FPL

How to Play Fantasy Premier League – A Beginner’s Guide

Fantasy Premier League 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 needs a complete guide to show your clueless colleagues to make sure they definitely sign up to your mini-league?

Whoever you are, we hope this comprehensive guide tells you all you need to know about FPL this summer.

WHAT IS FANTASY PREMIER LEAGUE?

Fantasy Premier League is a game that casts you in the role of a Fantasy manager. You are given the task to pick a squad of real-life players who score points for your team based on their performances in their own matches.

DO I NEED TO PLAY IN A LEAGUE?

The game can be played solo, with managers pitching their team against all other registered managers in the world. However, the more exciting option is to enter your team in a private mini-league with your friends or colleagues.

HOW DO I PICK MY TEAM OR SQUAD?

FPL hands you a £100m budget which you spend on your squad. If you’re new to the game this budget may seem generous but once you take a look at the player list and start selecting, it’s a good bet that it will start getting eaten up pretty quickly. You will find that the most expensive players will be the attacking options in midfield and forward positions.

Your squad will have 15 players in it but only 11 can start every week, it’s up to you to decide which four to leave on the bench. They will only come into your side if members of your starting line-up do not register any minutes.

CAN I CHANGE MY LINEUP ONCE I’VE PICKED IT?

Before the start of the Premier League season, you can make an unlimited number of transfers as long as the value of your squad does not exceed the £100m budget.

However, once the first deadline has passed you are limited to one free transfer per Gameweek. If you do not use it then you will have two free transfers the following Gameweek, although you cannot roll more than two.

You are allowed to make more transfers on top of the free ones, but you will be charged four points for each switch made that is surplus to your allocation for that week.

The deadline for each Gameweek is now 90 minutes before the kick-off time of the first fixture. Normally that’s at 11.00am UK time on a Saturday but there will be Friday night matches and mid-week fixtures too this season.

HOW DO I ALLOCATE MY BUDGET?

In order to maintain a balance in your squad, it is not a bad idea to roughly split your budget evenly across the four different positions: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards. Ideally, you want no more than two premium asset per position and would do well to fill your squad out with cheaper assets who are important to the so-called smaller clubs.

Doing so can reap rewards. Your players will get injuries, suspensions and loss of form and if you take steps to select a more balanced team in terms of cost, you may find it easier to repair any holes. Ideally, you need to aim for a situation whereby one-for-one transfers will be enough to fix any problems you may run into. Investing heavily in one area of the team and then being unlucky enough to run into problems in that area, could leave you with surplus cash that will be wasted without using additional transfers elsewhere in your team.

OKAY, SO WHICH PLAYERS DO I PICK?

As there a large number of players available in FPL there are lots of potentially effective combinations. 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 your initial squad and make your transfers now and through the season. So make sure you stick around!

For all of our pre-season coverage so far this summer CLICK HERE.

HOW DO I SCORE POINTS?

There are lots of different ways to score points on FPL, with goals, assists and clean sheets the most important match events. Whoever you pick as captain will score double points in that Gameweek. 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 THE CHIPS?

There are four different chips Fantasy managers can use on FPL this season to boost their overall points-score in any given Gameweek. They are:

Wildcard – The Wildcard allows you to make an unlimited number of transfers in a Gameweek without incurring any points hits. You have two of these to use. The first can be used at any point until December 28th, while the second can only be used after that date.

Triple Captain – Normally your chosen captain will score double points in a Gameweek. One week in the season you can deploy the Triple Captain chip to triple his score instead.

Bench Boost – Usually you are forced to bench four of your players but the Bench Boost allows you to, one week a season, add the points from your substitute to your overall Gameweek score.

Free Hit – Just like the Wildcard, this allows you to make any number of transfers you wish without losing points to transfer hits. However, it only lasts one Gameweek; once it is over your old team comes back. This is especially useful for blank or double Gameweeks.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY PLAYERS GET INJURED OR SUSPENDED?

You need to assess and react to injuries quickly. Monitor our injuries and bans table regularly to check on your team and if a player looks to be out for 2-3 weeks consider replacing him as this could well mean a 3-4 game absence given that he’d have to regain his match fitness and place in the side.

If you have players simply not playing you need to look at just how serious an issue this is on a player by player basis.

As a rule, though, it’s something you need to consider acting upon. Even if the player is getting on as a sub or even starting 75% of the first five games, if he has competition for his place or has been rotated, then it’s something you may have to deal with over the entire season. If you have an alternative on your shortlist who is more reliable and scoring well, it might be best to make the change early rather than have one player distract you and have you guarding transfers for the opening few months.

WHEN SHOULD I SIGN NEW PLAYERS FOR MY TEAM?

As for player form, this will fluctuate throughout the season. Keep an eye out for form players but don’t be tempted by one-week wonders who hit a hat-trick and then never follow it up for the rest of the season. Sustained form and proven point scorers are what you’re after. Jumping on bandwagons can often be profitable but only when it’s being pulled by a player who 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 information you need on a weekly basis to make informed decisions and there will be enough opinion from us and other visitors to the site to consider. Monitor our team news section week-by-week prior to fixtures and also check out the Scout Notes that we provide after every set of matches. These will point out any significant changes to team line-ups and offer clues on which players have their place under threat at any given time, as well as those players coming into form.


BEST PLAYERS BY POSITION:

988 Comments Post a Comment
  1. anish10
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Kane or Vardy?

    1. LangerznMash
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Vardy

      1. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Kane

    2. McSauce
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Both havent shown pre season form or international for Kane.

      Personally I think for the money I would go Werner or Ings.

      However to Answer your question;
      Kane

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Party

    4. 2OLEgend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Vardy

  2. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thiago Silva landed in London yesterday and will take part in his first training session at his new club today.

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pulisc news ?
      I'm having havertz as his placeholder atm

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Looking for Puoi news too.

        1. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Puli

  3. fr3d
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Auba (C) or Kane (C)?

    1. Azathoth
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      PEA

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Auba

  4. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    https://www.reddit.com/r/FantasyPL/comments/ipba5v/interesting_take_on_chelsea_players_see_comments/

    Puli expected in starting XI, Werner looking good

    Bottomed

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Now thats a tempter. Go with Puli (tried and tested) or Werner (could be FPL gold and has a decent fixture to start)

      1. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Both are nailed in my team if fit, expecting them to be incredible value

  5. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Right then

    Mitro or Wilson!

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Volleyball

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wilson

    3. LangerznMash
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wilson by a mile.

    4. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wils diggi

    5. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers, I’ve not watched Wilson much at all so a bit in the dark

      1. Soto Ayam
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I chose Wilson over mitro, because it isn't mitro, rather than because it's wilson

  6. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Guys is David Luis injured?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Apparently so, one month

    2. McSauce
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Who starts then?

      1. jomikijiq
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Holding

      2. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Luiz injury leaves Holding, Gabriel and Saliba as the only fit CBs

        1. weaver93
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Thought Holding was due to be loaned out..

          1. Siva Mohan
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            it's not the right time with Luiz injury

        2. jomikijiq
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Tierney is also an LCB option in back 3

          1. Siva Mohan
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            not a proper CB .. can play LCB I agree

        3. Jullepuu
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Is Sokratis out?

    3. Milk, 1 Šuker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Flat back four: Bellerin Saliba Holding Tierney

      1. ZTF
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Most likely: Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney.

        AMN at right back if PSG get Bellerin

  7. 824545201
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Rate my team (3-4-3):

    McCarthy - Steer

    TAA - van Dijk - Lascelles - Taylor - Buur

    Salah - Auba - Alli - Barnes - Bissouma

    Ings - Antonio - Mitrovic

    1. McSauce
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      5/10

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      7/11

  8. jomikijiq
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I think I will have both in my squad as I really like DCL for GW2-GW4, but don't want to play those two against each other in GW1.

    Which one to start?

    A) Dier
    B) DCL

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B - higher ceiling

  9. jjbwilliams
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Rate My Team

    Ramsdale

    TAA, Justin, Vinagre

    ASM, Salah, Auba, Son, Soucek,

    Werner, Ings

    Then an embarrassing bench

    Peacock , Walker Peters, Branthwaite, Brewster

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Arise, Sir JJBWilliams!

  10. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What do you think about that team ?

    Ryan
    TAA/Davies/Egan/KWP
    Auba/Salah/Son/Saka
    Werner/Ings

    Nyland/Brewster/Stephens/Mitchell

    1. Tinkermania
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Very good team. Even better if Brewster goes on loan

    2. PapaWengzz
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Dont Fancy ASM now that newcastle look like they could actually score goals?

      1. Atimis
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Tough call tbh

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Arise again, Sir Atimis!

  11. MoSalalalalalalalalah
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    If Puli is back, then which option is best?

    A) DCL + ASM/Diangana
    B) Puli + 4.5 forward

    Option A are the player I'd probably replace

  12. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    We all know we’re going to change our teams after the pressers!

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Chelsea Wolves important.
      Pulisc Vinagre

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Puli won't be rushed..

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I have same feeling. Transfer down the line ....

          1. Siva Mohan
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            may be after GW2

    2. Evasivo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pressers all scheduled for Friday morning?

  13. Amey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Not feeling usual excitement of start of season yet ...

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You'll start feeling the fear soon.

      Fear is another word for excitement.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        🙂

  14. LangerznMash
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Oskar Buur is very popular in RMTs this morning.
    I'd assume Adama will be starting RWB until Wolves sign a replacement.

      1. Jonesfromthere
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        People give ITK accounts too much faith. This 4 mil kid won't get into Sheff's defense, and they just signed 2 back-up wing-backs from Derby

        1. jomikijiq
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          he plays for Wolves

          1. Jonesfromthere
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            You clearly didn't click the link

            1. jomikijiq
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              I think you didn't 🙂

        2. Flair
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          So, you know absolutely nothing about him.

    1. MoSalalalalalalalalah
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mitchell the better option?

  15. Ranger3
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Looking to bench at least 1 utd player for GW1 :
    A Kane + Greenwood
    B Martial + Son
    Really not sure here, really think Kane scores vs Everton but really think Martial scores vs Palace..

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

  16. Adambailey7
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ings, Foden, Mitchell

    Or

    DCL, Zaha, KWP

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Azathoth
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      DZK

      1. 2OLEgend
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        this

  17. Hakaei lali
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    which one better
    (1) doherty + taylor
    (2) davis + tiago silva

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      2

    2. Adambailey7
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I’d say A as it has more of a attacking threat

    3. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

      A

    5. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  18. Mayor of Flair
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any reason why C Wilson won't be a troll this season too?

    1. Daniel Exeter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He's a 6.5 now, so need to manage expectations. I suspect he'll out perform the 6.5 price bracket. He's in my team

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Position filled already by Mitro the Magnet

    3. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No but 6.5 is fair troll price for a striker. It's picking the slightly lesser troll that's the key

      1. Mayor of Flair
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        That sounds grim but that's where I am!

  19. Evasivo
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who is on Pens & FKs for Everton & Newcastle?

    (Unsure if Set Piece takers is due an update on FFS.)

    1. Tinkermania
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Everton;Sigurdsson

    2. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      James has 13/16 penalties career record, might be him

    3. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Newcastle I'd guess maybe Wilson?

    4. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      James - 13/16
      Sigurdsson - 28/36

      and EVE were awarded only 2 Penos last season..

      1. Evasivo
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Perhaps James unless Siggy is on the pitch

  20. dylano21
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who will Play as a RB at Everton ?

    Kenny or Coleman ?

  21. MoSalalalalalalalalah
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    So are we trying to fit Puli into our teams now?

    1. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I thought he was injured?

      1. Tinkermania
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Not fit.

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No

    3. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      With the way he played during restart and the prospect of Ziyech's crosses, absolutely

      Easy swap from Kai or Ziyech + .5 though

      1. MoSalalalalalalalalah
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Flair what's your opinion on this?

        A) DCL + ASM/Diangana
        B) Puli + 4.5 forward

        Option A are the player I'd probably replace

        1. Flair
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Sorry, don't really get the question. 4.5 forward won't play unless Brewster goes so A. Though I personally would take the Pulisic first, everyone else second approach but it's up to you.

    4. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No. Havertz set and forget.

      1. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        go on then....why, over Ziyech, Puli or Mount?

        1. Mayor of Flair
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Don't know really but his potential seems to eclipse that of all those other guys.

          Never heard of the guy 6 weeks ago and haven't watched any footage of him but now I can't imagine my life without him.

          1. bigbudgie
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            lol

    5. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      double pool defense gw2 ,is making me not consider chelsea offense till gw3 and then who do you pick??
      pulisic
      ziyech
      havertz
      werner

      minefield that,surely a couple of weeks scouting is the best plan...

    6. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not yet

  22. jason_ni
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any preference?

    A) Sterling - C Wilson - Bats (3-4-3) 0.5 itb
    B) Romeu(Bench) - Werner - Kane (4-3-3)

    Ryan
    Robbo - TAA - KWP - Taylor - Mitchell
    Salah - Auba - Soucek - (Bissouma) - xxx
    Mitro - xxx - xxx

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Preference is to stick with budget

      1. jason_ni
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        What do you mean? Am a bit confused!

        Are you saying either of those teams is over 100?

    2. 2OLEgend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

  23. davewg59
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Wilson/Doherty
    or
    DCL/Saiss?

    Have ASM

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  24. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone back on Saliba with the Luiz injury?

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nah Holding in probably

    2. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      id say saliba is ahead of holding @ 4.5 not a lot can go wrong so deffo

      1. ZTF
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Ornstein has said Holding starts on Saturday

  25. Mayor of Flair
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Really not pumped about having Wilson in my team but I suppose I probably should...sigh

  26. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Son + DCL
    B) Ziyech + Ings

    1. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A - Son has the most upside imo and a bargin

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    3. 2OLEgend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  27. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which one to go alongside TAA?

    A) VVD
    B) Doherty

    1. FlashGilbert
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Depends on rest of defence, but would prefer B if already have TAA.

      1. Danstoke82
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Other defenders are
        Justin, Mitchell, CTaylor

        Pretty template I know

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

      1. Danstoke82
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers mate

    3. 2OLEgend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Would consider Dier instead of Doh and save 1mil

  28. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Folks, be honest, how does this look?

    McCarthy
    Trent KWP Doherty
    Salah Armstrong Son Aubameyang
    Wilson/Antonio Werner Nketiah

    Button Taylor Mitchell Bissouma

    1. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      decent I would say, brb gonna copy

    2. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like it quite a bit. Think Southampton are a team worth investing in at their price. Would do Wilson ahead of Antonio I think, and personally prefer Mitro to Nketiah

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Arise, Sir Tinmen!

    4. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      looks unaffordable at first glance,therefore must be good..

  29. T.Henry14
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Alli + Ings (after GW1: Alli to Greenwood, +0.5itb for Ings to Martial)

    B) Son + Adams + 1.5itb (after GW1: Son to Bruno)

    so after GW1&GW2:

    A) Greenwood + Ings/Martial
    B) Bruno + Adams

  30. FlashGilbert
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A or B:

    A) Egan, Armstrong & Brewster; or
    B) Saliba, Bissouma & Mitro.

    Thanks.