The blood, sweat and tears I've put into my Official Fantasy Bundesliga team will, hopefully, all be worth it when Matchday 1 kicks off on Friday. My magnetic tactics board is showing the undeniable wear and tear that only pre-season can produce, but I think I've finally cracked it.

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About James: When it comes to tactics and formations, you’ll struggle to find anyone as keen or as knowledgeable as James 'The Coach' Thorogood. James is Bundesliga obsessed, with Sascha Mölders, Juan Arango and Jay-Jay Okocha making up his top 3 all-time favourite players. He is regularly spotted discussing tactics with Carlo Ancelotti over a plate of pasta, and has also been seen animatedly moving salt and pepper shakers across the table while out dining with Thomas Tuchel.