FPL

How to Play FPL – A Beginner’s Guide

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is back for another season so Fantasy Football Scout, once again, are here to help.

Perhaps you’ve never played FPL before and have been roped into a mini-league by one of your overly keen friends.

Or maybe you’re one of those die-hard Fantasy managers who need a complete guide to show your clueless colleagues, to make sure they definitely sign up for your mini-league?

Whoever you are, we hope this comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about FPL.

What is Fantasy Premier League?

FPL is a game that casts you in the role of a fantasy manager. Your task is to pick a squad of players who then score points based on their real-life performances.

Do I need to play in a league?

The game can be played solo, with managers pitching their team against millions of others around the world. However, the more exciting option is to enter your team in private mini-leagues alongside your friends or colleagues.

How do I pick my team or squad?

FPL hands you a £100m budget to spend on your 15-man squad. If you’re new to the game, this budget may seem generous but once you start selecting players, it will start getting eaten up pretty quickly. You will find that the most expensive players will be the attacking options of midfielders and forwards.

With 11 of your squad starting each Gameweek, it’s up to you to decide which four to leave on the bench and in which order. They will replace any starters that do not participate at all.

Can I make changes to my initial FPL squad?

Before the start of the Premier League season, you can alter the squad as much as you want.

However, once the first deadline has passed you are limited to one free transfer per Gameweek. There is always the option to carry it over into the following Gameweek but be aware that no more than two free transfers can be collected.

After these, additional changes can be made but at a cost of four points per transfer.

The deadline for each Gameweek is always 90 minutes before the first kick-off. For example, if the opener is on Saturday at 12:30 pm (UK time), the deadline will therefore be 11:00 am.

How do I allocate my budget?

Maintaining some squad balance is advised, with a healthy mix of premium stars and cheaper assets throughout.

This balance makes it easier to purchase exciting, in-form players and helps when you’re confronted with an injury or suspension.

Ideally, aim for a situation whereby one or two free transfers can fix any potential problem. Investing heavily in one area of the team may jeopardise this, should you run into some bad luck.

Okay, so which players do I pick?

At the early stage of the season, it’s harder to say which assets will be the most important, but we will always have plenty of content available to help you pick an initial squad and make transfers through the season. So make sure you stick around!

Click here for all of our pre-season coverage.

How Do I Score Points?

There are lots of different ways to score points in FPL, with goals, assists and clean sheets the most important match events.

Each Gameweek requires selecting a captain to score double points. By also picking a vice-captain, you have a back-up in case that captain doesn’t make an appearance.

Below is a grid which details how to score with players from different positions.

ActionPoints scored
Playing up to 60 minutes1
Playing more than 60 minutes2
Each goal scored by a goalkeeper/defender6
Each goal scored by a midfielder5
Each goal scored by a forward4
Each assist3
Clean sheet by a goalkeeper/defender (must play 60+ mins)4
Clean sheet by a midfielder (must play 60+ mins)1
Every three shots saved by a goalkeeper1
A penalty save by a goalkeeper5
Bonus points for the best players in a match1-3

Can My Team Lose Points?

Unfortunately, there are a few ways to lose points too.

ActionPoints scored
Missing a penalty-2
Every two goals conceded by a goalkeeper/defender-1
Each yellow card-1
Each red card-3
Each own goal-2

What are chips?

All FPL managers begin the season with a complete set of chips, to be deployed throughout the campaign. Try to be patient with them.

There are a range of different chips that managers can use:

Wildcard – The Wildcard allows you to transform your squad by making an unlimited number of free transfers in that Gameweek. It lasts beyond that one round and is your new team. There are two of these to use – the first can be used at any point until December 29th, while the second can only be used after that date.

Free Hit – This is like the Wildcard but for just one Gameweek, allowing unlimited free transfers for that round of games. Your old team resumes afterwards.

Triple Captain – For one Gameweek, your captain will score triple points instead of the usual double.

Bench Boost – If you’re struggling to relegate four players to the bench, this chip allows you to receive points from all 15 players. Just for one round, though.

What should I do if my players get injured or suspended?

Monitor our injuries and bans table regularly to check on your team and if a player looks to be out for a few weeks, consider using a transfer to replace him.

When should I sign new players for my team?

A player’s form will fluctuate throughout the season, so be careful. Ideally, you’d be looking ahead rather than chasing points that have already been missed out on.

Sustained form and proven point scorers are what you’re after. Jumping on bandwagons can often be profitable but only when it belongs to a player who you think can sustain their form.

There’s certainly a wealth of information to sift through on this website if you’re going to try to stay on top of things. We’ll bring you the weekly information you need to make informed decisions, plus opinion pieces from Scout writers and Pro Pundits.

Monitor our team news section prior to fixtures and also check out the post-match Scout Notes that we provide.

FPLMarc Newcastle fan that spends far too much time thinking about FPL.

2,681 Comments Post a Comment
  1. El-Kloppico
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Your opinions please?

    Pope - Heaton
    Robbo - Digne - Dunk - Diop - Lund
    Sterling - Salah - Dendonker - McGinn - Gross
    Vardy - Wilson - Delofeu*

    1. Timon
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Bit Light in the mid I think.

    2. Reckoner.
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Save yourself the rotation headache and pick one of Heaton / Pope + 4.0 bench player.

      I'd also avoid Deulofeu for now with his injury doubt. Probably downgrade to a 4.5m bench player and use the 2.0m + 0.5m from keeper saving to upgrade one of McGinn or Gross.

      Rumors that with the formation Brighton will be playing that Gross maybe benched.

    3. Aubamewho
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Looks good. I would downgrade delofeu to 4.5 fw and upgrade mid

    4. The Strokes
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Value a bit too evenly spread for my liking don't want that selection headache every week end.
      But if you are looking for flexibility then good team.

    5. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Groß not nailed

    6. kime67
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      i think pope and heton is a wait and see. just go cheapest with ryan butto then wildcard pope later if needed

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Someone with sense!

  2. The Strokes
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Best 4,5 West Ham defense option?
    A - Diop
    B - Balbuena
    C - Fredericks

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A).

      1. The Strokes
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        And would you trust this years West Ham defense?
        Pre season seemed impressive.

        1. The Strokes
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          My bad, had a wrong memory on the pre season, like past seasons offensive options look better than defensive ...

    2. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    3. Aubamewho
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    4. JoeSnowUK
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Like asking between the best terminal illness. Definitely A though.

    5. kime67
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      id go balbu

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      How interesting is this player? Never heard of him.

      1. A19
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Really good young player, pretty solid and powerful so I think he could cope well with PL intensity. Interesting backup to Haller

  3. Aubamewho
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on final draft, please?

    Pope
    TAA Digne Zienchenko KWP
    Salah Sterling Perez siggy KDB
    Origi

    0.5 itb
    Gw2 ( KDB + Origi > Auba + 4.5)

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Planned hit second GW is not sensible.

    2. jon.terry.tfh
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Origi?No thanks. And don't like the idea of already planning to take a hit for the second GW.

    3. Aubamewho
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Should I do the Auba + 4.5 mid? Or get a 6 fw?

  4. Typo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Quite pleased with my team. Im punting on Kean, if he is a no show I’ll get Rico in.

    Pope
    Vvd, taa, dign, zin
    Salah, sterl, fraser, pereZ
    Wilson, Kean

    Butoon, rico, dendon, wickha

    Pretty template except Kean, what do you think?

  5. Oooof
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    I’ve drafted Eriksen - would you trade him following the breaking news that he’s turned down Manchester United?

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Did he turn them down? Great news for me as an LFC fan and Eriksen fan

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        It’s a downgrade.. think he wants Spain

      2. Oooof
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Andy Mitten (who usually knows his MUFC stuff) has tweeted this and now Sky Sports News are rolling with it too

      3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Cause he has. He said he would only go to a bigger club.

  6. zizoo10
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    TAA vs VVD is killing me. After what TAA did for me last season, VVD looks like a 4.5 defender to me. But so many putting faith in the Dutchman what do

    1. Typo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Not keen on both?

      1. zizoo10
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Robbo is cemented in my team and is going nowhere

        1. Typo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Ah, then I would go VVD. Somehow think he will score some more goals this season, and he is cemented. I have TAA, contemplating switching to Robbo for more security.

          Its just that TAA bossed it so hard at the end of last season..

          1. zizoo10
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            He single handedly saved me

        2. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Why?

          TAA has higher PPM and VvD is cheaper with higher ownership. Just got TAA and VvD

    2. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yup. Was set on TAA and Robo but now feel VVD may be better as I don't have the best of benches and the 0.5m allows Wilson over Fraser

    3. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      TAA over VVD for me. He is worth the extra .5

      1. zizoo10
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I would definitely have TAA but people saying he could be rotated? If he plays 3 games in the first 4 for example I will fume

    4. Oooof
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      VVD for me - more nailed and will be favoured by the new rules in the box

      1. zizoo10
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        What are the new rules?

      2. tissae
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        What are the new rules in the box?

        1. Tsparkes10
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          New rules... VAR and can't handle defenders so will get more space and freedom from set pieces basically. And if fouled then will assist pend

  7. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A VVD and Fraser

    B 4.5 rotation and KDB

    1. Tcheco
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    2. JoeSnowUK
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A easily

  8. gooner_112233445566
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Which one
    A) digne, vvd, martial, Bernardo silva,
    B) digne, vvd, Barkley (any 6mil midfielder), kdb
    C) any 4.5 defender, vvd, martial, kdb

    1. Typo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    2. FatmanAndRobin
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      C.) with Taylor of Burnley. Also KDB is an easy move then to Son if needed

  9. kime67
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    time to remove team of the year

    1. kime67
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      less gooo

  10. Oldie99
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    What's the chances of Son getting 2800+ minutes this year finally? Are we expecting an ultimate break-through 20+12 year for him?

    1. thewhitepele
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I think he has pretty much cemented his spot in the opening XI and is definitely fixture proof. His best season coming up for sure.

  11. balint84
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A ) Heaton - can save against Spurs, but no cleansheet I predict 3-4 points
    B) Ryan - can be cleansheet, but if not, there will be 2 points maximum

    who would you choose?

    1. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Heaton is this year's Fabianski

  12. FatmanAndRobin
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Right - with all the cracking options this season, who we thinking is the best option at 6.5 FOR

    King
    Jota
    Deul
    Deeney
    Wood
    Murray
    Barnes
    Pukki (Dark horse?)

    1. kime67
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Jota is obviously the best but its a wait and see with european fixtures

    2. FatmanAndRobin
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Ya the EL is the killer - otherwise he would be a no brainer. With the purchase of Cutrone, you could see some rotation.
      King & Deeney on PENS

    3. JoeSnowUK
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I like King Jota and Wood. Have chosen Wood for now

  13. pakornk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    KDB or Sterling? 2.5 million could be used elsewhere..

    1. FatmanAndRobin
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Start with Sterling - easier to DG if needed

  14. El Lobito 10
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Scenes on here when TAA is benched on Friday for Gomez....

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Wouldn't surprise me tbh.

    2. Tcheco
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Wash your mouth

    3. Reckoner.
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Hopefully get team news just before deadline.

    4. Tcheco
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      🙁

    5. LeSagna
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      With it being a Friday KO, I suppose there is a high chance that the lineup will be announced/known prior to deadline..?

  15. llopesso19
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Pope;
    Robertson, Dijk, Digne, Walker;
    Salah, Sterling, Sigurdsson, Pulisic;
    Jota, King;

    Button, Lundstram, Dendoncker, Wickham ;

    1. tikka mo'salah
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Sexy and different, but I like it! Nice Pulisic and Jota pick.

      Only concern here is potentially non-playing bench.

      1. llopesso19
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        The plan is going with this team for a short period of time. Weeks 1 to 4. After GW 5 European games are starting and the team will have a reinforced bench. Those Leicester guys will be there after that.

        1. tikka mo'salah
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah we'll know more about line-ups at that point too. Good call!

  16. Chrisinho
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Im nearly there just 1 question

    A : Alison + Taylor
    or
    B Pope + Azpil / other 6.0?

    1. FatmanAndRobin
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

  17. thewhitepele
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    KWP+Dunk(bench) or Zinchenko+Lundstram(bench)? Could also just do Dunk->Lundstram but not sure where to use the extra 0.5m?

    Rest of the team:
    Pope (Button)
    TAA VVD Digne X (X)
    Salah Sterling Perez Siggy (Dendonck)
    Wilson Wood (Greenwood)

    1. Fabregasm
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Would go for Zinchenko or Stones and then you'll be good to go

  18. Fabregasm
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Completely settled on my defense and midfielder, but goalkeepers and my 2nd striker keep giving me headaches...
    Currently on Pope + Heaton rotation and have Glenn Murray for the first 3 games, but considering having Matt Ryan for the first 3 and Wood as my second striker. Please talk some sense into me, I'd appreciate it 🙂

    1. Swanremainsthesame
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Pin stick to be honest.

    2. thewhitepele
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Would go with one keeper and do Murray --> Wood

      1. Fabregasm
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks for the input, I'd probably feel more confident with Wood instead of Murray tbh, but which keeper would you recommend?

        1. thewhitepele
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Actually just trying to decide between Pope and Heaton myself. Heaton could be a set and forget, and for sure is one for the first 9 gw with only 2 tough fixtures. Pope has maybe a bit tougher fixtures but can be left in for the first 14 most likely..

          1. Fabregasm
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I feel like Pope is the better keeper with the better defense, but his GW2-GW4 fixtures gives him a tough start, whereas Heaton 'only' needs to get through GW1 without conceeding too many goals, but could easily get 3-4 points a game. It's difficult.

            1. thewhitepele
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              True. There is of course the odd chance of returns from Pope in GW2-GW4 as he will be facing a lot of shots, though I can also see them conceding 2-4 goals in each match at the same time..

  19. zizoo10
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Is there a website where I can view the entire gameweek history of a player from last season, showing minutes, goals/assists, baps, etc per gw?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Fantasypremierleague

      1. zizoo10
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I said per gameweek not total

    2. Andy'81
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Not that I'm aware of, sites like https://www.transfermarkt.com/ can show you the players history by GW (Minutes,goals.assists, cards etc.) but they don't show you the Baps /fantasy score obviously.

  20. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Hi, who would you choose between Fraser or Moura?

    1. Tcheco
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Moura if you own Wilson or King. Fraser if you own Kane

    2. FatmanAndRobin
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Fraser guaranteed to have more mins

    3. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      F

    4. Swanremainsthesame
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      1st gw - Moura
      2nd gw Frazer
      3rd gw onwards someone else

  21. Hungry
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Bit of a random one but does anyone know of an app or company where you can store the pooled cash from players in a league that doesn't charge admin fees?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Just keep it in your bank account?

      1. Hungry
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah, that's probably going to be what happens.

  22. Sterling Archer
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Heaton
    Digne Robbo VVD Kiko
    Richarlison Salah Sterling Fraser
    Jota Wilson

    bench = Fodder

    Kiko = 4.5 playing defender who often plays more attacking
    Richarlison = Always starts the season strong, everton strong fixtures - Easily down gradable if needed

  23. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Lucas or kane for fhe first few gameweeks?

  24. Lacabacca
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Any critiques on this starting 11?

    Ryan
    TAA Van Dijk Digne Cathcart
    Sterling Salah KDB Perez
    Haller King

  25. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on KIKO FEMENIA ?
    Nailed ?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Looks nailed

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Watford, so bad. Second only to Fulham in xG expected against in 2019

      1. Swanremainsthesame
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        They must be bad if they've dropped to the Championship with Fulham.

  26. lufcMOT
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Any suggestions appreciated

    Pope (Heaton)
    TAA KWP Zinchenko Digne (Kelly)
    Salah KDB Perez Siggy (Stephens)
    Kane King (Greenwood)

    Is digne worth 0.5 more than Coleman?
    Is Stephens a worse option than dendonker?
    How much will Harry Wilson be??

    1. lufcMOT
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Also 0.5 in the bank

  27. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    I reckon TAA and Robertson will score 20+ between them Friday night

  28. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Any suggestions please..?
    Pope
    TAA Robbo Digne Zinchenko
    Salah Sterling Perez De bruyne Dendoncker
    Wilson
    Bench- Greenwood,Wickham,Lund,Button

    Considering changing a premium defender instead of dendoncker?

  29. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Which looks better:

    (A) 4-4-2

    Pope
    ALEXANDER-ARNOLD - Van Dijk - Digne - Zinchenko
    Salah - Sterling - Sigurdsson - Perez
    Wilson - JOTA

    (B) 4-5-1

    Pope
    Van Dijk - Digne - Zinchenko - WAN-BISSAKA
    Salah - Sterling - Sigurdsson - MOURA - Perez
    Wilson