Getting started with Fanzone
Starting XI
Build your ideal Starting XI or guess the exact lineup of the next match.
Give your fans a coach's experience by letting them predict the tactical formation and lineup before every match.
What is it for?
The Starting XI Block is a tactical prediction game designed to engage your audience before kick-off. Users step into a coach's shoes to choose the players and the formation they picture on the pitch.
It is a powerful lever to:
- Boost pre-match engagement: fans spend time analyzing the squad to submit their lineup.
- Build loyalty through gamification: each correct prediction earns points (up to 1,500 points per team), converted into stars in the fan's profile.
- Collect data: you identify your audience's favorite players and your most expert fans.
Access the feature
To set up your lineup game:
- Log in to Fastory.
- In the side menu, click Fanzone Editor.
- In the list of available Blocks (or via the Add a Block button), select Starting XI.
Main features
1. Match and sport configuration
The Block automatically adapts to the club or league you have set. It automatically displays the list of all the matches of the current season.
2. Score calculation and validation
The points system is automated to guarantee fairness:
- Points allocation: a maximum score of 1,500 points is awarded based on the accuracy of the prediction (correct players in the correct positions).
- Result validation: for football, points are calculated automatically via the official sports data feed. For basketball, entry is done through a dedicated operator interface once the official lineup is published.
Best practices
- Publishing timing: open the Block 48 hours before the match and close it as soon as the club announces the official lineup.
- Rewards: use the star system to award an exclusive badge or a physical reward to the day's "best coach".
- Live preview: always use the right-hand window to check that player names stay readable on the pitch visual, especially on mobile.
Concrete use cases
If you want to energize the week's derby
For a derby, enable the 2-team mode so your fans predict the lineup of each of the two teams facing off on the pitch.
If you want to measure your players' popularity
Find out who is popular with your fans. Even if a player is injured, keep them in the list to see whether your fans would like to see them back in the Starting XI.
FAQ
How are points calculated in Fastory's Starting XI game?
Points are calculated by matching the fan's selection against the match's official lineup. The maximum score is 1,500 points, then converted into stars for the Fanzone's overall leaderboard.
Are the lineup game's points updated automatically?
Yes, for football, data is retrieved via our sports statistics provider. For basketball, a club operator must manually validate the actual lineup in the back office to trigger the points allocation.
Can the tactical formations offered to fans be limited?
Absolutely. In the Block editor, you can uncheck the formations you do not want used (for example if your team never plays a 3-5-2) to make the experience more realistic.
What happens if a fan selects a player who does not play?
If the player is not in the official lineup, the fan does not score the points tied to that position. Only players actually named on the official team sheet earn points.
Can the lineup of an already-finished match be edited?
No, once the results are validated and points awarded, the game session is closed to guarantee the integrity of the Fanzone leaderboard.
Does the Starting XI game also work for basketball?
Yes, the Block is versatile. When configured for basketball, the system automatically offers a selection of 5 players (the "Starting Five") instead of 11, with positions adapted to the court.