Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is more than just a game – it’s a thrilling experience where soccer fans from around the globe get to manage their dream team of real-life Premier League players. Whether you’re a football fanatic or a casual sports fan, Fantasy Premier League offers an exciting way to engage with the game you love. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about FPL, from getting started to mastering strategies that can help you dominate your mini-leagues!
What Is Fantasy Premier League? A Simple Guide
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is an online fantasy sports game based on the English Premier League, one of the most competitive and popular football leagues in the world. In FPL, you create your own virtual football team using real Premier League players. These players earn points based on their actual performances in real matches – goals, assists, clean sheets, saves, and even yellow or red cards influence your score.
You’ll have a budget of £100 million to spend on assembling a squad of 15 players. This includes two goalkeepers, five defenders, five midfielders, and three forwards. Each week, you’ll select a starting XI and assign one player as your captain to earn double points. With millions of managers competing globally, the challenge is to score as many points as possible and climb the rankings.
How To Start Playing Fantasy Premier League
Getting started with Fantasy Premier League is simple, even if you’re new to the game. Here’s how to begin:
- Sign Up for Free: Visit the official Fantasy Premier League website or download the FPL app to create an account. It’s completely free to play.
- Build Your Squad: Using your £100 million budget, select 15 players for your team. You can only pick a maximum of 3 players from a single Premier League team, so plan carefully.
- Join Leagues: Compete in public leagues or join private leagues with friends. Leagues add a competitive edge to the game and make it more enjoyable.
- Set Your Lineup: Choose your starting XI for each game week and select your captain. Make sure to monitor injuries and suspensions.
- Stay Active: FPL is a game of strategy. You’ll need to make transfers, manage your chips, and adapt your team as the season progresses.
Best Tips To Win More Points Every Week
Scoring high in Fantasy Premier League requires planning, research, and a bit of luck. Here are some tips to boost your weekly points:
Research Your Players
Before adding players to your squad, check their recent form, fixtures, and overall contributions to their team. Players from top-fantasy premier league clubs like City, Liverpool, or Arsenal often have higher scoring potential but don’t overlook budget-friendly options from mid-table teams.
For example, look for cheap defenders who regularly start and earn clean sheet points or midfielders listed as bargains but who play in advanced attacking roles. Tools like SEMRush and Ahrefs can help you analyze player popularity, trends, and related keywords that give you deeper insights into FPL strategies.
Use Transfers Wisely
Each week, you’re allowed one free transfer to replace a player. Use this wisely to remove injured, suspended, or underperforming players. If you make extra transfers, they’ll cost you 4 points each, so think carefully before making drastic changes.
Transfers are especially important during busy periods like the festive season when injuries and squad rotations are common. Plan ahead and make changes early to avoid price increases.
Captain Smartly
Your captain earns double points, so choosing the right one can make or break your game week. Select players with favorable fixtures, good form, and a proven track record of scoring or assisting. Premium players like Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, or Harry Kane are often reliable captain picks.
If you’re unsure, consider using the “effective ownership” metric (a combination of the percentage of managers who own and captain a player) to play it safe.
How Player Points Are Calculated in FPL
Understanding how points are awarded is key to succeeding in Fantasy Premier League. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Goals Scored: Forwards earn 4 points, midfielders 5, and defenders 6.
- Assists: All players earn 3 points for each assist.
- Clean Sheets: Goalkeepers and defenders earn 4 points for keeping a clean sheet (midfielders earn 1 point).
- Saves: Goalkeepers earn 1 point for every 3 saves.
- Minutes Played: All players earn 1 point for playing 60 minutes or less and 2 points for playing more than 60 minutes.
- Penalties: Points are deducted for missing penalties or conceding goals.
Negative points can also occur, such as losing points for yellow or red cards, conceding too many goals, or scoring own goals.
How Bonus Points Work
FPL uses a Bonus Points System (BPS) to reward players who make significant contributions during matches. The system tracks various in-game stats, such as passes completed, chances created, tackles, and goals scored. At the end of each match, the three best-performing players are awarded bonus points:
- 3 points for the best player.
- 2 points for the second-best player.
- 1 point for the third-best player.
Choosing players with high BPS potential can give you an edge, especially when deciding on captains or transfers.
Why Substitutes Are Important
Substitutes in the Fantasy Premier League can save your game week. You can include up to 4 substitutes on your bench, and the system will automatically bring them into your lineup if any of your starting players don’t play. Make sure to rank substitutes wisely – prioritize players who are likely to start and contribute points.
During double game weeks, having strong substitutes ensures you don’t miss out on points even if some players are rotated.
Top Fantasy Premier League Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring Fixtures: Always consider the difficulty of upcoming matches. Avoid captaining players against strong defensive teams.
- Overreacting: Don’t transfer out players after just one bad week. Consistency is key.
- Chasing Price Rises: While player value changes are important, don’t let them dictate all your decisions.
When To Use Fantasy Premier League Chips
Chips are special boosts you can use to gain an advantage:
- Triple Captain: Your captain scores 3x points instead of 2x.
- Bench Boost: All 15 players in your squad contribute points.
- Free Hit: Make unlimited transfers for one week.
- Wildcard: Completely rebuild your squad without penalties.
When To Play Your Wildcard Chip
The Wildcard chip is one of the most powerful tools in FPL. You get two Wildcards per season – one for the first half and one for the second. Use your Wildcard when your team needs major changes or during double-game weeks to maximize points.
Join Private Leagues and Compete With Friends
One of the most enjoyable aspects of Fantasy Premier League is competing in private leagues with friends, family, or colleagues. Create or join leagues to add a fun, competitive element to the game. You can also set custom rules and stakes, making the experience even more thrilling.
The Bottom Line
Fantasy Premier League is a game of strategy, patience, and research. Whether you’re aiming for the top 10k or just want bragging rights among friends, following the tips and strategies in this guide will help you build a winning team. Remember, consistency is key, and a bit of luck always helps.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up, build your dream team, and dive into the exciting world of Fantasy Premier League today!
