FPL
FPL 2025/26: The New Rules
The Premier League is almost back, and so is the addictive chaos of Fantasy Premier League. Pre-season form has given us a taste of who might deliver big in GW1, but this year, even the most experienced managers need to do a little homework.
The 2025/26 season comes with a set of new rules that could seriously impact how we pick our squads, use our chips, and chase those all-important green arrows. Let’s break them down, and more importantly, figure out how you can use them to your advantage.
Defensive Contributions: Points for Getting Stuck In
For the first time, outfield players can score bonus FPL points purely through their defensive work.
- Defenders will earn 2 extra FPL points if they make a combined 10 clearances, blocks, interceptions, and tackles (CBIT) in a single match.
- Midfielders and forwards also get rewarded, but they need 12 defensive contributions (ball recoveries included) to claim the same 2-point bonus.
Tactical takeaway:
This boosts the appeal of defensive-minded midfielders and budget defenders who rack up these stats even without goals or assists. Think of those tireless ball-winners who always seem to be in the right place at the right time.
Assists Made Simpler (and More Generous)
Assist rules have been overhauled to make them fairer and less subjective.
The Big Changes:
- Intended destination is no longer relevant for passes into the box, as long as there’s only one defensive touch before the goalscorer receives the ball. Even if it’s deflected to a different teammate, you still get the assist.
- No assist if:
- The defensive touch is a deliberate pass (like a bad backpass).
- The goalscorer loses and then regains possession.
- There are two defensive touches before the goal.
- Outside the box? Intended destination matters again.
- Assists will now be given if a goal comes from a free-kick or penalty awarded for handball, even if the handball wasn’t “forced.”
- One special twist: an attempted defensive pass that leads to a goal can still count as an assist, provided there’s only one defensive touch.
Tactical takeaway:
Creative players, especially wingers and full-backs, could get more assists from scrappy, deflected plays. This could boost the value of some mid-tier assist machines.
Two Sets of Chips: Double the Fun, Double the Pressure
We’re used to five chips: 2xWildcard, Free Hit, Triple Captain, and Bench Boost. This season, you get two full sets, one for each half of the campaign.
- First half chips must be used before GW19 (30 December 2025, 6:30 pm GMT).
- No chips can roll over to the second half.
Gone for good: The Assistant Manager chip introduced last year has been scrapped.
Tactical takeaway:
You can now be more aggressive with early chip use without fearing you’ll be left short later. Just don’t waste them in low-upside weeks.
Extra Transfers for AFCON Chaos
The Africa Cup of Nations (21 Dec 2025 – 18 Jan 2026) is going to hit hard, with key players heading off mid-season.
To help:
- In GW16, your free transfers will be topped up to a maximum of 5.
Tactical takeaway:
Plan now. If you own AFCON-bound stars, you’ll have the flexibility to pivot without a points hit.
Bonus Points System (BPS) Tweaks
The BPS, which decides post-match bonus points, has been refined:
- Ties resolved more fairly: If players tie for 1st, both get 3 points; ties for 2nd or 3rd follow similar logic.
- Goalkeeper saves: Now worth 3 BPS points for saves inside the box (previously 2 for any save) and 2 points for saves from outside. Penalty save BPS drops from 9 to 8.
- Goalline clearances: Up from 3 to 9 BPS points.
- Penalty goals: All players now earn 12 BPS points (previously higher for forwards and midfielders).
- Tackles: Each tackle won earns 2 BPS points, no deduction for tackles lost.
Tactical takeaway:
Keepers facing lots of close-range shots just became more appealing. Players with a knack for last-ditch defending could also sneak into BPS contention.
What This Means for Squad Building
With these changes, certain player types could rise in value:
- Budget midfield terriers like defensive mids could become bonus point magnets with the defensive contribution rule.
- Attacking full-backs might get more assists under the new pass-deflection rules.
- Reliable penalty takers benefit from the more balanced BPS system.
- High-save goalkeepers with poor defenses in front of them could earn more BPS from close-range stops.
And remember: chips are no longer a one-shot weapon. You have two Wildcards and two Free Hits in a season, use them well.
Final Word
The FPL 2025/26 changes might look like small tweaks on paper, but they’re going to shake up how points are earned and which players are worth your budget. Managers who adapt early and take advantage of the defensive contribution points, the new assist interpretations, and the doubled chip sets could be the ones topping mini-leagues come May.
Download the We Play FPL app to plan your transfers, compare players, and get points predictions so you can make smarter moves all season long.
May your arrows be green. Happy managing!
Arsenal
2025/26 FPL: Gameweek 9 player picks and the Oct. 24 deadline
FPL Gameweek 9 picks: goalkeepers, defenders and forwards to consider for the Oct. 24 deadline. BST.
Gameweek 9 offers few standout heavyweight clashes, which can make it an ideal week for FPL managers hunting steady returns. Below are considered selections drawn from the current form and fixtures ahead of the Oct. 24 deadline.
Goalkeepers: David Raya (£5.7m) is highlighted for clean sheet potential after conceding just three times in all competitions this season and is described as a set-and-forget option. Nick Pope (£5.2m) sits as FPL’s second-highest scoring goalkeeper through the opening eight rounds and has kept three clean sheets in his last four matches in all competitions, with Newcastle hosting Fulham on Saturday. Robert Sánchez (£4.9m) is the cheaper alternative; he will be aiming for a shutout at home to Sunderland, who have scored in only one of their four away games.
Defenders: Marc Cucurella (£6.1m) offers attacking and defensive upside, having delivered 15 points across his past two matches and creating 11 chances for Chelsea this term. Gabriel (£6.4m) is the leading defensive candidate, having provided more points than any other defender this term and 45 in his last five Premier League matches. Marcos Senesi (£5.0m) is the obvious Bournemouth route into defence at home to Nottingham Forest, with 48 points this term. Dan Burn (£5.1m), Kieran Trippier (£5.0m) and Joe Rodon (£4.1m) are also noted as solid defensive choices.
Midfield and attack: Antoine Semenyo (£8.1m) has outscored other midfielders by 24 points and is a must-have at home to Forest, having produced five-plus points in all his home games. Declan Rice (£6.6m) could benefit from Arsenal’s set-piece threat at home to Palace. Bukayo Saka (£10.0m) remains a reliable long-term option despite fitness setbacks.
Forwards: Erling Haaland (£14.7m) remains a must-have after 11 goals in eight league games and is primed to score as Manchester City visit Aston Villa. Cody Gakpo (£7.5m) has scored in his past five matches for club and country and faces Brentford. Igor Thiago (£6.1m) is a budget gamble after five league goals in eight matches.
Reminder: The Gameweek 9 deadline is 6:30 p.m. BST (1:30 p.m. ET, 10:30 a.m. PT) on Oct. 24.
FPL
Gameweek 8 FPL guide: top picks after the international break
Best FPL picks for Gameweek 8: goalkeepers, defenders and attackers to target after the break update
The October international break gave Fantasy Premier League managers time to reassess ahead of Gameweek 8. Several fixtures shape clear options across positions while other choices require caution.
Goalkeepers to consider include Gianluigi Donnarumma (£5.7m), who is fixture-proof for Manchester City against Everton (H). David Raya (£5.7m) remains a set-and-forget option given Arsenal’s defensive form, despite Fulham (A) posing a challenge; the Gunners have conceded just three goals in all competitions this term. With Alisson injured for the next few weeks, Giorgi Mamardashvili (£4.3m) could be a steal as Liverpool’s starting goalkeeper, especially with the club seeking to halt a three-game losing run ahead of Manchester United (A).
Defensive investments start again with Arsenal. Gabriel (£6.3m) was rested during Brazil’s second friendly and should be ready for Fulham; he has scored 33 points across the last four games and pairs well with William Saliba (£6.0m) and Jurriën Timber (£5.9m). Joško Gvardiol (£5.9m) delivered 12 points at Brentford in Gameweek 7 and is an attacking set-piece threat for Man City against Everton. Budget defenders include Sunderland’s Omar Alderete (£4.1m), a near-guaranteed starter despite a slight injury concern after a 17-point haul at Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 6, and Burnley’s Quilindschy Hartman (£4.0m), who has managed assists in back-to-back games ahead of Leeds United (H).
In midfield and attack, Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze (£7.6m) is certain to start with Martin Ødegaard injured and arrives in form after scoring for England against Latvia. Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus (£6.8m) produced 12 points at Leeds United after scoring his first Spurs goal in Gameweek 7 and supplying an assist; Aston Villa (H) follows. Jérémy Doku (£6.6m) has been good value when starting, producing 20 points in recent home matches and providing one assist during the international break.
Cody Gakpo (£7.5m) offers a cost-effective route into Liverpool’s attack against a leaky Man Utd defence, having scored four goals in his last three games for club and country and netting three in three at Anfield versus United. Burnley’s Jaidon Anthony (£5.7m) is the fourth-highest scoring midfielder in FPL and could extend his five goal contributions if fit. Up front, Erling Haaland (£14.5m) is essential after 21 goals for club and country this season; his only non-scoring fixture was the home clash with Spurs in Gameweek 2. João Pedro (£7.7m) should benefit from Nottingham Forest’s defensive struggles under Ange Postecoglou, while Jarrod Bowen (£7.7m) remains a reliable source of goals now classed as a forward and recently scored in a 3- goal display against Brentford (H).
Arsenal
Gameweek 7 FPL guide: key picks before the international break
Essential Fantasy Premier League picks for Gameweek 7: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, forwards
The upcoming international break gives Fantasy Premier League managers a pause, but Gameweek 7 demands decisions before the deadline. Friday night’s Bournemouth v Fulham fixture shortens planning time ahead of five notable Sunday matchups.
Goalkeeper choices centre on David Raya (£5.6m) and Nick Pope (£5.0m). Raya looks most likely to keep a clean sheet after Arsenal secured their sixth shutout of the season at Olympiacos midweek and the Spaniard made several superb stops. Arsenal host struggling West Ham United on Saturday, increasing Raya’s appeal. Pope endured a mixed afternoon against Arsenal last weekend but should have an easier ride at home to Nottingham Forest on Sunday. The Tricky Trees have also been in European action midweek and have made an underwhelming start to life under Ange Postecoglou, scoring just once in three league outings since the Australian took over.
Defenders to consider include Arsenal’s Gabriel (£6.2m) and Jurriën Timber (£5.8m), plus Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi (£4.9m) and Aston Villa’s Matty Cash (£4.6m). Gabriel is the obvious pick after last weekend’s late winner at Newcastle but was substituted with an injury against Olympiacos and is a slight doubt. Timber has amassed 37 points this season, one fewer than Gabriel, is a strong attacking threat and is guaranteed to start despite no defensive contribution points so far. Senesi has been a revelation, scoring seven points or more in four of his six outings for Bournemouth, with a home game against Fulham on Friday offering further upside. Cash offers attacking promise and defensive solidity for Villa and has already scored this season.
Midfield recommendations include Bukayo Saka (£9.8m), Eberechi Eze (£7.5m), Gabriel Martinelli (£6.9m), Antoine Semenyo (£7.8m) and Bruno Fernandes (£9.0m). Saka scored midweek and could be an excellent differential given low ownership. Eze and Martinelli are cheaper options in form but lack guaranteed minutes. Semenyo is the highest scoring midfielder with 48 points and only one blank in six weeks and should benefit against Fulham. Despite a missed penalty and yellow card at Brentford, Fernandes remains an excellent choice for Manchester United’s home clash with Sunderland and “should still be on penalties despite two misses this term.”
Attacking picks include Ismaïla Sarr (£6.4m), Anthony Gordon (£7.4m), Jérémy Doku (£6.6m), Erling Haaland (£14.4m), Viktor Gyökeres (£9.0m) and Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.5m). Sarr returned from injury, scored against Liverpool and faces Everton. Gordon could punish Forest following his midweek brace. Doku has managed 23 points across his last three games and is City’s best value for the trip to Brentford. Haaland remains a must-have after a Champions League brace at Monaco and eight Premier League goals, making him an easy captain choice. Gyökeres has both his goals at the Emirates this term and looked lively against Olympiacos. Mateta was unfortunate not to score against Liverpool and could trouble an Everton defence that has kept only one clean sheet in their last four league games.
