I'm exactly the same. It's sad we must wait until like April to finally start the long term save, but for me it's still better this way. I know the patches are compatible with existing saves, but I wouldn't like the idea that I've played my first seasons with bugs (before the last patch), and next seasons when the game is patched. It would feel like two different saves.
Nevertheless, I'm sure I will enjoy the game since the first day Beta is out. In BETA I will just check all the players, teams, see who got upgrades, create my own shortlists, etc. In short - just play around.
Then, when the game is released, I will start my first short-term save which will last until the first winter update is out (I will use a bigger team, perhaps Man City).
Then, after the winter update, I will start another short-term save, with a bit smaller team.
And finally, in April, I will start a couple of my long term saves - Journeyman, a proper Arsenal save, a save with Polish team, and I'll see what else.