How to Build the Best FPL Team for the 2025/26 Season

FPL Team

 

So, you’re gearing up for the new Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season and wondering: How do I build the best team this time?

Maybe last season didn’t go as planned. Or perhaps you’re new to FPL and don’t want to get left behind. Either way, if you’re going to compete seriously, or even just beat your friends, you need more than gut feelings and favourite players.

This guide explains how to build a strong FPL team, from setting your formation to picking your captain, using your chips wisely, and avoiding classic rookie mistakes. Plus, if you’re ready to turn your FPL team and skills into real rewards, we’ll show you how to play daily contests on FantasyFi and win cash along the way.

Let’s get into it.

 

First, Understand How FPL Works

Before we dive into who to pick and how to play your chips, make sure you’ve got the basics covered. Here’s how FPL scoring works:

Points System

  • Goals scored:
    • Forwards = 4 points
    • Midfielders = 5 points
    • Defenders/Goalkeepers = 6 points
  • Assists = 3 points
  • Clean sheet (defenders/goalkeepers) = 4 points
  • Bonus points = Up to 3 for top performers in a match
  • Yellow card = -1
  • Red card = -3
  • Missed penalty = -2

Budget & Squad Rules

You’ve got £100 million to build a squad of 15 players.

  • 2 Goalkeepers
  • 5 Defenders
  • 5 Midfielders
  • 3 Forwards

No more than 3 players from a single Premier League team.

 

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What’s the Best FPL Formation?

There isn’t one correct answer. It all depends on your budget, the players available, and their upcoming fixtures. But here are the most popular setups and why they work:

  • 3-4-3: Great if you want to rely on premium strikers.
  • 3-5-2: Ideal when midfielders are racking up points.
  • 4-4-2: Balanced, especially if you like attacking fullbacks.
  • 5-3-2: Useful when strong defenders offer clean sheets and assists.

Ask yourself:
Are midfielders or defenders offering more value this season? Is it worth going heavy at the back or investing in explosive attackers?

 

Choosing Your Goalkeepers Wisely

Most people either overspend or ignore their goalkeepers. Here’s how to make smarter picks:

Top-Priced Keepers (£5.5m+)

  • Safe bets for clean sheets.
  • Examples: Raya (Arsenal), Alisson (Liverpool).
  • Good if you want consistency.

Budget Keepers (£4.5m–£5.0m)

  • Look for keepers on teams that face a lot of shots but still manage clean sheets.
  • Examples: Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace).

Goalie Rotation Strategy

Pick two £4.5m keepers from different teams with alternating good fixtures. You’ll always have a decent option each week.

 

Building a Solid Defence

Defenders can win you many points, not just from clean sheets but from goals, assists, and bonus points.

What to Look For:

  • Attacking Fullbacks: Like Reece James and Pedro Porro, who deliver crosses and score.
  • Set-Piece Takers: Some defenders take corners or free kicks.
  • Reliable Starters: Budget defenders who play every game and offer 90 minutes weekly.

Tip: Don’t spend big on defenders who don’t attack or take set-pieces. Prioritise those who get involved in their team’s offence.

 

Midfielders: Your Points Powerhouse

Midfielders get points for goals, assists, and even clean sheets. That’s why you should invest heavily here.

Types of Midfielders to Include:

Premium Picks (£10m+)

  • Think Salah (Liverpool), Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal), or Cole Palmer (Chelsea).
  • Reliable scorers and assist machines.

Mid-Priced Gems (£6.5m–£9.5m)

  • These players offer great value.
  • Examples: James Maddison, Bryan Mbeumo, Jarrod Bowen.

Budget Enablers (£4.5m–£6.0m)

  • Free up funds for premium players.
  • Look for starters who take corners or have the license to shoot.

Ask yourself:
Which midfielders are playing “out of position” (e.g., wingers listed as mids)? Who’s on pens and free kicks?

 

Picking the Right Forwards

Premium strikers like Erling Haaland or Alexander Isak can explode, but are expensive. So balance is key.

Smart Tips:

  • Don’t go for 3 premium strikers, you’ll lose midfield depth.
  • Mix one top-priced option with a mid-tier and a budget striker.
  • Watch out for rotation risks, some strikers don’t play 90 mins consistently.

 

Captaincy: Where FPL Is Won or Lost

Your captain earns double points, so pick wisely. A bad captaincy choice can ruin your week.

What Makes a Good Captain?

  • Great upcoming fixture
  • Strong form
  • High involvement in team goals
  • Set-piece duties
  • Low ownership (for bold moves)

Tip: Don’t chase differentials every week; sometimes it’s better to play it safe and protect your rank.

 

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Transfers: Play the Long Game

Many managers burn their free transfers on gut feelings. Instead:

  • Plan Ahead: Check fixtures 4–5 weeks in advance.
  • Avoid knee-jerks: One bad game doesn’t mean you should sell a top player.
  • Track price changes: Use platforms like FPL Statistics to avoid being priced out of moves.

 

Using Chips the Right Way

FPL gives you 4 chips to maximise points at key times.

1. Wildcard

Change your whole squad with no point hit.

  • Use early (GW3–GW8) if your team flops.
  • Second Wildcard (GW20–GW30) for double gameweeks.

2. Triple Captain

Your captain’s points are tripled.

  • Use in a double gameweek when your star player has two easy matches.

3. Bench Boost

Every player on your bench also scores points.

  • Save for double gameweeks when your whole squad is playing.

4. Free Hit

Temporarily change your team for one gameweek.

  • Use in blank gameweeks when several teams don’t play.

Pro Tip: Don’t use chips out of panic. Save them for the moments that give you the most significant edge.

 

Stay on Top of Player News and Stats

Knowing who’s injured, rotated, or in form gives you a huge advantage.

Where to Get Reliable Info:

Key Stats to Follow:

  • xG (Expected Goals): Tells you which players should be scoring
  • Touches in the box, shots on target, key passes: Look beyond goals and assists

 

Want to Win Real Cash with Your FPL Knowledge?

FPL Team

If you love the thrill of FPL but hate waiting all season to see results, try FantasyFi, a platform where your FPL team can win you money.

Why Use FantasyFi?

  • Daily Contests – Play FPL every day and earn rewards
  • Real Cash Prizes – Withdraw your winnings instantly
  • No Long Commitment – No need to wait 38 weeks
  • Fair Play – Strict anti-cheating systems keep things honest

Ready to level up?

Join FantasyFi and turn your football knowledge into earnings, one gameweek at a time.

 

Final Thoughts: What Makes a Great FPL Team?

A great team isn’t just built on star players. It’s built on:

  • Patience
  • Planning
  • Smart use of stats
  • Knowing when to hold and when to let go

So before you hit “confirm transfers,” ask yourself: Is this move part of a plan? Or just a reaction?

You’ve got the tools. Now go build your best FPL team yet.

 

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