Understanding the FPL Points System: Fantasy Premier League (FPL) has become one of the most popular fantasy sports games worldwide. With millions of players competing each season, FPL’s point system is the foundation of the entire game, influencing player decisions, transfers, and overall strategies. If you’re new to FPL or looking to improve your knowledge of the game, understanding the point system is crucial for success. This article delves deep into the Fantasy Premier League points system, explaining how it works, how to maximize your score, and some strategic insights to keep you ahead in your leagues.
What is Fantasy Premier League?
Before diving into the points system, it’s important to briefly explain what Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is. FPL is a fantasy football game based on the real-life English Premier League. Players create their own teams of Premier League footballers, within a set budget. Each gameweek, these players earn points based on their performances in real-life matches, which accumulate to create the fantasy team’s total score.
The ultimate goal is to accumulate the most points across the season. Points are awarded in a variety of ways, including goals, assists, clean sheets, and defensive actions. Understanding these scoring mechanisms is key to selecting the best players, optimizing your transfers, and mastering FPL.
The Core of the FPL Points System
The Fantasy Premier League points system is based on individual player performance in a match. The system rewards players for their positive contributions and penalizes them for negative actions. Here is a breakdown of the basic points system:
Points for Players Scoring Goals
For Forwards and Midfielders:
1 point per goal (up to a maximum of 4 goals) is awarded to both forwards and midfielders who score in a match.
For Defenders:
6 points per goal are awarded to defenders who score. Defenders scoring goals are often high-value picks in FPL because of this generous scoring.
For Goalkeepers:
6 points per goal for goalkeepers who score, making goalkeeper goals a rare but significant occurrence in FPL.
Points for Assists
Assists are also an important factor in FPL scoring, as they reflect a player’s contribution to creating goals. All players (forwards, midfielders, defenders, and goalkeepers) receive 3 points for providing an assist, but only if the assist leads to a goal.
Clean Sheets
A “clean sheet” occurs when a player’s team prevents the opposition from scoring a goal during the match. FPL rewards players for keeping clean sheets, which is especially significant for defenders and goalkeepers. The points awarded are as follows:
Defenders and Goalkeepers:
4 points for keeping a clean sheet.
For a goalkeeper to earn the clean sheet points, they must also play at least 60 minutes in the game. If a goalkeeper is substituted off or gets sent off, they lose out on the clean sheet points, even if their team manages to keep a clean sheet.
Minutes Played
FPL rewards players for time spent on the pitch. A player earns 1 point for playing at least 60 minutes in a match. This makes it important to select players who are likely to play the full match, especially if they’re playing for strong teams that dominate possession.
Yellow and Red Cards
The FPL point system also penalizes players for unsporting behavior:
-1 point for a yellow card.
-3 points for a red card.
-2 points for a direct red card (for violent conduct or a professional foul).
This encourages managers to avoid selecting players prone to disciplinary issues.
Own Goals
When a player scores an own goal, they suffer a point deduction. The deduction is as follows:
-2 points for an own goal.
This can be a significant hit to a player’s score, so it’s important to consider a player’s defensive capabilities to avoid this risk.
Goalkeeper-Specific Points
Goalkeepers have their own unique point system. Beyond clean sheets and goals, goalkeepers can also earn points for saves.
1 point per 3 saves: A goalkeeper earns 1 point for every 3 saves they make. This makes goalkeepers from weaker teams, who are more likely to face a lot of shots, potentially valuable in FPL, especially if they can make a lot of saves.
Bonus Points System (BPS)
FPL also has a Bonus Points System (BPS), which rewards players for their all-around contributions to a match. BPS rewards players who have a significant impact on the game, even if they don’t score or assist directly. After every match, three players are awarded bonus points based on their performance.
The bonus points are awarded as follows:
3 bonus points for the best-performing player.
2 bonus points for the second-best-performing player.
1 bonus point for the third-best-performing player.
The BPS is calculated using various metrics like:
Pass completion rate
Tackles and interceptions
Key passes (passes that lead to a shot on goal)
Clearances and blocks
Shots on target
Successful dribbles
These metrics make it important to look beyond goals and assists when selecting players for your team. A defensive midfielder who makes a lot of interceptions or a goalkeeper who makes numerous saves can earn valuable bonus points.
Player of the Month and Player of the Year Bonuses
At the end of each month, FPL also awards points for “Player of the Month” and “Player of the Year.” These accolades are awarded based on overall performance across multiple matches, helping identify form players to watch for your fantasy team.
In Summary
The Fantasy Premier League points system is a combination of statistical analysis and strategic planning. By understanding how players earn points, and how the Bonus Points System works, you can make informed decisions about your squad. Focusing on players who consistently contribute across all areas of the game, optimizing your captaincy, and being aware of team news are all crucial elements in maximizing your FPL score.
FAQs
What are bonus points in FPL?
Bonus points are awarded after each match and are designed to recognize players who contribute significantly to the game, even if they don’t score goals or assists. The Bonus Points System (BPS) calculates these points based on various actions, such as tackles, key passes, and successful dribbles. The top 3 players in each match earn bonus points as follows:
3 points for the best performer.
2 points for the second-best performer.
1 point for the third-best performer.
For more details on BPS, check the official FPL website for updated rules.
Do players lose points for yellow or red cards?
Yes, players lose points for receiving yellow or red cards. Here’s the breakdown:
Yellow card: -1 point.
Red card: -3 points for a straight red.
Second yellow card leading to a red: -3 points.
This is an important factor when selecting your team, as disciplinary issues can hurt your fantasy score.
How does the clean sheet bonus work for goalkeepers and defenders?
Clean sheet points are awarded when a player’s team prevents the opposition from scoring. For goalkeepers and defenders, this means their team must not concede a goal during the match, and the player must be on the pitch for at least 60 minutes.
Goalkeepers: 4 points for a clean sheet.
Defenders: 4 points for a clean sheet.
If a goalkeeper or defender comes off the pitch before 60 minutes or is sent off, they won’t earn clean sheet points.
How are points calculated for goalkeepers making saves?
Goalkeepers can earn valuable points through saves. The rule is simple: a goalkeeper earns 1 point for every 3 saves made during the match. This can make goalkeepers from teams that face many shots more valuable, as they will have more opportunities to earn points for saves.
How do own goals impact FPL points?
An own goal results in a -2 point deduction. This can be a major blow to a player’s fantasy score, so it’s crucial to select defenders who are less likely to score own goals, particularly during set-piece situations.
Do players earn points for assists in FPL?
Yes, players earn points for assists, which are awarded when a player provides the final pass or action leading directly to a goal. All players, including forwards, midfielders, and defenders, can earn 3 points for an assist.
To read more, click here
