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. lufcMOT
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

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

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

      Yes
      Yes
      Dunno

    2. Graceless Goof
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Digne is worth it. Not sure on Setphens and Dendoncker. Probably 6-6.5

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

      Yes
      Yes
      6.0

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

      For me no

      Yes but if Lemina goes to Wolves could put Dendonkers place at risk

      Hard to say would think either 6.0 / 6.5 / 7.0 no more no less

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        7 would be ridiculous. 6 for me and frankly I think 5.5 isn't crazy (no real PL experience, not nailed)

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

      Yes for me. Digne worth it

    6. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      If you have the budget Digne is a more reliable option, however, that extra 0.5 can go a long way to improving other parts of your team. I think Coleman represents better value.

      You're never expecting to play your 4.5 midfielder, so pick one that's guaranteed minutes and has the lowest ownership

      I'm surprised Harry Wilson wasn't already listed before his loan move... Jordan Ibe is 5.0 and I would expect he'll be priced similarly. 5.0 to 5.5.

    7. OFord
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Digne deffo worth, especially now Sidibe will provide competition for Coleman

  2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    crystal palace are working on a late deal to buy Kyle Walker-Peters but Southampton have now entered the race to sign the young full back

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Massive downgrade on AWB from what I've seen

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

      Non option

    3. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Odd from Southampton - surely they have two decent RB's. Spurs won't sell in their situation anyway

    4. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      C'mon the Saints!

      Bound to end up at Anfield next season now.

    5. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Does pochettino think they've removed hate the entire right of the pitch at Wembley or something? Madness letting him go too since aurier is unsettled. Surely they must be buying someone 🙂

    6. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Rubbish

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

    A) Aubameyang, McGinn, Sharp
    B) KdB, King, Wesley

    1. Graceless Goof
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

    2. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

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

      A is a mad but exciting pick

    4. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    5. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Not that keen on either, but B feels a touch more secure

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

        B is safer overall. Higher ownership picks and all that.

        But A is pretty exciting and Auba can become Kane easily. Plays the fixtures better etc.

    6. Bumbaclot
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

    7. Bob.
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

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

    Got £3m ITB which was planning to use for either Sane/KDB (in place of Perez) but is there something better I can do with this?

    Heaton (Button)
    TAA Robbo Montoya (Gibson Lundstram)
    Salah Fraser Perez Barkley (Dendo)
    Kane Wilson Murray

    Thanks.

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

      You need a ManC attacker

    2. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Perez > BSliva or Moura
      Montoya > Digne or Coleman

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

    Good to go?

    Ryan (Button)
    Robbo VVD Digne (Dunk, Lundstram)
    Perez Sterling Salah(C) Fraser (Dendoncker)
    Adams Wilson Wood

  6. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Yerry Mina should be a nailed on starter right? Absolute beast from set pieces and with VAR in effect nobody knew how to handle him in the world cup. Thinking of going for him over Coleman if sidibe signs. Or have I just talked myself into stupidity?

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

      Should be. Everton still strong odds to sign Zouma though

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      is he not involved in some king of illegal betting ?

    3. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Sidibe is not the player he is used to be. Sidibe is to Coleman what Danilo used to be to Walker imo. I am still going with Coleman.

      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I hope that's the case. A 5.5 is the key to finalising my team

    4. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Be careful he is injury prone

  7. Nutella
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Last slot in the team, going to go with a differential striker.

    Do i go A) Tammy Abraham or B) Haller?

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

      A

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B is a much much better player, super nailed and is just coming into his prime. Probably has penos in all likelihood too,

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

      B

    4. Bumbaclot
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

    5. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'd opt for Haller.

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

      Haller. You can always go down to Abraham. But I'd wait and see.

  8. ElliotJHP
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Virgil + start with 0.5 in the bank or Robbo?

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Similar issue - do you have TAA?

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

        Yeah mate, will be doubling up regardless

        1. Fpl Richie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I'd be inclined to see how the extra funds could be used. In my case, Zinchenko could be Laporte if I downgrade Robbo to VVD. If I stick, I'd have 0.5itb or the option to rotate keepers.

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

      I think VVD is good enough

  9. EgyptianKing
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Mates, with this team for some days now. Any comments? Suggestions?

    Pope
    VVD Robertson Chenko Digne
    Lucas KDB Sterling Salah Robinson
    King

    Cheers!

    1. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Nice team
      3 pool
      3 city
      Nice enablers, although they are very short term (King/Lucas/Robinson)

      I would consider downgrading KDB to Perez and upgrading King to Wilson and Robinson to 6.0-7.0 midfielder, you can leave the change ITB for future transfer

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

        Exactly, I thought about that alternative too. Thank you for the feedback mate.

        I consider KDB a good alternative honestly, I can see him getting very involved in their attacking process.

        Your suggestion would provide me a more balanced team. Lucas can be Martial, Pullisic or Fraser soon if needed however

  10. Bumbaclot
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Team is:

    Heaton
    Vvd/TAA/digne/zinchenko
    Salah/sterling/siggy/Perez
    Wilson/wood

    Button/donks/greenwood/Kelly.

    Question is:

    A. Zinch and siggy/Bilva

    B. Walker and Fraser

    C. Laporte and zaha

    Thanks everyone

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

      B looks good

  11. Graceless Goof
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Can anyone enlighten me about this Trossard chap I keep seeing in teams as of late?

    1. Kimmich
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Attacking winger, had a good record in the Europa league last year. Suits Potters style of play.

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Mentioned on the Scoutcast and picked by a couple of 'em.
      Kiss of death.

    3. Free Hat
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Attack minded Belgian mid with lots of assist potential and also goal threat. Takes a few free kicks en set duties as well. Was very good player in Belgium.

  12. mike09
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Pope
    Robbo - VVD - Coleman
    Salah - De Bruyne - Martial - Fraser - Perez
    Wilson - Wood

    4.0 - Lundstram - Rico - Greenwood

    2.0m ITB to swap Fraser/Martial for Son in GW 3.

    Good to go?

  13. child of God
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Join Head to Head league
    Code: cja1op

  14. Bob.
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    First draft. How does it look?

    Ryan Button
    Robertson Walker Digne Guilbert Lundstram
    Salah Sterling Perez Moura Robinson
    Vardy Wesley Greenwood

    1.0 in the bank. Should I upgrade Greenwood? Cheers

  15. steven8991
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Which combo?

    A. Ederson, Digne, Richarlison, 6.5M Striker
    B. Pope, Coleman, Robinson, Kane

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      🙂 both sweet
      A

  16. thehut
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    After many, many drafts! I think I am just going to settle with this, good enough you think or any further changes?

    Pope / Heaton

    Robbo / VVD / Coleman / Taylor / Montoya

    Salah / Sterling / Perez / McGinn / Dendonc

    Wilson / Jota / Haller

    1. le flem
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Seems good. Few good differentials in there.

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Not bad at all. I'd be tempted to risk getting Barkley over McGinn, or downgrading Jota to allow a better defender - but I can see you have a rotation plan.

  17. le flem
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    RMT

    Pope Heaton

    Rico Targett Taylor TAA Robertson

    Martial Robinson Perez Sterling Salad

    Wilson King Greenwood

    1m ITB

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

      Don't like Wilson and King in same team

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

        Yeah, wouldn't have both, 1 is enough

    2. Bob.
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Also not a fan of salad!

  18. George Sillett
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    3 premium side , think I'm ready now assuming any last minute injuries
    Heaton
    Robertson, VVD , Digne , Cathcart, Guilbert
    Salah , Sterling, Perez , Robinson , Hayden
    Aubameyang, King

    Not overly keen on King but seems best of the bunch for 2 games.

    1. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      *plus fodder forward*

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

      Niceee, why no Deno?

      1. OFord
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        High ownership probably

    3. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Rock 'n Roll John! gl

  19. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A.

    Pope (Button)
    Vvd COLEMAN Rico (Lund, GIBSON)
    Sterling Salah Perez MOURA Robinson
    Wilson Auba (Wickham)

    B.

    Pope (Button)
    Vvd DIGNE SHAW (Lund, Rico)
    Sterling Salah Perez Robinson MCGINN
    Wilson Auba (Wickham)

    A. gives me weaker defence but a punt in Moura, but also a transfer waiting to happen.

    B. Stronger defence and more balanced but no player for the Spurs game.

    Help very appreciated!

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

    No love for siggy? I think he's got the best fixtures

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      he's in my team 🙂

    2. Riders of Yohan
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Think pre season form have scared some people

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

      too hot and cold for my liking

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

      I've got him on my team too. All I can see is goals and Assists.

  21. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    help (really) needed please

    442 with azpi
    442 with coleman
    343 with king

    thanks a lot 🙂

    1. Foogle
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'd say 442 with Coleman switched for Digne as he's more nailed on to start, like Azpi as an option though.

  22. Meme2011
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    i'm really struggling this year...

    if i am going to just have 1 non playing sub is it best to be DEF, MID, or FWD?

    1. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Doesn't matter IMO, 2 playing subs should be enough

      1. Meme2011
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        the 4.5m midfielder seems to offer the most options formation wise but i'm concious midfielders score the most points

  23. falafel
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A: Jota, Denconcker, Laporte
    B: Nketiah, Moura, Walker

    1. Riders of Yohan
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A but change Jota for king or ings

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

      A comfortably. But consider someone other than Laporte. 6.5m is a ton to pay for little attacking returns.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Laporte is a conundrum for me

        Whilst I agree he isn't ridiculously prolific in an attacking sense, he's still FAIRLY productive... And by selecting him you're effectively locking in the 15+ CS's city will likely get

        Overall I think VVD looks a lot better, yet I can't pick 4 Liverpool, and I definitely want city defensive cover, so Laporte ends up nailed in my team, whereas VVD, who looks a better FPL player for the same price, misses out

        It's a funny old game

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

      A. Moura big rotation risk

  24. Riders of Yohan
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Trying to squeeze Wilson in...

    A) King + Zinch (+0.5)

    B) Wilson + Montoya / Dunk

    Current team:

    Heaton / 4.0
    Robbo / VVD / Digne / ### / 4.0
    Sterling / salah / KDB / Perez / dend
    ### / ings / greenwood

  25. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    How would you rank Aguero, Kane, Auba, Laca, Mane, Pepe, KDB, Son over the season?

    Asking for a Draft.

    1. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Kane
      Mane
      Auba
      Aguero
      KDB
      Son
      Pepe
      Laca

    2. Riders of Yohan
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Kane
      Auba
      Aguero
      Mane
      KDB
      Laca
      Son

      No idea about pepe

    3. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Kane
      Auba
      Aguero
      Mané
      KDB
      Lacazette
      Pepe
      Son

  26. Meme2011
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Barkley & Greenwood
    B) Dendonker & Wesley

    i guess its down to who will score more from Barkley & Wesley... would appreciate your thoughts

    1. Foogle
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Barkley will score more points if he's a guaranteed starter. Dendonker is a much better option to come off the bench.

      1. Meme2011
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        thx

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

    Hmmm I've somehow ended up with a few players based from gut feel (i.e. noone seems to be picking Rich...)

    Ryan
    Robertson | VVD | Taylor/Targett
    Barkley | Sterling | Salah | Fraser | Richarlison
    Wilson | Wood

    Thoughts/feelings/emotions out of 10?

    1. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Looks better than most honestly

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

        Cheers mate! Should be fun either way ha

  28. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Wish there was a separate section for team news, injuries, latest transfer news ... I mean just valuable information which helps us wherr everyone could comment and post. Now it's full of RMT and A/B questions and good informations get lost between them.
    That idea helps us being update and don't miss anything if we are out for hours for example. I know about ffs twitter but that doesn't cover everything and details

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

      Look at the tabs along the top

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        i know

    2. Free Hat
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Im with you. Injury and transfers posts are a like a breath of fresh air between the rmt posts.

  29. dashdriver
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Best Sub £7.0 striker?

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Mr Watford

  30. OldBenKenobi
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Had Siggy in my team most of preseason but now on KDB.
    Good move right?