If you’re a football fan, you’ve probably dabbled in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) football -crafting that perfect XI and praying for your midfield maestro to nab an assist or your budget defender to pull off a heroic clean sheet.
To succeed in FPL, beyond the banter with your mates, you need a strategy. The market is a minefield with so many players assigned specific prices based on their potential point haul across the season.
You must be tactical, strategic, and a bit of a gambler.
With every Premier League player priced and valued, the challenge is balancing your budget with the players you think will score the most points over the course of the season.
So, who should you go for?
The Importance of Player Value In FPL
Before we get into the nuts and bolts, let’s talk about what makes a player valuable in FPL.
In Fantasy Premier League, each registered Premier League player has a price tag, and the most expensive players tend to be those who are predicted to score the highest number of points over the season.
For example, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, with his frightening goal-scoring ability, tops the list at £15 million, while Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, an attacking midfielder and penalty-taker, is valued at £12.5 million.
But not all expensive players guarantee the best value. Balancing form, fixtures, and price is the art of FPL.
Let’s break it down starting from the back.
Goalkeepers: The Backbone of Your FPL Team
Unlike flashy midfielders and forwards who hog the limelight, a solid goalkeeper can often be the unsung hero of your squad.
Not only do they have the potential for clean sheet points, but they can also rack up save bonuses and, occasionally, penalty saves.
David Raya (Arsenal, £5.6 million)
David Raya has been a consistent performer at Arsenal, amassing 36 points so far, tied with the best in the goalkeeper bracket.
Arsenal has a solid defense, and Raya is their rock. Priced at £5.6 million, he offers both value and consistency.
With his ability to rack up saves and clean sheets, Raya is an ideal option.
Alisson (Liverpool, £5.5 million)
Liverpool’s Alisson is another premium goalkeeper valued at £5.5 million.
Although slightly more expensive than budget options, Alisson is known for pulling off match-saving performances, which leads to valuable bonus points.
He’s playing behind a rejuvenated Liverpool defense and, if nothing else, you can bank on him for clean sheets and the odd assist (yes, you read that right—he’s got a decent boot on him).
SEE ALSO | 10 Premier League Players with the Most Appearances
Defenders: Who to Choose?
In FPL, defenders are often judged on two key attributes: clean sheets and attacking contributions. Players like Trent Alexander-Arnold are priced higher due to their ability to contribute assists and the odd goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool, £7.1 million)
A no-brainer. Trent Alexander-Arnold is the highest-priced defender in the game and with good reason. He’s registered 41 points so far, largely thanks to his attacking contributions as well as clean sheets.
Playing in a midfield role for both Liverpool and England, Trent has become even more dangerous in advanced positions. At £7.1 million, he’s worth the splurge.
Saliba (Arsenal, £6.0 million)
If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper defender, Arsenal’s Saliba is a great pick.
With 39 points already this season, he’s proven himself to be a reliable source of clean sheets and bonus points. Arsenal’s defense is formidable, and Saliba is central to that solidity.
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, £6.0 million)
The towering Dutchman remains a rock in Liverpool’s defense.
While van Dijk doesn’t provide as many assists as Trent, he compensates with clean sheets and an ability to scoop up bonus points. At £6.0 million, he’s a solid, dependable option.
Cristian Romero (Spurs, £5.1 million)
Tottenham’s Cristian Romero is another fantastic choice.
Priced at just £5.1 million, Romero offers great value for a defender who is an integral part of Spurs’ solid backline. He’s also shown an ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, making him an ideal budget-friendly pick.
Micky van de Ven (Spurs, £4.6 million)
Speaking of bargains, Spurs’ Micky van de Ven is an absolute steal at £4.6 million.
A budget defender like this allows you to free up funds to splash on more expensive midfielders and forwards. His 25 points so far suggest he’s more than just a filler player—he’s capable of delivering.
Midfielders: The Creative Engines
Midfielders are often the highest scorers in FPL because they can score, assist, and keep clean sheets. Plus, they receive more points for goals compared to forwards. Here’s who you should target.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, £12.5 million)
No fantasy football team is complete without the Egyptian King.
Salah’s consistency over the years has made him a must-have in FPL, and while his £12.5 million price tag might make you wince, his returns make up for it.
Whether it’s goals, assists, or bonus points, Salah rarely has an off day, and Liverpool’s attack will always funnel through him.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, £8.6 million)
Another key player for any FPL squad is Bukayo Saka.
The Arsenal star is priced at £8.6 million and is a fantastic midfield option. Not only does he score, but Saka is Arsenal’s primary creative outlet. Whether it’s an assist or a goal, Saka is involved, and he takes penalties to sweeten the deal.
James Ward-Prowse (West Ham, £6.3 million)
Ward-Prowse is a set-piece specialist and is integral to West Ham’s attacking efforts. At £6.3 million, he offers fantastic value for money, especially considering his ability to pop up with a goal or assist from a free kick or corner.
He’s a reliable budget pick who will chip in consistently.
SEE ALSO | Owners of Every Premier League Clubs In The 2024/25 Season
Forwards: The Goal-Scoring Machines
Forwards, of course, score the majority of your points in FPL, but they come with a hefty price tag. That’s why it’s crucial to pick the ones who offer value, reliability, and high-scoring potential.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City, £15 million)
No surprises here. Erling Haaland is the most expensive player in FPL, and it’s for a reason. He’s a goal-scoring machine, a player who treats defenders like cones in a warm-up drill.
With an insane debut season tally of 36 goals in the Premier League, Haaland is almost a guaranteed points machine every gameweek.
You might balk at the £15 million price tag, but if there’s one player you don’t want to go without, it’s him.
The question isn’t “Should you have Haaland?” but “Can you afford not to have him?”
His ownership rates are sky-high, meaning that if you don’t pick him, and he inevitably scores, you’ll be falling behind. However, having him limits your flexibility for other positions—so you’ll need to budget elsewhere.
Heung-Min Son (Spurs, £9.3 million)
Spurs’ Heung-Min Son has been in brilliant form this season.
Priced at £9.3 million, Son offers excellent value as a forward who plays high up the pitch. He’s been delivering goals regularly and has become Spurs’ key man, especially when Harry Kane isn’t around. He’s also versatile and will rack up assists when playing in a more creative role.
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa, £8.0 million)
Ollie Watkins is on fire. Priced at £8.0 million, he’s Aston Villa’s go-to man for goals, and his recent performances have shown that he’s ready to step up in the big games.
Watkins has also been adding assists to his game, making him an all-round FPL asset.
What are bonus points & how are they calculated?
In FPL, bonus points are awarded to the three best-performing players in each Premier League match, and they can significantly boost your score.
The Bonus Points System (BPS) takes into account a range of statistics such as goals, assists, clean sheets, and even successful tackles.
The top three players in each match get 3, 2, and 1 bonus point(s) respectively.
This means that picking players who may not always score or assist but still play crucial roles in games—like deep-lying playmakers or tireless defenders—can pay off in the long run.
Look for players who do more than just score goals.
A midfielder who controls the game with passes, or a defender who makes a ton of clearances and tackles, could be racking up those bonus points.
Fantasy Draft – A Different Flavor of FPL
If you’re into more competitive and direct play with friends, the Fantasy Draft offers a new twist.
Unlike the traditional FPL, where everyone can have the same players, the draft system ensures unique squads.
You can’t have Haaland and Salah, for instance, unless you’re lucky enough to draft them. This brings an entirely new layer of strategy to the game as you’re not only managing your squad but also blocking your competitors from building theirs.
Trades and waiver claims add another dimension to this format, making it even more hands-on and competitive. It’s a fun way to mix up the FPL experience, especially in private leagues with friends or colleagues.
What are ‘Chips’ in Fantasy Premier League?
FPL isn’t just about your starting XI each week. The chips can be game-changers when used wisely. Here’s a quick guide to making the most of them:
- Triple Captain: Best saved for double-game weeks when your captain plays twice. Haaland or Salah are the obvious candidates when the time is right.
- Bench Boost: Use it when you have a strong bench with players all likely to start. Deploy it during a double gameweek if possible.
- Free Hit: Perfect for when multiple teams have a blank gameweek. You can revamp your entire squad for one week only without suffering transfer penalties.
- Wildcard: This is your emergency reset button. It allows you to rebuild your team without penalties and should be used when your squad needs a major overhaul.
New for this season is the Mystery Chip, coming into play in January 2025.
We don’t know what it will entail, but it’s likely to throw a curveball that could either sink your season or help you climb the ranks.
What prizes can you win in the Fantasy Premier League?
Who doesn’t love prizes? The best part about FPL—aside from bragging rights—is the chance to win some incredible prizes if you do well.
The grand prize for finishing first in the global rankings is a seven-night VIP trip in the UK with tickets to two Premier League games. There’s also the chance to win watches, headphones, and even signed shirts.
Finishing in the top 1,000 can earn you some decent rewards, including official FPL merchandise and manager of the week awards.
Even if you’re not aiming for the top, there are often prizes in mini-leagues, so keep your eyes on those too.
