10 Things I’ve Learnt from 10 Years of Playing Fantasy Premier League
Strategies to getting consistently high points and topping your mini league.
Hello and Servus!
Football season is finally back again and as usual, FPL.
FPL returns, and with a deadline already staring.
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⚽ What’s FPL?
For those unfamiliar, FPL stands for Fantasy Premier League Football—a free fantasy game where you take on the role of a team manager. You select 15 Premier League players with the hope or fantasy that your starting 11 earns points each match week based on real-life performances (goals, assists, clean sheets, defensive contributions etc.)
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🧠 Why I Play (and Love) FPL
I was setting up my team for the 2025/26 season when it hit me—I’ve been playing this game for 10 consistent years. Time really does fly.
What started out as a casual pastime with classmates has now become a personal ritual. Over the years, I’ve watched my total points gradually increase, but I’ve also realized the competition has gotten tougher. Thankfully, I still enjoy competing (and sometimes winning) in my mini leagues—and rubbing it in my friends’ faces.
My point tally and rank over the years.
Recently, scrolling through Twitter, I’ve come across some wild team selections and chip usages (Bench Boost in Game week 1, really?). So I thought, why not share some lessons I’ve picked up over the years?
I’m not claiming to be an expert but these strategies have helped me stay competitive and consistently finish near the top. In fact, they helped me secure a spot to the Top 10% 24/25 General League.
If you enjoy the game but don’t have time to obsess over every detail, or if you’re tired of finishing mid-table, then this post is for you.
*Disclaimer: These tips won’t make you the global FPL champion, (they may though) but rest assured they’ll improve your rank and give you solid bragging rights among friends.
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📋 GENERAL STRATEGY
Understand the Game Inside Out
Know how points are awarded, how bonus points work, and what each FPL chip does (Wildcard, Free Hit, Triple Captain, Bench Boost). This is all available on the app or FPL website.
Think Long Term (Especially with Wildcards)
Always consider how a player fits into your team over the next 3–10 weeks, not just the next fixture. Especially after playing your Wildcard, you want stability and players with good value and consistent form over a long period.
Plan Your Chip Usage
One mistake I often see is wasting chips. For example, Bench Boost in GW1 makes little sense—players aren’t match fit, new signings might not start, and even benches are unreliable. Chips are best used strategically.
Keep a Playing Bench
Have at least 2 bench players who are regular starters. They’ll cover you during rotation or unexpected injuries.
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🧠 TACTICAL APPROACH
Use the App’s Tools
Check form charts, injury flags (yellow/red), price changes, and team news. Press conference updates, Expert opinions, Player Form, xA and xG, all found in the app, are golden for final decisions.
Combine the Eye Test with Stats
Watch games. The eye test helps with spotting differentials before the stats catch up. I’ve found some great budget picks just by watching how they play and move.
Be Intentional with Selections
I prefer set-piece takers, players with good minutes, and nailed starters. This season I am keeping players with defensive contributions at the back of my mind as well. Ownership percentage can also signal players who regularly haul—for a reason.
Build a Balanced Team
Don’t overspend on premiums and neglect the rest. You need to balance out your defenders, midfielders, and forwards with a mix of premiums and mid-range but solid performers. However, I try not to overspend on keepers (£5.0 and under). The only realistic source of points is from clean sheets, penalty saves and assists which they a lot of the time don’t deliver. Invest elsewhere.
Build your squad around an attacking formation.
The more attackers you have on the pitch, the greater your chances of racking up points. Personally I typically lean towards a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 — both formations maximize offensive potential while keeping the defense solid. A 4-4-2 can work if your defenders have favorable fixtures and strong clean-sheet potential.
Avoid 5-4-1 unless you’re aiming for damage control; it rarely delivers the explosive returns you need to climb your mini-league.
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🕒 TIMING
Set Your Team Early—and Wisely
I recommend setting up your team right at the end of the game week, especially if your week gets busy and are likely to miss the ever-changing deadlines. You can always fine-tune later in the week. Missing a deadline is painful and annoying—it can cost you captaincy points or leave you with a red-flagged player.
Avoid Knee-Jerk Transfers
Don’t rush to make transfers on a Saturday night because of an unusual point haul. Wait until after the Game week matches and pressers to avoid bringing in an injured, suspended or even an unreliable player.
As Bonus, I’ve compiled a list of 5 Avoids.
❌ COMMON FPL MISTAKES TO AVOID
• ❗ Don’t chase point hits recklessly. A minus just to have a certain player(s) rarely pays off. To break even, the new players should rake the equivalent minus points. If you really have to take a hit keep it a maximum of 4. Often, it’s best to hold and roll the transfers.
• ❗ Avoid rotation-prone players. Pep’s roulette is unforgiving.
• ❗ Don’t ignore set-piece takers — penalties, free kicks, corners could all mean a good chance at extra points.
• ❗ Don’t try to copy other teams. Where’s the fun when you don’t take your own risks? You can use all the dedicated FPL-expert models, YouTube and even AI tools as a guide but keep your team yours.
• ❗ Don’t let sentiment guide your picks. You don’t have to load up with three players from your favorite team. If the smart move is to captain an in-form Salah against your own club, do it. In FPL, points come first and not loyalty.
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💭 Final Thoughts
Most of us already have decent football knowledge and analytical skills. But what separates high point earners from the strugglers is decision-making. Knowing how to act with the information available to you.
Can you stay objective—or are you too attached to your favorite team’s underperforming striker?
Are you data-driven or do you rely on gut feeling? Or you apply a healthy mix of both?
Can you stay calm when your captain blanks again?
Are you bold enough to take calculated risks?
Will you put in the time to do your own research and analysis?
At the end of the day, it’s all just fantasy. Have fun while at it.
I’m looking forward to an exciting season.
Best of luck in your mini-leagues!👊