Millions of people worldwide are hooked on the excitement of Fantasy Premier League (FPL). It’s a free online game where you become the manager of your dream Premier League team. You’ll compete with friends and other players for bragging rights. If you’re new to FPL, the rules and strategies might initially feel confusing, but don’t worry! This guide will help you start and show you how to play fantasy EPL like a pro.
Here’s How to Play Fantasy Premier League
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, understanding how to play fantasy EPL is key to success. This guide will cover the essentials:
- How to Set Up Your FPL Account
- Understanding the Basics of FPL
- Building Your First Team
- How Scoring Works
- Captains and Vice-Captains: Why They Matter
- Making Transfers, Deadlines, and Wildcards
- Competing in Leagues and Mini-Leagues
- Managing Your Team Throughout the Season
- Pro Tips and Advanced Strategies
Step 1: Setting Up Your FPL Account
Before you start managing your team, you’ll need to set up your account. Here’s how to play fantasy EPL starting with account creation:
Find the Official Platform
- Visit the official Fantasy Premier League website.
- Download the official FPL app for iOS or Android.
- Avoid unofficial sites to keep your data safe.
Create an Account
- Enter your email and create a password that’s easy to remember but hard for others to guess.
- Pick a unique team name—it’s how others will know you in leagues.
- Confirm your email by clicking the verification link sent to your inbox.
- Log in to your account and start building your team!
Extra Tips:
- Forgot your password? Click “Forgot Password” on the login page and follow the steps.
- Choose your favourite Premier League team to personalise your account with its badge and colours.
- Set your preferences for notifications and updates.
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Step 2: Learn the Basics of FPL
Now that your account is ready let’s understand how to play fantasy EPL:
Budget and Player Costs
- You’ll get £100 million to build a squad of 15 players.
- Each player has a price based on their performance and popularity.
- Prices can change during the season, so plan your transfers wisely.
Team Formation
- Your squad must follow these rules:
- 1 Goalkeeper
- At least 3 Defenders
- At least 2 Midfielders
- At least 1 Forward
- Your formation matters because it affects how your players score points. For example, defenders earn points for clean sheets, while attackers score more for goals and assist.
Picking Players
- Use the FPL platform to:
- Search for players by name.
- Filter players by position, team, or cost.
- Check stats like goals, assists, and clean sheets.
- Stay updated on injuries, transfers, and fixtures.
Step 3: How to Build Your First FPL Team
Here’s where the fun starts – creating your squad! This is your chance to show off your managerial skills. Follow these tips to assemble a strong team:
Balancing Costs and Players
You have £100 million to pick 15 players. Spending big on star players is tempting, but a smart manager knows how to find hidden gems. These are lower-cost players who can still score lots of points.
Avoid spending too much on a few expensive players. Instead, aim for a balanced team with good options in every position.
(Example: Spend about £4.5M on a goalkeeper, £5.0M–£6.5M on defenders, £6.0M–£8.0M on midfielders, and £7.0M–£9.5M on forwards.)
Research Tips
You must look beyond picking your favourite players to build a winning team. Consider these factors:
- Player Form: Choose players who are scoring goals or keeping clean sheets.
- Injuries: Avoid players who are often injured.
- Fixtures: Look at who the team is playing. Easier matches can mean more points.
For more advice, check out FPL guides online or follow FPL experts on social media for weekly tips.
Example Teams
Here are a few strategies for your team:
- Balanced Team: A mix of star players and budget picks.
- Value Team: Focus on cheap players with great potential so you can afford a few superstars.
- Defensive Focus: Invest in defenders who can earn clean sheets and assist points.
Pick the one that suits your style and adjust as the season goes on!
Read More:
- How to Build the Ultimate UEFA Champions League Fantasy Team
- Top 5 FPL Mistakes to Avoid and How to Fix Them
Step 4: How FPL Scoring Works
Knowing how players earn points is key to winning. Here’s how points are scored:
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Playing 1-60 minutes | 1 |
| Playing 60+ minutes | 2 |
| Goal scored by a goalkeeper | 6 |
| Goal scored by a defender | 6 |
| Goal scored by a midfielder | 5 |
| Goal scored by a forward | 4 |
| Assist | 3 |
| Clean sheet by a goalkeeper | 4 |
| Clean sheet by a defender | 4 |
| Clean sheet by a midfielder | 1 |
| Every 3 saves by a goalkeeper | 1 |
| Penalty save | 5 |
| Penalty miss | -2 |
| Yellow card | -1 |
| Red card | -3 |
| Own goal | -2 |
Bonus Points: Extra points are awarded to the best performers in each match.
Scoring Examples
- A goalkeeper who keeps a clean sheet and makes 3 saves earns 5 points (4 for the clean sheet + 1 for saves).
- A defender who scores a goal and keeps a clean sheet gets 10 points (6 for the goal + 4 for the clean sheet).
Step 5: Choosing Your Captain and Vice-Captain
Why Captains Matter
Every week, you pick a captain. Their points are doubled, so choosing wisely is very important. This is another key area to focus on when learning how to play fantasy EPL.
How to Pick Your Captain
- Form: Is the player performing well recently?
- Fixtures: Are they playing a weaker team?
- Differential Picks: Sometimes picking a less popular player can give you an edge.
Vice-Captain Backup
Your vice captain steps in if your captain doesn’t play. Always pick someone reliable as your backup.
By balancing your squad, understanding the scoring system, and using a strong captain strategy, you’ll be well on your way to FPL success!
Step 6: Transfers, Deadlines, and Wildcards
The Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season is a long journey, not a quick race. To stay competitive, you must make smart moves, manage deadlines, and use your wildcards wisely.
Transfers
Each week, you can buy and sell players to improve your team.
- Free Transfers: You get one free transfer each week. Use it carefully to replace injured players, add in-form players, or adjust your squad for upcoming matches.
- Extra Transfers (Hits): If you need more than one transfer, you can make extra changes, but each costs 4 points. Consider whether the new players will earn enough points to cover the cost.
Tips for Transfers:
- Don’t make changes just for the sake of it; have a clear reason.
- Plan for upcoming fixtures or possible injuries.
- Keep an eye on player news and form.
Deadlines
Transfers must be done before the weekly deadline. Miss it, and your changes won’t count.
How to Avoid Missing Deadlines:
- Set reminders on your phone.
- Use the FPL app for alerts.
- Don’t wait until the last minute—plan your transfers early.
Wildcards
You get two wildcard chips during the season. A wildcard lets you make unlimited free transfers for one week.
When to Use Wildcards:
- To fix your team if it’s not performing well.
- To replace injured players without losing points.
- To prepare for matches with good fixture opportunities.
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Step 7: Leagues, Mini-Leagues, and Social Connections
FPL isn’t just a game—it’s a fun way to connect with others. You can compete in leagues, share tips, and celebrate (or laugh about) your weekly results.
Types of Leagues
- Overall Ranking: Compete against everyone playing FPL.
- Head-to-Head Leagues: Play one-on-one against another player each week.
- Cup Competitions: Knockout-style tournaments.
Creating or Joining Mini-Leagues
Want to play with friends? Create a private league!
- Go to the “Leagues” section and click “Create or join leagues.”
- Choose “Private League,” name it, and share the unique code with your friends.
The Social Side of FPL
- Compete for fun with friends or colleagues.
- Share strategies and advice.
- Celebrate wins or commiserate over bad weeks.
Step 8: Managing Your Team All Season
FPL needs regular attention to keep your team in top form.
Staying Active
- Stay updated on player news, injuries, and form.
- Use the FPL app for real-time updates.
- Make informed decisions based on stats and analysis.
Chips and Boosts
In addition to wildcards, you have three other chips:
- Bench Boost: All 15 players earn points in one week.
- Triple Captain: Your captain’s points are tripled.
- Free Hit: Make unlimited transfers for one week, then return to your original team.
When to Use Chips:
- Use Bench Boost when your substitutes are likely to score.
- Use Triple Captain when your captain has a great matchup.
- Use Free Hit during tricky weeks with many postponed or extra matches.
Long-Term Strategy
- Look at future fixtures to plan ahead.
- Prepare for weeks when teams play fewer or extra matches.
- Adapt your strategy as the season progresses based on your goals.
By staying engaged, planning ahead, and using your resources wisely, you’ll be set to have a successful FPL season!
Step 9: Advanced Tips for FPL Success
Want to step up your Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game? Here are some smart strategies to help you stand out:
Spotting “Differentials”
Differentials are players that not many other FPL managers own. If they perform well, they can give you a big edge.
- Check stats: Look for underrated players performing well but not popular yet.
- Follow your instincts: If you have a good feeling about a player, take the chance and pick them.
Planning Fixtures
Looking ahead at match schedules can make a huge difference.
- Pick players with easy games: Target players facing weaker teams or playing at home.
- Rotate wisely: Ensure you have players with good fixtures throughout the season.
Smart Use of Chips
Using chips like Wildcards, Bench Boost, and Triple Captain can boost your chances of winning.
- Combine chips: Use a Wildcard to set up your team, then activate Bench Boost next week.
- Time it right: Use chips when they’ll have the biggest impact, like during double-game weeks.
Keep Your Cool
FPL can get frustrating, but staying calm helps.
- Don’t panic: Avoid impulsive transfers after one bad week.
- Be patient: Stick to your plan and give it time to work.
- Learn from mistakes: Review your moves to see what worked and what didn’t.
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Wrapping It Up
You’ve now learned how to play fantasy EPL. But if you’re ready to take your fantasy sports experience to new heights, FantasyFi is here to make it even more exciting.
FantasyFi is not just about managing a team. It’s about earning big rewards while enjoying the thrill of sports. It offers unmatched earning potential with the chance to win up to ₦84,400,000 ($50,000) from as little as ₦1,700 ($1). Its user-friendly platform, rewarding contests, and vibrant community make it a top choice for sports enthusiasts.
Why settle for just points when you can win real cash? Join FantasyFi today, create your account, and build your winning team!
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