Zetech Oaks vs MMUST

Main Cup quaerterfinals

10:20am — Mwamba RFC vs Kenya Harlequins
10:40am —KCB Rugby vs KU Blak Blad
11:00am — Strathmore Leos vs Daystar Falcons
11:20am — Menengai Oilers vs Kabras Sugar

Related

By Eduard Bănulescu

Serie A fantasy football, or fantacalcio if you prefer, isn’t for people who don’t know their tactics. It’s not for people not willing to keep up with the new stars of international football. And it certainly isn’t suited for those incapable of creating a budget-friendly selection.

Ahead of the 2026/27 season, I’d like to see you win. Here are the Serie A fantasy football cards in FootballCoin that are free to pick and which should improve your squad in Gameweek 1 and across the season.

What do I know? I’ve been writing these fantasy football guides for a decade. I hope that you’ll be able to use these tips efficiently.�

Register for the FootballCoin free contests now, and let’s see the players you need on your team.

Gameweek 1 Budget Cheat Sheet

Goalkeeper

Player	Club	Ranking
Zion Suzuki	Parma	2*
Elia Caprile	Cagliari	2*

Defenders

Player	Club	Ranking
Alex Jimenez	Fiorentina	2*
Martin Vitik	Bologna	2*
Anass Salah Eddine	AS Roma	1*
Honest Ahanor	Atalanta	2*
Konstantinos Koulierakis	AS Roma	2*

Midfielders

Player	Club	Ranking
Niccolo Pisilli	AS Roma	2*
Christ Inao Oulai	Fiorentina	1*
Neil Aynaoui	AS Roma	2*
Maximo Perrone	Como	2*
Aleksandar Stankovic	Inter Milano	2*

Attackers

Player	Club	Ranking
Pio Esposito	Inter Milano	2*
Santiago Castro	AS Roma	2*
Assane Diao	Como	2*
Ange-Yoan Bonny	Inter Milano	2*
Jesus Rodriguez	Como	2*

Serie A Fantasy Football Budget Strategy

Each fantacalcio manager needs to work their own strategy. This will differentiate the clear winners from the almost winners.

However, in my opinion, you should scout throughout the season for rookie and untested players with great potential. They’ll typically also be ranked 1* and 2* in FootballCoin.

They should be the majority of your picks. But you need to balance them with a minority of well-known stars, players known to avoid injury, capable of earning points each week.

How to Combine Serie A Free Cards with Assistant Managers

The budget picks that I suggest only work if you get an Assistant Manager card on your team that will improve your team’s scoring.

For example, 5* Assistant Manager cards earn 15 points in each contest in which they’re chosen. A mix of free cards and top Assistant Manager cards will be your best choice.

Position-by-Position Bargain Breakdown

Best Budget Goalkeepers (Clean Sheet Machines)

Player	Club	Ranking
Zion Suzuki	Parma	2*
Elia Caprile	Cagliari	2*

Best Budget Defenders (EPL’s Hardmen)

Player	Club	Ranking
Honest Ahanor	Atalanta	2*
Konstantinos Koulierakis	AS Roma	2*

Best Bargain Midfielders (The Points Engine)

Player	Club	Ranking
Maximo Perrone	Como	2*
Aleksandar Stankovic	Inter Milano	2*

Best Budget Forwards (Differential Goalscorers)

Player	Club	Ranking
Pio Esposito	Inter Milano	2*
Ange-Yoan Bonny	Inter Milano	2*

Here’s an article where you can find everything you need to know about Serie A fantasy football in FootballCoin for the 2026/27 season.

�

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• Here is the Man City vs Atletico Madrid prediction article for friendly match which breaks down form, key players, odds and H2H meetings ahead of the clash.
• The two side will meet on Sunday August 9 at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England .
• Kick off set for 2PM EAT.

Manchester City and Atletico Madrid will face off in a high-profile pre-season friendly at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday as both sides continue their preparations for the 2026-27 campaign.

City head into the encounter on the back of a 3-1 victory over K-League Stars, while Atletico Madrid will be looking to respond after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in their most recent pre-season outing.

For Manchester City, the fixture will provide another opportunity for new head coach Enzo Maresca to assess his squad before the competitive campaign begins.

The Citizens started pre-season with a 1-1 draw against Inter Milan before losing the resulting penalty shootout 3-1, but they bounced back with a comfortable victory over K-League Stars.

ALSO READ: Lionel Messi’s father Jorge dies aged 68 after illness

The match against Atletico will be City’s final pre-season fixture before they turn their attention to the Community Shield, where they will face Arsenal on August 16. They will then open their Premier League campaign at home to Bournemouth on August 23.

City have strengthened their squad during the summer, with Elliot Anderson among their notable arrivals from Nottingham Forest. Maresca will be keen to use the final friendly to fine-tune his plans and give several players valuable minutes ahead of the new season.

Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, began their pre-season with a convincing 4-1 victory over Getafe before losing 2-1 to Manchester United in the Snapdragon Cup.

Diego Simeone’s side will have another two pre-season matches against Manchester City and Marseille before beginning their La Liga campaign against Malaga on August 19.

The Spanish side have also been active in the transfer market, bringing in Lee Kang-in, Morten Hjulmand and Alejandro Grimaldo as they look to strengthen their squad for the new season.

Julian Alvarez remains with Atletico despite reported interest from Barcelona, although the Argentina international is still unavailable following his involvement in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

What time does Manchester City vs Atletico Madrid start?

Kick-off is scheduled for 2:00PM on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England.

Manchester City vs Atletico Madrid team news

Manchester City will be without Erling Haaland, who has yet to rejoin the squad following his involvement with Norway at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Rayan Cherki, Marc Guehi and Elliot Anderson are also expected to miss the friendly, while Nico O’Reilly remains unavailable.

Rodri is another major absentee after undergoing a minor back operation. His future has also been the subject of speculation, with reports linking the midfielder with a move to Barcelona.

Omar Marmoush could be handed a starting role after coming off the bench against K-League Stars. Phil Foden, Antoine Semenyo, Savinho and Ruben Dias are also expected to feature.

For Atletico, Julian Alvarez remains unavailable after representing Argentina at the World Cup, while Nahuel Molina, Giuliano Simeone, Alex Baena, Alejandro Grimaldo and Alexander Sorloth are also yet to return.

Lee Kang-in has joined up with the squad and could make his Atletico debut against City, while Hjulmand is also expected to feature.

Koke, Robin Le Normand and Ademola Lookman are among the other players likely to be involved.

📡🗞️ 𝗥𝗨𝗘𝗗𝗔 𝗗𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗔

❝Kang In es una persona noble, humilde y trabajadora. A Grimaldo, cuando he hablado con él, le he escuchado con mucha ilusión y entusiasmo, igual que Hjulmand lo está demostrando en los entrenamientos❞

— Simeone 🎙️

➡️ pic.twitter.com/MtGPn1iANT

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) August 8, 2026

Predicted lineups

Manchester City possible starting XI: Donnarumma; Lewis, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol; Reijnders, Kovacic; Semenyo, Foden, Savinho; Marmoush

Atletico Madrid possible starting XI: Oblak; Sola, Gimenez, Le Normand, Hancko; Cardoso, Koke, Hjulmand; Lee Kang-in, Martin, Lookman

Manchester City vs Atletico Madrid head-to-head and current form

Manchester City have won one and drawn one of their two pre-season fixtures so far, while Atletico have recorded one victory and one defeat.

The Citizens will be particularly keen to finish pre-season on a positive note after their penalty-shootout defeat to Inter Milan earlier in August.

Atletico, meanwhile, will want to improve their performance after struggling for long periods against Manchester United. Simeone’s side will be looking for a more disciplined display against a City team expected to provide another demanding test.

Man City vs Atletico Madrid prediction

This should be a competitive encounter between two sides still working towards full match sharpness ahead of the new season.

Manchester City are likely to control possession and create the majority of the chances, but Atletico’s defensive structure could make it difficult for the hosts to turn that dominance into a convincing victory.

With several key players still absent on both sides, the match could be decided by the depth of the respective squads and the impact of the players introduced from the bench.

City’s attacking quality should ensure they create opportunities, but Atletico have enough experience and defensive organisation to keep the contest close.

Related

By Eduard Bănulescu

The Premier League remains the most watched club football competition in the world. And, after watching the World Cup, it’s likely that it remains the most entertaining football competition altogether. But how will you show that you’re a master of it?

Everyone needs proof of their skill. And everyone deserves to be rewarded for their knowledge. Premier League fantasy football offers both.

And when it comes to FootballCoin, Premier League fantasy football is given the most strategically complex of frameworks, along with real prizes and a sophisticated game economy.

I’ve been writing fantasy football guides and sports articles for well over a decade, and I think that FootballCoin will offer you the thrills and security that you demand from a fantasy football game.

Here is, in a nutshell, how the Fantasy Premier League works in FootballCoin, how you can win, and why these winnings are likely to thrill you.

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EPL 2026/27 FootballCoin Quick Summary

The Premier League 2026/27 season begins on August 21st, 2026, and ends on May 30th 2027. All of the EPL games will be included in FootballCoin contests.

💡 New to FootballCoin? You do not need to purchase player cards to start competing. You can build a 100% free squad using default cards and compete for real rewards starting Gameweek 1. 👉 Create Your Free Account & Select Your EPL Squad Now

FootballCoin is a fantasy football game where you choose your ideal team using player cards from all the teams involved in the competition. Then, at the end of each round, player cards are given points based on the players’ real-life performances. The teams with the most amount of points win.

That sounds similar to most fantasy football games that you’re familiar with, right?

Fortunately, there are a few twists to FootballCoin which, I think, make it a more appealing game.

Firstly, this is a daily fantasy game where each round is treated as a separate event. Both free and private contests are created.

Secondly, FootballCoin is built around a complex economy that has existed for nearly a decade. Player cards are mostly free, but some can be leased and purchased. Prizes are given automatically, and one of the ways to use them is inside the game in order to improve your squad.

And, if playing fantasy football isn’t your cup of tea, you can still profit from the game by leasing out your unused cards, creating content, and trading cards. Etc.

But what I like the most is the way that the game is actually played. Most fantasy football games take into account goals, assists and very little else. FootballCoin’s scoring system, on the other hand, is a complex one where even long passes and tackles can make the difference. FootballCoin uses real data to get its stats. And the contest info is registered on the company’s blockchain, making it a fair and transparent affair.

Free Cards vs. Collectible Cards

Will you want to create a create an EPL fantasy football team using players from Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United? Sure, no problem!

Are you worried that you’ll exceed your budget, or that there are restrictions about choosing multiple players from the same team? No need to worry!

I’ll say it once again: FootballCoin allows you to create your ideal team!

You’ll be choosing from cards rated from 1* to 5*, each representing a player.

The vast majority of cards are 1* and 2*. These are free to pick by anyone. They mainly represent young players, or those who have yet to win major awards.

The 4* and 5* cards are collectible cards. They are similar to Panini or Topps cards, but are issued on the blockchain. They’re here to be collected and used to make profit.

Once you purchase them, they are yours forever. You can use them in games, sell them, or lease them out.

And what happens when the players retire? The cards maintain their value. The cards become Assistant Manager cards inside the game. Each team includes one Assistant Manager who earns points automatically based on his rank. In other words, your Wayne Rooney card rated at 5* is still earning you 15 points whenever you choose it. How’s that for an investment?

Key 2026/27 EPL Season Strategy & Budget Hacks

But, above everything else, we’re all here for the passion we have for the game, right? It’s been for too long that our love of football has been merely an afterthought within this gigantic industry. FootballCoin puts that first!

This also means that FootballCoin’s fantasy football is designed to encourage the managers who have strong, complex strategies.

What are some of the season-long strategies that I know work for the Premier League game?

A mix of consistency and scouting of newly transferred players, for example.

On the one hand, you’re unlikely to get a great game from even Bruno Fernandes or Declan Rice each week. But if your instinct tells you that they’ll have a good season, stick with them. When you add up the points tally, this will pay off.

But also, be flexible when it comes to new players to the Premier League. We’re bound to be surprised! How many managers of FPL chose Igor Thiago when assembling their team at the start of the season? How many brought him into it once the season went on?

In FootballCoin, it’s also good to play the market. Cheap 4* and 5* cards will become available, especially at the start of a new campaign. They’re worth considering.

However, many of the players that will really move the needle are the 1* and 2* cards. These are either new transfers, players brought in from the youth squads, or those who’ve received an opportunity after serving years in the Championship. Players from clubs like Brentford or Nottingham Forest ranked 1* or 2* in the game have done wonders for the managers that have picked them.

In my opinion, there are genuinely numerous reasons to get excited by FootballCoin’s fantasy football system. Let me just try to list a few of the ones that I like the most.

First of all, FootballCoin has nearly all of the major leagues in the world in the game,�just the Premier League. Watching a bit of La Liga at the weekend, and catching Arsenal in the Champions League mid-week? Make that experience count!

Secondly, FootballCoin is a game of skill. There’s nothing hidden about it. This is a game that rewards real football fans.

FootballCoin has been around for a decade when so many other games and projects of its kind have disappeared. What does this consistency tell you?

That’s why, if you’re looking to enjoy the Premier League and, once more, get some genuine joy out of watching it, commenting on it, and making informed choices, it’s my opinion that you’ll love FootballCoin in the 2026/27 season.

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Who are your fantasy football picks?
Do you opt for many budget-friendly players?
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