This Saturday August 18th begins a new season of the English Premier League. As you know, I really enjoyed my first season playing Fantasy Premier League (12 Things I Learned) and I'm back for a second go. Chris "CashOutCasssius" Weldon has set up a new private league and we are looking for some new players to join us.

As incentive for those select few up for the challenge of a 9 month season of fantasy soccer/football, I thought I would share some thoughts and resources that may help you prosper. I'm assuming the audience who might play understands the basics of fantasy football where you select 15 players with your £100m budget and score points based off their performance.

1. Strategy - Much like poker, there are many ways to approach selecting your team and managing your budget. With 20 teams and well over 400 players, the myriad of combinations are nearly endless. With one weekly transfer allowed without penalty, and additional transfers at 4 points each, your team shouldn't remain static. Your team will suffer if you aren't continually adjusting it in the face of changing player form and injury, player value and rotation. Last year I used my flexible wildcard to do a complete makeover of my team quite early when things started off quite poorly. This year I hope to keep the wildcard for later in the season take advantage of possible double gameweeks or later season considerations. Different approaches are healthy to consider but must be regularly re-evaluated as the season progresses.

2. Loyalty to results, not players - One of the strong lessons I learned last year was to abandon previous team and player preferences rather basing my choices on more objective performance statistics. Being too loyal or stubborn due to personal likes and dislikes can seriously harm your results.

3. Pick Likely Starters - Only players who are playing score points, so it's very important to pick players who play regularly. There are lots of great players who only play occasionally, often because they are on stacked big club rosters so they won't score you points regularly enough to warrant their inclusion. That includes your intended subs, who may be subbed in if your selected starters don't play.

4. Rotation - One successful method of player management is to establish a rotation of players rather than relying on singular top players. Because almost all teams and players perform better in home matches, that is a key part of your strategy to select your starters from those who are playing at home or against weak opponents. Advanced players learn to set up calculated alternating rotations of players (e.g. goalkeepers, defense etc.)

5. Invest where the points are - Looking at the historical numbers, the top midfielders and forwards score more in the FPL point scheme than top defenders and goalkeepers, so it makes sense to invest more of your budget on those players who have a greater likelihood of scoring more.

6. Plan ahead - Much like chess, planning several weeks and moves ahead can help your team. I looked at the first 5-6 weeks of match-ups before determining my initial team, trying to factor in some of the anticipated transfers and budget considerations during that time. I notice other players often only look at an absolute player's quality, but not enough on their game location and opponent quality.

7. Captaincy - Although I feel the weight of a captain's score being doubled is too great, it forces you to manage your team accordingly. You must select that player who you think will scored the highest that week if you are to do well. So last season, anyone who didn't have runaway top goal scorer Robin Van Persie for most of the season greatly suffered. Sometimes it makes your team less creative and fun, but those are the rules we play by.

8. Be flexible - Both before the season and during the January trading window, it is necessary to watch closely who comes and goes from clubs. For instance, Wayne Rooney has been a top performer for Manchester United for years, but if the rumored Robin Van Persie move occurs it could have significant effect on both Arsenal and Man United fantasy player results.

There are many other tips to help you excel in fantasy football, but probably the best I can share is to utilize the expertise and insight of those even more passionate than yourself. There are a number of good sites that focus on different aspects of the fantasy football experience. I visit them regularly to read their thoughts and those of their passionate members who constantly discuss the best moves to make as the season progresses.

http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk - Best articles and comment suggestions for fantasy football purists

http://www.whoscored.com - Strong EPL football statistics site

http://www.totalfpl.com/ - Good consolidated news source and player valuation movements

http://www.fiso.co.uk/crackthecode.php - Best site to view player valuation upcoming changes

http://www.101greatgoals.com - Great source to see goal and game video highlights quickly

http://premierleaguefantasy.blogspot.ca - Solid fantasy football analysis blog

http://www.fantasygaffer.com - Solid fantasy football analysis blog

http://www.zonalmarking.net - Solid fantasy football analysis blog

http://www.nevermanagealone.com/ - Solid fantasy football analysis blog

http://www.fantasyfootballgeek.co.uk - Solid fantasy football analysis blog

Good luck this season. I hope to see a few of you join our CardRunners league and engage in some friendly banter and team support.