Scouting & analysis
Look at the squads of your friends, your closest rivals and the clubs you follow, then study their statistics to prepare your own matches.
Reading their tactics
Compare current form, recent line-ups and strengths against weaknesses to work out what they will do to you.
The coach's advice
Football is eleven against eleven. A side that looks stronger on paper wins nothing on its own — preparation and scouting are what usually decide it.