Fantasy Premier League needs a bit of understanding about the different rules and parameters involved.
Follow Us
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) witnesses a lot of interest on social media, with discussions over the performances of a player who delivered above expectations along with criticism for those ‘captains’ who failed to deliver the goods. The excitement generated through such interactions certainly catches the interest of other football fans who have still not joined the fantasy game, as well as others who simply create teams to have some fun. However, the game needs a bit of understanding about the different rules and parameters involved when one starts out initially.
Let’s take a look at some of the basic things you need to know about FPL:
An FPL manager is provided a budget of £100.0m to build an initial squad comprising of 15 players. The 15-player squad includes three forwards, five midfielders, five defenders and two goalkeepers. Only three players can be selected from any one side in the Premier League.
The starting 11 from the 15-man squad should be selected before the Gameweek deadline, which is one hour before the kick-off time of the first Gameweek clash. The formation depends on the manager but it must include a goalkeeper, minimum three defenders, at least two midfielders and one forward.
Goals, assists, saves and clean sheets by the 11 players starting in the lineup result in points being awarded. Top performers in a match are awarded additional bonus points. In case of a player starting in the lineup not featuring for the club, points scored by the first player on the bench are counted instead. The same thought process is followed if two or three starting players fail to make an appearance. Managers should therefore rank the substitutes astutely, and also select the captain, vice-captain for the Gameweek shrewdly. In case of the player selected as captain not featuring in the Gameweek, the vice-captain’s points tally is doubled instead.
Managers can make one free transfer for each Gameweek, after the first deadline of the season has passed. One transfer enables them to sign a player in exchange for a member of the existing squad. However, the transfer has to follow the budget parameters. Additional transfers following the utilisation of a free transfer will result in loss of four points for each one. Non-utilisation of the free transfer will see it carry over to the following Gameweek. Managers also need to take into account the change in player prices during the season based on the footballer’s form.
There are four chips that can be utilised over the course of the season, in order to increase the chances of gaining points. The first is the Wildcard which overhauls the team without forfeiting points. It is available twice a season. Triple Captain is the second chip with the captain earning three times the total points earned during the course of a Gameweek. Bench Boost results in points being earned from non-playing substitutes, with a free hit resetting the team for a period of one week. Only one chip can be played in a Gameweek.
