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. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    RMT

    Alisson/Ederson
    Robertson Gibson Dawson Emerson
    Sigurdsson Richarlison Fanderson Maddison Gudmundsson
    Wilson

    Any of mids could become Son at gw3.

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

      Alisson and Ederson as keepers? That's a crazy waste of money.

      1. ENZO SZN™
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Allison OR Ederson

        1. 03farmboy
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I’m really struggling which ones the best option... was going with ederson but bravo played really well in community sheild might start beginning of session

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

      Did you use all of the 100m budget? Doesn't look like it.

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

        You left over 10 million ITB. A bold strategy.

        1. farqy
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I think the real joke here is all these people above not getting the joke

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

            What's the joke?

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

              Come on my son

              1. farqy
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Son one here will get it eventually. Even both my sons got it straight away

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

                  Got it now

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

                No

    3. KennyKickIt127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      LOL! Get in there my SON!!!

  2. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Want both Sterling and Salah.

    Do you think it will be too many premiums with Kane, better to go Vardy instead and spread the funds?

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

      Be interested to see what the team would look like with Kane

      1. Chilli Heatwave
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Mine is,
        Heaton
        VVD-TAA-Stones-AWB
        Sterling-salah-Perez-Mcginn
        Kane-king

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

          Better than I thought, bench?

          1. Chilli Heatwave
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Fodder, button-kelly-dendoncker-greenwood

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

              Very cheap but not -that- bad. Actually like the squad to be honest.

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

      Yes

  3. Igor-Stimac
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    It has been asked a thousand times but I'm still undecided.

    Best 4.5m keeper?

    Lots of Pope, Ryan and Heaton but no MCcarthy?

    1. Maddi Son
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      The truth is that it's pretty much a lottery with 4.5 keepers. You can go off fixtures with them, but usually they haul in the tougher fixtures. Just pick one and hope, they'll probably all offer good value.

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

      I use Heat&Ry combo
      Burnley should relegate this year

    3. ENZO SZN™
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Looks like Gunn is their 1st choice GK.

  4. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Pope, Ryan or Heaton?

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

      Ryan

    2. Chilli Heatwave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Heaton

  5. Daghe Munegu
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Anybody please?

    What would you do with 1m itb?
    I was thinking of

    A:leaving itb to do Ings to Kean/Abraham later on
    B: Coleman + Zinch to Digne + Walker
    C: one of B + Barkley to Perez

    Lloris
    TAA VVD Coleman Zincheko
    Salah Sterling Martial Barkley
    Wilson Ings

    1. Chilli Heatwave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Coleman to Digne and barley to Perez

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

      Ings to King, Coleman to Digne

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

      b is perfect

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

    What about my final draft?
    Ryan (button)
    Coleman / robbo / zinchenko / KWP (dico/lunds)
    Salah / sterling / perez / robinson (dendoncker)
    Wilson / auba (greenwood)

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

      Who is dicolunds?

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

        Sorry my bad, rico or lunds

  7. Chilli Heatwave
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    How long till Laporte is back? Considering stones over Coleman or is it not worth it.

    1. OLLY G
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Not sure yet. Hopefully Pep reveals more in the presser but probably not. I think he gets a kick out of teasing the FPL managers lol.

  8. OLLY G
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    So if Iwobi goes to Everton, if, for 30m, are people gonna pick him? 6m if a lovely price point.

    1. ENZO SZN™
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I don't know if playing for Everton will make him better as an option.

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

      yeah worth a look, decent player

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

    2 questions...

    Why is TAA not nailed?

    Who is best bench striker in a 3-5-2?

    1. Chilli Heatwave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      In big games sometimes Klopp goes Gomez at rb. However, TAA has higher point ceiling than Robbo, so risk/reward game really

    2. OLLY G
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      He probably is, but Robbo is safer with no left back competition and TAA was subbed off in the community shield after all.

      Probably Greenwood, especially if United don't get another striker, but it's all a bit of a lottery.

    3. Guba
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      TAA more risk but then I think he'll start all the easy fixtures which really is when you most want him. Definitely a higher points ceiling I'd say than any other Pool defender but may lose him here and there to big games.

  10. Too Many Hits
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Really not happy with Stones or Zinchenko

    Who's the best Defender 5.5 or below?

    1. Chilli Heatwave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Coleman I guess other then those, if sidibe doesn’t join that is

    2. OLLY G
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Tbh, l think Jonty has it very good at Taylor of Burnley and Diop of West Ham rotation, both at 4.5m, vs a 5.5m and a 4m defender, assuming you have one. They had great rotation for the first 7 GWs.

      If you don't have Digne, Coleman is the best pick at 5.5m imo, with great fixtures and attacking potential, but two Everton defensive assets feels a bit much to me.

      1. Too Many Hits
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Have Digne, Robbo VVD Zinchenko Lundstrum atm, would do the 4.5 rotation but can't see Burnley or West Ham keeping many clean sheets

  11. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Cahill @4.5.
    Bonjour!

    Surely he starts considering the injuries Palace have?

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

      They’ll still concede a boat load

      1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Tut.
        Just taken out Salah and Sterling to fit him in

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

    Any thoughts on this?

    Pope - Button
    TAA - VVD - Zinchenko - Lundstram - Digne
    Salah - Sterling - Perez - Fraser - Dendonker
    Wilson - Jota - Greenwood

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Like.
      Not sold on Digne personally

  13. Guba
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone punting on Gomez?

    I just feel that it'll almost definitely be him starting and will score very similar points total. The additional £1.0M can be better used elsewhere but of course that element of risk exists...

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      VVD for me then downgrade when we know who is more nailed

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

        Yeah that would be ideal however I'm trying to set my team in an easy way to get Son in GW3 in just 2 transfers (plan is to downgrade Wilson to 6.5M with £0.5m ITB)

        1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          If Kane is on the pitch Son is not the best option

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

            Really? Only based on eye test but when I've seen him and owned him with Kane he's still been magnificent.

  14. james 101
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    what go you think of this King Wilson team?

    Pope
    VVD Robbo MaGuire
    Salah Sterling Fraser Perez Zaha
    King Wilson

    (Button Nketiah Lunds Kelly)

    If I went with this I’d prob drop one of them soonish when I had more data...

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A few alternatives to Zaha too...

    2. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      If Bournemouth have a bad first few games?

    3. fantasyfog
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I dislike king rather a lot

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

        Why? Top tier fixtures, nailed-on for an attacking side, also he's currently on penalties.

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

          disappointment waiting to happen

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

            better off downgrading to wood, ings, adams...anyone...and using the .5 elsewhere

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

              A 6.0m Wood would be nice, but he is not.

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

                better than king same price

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

      Diversify your forwards

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

    Best 5.5m defender to start the season?
    Zinchenko, Stones, Alderweireld, Shaw?

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

      Out of those, Zinc. But you may have to transfer him out in a few weeks. Coleman better option if you don't have Digne

  16. farqy
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Travers, Gunn
    Van Dijk, Digne, Walker-Peters, Diop, Kelly
    Salah, Moura, Sigurdsson, Perez, Hayden
    Kane, Rashford, King

    Correct me if that isn't the greatest team available to mankind

    1. Laporte of the Gods
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      TAA /Robbo
      Sterling
      KWP may be risky
      Not convinced by keepers

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

      Lets bookmark this & expect you to be corrected by OR gw4 unless you TF the heck out of it

      1. farqy
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Fiver says I'm top 10 by gw4

  17. jayzico
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    MIDFIELDER for 5m?

    Noble
    Hojberg
    Jorge

    ANyone else? Going to be my 4th mid.

    Again any advice is good advice, cheers guys

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

      Hmmm - if planning to play every week, would be tempted to play Donkey and spend the 0.5 elsewhere.

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

      Solly March / Norwood.

      March had 6 assists last season playing LM/WB in Potters 343 and up and down the wing. Norwood has some set pieces I believe.

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

        solly March. Never heard of the dude. Good spot sir! IN

  18. Andre_The_Giant
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Ederson owners - surely he's straight back in the starting lineup for GW1, right?

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

      100% yes

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

    anyone on here have king in their team last year?

    anyone happy with his points output?

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

      Had him - had a few decent hauls but very hit and miss

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

        As you may expect for a6.5 striker

    2. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      King was no. 2 for value among all forwards last year. No. 1 was Jiminez.

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

    A) Heaton
    VVD-TAA-Stones-AWB
    Sterling-salah-Perez-Mcginn
    Kane-king

    Or

    B) Heaton
    VVD-TAA-Stones-AWB
    Sterling-salah-fraser-barkley
    Vardy-king

    Basically a Vardy or Kane dilemma

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

      Prefer A but do have a gut feeling Fraser will provide the goods in first few fixtures

  21. finnish92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Pope (Heaton)
    VVD, Robertson, Zinchenko, Montoya (Lundstram)
    Salah, Sterling, Perez, Barkley (Hayden)
    Kane, King (Greenwood)

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

      Nice

  22. Budgies
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Ederson (Gunn)
    Robertos, Zinchenko, KWP, (Rico, Lundstram)
    Siggy, Salah, DeBrunye, Perez, (Dendonker)
    Kane, King, Origi

    Good to go?

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

      IMO too much on keepers - two 4.5s or one set and forget...

      Don’t like Origi or Rico but do like the midfield

  23. The Senate
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    (A) Coleman, Fraser, Ayoze

    (B) Digne, Sigurdsson, McGinn

    Rest:
    Foster/4.0
    Robbo Virgil AWB
    Salah KDB
    Kane Jota
    (Dendoncker Greenwood Lundstram)

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

      A

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

    Something not quite right with this squad. Fresh eyes please...cheers

    Heaton pope
    VVD Digne KWP dunk Lundstram
    Salah kdb zaha Pérez McGinn
    Kane king wood

  25. jayzico
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    SO, who are the nailed on 4.5 mids now? Seems they are getting fewer and fewer

  26. brendanlim92
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Please RMT!

    Hart (Heaton)
    AWB Digne Robertson VVD (Montoya)
    Sterling Salah Perez Pereyra (Stephens)
    Vardy King (Wickham)

  27. Robman
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    RMT my starting team please (4-3-3 or 3-4-3 formations most weeks).
    I haven't had much feedback when asking so please try and help me thanks.
    I like the bench strength to pick up odd points here and there.

    Heaton (set and forget)
    VVD, Robertson, Digne, Rico
    Salah, Sterling, De Bruyne
    Murray, Wood, Wilson

    Bench: Rico, Dendoncker, Hayden, Dunk

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

      Bench should be Button, not Rico!

  28. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Kane or aubameyang

  29. Demel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Ready for the deadline.

    Ederson
    Digne - Robertson - Zilchenko - VVD - Azpi
    Perez - Salah - Sterling - Sigurdsson
    King

    Button - Dendonker - Greenwood - Wickham

  30. Robman
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    a) Kane and King
    OR b) Vardy and Wilson?