The new Champions Fantasy game on ESPN is now activated; however, it uses the old format from past Premier Fantasy competition and most of the salaries are sky-high.

For those who like nostalgia, the 2011-2012 Champions Fantasy game uses the player icons that you have to physically move. You also have to make your transfers the old way that is not as user-friendly as the new Premier version.

The scoring uses the old system that awards just two points for an assist, two points for a start, one for a substitution and no points for playing 60+ minutes. Defenders also get nicked a point for each goal surrendered instead of the Premier game that does not deduct a point until the second goal is conceded. The roster is the old set-up that does not require carrying two goalkeepers.

Because of very high opening player values, it will be difficult to have more than two high-scoring players among your 15-man roster to fit into the 100 million dollar budget. For example, Rooney, Messi and Ronaldo all have salaries of 12 million dollars. Aguero will cost you 10 million and Ashley Young 8.5.

Exceptions are players like Cech whose Champions value is 7 million while his Premier Fantasy value is now 8.5. Ashley Cole is 7 million compared with his Premier fantasy salary of 8.1 million.
Lampard is 10 and Silva is 8.5 in Champions play while their Premier fantasy salaries are 8.7 and 7.6 respectively.

For you die-hard Fernando Torres loyalists, the Spaniard’s Champions value is 10 million. Unless he either emerges from his fog or dyes his hair blonde (Sir John opines that he was a superstar as a blonde), if you put him on your roster, that will be 10 million dollars flushed down the loo. His Premier fantasy salary is 7.9 (also a wasted investment).

When you select your team, remember that the player salaries are grouped and revealed in high, middle and low categories. It is best to select the “All” category to reveal the full list. You have unlimited transfers until play begins Tuesday.

Until later, I remain,
Yours faithfully,
Sir John