✅ Matchday checklist

Matchday in Footium is simple once you build a routine. Each club plays one league match per day during the season, and every season is 22 matches long because each 12-team league plays every other club twice. Live matches last around 30 minutes, so a little preparation before kick-off and a quick check during the match can make a real difference.

Before kick-off

Start by opening your Fixtures page and checking today’s opponent, kick-off time and whether you are home or away. Matches currently take place between 07:00 and 23:00 UTC. In the UK, that means 08:00 to midnight during British Summer Time, and 07:00 to 23:00 in winter. If your club has moved division or league after promotion or relegation, your usual match time may change, so always check in-game.

Next, go to your Tactics page and make sure your line-up is complete. Missing players, suspended players, injured players, or players unavailable because they are in training can all create problems. If your club fields an ineligible team for a home match, you will not earn FC from that match. This is especially important because home match FC is one of the main ways to grow your club.

Check player availability

Look for status icons on your players. A red card icon means a player is suspended and cannot be selected. An orange card icon means they are one yellow card away from suspension. A red cross indicates injury. Players in training are unavailable for matches and the subs bench, so avoid starting training too close to kick-off unless you are sure they are not needed.

Also check condition. Players lose condition during matches, and the amount depends on position, stamina and your team mentality. Players finishing at or below 65% condition have a chance of picking up an injury lasting 50 hours, with the risk increasing sharply as condition gets lower. If a key player is already tired, consider resting them, moving them to the bench, or adjusting your live match plan.

Set your match plan

Choose a formation that fits your squad rather than forcing players into unfamiliar roles. Chemistry is affected when players are used outside their familiar positions. Green and light green roles are best, while yellow, orange and red positions reduce chemistry by increasing amounts. Rare players provide a chemistry boost, and Legendary players provide a larger boost, so include them where it makes tactical sense.

Pick a captain from your starting XI. Leadership affects the captain’s boost to both attack and defence. Do not automatically give the armband to your highest-rated player if another starter has stronger leadership.

Finally, set your mentality. Balanced has no extra condition impact. Attacking and Ultra Attacking increase attacking focus but use more condition for attackers and midfielders. Defensive and Ultra Defensive improve defensive focus but increase condition use for defenders, your goalkeeper and midfielders.

During and after the match

If you can watch live, open the fixture and use the Manage tab. You can make up to three substitutions, change formation, change mentality, move players around and change captain. Submit changes in time, as they take a few in-game minutes to take effect and cannot be queued.

After full-time, check the result, FC notifications, player condition, injuries and suspensions. Then start preparing for tomorrow. Footium rewards consistency across 22 matchdays, not just one good decision.

Updated on: 21/08/2026