In a Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek, your players will score points, determining whether the squad rises or falls in the rankings.
Ways to score points in FPL
There are a number of ways that this can happen.
On a basic level, points are awarded for attacking returns, clean sheets and appearances. But a midfielder’s goal will earn five points, compared to a forward’s four and a defender’s six.
While attackers rack up most of their points via goals and assists, defenders and goalkeepers collect clean sheets. Goalkeepers are also recognised for making saves and stopping penalties.
However, players can lose points too. Own goals, penalty misses, leaky defences, yellow cards and sendings off are punished.
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Playing up to 60 minutes | 1 |
| Playing 60 minutes or more (excluding stoppage time) | 2 |
| Each goal scored by a goalkeeper | 10 |
| Each goal scored by a defender | 6 |
| Each goal scored by a midfielder | 5 |
| Each goal scored by a forward | 4 |
| Each assist for a goal | 3 |
| A clean sheet (goalkeeper or defender) | 4 |
| A clean sheet (midfielder) | 1 |
| Every 3 shot saves (goalkeeper) | 1 |
| Accumulating 10 or more clearances, blocks, interceptions + tackles (defenders) | 2 |
| Accumulating 12 or more clearances, blocks, interceptions, tackles + recoveries (midfielders & forwards) | 2 |
| Each penalty save | 5 |
| Each penalty miss | -2 |
| Bonus points for the best players in a match | 1 to 3 |
| Every 2 goals conceded by a goalkeeper or defender | -1 |
| Each yellow card | -1 |
| Each red card | -3 |
| Each own goal | -2 |
Generally speaking, FPL managers should aim to pick midfielders and forwards who score and create goals. Plus a bunch of goalkeepers and defenders who often keep clean sheets.
What are defensive contribution (DefCon) points?
Introduced to FPL for 2025/26 were defensive contribution (DefCon) points. It aims to give centre-backs and defensive midfielders some love, as managers used to focus on picking flair players and attack-minded full-backs.
With this, defenders gain two points whenever they accumulate 10 or more clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles (CBITs) in a match.
Similarly, midfielders and forwards gain two points for reaching 12 clearances, blocks, interceptions, recoveries and tackles (CBIRTs).
Last season’s standout players for achieving these were Elliot Anderson, Marcos Senesi, James Tarkowski and James Garner.
Important information about scoring points
Clean sheets
These are only awarded if a player features for at least 60 minutes (excluding stoppage time) without conceding. If they are substituted after these 60 minutes by their real-life manager, the clean sheet will remain, even if teammates go on to concede.
Red cards
If a defender or goalkeeper is sent off, they will continue to be penalised for goals conceded afterwards.
Assists
As well as the straightforward ones, a Fantasy Assist will be awarded in several situations.
If someone’s pass into the penalty area takes only one defensive touch before reaching the goalscorer, that’s ok.
And if a player’s cross, pass or shot led to a handball and successful penalty, that’s also fine. This article goes into a bit more detail.
The final decision on points
Immediately given points are subject to change. Scores aren’t completely locked down until 9:00am (UK time) on the morning after a Gameweek’s final match.
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