New to Fantasy Premier League? This complete FPL beginner’s guide explains the rules, squad selection, transfers, captaincy, and tips to maximize points.
So, you’ve heard about Fantasy Premier League (FPL) and want to join the fun? Whether you’re a football fanatic or just looking for some friendly competition, FPL is an exciting, strategy-based game that lets you manage your own Premier League team!
But wait… how does it work? 🤔 Don’t worry! This guide will explain everything step by step, so you can start strong and avoid common mistakes.
🔰What is Fantasy Premier League (FPL)?
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is an online football management game where you create a 15-player squad using a budget of £100 million. Your team earns points based on real-life performances in the English Premier League (EPL).
📌 How to Play FPL? (Quick Overview)
✔ Pick a Squad: 15 players (2 GKs, 5 DEFs, 5 MIDs, 3 FWDs).
✔ Set Your Starting XI: Only 11 players score points each gameweek.
✔ Choose a Captain & Vice-Captain: Captains earn double points.
✔ Make Transfers: 1 free transfer per gameweek, extra transfers cost -4 points each.
✔ Use Chips Strategically: Wildcard, Triple Captain, Bench Boost, Free Hit, & Assistant Manager.
✔ Compete in Mini-Leagues: Challenge friends & global FPL managers.
⚽ FPL Squad Structure & Formation Rules
Your 15-player squad must follow these rules:
🔹 2 Goalkeepers 🧤
🔹 5 Defenders 🛡
🔹 5 Midfielders 🎯
🔹 3 Forwards ⚡
💡 Formation Flexibility: You can play any formation as long as you have at least 1 goalkeeper, 3 defenders, and 1 forward in your starting XI. An example of 3-4-3 formation is depicted below.
🏆 How Players Score Points in FPL
FPL rewards players based on real-life performances.
| Action | Points Awarded |
| Goal (FWD) | +4 |
| Goal (MID) | +5 |
| Goal (DEF/GK) | +6 |
| Assist | +3 |
| Clean Sheet (GK/DEF) | +4 |
| Bonus Points | +1 to +3 |
| Yellow Card | -1 |
| Red Card | -3 |
| Own Goal | -2 |
| Missed Penalty | -2 |
💡 Tip: Always choose the players with higher baseline Bonus Points System (BPS) to target high-impact players.
🎯 Captaincy & Vice-Captaincy: The Secret to Big Scores
Each gameweek, you must select:
✅ Captain (C): Earns double points 💥
✅ Vice-Captain (VC): If your captain doesn’t play, the VC takes over.
💡 Tip: Pick a captain who is on penalties, in form, and has an easy fixture.
🔄 Transfers & FPL Chips Strategy
Each gameweek, you get 1 free transfer. Additional transfers cost -4 points per move. Should you not make a transfer, your free transfer will roll over to the next gameweek, up to 5 in a row.
💎 FPL Chips (Game-Changers!)
🎭 Wildcard: Unlimited transfers for 1 gameweek.
🔥 Triple Captain: Captain earns 3x points instead of 2x.
🛏 Bench Boost: All 15 players earn points.
🎟 Free Hit: Unlimited transfers for 1 gameweek only, then team reverts.
🤖 Assistant Manager Chip: Choose from any of the 20 Premier League managers to join your FPL team for three consecutive gameweeks.
📊 How Player Prices Change in FPL
Player prices fluctuate based on demand:
✔ Price Rises: If many managers buy a player, his price increases (£0.1m per rise).
✔ Price Drops: If many managers sell a player, his price decreases (£0.1m per drop).
✔ Team Value Matters: A higher squad value lets you afford better players later in the season.
🎮 FPL Leagues: Compete with Friends & Global Managers
FPL allows you to join Mini-Leagues where you can compete against friends or random managers.
Types of Leagues:
✔ Classic Leagues: Based on total points.
✔ Head-to-Head Leagues: Weekly matchups against another manager.
🚀 Pro Tips for Beginners to Succeed in FPL
✅ Plan Transfers in Advance: Avoid last-minute decisions.
✅ Target Players with Penalty Duties: Extra goal-scoring chances.
✅ Look at Expected Goals (xG) & Expected Assists (xA): Data-backed picks win more points.
✅ Follow FPL Experts & Stats Websites: Stay updated with injury news & fixture changes.
🔗 Useful FPL Resources & Tools
📍 Official FPL Website
📍 FPL Statistics (Price Changes)
📍 FBref (Player xG Data)
📍 Fantasy Football Scout
Mastering FPL takes time, but with the right strategies, you’ll be climbing the ranks in no time! Stay informed, trust your instincts, and most importantly—enjoy the game. ⚽🔥