FPL makes its return with new rules, new players, and new prices

With the new Premier League season just over a month away, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is back, and with it comes rule changes, fresh faces, and a wave of player price reveals that have already got managers planning. One of the biggest changes this year is the introduction of points for defensive contributions. Defenders will now earn two bonus points for every 10 ‘defensive actions’, which comprise of clearances, blocks, and interceptions. For midfielders and forwards, ball recoveries will also contribute to their tally, and thus two points will be awarded for every 12 defensive contributions.

Before the new adjustment, FPL strategy was always been driven by attacking metrics, where defensive midfielders and defenders who were unlikely to provide attacking returns were overlooked. If this decision to reward defensive contributions had been implemented a season earlier, Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo would’ve seen his total rise from 98 to 140 points, a 43% increase. Another fresh element to the new season is the decision to give players two sets of chips. Players will be given one of each chip to use in each half of the season, including Wildcard, Free Hit, Triple Captain, and Bench Boost.

With prices now revealed, pre-season form taking shape and the transfer window well and truly underway, here’s a look at some of the standout picks across the key price points heading into Gameweek 1.

Goalkeepers

There’s a familiar debate every season between chasing clean sheets or prioritising points from goalkeeper saves, and this year is no different. While Alisson and David Raya (both 5.5m picks, very much on the expensive side) may rack up clean sheets, their save numbers are likely to be low. At 4.5m, there’s strong value on nailed-on starting options like Petrovic, Areola, Verbruggen, and Kelleher, with potential to free budget up elsewhere.

Standout pick – Bart Verbruggen (4.5m) – a guaranteed starter and should strike the balance between saves and clean sheets.

Defenders

Thanks to the new rules, defenders who thrive on blocks and clearances are suddenly FPL relevant, and it’s no surprise that Tarkowski, Murillo, and Milenkovic are now 5.5m without the necessity for attacking returns in order to score well. Even 6m names like Van Dijk and Saliba will benefit and make them even more appealing assets. Budget options are plentiful, and currently Wan-Bissaka (4.5m) has 32.6% ownership. Options such as Udogie, Van de Ven, Konsa, and Guehi could become great assets.

Standout Pick – James Tarkowski (5.5m) – value should be worth it despite the increase in price, especially with Everton’s increased activity in the transfer market.

Midfielders

At the top end, Mohammed Salah (14.5m) remains essential. He’s reliable as ever for attacking returns and bonus points, and racked up an incredible 344 points last season. Cole Palmer (10.5m) looks like another strong pick, especially if Chelsea’s new attack with João Pedro and Bynoe-Gittens clicks early. New Liverpool man Florian Wirtz looks a popular option at 34.9% ownership, but may need time to adapt to a new league.

If you’re chasing early differentials, Elanga could be a cheaper route into Newcastle’s attack at 7m, after his 17 goal contributions for Nottingham Forest last year tallied up to 153 FPL points. Morgan Rogers is also one to watch, and with 161 FPL points last season, he should provide great value for a 7m midfielder. Mbuemo and Cunha both sit at the 8m mark and have the potential to offer incredible value considering their performances last season. That being said, with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Man City to play in their opening five fixtures, bringing in any Manchester United options may have to wait.

Standout Pick – Morgan Rogers – a budget enabler for the inclusion of the likes of Salah and Palmer, and likely to be given even more minutes by Emery following the expiration of both Rashford and Asensio’s loans.

Forwards

The decision racking the brains of managers right now: Salah or Haaland? With Haaland priced at 14.0m, owning both would consume 28.5% of your total budget — a huge investment that forces compromise elsewhere. If you go without one, it opens the door for a much more balanced squad.

Isak (10.5m) could be a great alternative, regardless of whether he’s at Newcastle or Liverpool. He was the highest FPL scoring forward last season with 211 points, and if dropped into a side with delivery from Salah, Wirtz, Frimpong and Kerkez, that number could soar. João Pedro (7.5m) is currently the most selected player on the game at 55.1% ownership, and with his total of 16 goal contributions for Brighton last season likely to rise following his move to Chelsea, there’s no question why.

Arsenal’s new signing, Viktor Gyökeres (9m), could also be a big factor early on, coming off an incredible 39-goal season with Sporting, whilst Ekitike (8.5m) provides promise. If he settles quickly, he could easily be the first player in my team in Gameweek 1. Ollie Watkins looks a good pick at 9m, and further down the price list, Solanke looks great at 7.5m – he should thrive with new-boy Kudus alongside him.

Standout Pick – Viktor Gyökeres – an incredibly gifted striker, if he can reach anywhere near the numbers he found in Portugal, then 9m is an absolute steal.

With the Premier League being the centre of transfer activity this summer, fantasy managers will be spoiled for choice, but with more variables and more strategy needed, FPL isn’t just back – it’s evolved. Roll on Gameweek 1!