Fantasy Premier League (FPL) has evolved over the years, offering both new players and seasoned managers opportunities to challenge themselves. One of the most intriguing aspects of FPL is the bonus points system, which often determines the difference between a good and a great game score. With the 2024/2025 season in full swing, fantasy managers need to understand how bonus points work and how they can make the most of them.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the bonus points system in FPL, providing a detailed guide that covers everything from how bonus points are awarded to the factors that influence them. We’ll also explore the latest trends and strategies that players are using, based on data from popular platforms like YouTube, Google, and Quora, as well as trends from Meta. Whether you’re new to FPL or a seasoned pro, this guide will give you all the insights you need to maximise your FPL performance this season.
What Are Bonus Points in Fantasy Premier League?
Bonus points in Fantasy Premier League are extra points awarded to players based on their performance in a match. These points are given in addition to the standard points earned for goals, assists, clean sheets, and other game-related actions.
The idea behind the bonus points system is to reward players who have had the biggest impact on the game. These points can be crucial, often deciding the outcome of a game when the scores are close. However, not all bonus points are created equal. Some performances may appear extraordinary, yet the bonus points awarded may seem rather minimal or, conversely, players can surprise you by picking up more points than expected. Understanding how this system works can give you an edge over other managers.
How Are Bonus Points Awarded in Fantasy Premier League?
The awarding of bonus points is based on a specific formula, which is largely influenced by Opta data – a company that tracks detailed match statistics. These data points are gathered during each Premier League match and analysed to assess a player’s contribution to their team’s success.
The key factors that contribute to bonus points include:
Goals and Assists: Scoring goals and assisting others are the most straightforward ways to earn bonus points. Players who score multiple goals or provide multiple assists are likely to receive higher bonus points.
Clean Sheets: Defenders and goalkeepers are awarded bonus points for keeping clean sheets. The longer a player maintains a clean sheet, the higher their potential bonus.
Key Passes and Tackles: These contribute to a player’s overall impact in the game. Key passes (passes that directly lead to a shot) and successful tackles are tracked and contribute to bonus points for both attacking and defensive players.
Shot Accuracy and Saves: For strikers and goalkeepers, shooting accuracy and the number of saves made are additional criteria that influence bonus points. Goalkeepers who make a significant number of saves, especially in high-pressure matches, can often secure bonus points.
Minutes Played: Players who feature for the full 90 minutes in a match tend to be in line for more bonus points than those who are substituted early. While this isn’t as impactful as the other factors, it still plays a role.
Once the match is complete, the performance of every player is assessed, and the bonus points are awarded. Generally, the top three players in the game (according to their overall contribution) receive bonus points, with 3 points awarded to the best performer, 2 points to the second-best, and 1 point to the third-best.
The BPS (Bonus Points System)
The Bonus Points System, or BPS, is the core formula used to determine which players earn bonus points and how many they receive. Each player earns BPS points based on various actions in the game. For example:
Goals Scored: 12 BPS for a goal by a forward, 10 BPS for a midfielder, and 8 BPS for a defender.
Assists: 9 BPS.
Clean Sheets: 6 BPS for goalkeepers and defenders.
Successful Tackles: 3 BPS.
Key Passes: 3 BPS.
Saves (for goalkeepers): 3 BPS for each save made.
At the end of the match, players are awarded BPS based on their actions, and these are then converted into bonus points. If you are a Fantasy Premier League manager, understanding the BPS formula can significantly influence your decision-making when selecting players.
Factors Affecting Bonus Points in FPL 2024/2025
While the core BPS formula has remained largely unchanged in recent seasons, some factors have seen changes in the 2024/2025 season. Here’s an in-depth look at how certain factors influence the awarding of bonus points:
Player Position
Different positions tend to earn bonus points in different ways. For example, strikers who score goals are almost always likely to earn bonus points. On the other hand, defenders can pick up bonus points through clean sheets, clearances, and interceptions. Goalkeepers, while receiving fewer bonus points overall, can make up for it with a high number of saves.
It’s crucial to consider the types of points a player is likely to accumulate. A midfielder who contributes both goals and assists might earn more bonus points than a defender who simply maintains a clean sheet, depending on the circumstances of the match.
Match Context
The context of the match plays a significant role. For example, a player who scores a late goal in a crucial match (especially in a tight 1-0 win or a comeback) might earn more bonus points for their game-changing contribution.
Similarly, goalkeepers who make crucial saves in a high-stakes match may also be awarded extra points. The higher the intensity of the match, the more likely bonus points are to be awarded for key contributions.
Overall Team Performance
While individual performances are critical, the overall performance of the team can influence bonus points too. Players on teams that dominate possession or win 3-0 tend to accumulate bonus points more easily than players on teams that lose or perform poorly.
For example, a midfielder who provides an assist in a 3-0 win for a dominant team will usually earn more bonus points than a similar assist in a 1-0 win for a more defensive team. The system rewards those whose contributions result in clear victories, as opposed to players on teams that have to grind out results.
Disciplinary Record
Disciplinary actions (yellow cards and red cards) affect bonus points negatively. A player who receives a yellow card or red card is likely to lose bonus points. This reflects the idea that reckless actions (like fouls) can reduce a player’s overall contribution to the team’s success.
In some cases, players may still earn bonus points even with a yellow card if they’ve had an excellent game overall, but this will almost always detract from their total.
Popular Trends and Strategies in 2024/2025
The Growing Importance of Midfielders
One notable trend in FPL 2024/2025 is the growing importance of midfielders in the bonus points system. With more midfielders contributing to both goals and assists, and several high-performing players in the league, managers are focusing more on their midfield slots. Midfielders have a greater chance of earning bonus points through key passes, tackles, and assists, making them essential picks.
The trend of Multi-Position Players
Another popular trend is the use of multi-position players, like wing-backs who operate both defensively and offensively. These players often offer an excellent balance between attacking potential and defensive stability, which can make them ideal candidates for bonus points.
Focus on High-Impact Matches
Managers are also placing more emphasis on high-impact matches, as these often provide opportunities for players to gain bonus points. Games where one team dominates, or where players score late goals or make critical saves, often lead to higher-than-expected bonus points.
FAQs
What is the Bonus Points System (BPS) in FPL?
The BPS is a mechanism that allocates additional points to players based on their in-game performances. Players earn BPS through various actions during a match, and the top three players with the highest BPS scores receive bonus points: three points for the highest, two for the second, and one for the third.
How do these changes affect player selection?
The reduction in BPS for goalkeepers saving penalties and the introduction of negative BPS for conceding goals may impact the bonus points for goalkeepers and defenders. Conversely, the addition of positive BPS for actions like goalline clearances, fouls won, and shots on target can benefit players who frequently engage in these activities, often favouring attacking players.
How can I stay updated on these changes and strategies?
To stay informed about the latest FPL updates and strategies, consider following reputable FPL resources and communities. Engaging with platforms like Reddit’s r/fantasypremierleague and watching informative videos can provide valuable insights.
How has the BPS changed for the 2024/2025 season?
Several key adjustments have been made:
Goalkeepers Saving a Penalty: The BPS for saving a penalty has been reduced from 15 to 9.
Goalkeepers and Defenders Conceding a Goal: Both goalkeepers and defenders now receive a -4 BPS for conceding a goal.
Goalline Clearance: Players performing a goalline clearance are awarded 3 BPS.
Foul Won: For each foul won, a player earns 1 BPS.
Shot on Target: Players receive 2 BPS for each shot on target.
Final Thoughts
Bonus points in FPL 2024/2025 are more important than ever. They can be the difference between a good and a great game, and understanding how they’re awarded can give you a significant advantage. By focusing on the right types of players and paying attention to match context, team performance, and the BPS formula, you can optimise your FPL strategy and increase your chances of a strong finish.
While the bonus points system may seem complex at first, with a bit of practice and attention to detail, you’ll be able to make smarter decisions that could propel you to the top of your league. Stay updated with the latest trends and continue to refine your strategies as the season progresses – and always keep an eye out for the bonus points that can make all the difference!
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