FPL Points System Explained: How Your Players Earn and Lose Points

Success in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) isn’t just about picking the biggest names—it’s about understanding how points are scored. Every pass, goal, and save can make a difference, and knowing the scoring system helps you make better decisions for your FPL squad. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your strategy, this guide breaks down the FPL points system in detail.

In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔️ How players earn points for goals, assists, and defensive actions
✔️ How bonus points are awarded
✔️ What causes point deductions
✔️ Key strategies to maximize your weekly points
✔️ How FPL points are affected by captaincy
✔️ Common myths regarding FPL points

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how FPL points work, allowing you to build a high-scoring team every gameweek.

How Players Earn FPL Points

FPL players earn points based on their real-life performances in Premier League matches. These points are categorized based on different in-game actions such as playing time, scoring goals, creating assists, keeping clean sheets, and making saves.

1. Points for Playing Time

Playing time is the simplest way to score points in FPL. Even if your player does nothing else, they can still pick up a couple of points just for being on the pitch.

• 1 Point – If a player plays up to 59 minutes.
• 2 Points – If a player plays 60 minutes or more.

2. Attacking Returns (Goals & Assists)

Goals and assists are the most valuable contributions in FPL, but different positions receive different points for scoring.

Assists count when a player directly helps set up a goal, either by passing, crossing, or even winning a penalty that is successfully converted.

🔹 FPL Tip: Midfielders get more points for goals than forwards, making goal-scoring midfielders highly valuable.

3. Defensive Contributions (Clean Sheets & Saves)

Defenders and goalkeepers get extra points for keeping their opponents from scoring.

• 4 Points – Clean sheet (defenders and goalkeepers, if they play 60+ minutes).
• 1 Point – Clean sheet for midfielders.
• 1 Point – Goalkeepers earn an extra point for every three saves made.
• 5 Points – Goalkeeper saving a penalty.

🔹 FPL Tip: Choose defenders from teams with strong defensive records to maximize clean sheet potential.

Bonus Points System (BPS)

The Bonus Points System (BPS) rewards the best-performing players in each match. The top three players in a match receive:

• 3 Points – Best performer.
• 2 Points – Second-best performer.
• 1 Point – Third-best performer.

BPS considers key stats like successful passes, tackles, clearances, and goal contributions.

🔹 FPL Tip: Pick players who are actively involved in their team’s gameplay, as they have a higher chance of earning bonus points.

How Players Lose FPL Points

Not all actions in FPL earn points—some mistakes can lead to deductions.

1. Disciplinary Points (Cards & Red Cards)

• -1 Point – Yellow card.
• -3 Points – Red card.

🔹 FPL Tip: Be cautious about selecting aggressive players who frequently receive bookings.

2. Own Goals & Defensive Errors

• -2 Points – Own goal.
• -1 Point – Defender or Goalkeeper conceding every two goals.

🔹 FPL Tip: Defenders from weaker teams tend to concede more goals, effecting their FPL returns.

3. Missed Opportunities

• -2 Points – Missing a penalty.

🔹 FPL Tip: If your captain is a penalty taker, a miss can be costly since captaincy doubles all points!

Key Strategy Tips for Maximizing Points

Understanding the FPL points system is essential, but applying the knowledge is what gives you the edge. Here are some key strategies:

1. Target High-Scoring Players

Forwards and midfielders who consistently score and assist are the foundation of a strong FPL squad. Look for players with high Expected Goals (xG) and Expected Assists (xA).

2. Defensive Stability Matters

Don’t overlook defenders! Picking players from teams with strong clean sheet records can give you consistent returns. Target the defences with lower Expected Goals Conceded (xGC).

3. Bonus Point Magnets

Some players excel at accumulating BPS points. Playmakers, center-backs with high clearances, and ball-winning midfielders tend to earn more bonus points.

4. Avoid Yellow and Red Card Risks

Defensive midfielders and aggressive defenders tend to pick up more cards. Check a player’s disciplinary record before transferring them in.

5. Consider Set-Piece and Penalty Takers

Set-piece takers (corners, free kicks, and penalties) have a higher chance of scoring or assisting. Players like Bruno Fernandes and James Ward-Prowse have historically been valuable due to their set-piece duties.

6. Rotate Goalkeepers for Maximum Points

Instead of picking an expensive goalkeeper, consider rotating two cheaper ones based on their fixtures. This strategy maximizes your chances of getting clean sheet points.

How Captaincy Impacts Points

Each week, you can select a captain and a vice-captain for your FPL team.

• Captain’s Points Are Doubled – If your captain scores 8 points, you get 16.
• Vice-Captain Acts as Backup – If your captain doesn’t play, the vice-captain gets the double points instead.

🔹 FPL Tip: Choose a captain with a favorable fixture and a history of consistent points.

Common FPL Myths About Points

Many new FPL managers believe in common myths about scoring. Here are some misconceptions:

🚫 Myth 1: Defenders Are Not Worth Investing In
✔️ Reality: Defenders with clean sheets and attacking returns often outscore midfielders and forwards.

🚫 Myth 2: Only Goals and Assists Matter
✔️ Reality: Players who contribute to playmaking and defensive actions often earn bonus points.

🚫 Myth 3: Expensive Players Always Score More Points
✔️ Reality: Cheaper players from mid-table teams can offer better value for money.

Mastering the FPL points system is crucial for making informed transfers, selecting captains, and maximizing weekly returns. Now that you understand how points are earned and deducted, you can build a more effective strategy for your fantasy team.