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!
FPL
GW23 FPL: Defensive Anchors, Value Midfielders and Budget Forward Targets
GW23 FPL: defensive must-haves, cheap forwards and mid-priced midfielders with promising fixtures 23
With Gameweek 23 on the horizon managers should balance safe, high-floor options with a handful of budget differentials. For those using a two-keeper rotation, Robin Roefs (£5.0m) of Sunderland is the standout short-term pick; he is the game’s second highest-scoring stopper and faces West Ham United (A). Brentford’s Caomhín Kelleher (£4.6m) looks appealing against Nottingham Forest (H), who arrive tired after a midweek defeat to Braga. Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m) offers slightly better value than Bernd Leno (£4.9m) for the Fulham v Brighton meeting, while David Raya (£5.9m) remains a set-and-forget despite an awkward clash with Manchester United (H). Arsenal’s defence continue to be the strongest in the division by some distance.
At the back, Gabriel (£6.9m) is essential after 38 points in the last four gameweeks, and pairs well with Jurriën Timber (£6.3m) or William Saliba (£6.0m) for those wanting an Arsenal double-up. Chelsea begin a favourable run with Crystal Palace (A), making Trevoh Chalobah (£5.6m) a compelling pick. James Tarkowski (£5.7m) has three clean sheets in his last five and could reward managers against Leeds United (H). Budget defenders Omar Alderete (£4.1m) and Nordi Mukiele (£4.4m) have clean sheet potential away at London Stadium, and Micky van de Ven (£4.6m) gains appeal versus Burnley (A) after a positive Champions League result for Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester City face Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) on paper but recent defeats to Man Utd and Bodø/Glimt are a concern; Rayan Cherki (£6.7m) is a cost-effective route into their attack, having scored two in his last three matches in all competitions, while Antoine Semenyo (£7.6m) remains a riskier pick. Declan Rice (£7.4m) combines defensive returns with goals and is the highest-scoring midfielder. Cole Palmer (£10.4m) should be fit for Chelsea’s trip to Selhurst Park but Enzo Fernández (£6.6m) is the smarter, cheaper alternative. Harry Wilson (£5.9m) is exceptional value against Brighton.
Up front, Erling Haaland (£15.1m) stays essential for most squads. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) could threaten at the Vitality Stadium after a lively display against Marseille despite failing to score (well, an onside goal at least). Brentford’s Igor Thiago (£7.2m), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) and budget option Eli Junior Kroupi (£4.6m) are all listed as weekend differentials with immediate upside.
FPL
FPL Gameweek 22: goalkeepers to target, defensive doubles and midfield differentials
Budget goalkeepers, Arsenal defensive doubles and differential midfielders to target for Gameweek 22
Domestic cup action provided a brief mental break for Fantasy Premier League managers, but focus returns for Gameweek 22. The round opens with the Manchester derby at Old Trafford and finishes with a south coast battle on Monday night.
Goalkeepers on the radar include Robin Roefs (£4.9m) of Sunderland, who faces Crystal Palace (H); Palace are winless in nine matches and low on confidence after their FA Cup exit to Macclesfield Town. David Raya (£5.9m) remains a safe option given Arsenal’s knack for clean sheets as they travel to Nottingham Forest (A). Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m) offers a budget route between the posts after the Seagulls kept clean sheets in their last two home matches and now host Bournemouth (H).
At the back, Arsenal defenders stand out. Gabriel (6.7m) is essential for his clean sheet potential and attacking returns, having produced 30 points in the last three matches following two goals and a shutout. Jurriën Timber (£6.3m) provides a sensible double-up for extra Arsenal coverage. Matty Cash (£4.8m) is attractive for Aston Villa at home to Everton (H), offering attacking potential with three goals and two assists in the league this term. Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk (£5.9m) is a short-term punt against Burnley (H). Cheaper defensive options include Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven (£4.6m) versus West Ham (H) and Sunderland’s Nordi Mukiele (£4.4m) and Omar Alderete (£4.1m).
Midfield looks lively. The Manchester derby is made more interesting by the return of Bruno Fernandes (£9.1m), who is described as fixture-proof and could thrive playing further forward under Michael Carrick. Rayan Cherki (£6.8m) is Manchester City’s standout midfield option, with seven goal contributions in his last 10 games across all competitions. Antoine Semenyo (£7.6m) could be worth the gamble after an excellent start to life at the Etihad. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka (£10.2m) and Declan Rice (£7.3m) are both options at the City Ground, with Rice offering arguably better value. Florian Wirtz (£8.2m) has 34 points from his last five games and is the Liverpool midfielder to consider for Burnley. Enzo Fernández (£6.4m), Bruno Guimarães (£7.2m), Harry Wilson (£5.9m) and Morgan Rogers (£7.7m) are other midfield names to note.
Among forwards, Erling Haaland (£15.1m) remains essential despite recent form and has a strong Manchester derby record: eight goals and three assists in nine previous meetings with Man Utd. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) returned from injury with a goal and assist in the FA Cup and has eight goals and two assists this season, making him a strong pick against 19th-place Burnley. Igor Thiago (£7.1m) has scored five goals in his last two games and is on 16 Premier League strikes this term. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) and Raúl Jiménez (£6.2m) are both recommended for the potentially high-scoring meeting at Elland Road.
Arsenal
FPL Gameweek 18: Goalkeepers, Bargains and Must-Haves for the Deadline
FPL GW18 picks and deadline details: goalkeeper sleeper plays, budget forwards and premium options..
The Boxing Day sequence leaves Fantasy Premier League managers choosing carefully ahead of Gameweek 18. Several goalkeeper and outfield options stand out given the fixtures and recent form.
Alisson Becker (£5.4m) remains a contender despite Liverpool not keeping many clean sheets this season; Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored only nine times in 19 games. Caoimhín Kelleher (£4.5m) is an alternative after Bournemouth were held by Everton and Chelsea earlier this month, and Burnley conceded just once in their most recent match. Bernd Leno (£4.9m) is an attractive differential for Fulham at home against West Ham United.
Joško Gvardiol (£6.0m) is recommended as Manchester City aim to extend a run of successive clean sheets against Nottingham Forest, and his attacking output offers additional upside. James Tarkowski (£5.5m) could provide value for Everton against Burnley, who are among the lowest scorers in the division. Piero Hincapié (£5.5m) has been collecting points in Gabriel’s absence and should feature this week.
On the attacking side, Morgan Rogers (£7.2m) is under-selected by FPL managers and could offer an edge given his role in a high-performing team. Mason Mount (£5.9m) is a budget midfield option to consider while Bruno Fernandes will miss out on Boxing Day through injury, placing creative responsibility elsewhere. Anthony Gordon (£7.3m) arrives off recent double-figure hauls for Newcastle United and poses a direct threat to Manchester United.
Erling Haaland (£15.1m) remains the premium forward for many squads, having scored almost half of his team’s goals and ranking behind only Phil Foden for current form; 74.1% of FPL players own him. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) has been scoring regularly and benefits from Alexander Isak being out injured. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.8m) is the budget forward option after 22 points across the last two gameweeks and a favourable match-up with Sunderland.
The GW18 deadline for FPL is at 6:30 p.m. GMT (1:30 p.m. ET, 1.:30 a.m. PT) on Friday, Dec. 26.
