The Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is back, and millions of managers worldwide are competing to build the ultimate team. Success in FPL isn’t just about selecting big-name players. It requires careful planning, smart budget management, and keeping an eye on fixtures and player form.
This guide will cover everything you need to build the best Fantasy Premier League team for the 2024/2025 season, from squad selection and formations to price changes and wildcard strategies.
Understanding the Basics of FPL
Before selecting players, it’s crucial to understand the game rules and scoring system:
Budget & Squad Composition
- You have £100 million to build a squad of 15 players.
- Your team must include:
- 2 Goalkeepers
- 5 Defenders
- 5 Midfielders
- 3 Forwards
Transfers & Points System
- 1 free transfer per gameweek, with additional transfers costing -4 points each.
- Points are awarded based on player performance:
- Goals: +4 points for forwards, +5 for midfielders
- Assists: +3 points
- Clean sheets: +4 points for goalkeepers and defenders
- Bonus points: Awarded to the top 3 performers in each match
Understanding these rules will help you maximise points and avoid unnecessary deductions.
Choosing Players: Fixtures & Form Matter More Than Reputation
A common mistake FPL managers make is picking players based on reputation rather than actual performance. Instead, consider:
- Form: Choose players who have consistently performed well in recent matches.
- Fixtures: Check the fixture difficulty rating (FDR). Players facing weaker teams have a higher chance of scoring big.
- Playing Time: Prioritize players who start regularly to ensure maximum points potential.
- Set-Piece Takers: Players who take penalties, free-kicks, and corners are more likely to contribute assists and goals.
Building a Balanced Squad
Goalkeepers
- Strategy 1: One premium goalkeeper (e.g., Alisson) + one budget backup (e.g., Jason Steele).
- Strategy 2: Rotating two mid-priced goalkeepers based on fixtures (e.g., Pickford & Johnstone).
Defenders
- Full-backs and wing-backs offer attacking returns (assists & goals), making them stronger FPL assets than centre-backs.
- Consider defenders from teams with solid defensive records and high clean-sheet potential.
Midfielders
- Midfielders earn extra points for goals compared to forwards, making attacking midfielders extremely valuable.
- Look for players on penalties and free-kicks (e.g., Salah, Fernandes, Saka).
Forwards
- One premium striker (e.g., Haaland) and two budget/mid-priced forwards (e.g., Isak, Watkins) is a popular strategy.
- Keep an eye on emerging goal scorers who offer great value for their price.
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Best Formations for Maximum Points
Your formation should maximise points based on your squad’s strengths. Popular setups include:
- 3-4-3: Three defenders, four midfielders, and three forwards – strong attacking setup.
- 3-5-2: Three defenders, five midfielders, and two forwards – more midfield dominance.
- 4-4-2: Four defenders, four midfielders, and two forwards – balanced approach.
The key is flexibility. Adjust formations based on fixtures and player performances.
Captain and Bench Strategy
Captain Selection
- Pick a high-impact player with a strong fixture (e.g., Haaland vs. a weak defense).
- Consider effective ownership (EO), highly owned captains impact rank movement significantly.
Vice-Captain
- Choose a reliable player in case your captain doesn’t play (e.g., Saka, Salah).
Bench Strategy
- Have at least one reliable budget player who starts regularly.
- Avoid wasting money on non-playing substitutes.
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- Top 10 Players for the Best UEFA Champions League Fantasy Team 2024/2025
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Monitoring Price Changes to Maximize Value
Player prices fluctuate based on demand. Keep an eye on price rises and falls to:
- Increase squad value over time.
- Sell players before they drop in price.
- Buy rising stars before they become too expensive.
Planning for Double Gameweeks and Wildcards
Double Gameweeks (DGWs)
- Some teams play twice in a single gameweek, offering huge points potential.
- Plan transfers in advance to capitalise on DGWs.
Wildcard Strategy
- First Wildcard: Use early if your squad underperforms (before Gameweek 10).
- Second Wildcard: Save for fixture congestion (around Gameweek 30-35).
Best FPL Players for the 2024/2025 Season
Top Goalkeepers
- Alisson Becker (Liverpool): Clean sheets & save points.
- Andre Onana (Manchester United): High shot-stopping ability.
- Nick Pope (Newcastle): Consistent performer in a solid defence.
Best Defenders
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool): Attacking threat + set-piece duties.
- Kieran Trippier (Newcastle): Regular assists & bonus points.
- William Saliba (Arsenal): Budget-friendly with clean-sheet potential.
Top Midfielders
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): Proven goal-scorer & penalty taker.
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): Consistent assists & penalties.
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): Set-piece & penalty specialist.
Best Forwards
- Erling Haaland (Man City): Fixture-proof goal machine.
- Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa): Reliable mid-priced forward.
- Alexander Isak (Newcastle): High attacking threat.
Build The Best Fantasy Premier League Team on FantasyFi
Success in FPL isn’t just about picking the right squad initially; it requires strategy, adaptability, and staying informed on player form, injuries, and fixture updates. But what if you could take your fantasy football experience even further?
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