As the new Premier League season approaches, fantasy football enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the return of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL). With just three days to go until the first deadline, it’s essential to get your head around the biggest rules changes in FPL history and how they’ll impact your strategy. In this article, we’ll delve into the new transfer rule, discuss the tweaked bonus points system, and provide you with some FPL Tips to help you make informed decisions.
Understanding the New Transfer Rule
The most significant change this season is the introduction of the new transfer rule, which allows you to bank up to five free transfers at a time. This is a significant increase from the previous limit of two, giving you more flexibility and creativity in managing your team. But what does this mean for your strategy?
With the ability to bank more transfers, you can now play several “mini wildcards” throughout the season. This allows you to be more aggressive in targeting fixture swings, ditching three or four players in one go if needed. You can also wildcard to build for a bench boost and quickly ditch four or five of those players a couple of gameweeks later.
Here’s an example of how this could work early on:
- Gameweek 1: Pick a team and roll with it
- Gameweek 4: (three transfers in the bank) wildcard a new team to target fixtures swings – Brighton and Villa for example
- Gameweek 6: You now have five transfers in the bank, a mini wildcard – you can make another huge change or just keep your powder dry for later
Navigating the Tweaked Bonus Points System
The bonus points system has also undergone some changes. While the full details are still to be revealed, we know that defenders are less likely to receive bonus points, while forwards who win fouls or shoot on target frequently will receive more.
This change is likely to impact the way we approach captaincy and player selection. With defenders less likely to receive bonus points, we may see a shift towards forwards and midfielders who offer more goal threat and creative potential.
However, it’s essential to note that this change is still relatively minor compared to the transfer rule changes. With the ability to bank more transfers, you’ll have more flexibility to adapt to changes in the bonus points system.
Mid-Season Chip Strategy
The mid-season chip strategy is an essential aspect of FPL. With the new transfer rule, you’ll have more flexibility to play your chips strategically. Here are a few things to consider:
- Wildcard: With the ability to bank more transfers, you can wildcard to build for a bench boost and quickly ditch four or five of those players a couple of gameweeks later.
- Free Hit: Use your free hit to target a specific set of fixtures or to avoid a difficult set of fixtures for your team.
- Bench Boost: Use your bench boost to maximize your points during a favorable set of fixtures.
Pros and Cons of Using Mid-Season Chips
Using mid-season chips can be a game-changer in FPL, but it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Here are a few things to consider:
- Pros:
- Flexibility to adapt to changes in the bonus points system
- Ability to target specific sets of fixtures or avoid difficult sets
- Potential to maximize points during favorable sets of fixtures
- Cons:
- Over-reliance on mid-season chips can lead to inconsistent team selection
- Incorrectly timing mid-season chips can result in missed opportunities
- Using mid-season chips too frequently can lead to transfer fatigue
Seven Players to Consider for Your FPL Team
As you prepare for the new season, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of the players who can make a difference in your FPL team. Here are seven players to consider:
- Marcus Rashford (Man Utd, £7m, midfielder)
- Niclas Fullkrug (West Ham, £7m, forward)
- Bryan Mbuemo (Brentford, £7m, midfielder)
- Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace, £5m, defender)
- Emile Smith Rowe (Fulham, £5.5m, midfielder)
- Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea, £6.5m, midfielder)
- Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest, £6m, forward)
These players offer a mix of budget-friendly options and premium players who can make a significant impact on your FPL team.
As the new season approaches, it’s essential to stay informed and adapt to the changing landscape of FPL. By understanding the new transfer rule, navigating the tweaked bonus points system, and considering the players who can make a difference, you’ll be well on your way to success in the world of FPL.