{"id":5701,"date":"2025-08-08T08:33:05","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T08:33:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/fpl-2025-26-the-new-rules-explanation-and-strategy\/"},"modified":"2025-08-08T09:12:36","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T09:12:36","slug":"fpl-2025-26-the-new-rules-explanation-and-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/en\/fpl-2025-26-the-new-rules-explanation-and-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"FPL 2025\/26: The new rules &#8211; explanation and strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new FPL season changes the game significantly: more chips, points for defensive actions, clearer assist rules, extra transfers due to AFCON and adjusted bonus point system. Below you&#8217;ll find an overview &#8211; explained in practice and with concrete strategy tips.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick overview<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Two sets of chips<\/strong>: Wildcard, Free Hit, Triple Captain and Bench Boost can all be used twice &#8211; one set in GW1-19 and one set in GW20-38. Only one chip per gameweek. First set expires at GW19 deadline.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Defensive Contributions<\/strong>: New points for defensive actions. Defenders get +2 points for 10 CBIT (clearances, blocks, interceptions, tackles). Midfielders\/forwards get +2 points for 12 CBIRT (CBIT + ball recoveries). CAPPET to max +2 per game.    <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Assists simplified<\/strong>: More situations now give assists &#8211; especially deflections\/deflections and passes that reach a goal scorer in the box.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AFCON special rule<\/strong>: In GW16, your free transfers are automatically topped up to 5 (regardless of what you had).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bonus Point System (BPS) updated<\/strong>: New weighting of tackles, goalkeeper saves (depending on shot location), penalty goals in BPS and saves on the line.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premierleague.com\/en\/news\/4362027?_gl=1*3oaw3f*_gcl_au*NTYzODAxNDIzLjE3NTM4NzkxMzI.*_ga*MTUxNjczNTAyNi4xNzUzODgzOTEz*_ga_Z815NWVZJY*czE3NTQ2NDE3ODYkbzEwJGcxJHQxNzU0NjQxODc5JGo0NyRsMCRoMA..\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Two sets of chips<\/a> &#8211; how it works<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You have 8 chips in total:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>2\u00d7 Wildcard<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2\u00d7 Free Hit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2\u00d7 Triple Captain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2\u00d7 Bench Boost<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Validity:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Set 1:<\/strong> GW1-GW19<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Set 2:<\/strong> GW20-GW38<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Important: Set 1 cannot be carried over and expires at the GW19 deadline. You can only play one chip per round. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Assistant Manager chip has been removed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Practical notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Free Hit in GW19 and <em>again<\/em> in GW20 does not work (the team is recreated for the first Free Hit of the round).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Think of Set 1 as a toolbox for form\/fixtures in the fall &#8211; not just for DGWs (which typically come later).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Strategic ideas (first half):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Early Wildcard<\/strong>: Allows you to respond aggressively to shape and price changes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bench Boost in GW1<\/strong> (optional): If you have 15 safe starters, you can &#8220;burn&#8221; the chip early and focus the budget on XI afterwards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Triple Captain against promoters\/home<\/strong>: Hit a strong premium in a favorable spot.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premierleague.com\/en\/news\/4361991?_gl=1*mpz97v*_gcl_au*NTYzODAxNDIzLjE3NTM4NzkxMzI.*_ga*MTUxNjczNTAyNi4xNzUzODgzOTEz*_ga_Z815NWVZJY*czE3NTQ2NDE3ODYkbzEwJGcxJHQxNzU0NjQxNzg2JGo2MCRsMCRoMA..\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Defensive contributions<\/a> (CBIT\/CBIRT) &#8211; who wins?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>This is how points are awarded:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Defenders<\/strong>: +2 points for 10 combined CBIT (clearances, blocks, interceptions, tackles).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Midfielders\/forwards<\/strong>: +2 points at 12 CBIRT (CBIT + ball recoveries).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Capped<\/strong>: Max +2 per match (just like GK saves points are capped per intervals). <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Profiles that get a boost:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Defensive midfielders<\/strong>: Palhinha types, Caicedo, N\u00f8rgaard, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Centerbacks<\/strong>: Tarkowski, Bednarek, Murillo, Konsa &#8211; often lots of CBIT.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>High pressure forwards<\/strong>: Watkins\/N\u00fa\u00f1ez types can hit 12 in some games via pressure and recoveries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> You can follow whether a player has hit the threshold live on the match pages in the app\/website (new &#8220;Defensive Contribution&#8221; section).<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"561\" src=\"http:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/projected-defcon-points-2024-2025.webp\" alt=\"- -\" class=\"wp-image-5606\" title=\"- -\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/projected-defcon-points-2024-2025.webp 650w, https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/projected-defcon-points-2024-2025-300x259.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><strong>Top players for defensive contribution points 24\/25 (Projected totals)<br\/><\/strong>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.premierleague.com\/en\/news\/4361991?_gl=1*17t68f7*_gcl_au*NTYzODAxNDIzLjE3NTM4NzkxMzI.*_ga*MTUxNjczNTAyNi4xNzUzODgzOTEz*_ga_Z815NWVZJY*czE3NTQ1NjYwMTQkbzkkZzEkdDE3NTQ1NjY4MzgkajU0JGwwJGgw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">PremierLeague.com<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premierleague.com\/en\/news\/4362187?_gl=1*4j49l*_gcl_au*NTYzODAxNDIzLjE3NTM4NzkxMzI.*_ga*MTUxNjczNTAyNi4xNzUzODgzOTEz*_ga_Z815NWVZJY*czE3NTQ2NDE3ODYkbzEwJGcxJHQxNzU0NjQxODk2JGozMCRsMCRoMA..\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Assists<\/a> &#8211; more predictable (and more of them)<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Main lines:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Deflections\/deflections can still give assists, especially when the ball ends up with the goal scorer in the box (intended receiver means less in the box).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Outside the box, the assessment remains whether the pass was intended for the goal scorer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There are specific exceptions (e.g. multiple defensive touches or deliberate defensive pass voids the assist).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The direction is clear: more assists and less doubt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Consequence:<\/strong> Expect slightly higher and more stable points from creative profiles (Saka\/Edegaard\/Bruno types). xA becomes an even better tool. <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"HUGE FPL RULE CHANGES \ud83d\ude2e Double Chips \ud83c\udf5f &amp; Defensive Points | Fantasy Premier League Tips 2025\/26\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/OK5zFEIKu0U?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OK5zFEIKu0U\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">FPL Harry<\/a> has a great video walkthrough of the rules on his channel.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AFCON 2025 &#8211; 5 free transfers in GW16<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dates for the final round (Morocco): December 21, 2025 &#8211; January 18, 2026.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To help managers who lose players during the period, your free transfers will be topped up to 5 in GW16 (automatically).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan: Map risk profiles (African national team stars in your squad) and use GW16 as a mini-wildcard to shape the team for January.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bonus Point System (BPS) &#8211; the most important tweaks<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tackles<\/strong>: No longer &#8220;net tackles&#8221;. Each <strong>tackle won<\/strong> gives <strong>+2 BPS<\/strong>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Goalkeeper saves<\/strong>: BPS depends on <strong>shot location<\/strong> &#8211; <strong>+3<\/strong> if shot is <strong>in the box<\/strong>, <strong>+2<\/strong> if <strong>outside<\/strong>. Penalty kick saves give <strong>+8 BPS<\/strong> (and a total of <strong>11<\/strong> including save in box).  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Penalty goals (BPS)<\/strong>: A scored penalty kick now gives <strong>+12 BPS<\/strong> <strong>regardless of position<\/strong> (previously forwards gave more).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rescue on the line<\/strong>: <strong>+9 BPS<\/strong> (up from +3).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Playable effects:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Keepers<\/strong> can sneak in bonuses more often, especially against teams that shoot a lot in the box.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DM\/backs<\/strong> with many tackles won can more easily grab the bonus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Penalty merchants<\/strong> lose some &#8220;free&#8221; bonus fun compared to previously. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Concrete strategy advice<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Use your first Wildcard offensively<\/strong><br\/>Don&#8217;t save it &#8220;just in case&#8221;. Use it to jump on the form, fix errors and optimize structure\/pricing. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Scout for &#8220;Defensive Contributions&#8221;-profiles<\/strong><br\/>Search for CBs with high CBIT and DMs with many recoveries. Cheap rotation CBs and hard-working 6s can now be real value picks. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Prepare for AFCON<\/strong><br\/>Keep track of potential withdrawals and travel time. Use the 5 free in GW16 as a scheduled reset with no hits. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. chip plan for fall (example)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>GW3-6<\/strong>: Early Wildcard.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>GW7-12<\/strong>: Triple Captain in a premium home showdown.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>GW1 or GW10-14<\/strong>: Bench Boost if the entire bench is playable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A single Free Hit<\/strong> to attack a tricky round (e.g. when your premiums meet each other).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Remember: You can only play one chip per round.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Extra: New elite leagues<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two <strong>global elite leagues<\/strong> have been introduced this year: one for managers who finished in <strong>the top 1%<\/strong> and one for <strong>the top 10%<\/strong> last season. An extra carrot &#8211; and a nice benchmark for ambition. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What chips will I have in 2025\/26 &#8211; and for how long?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You have two of each (Wildcard, Free Hit, Triple Captain, Bench Boost). Set 1 is valid through GW19 deadline; set 2 from GW20. No Assistant Manager this year.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can I use multiple chips in the same round?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No &#8211; maximum one chip per gameweek. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What counts for defensive contributions?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Defense: CBIT (clearances, blocks, interceptions, tackles).<br\/>Center\/attack: CBIRT (CBIT + ball recoveries). Threshold: 10 for defense, 12 for mid\/attack. CAPPET at +2 per game.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Are there really more assists?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes &#8211; the rules have been simplified so that more situations now trigger assists (especially in the box). Result: more and fairer assists. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What happens in GW16?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your free transfers are topped up to 5 as AFCON help.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How is BPS adjusted?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In short: tackles won = +2, keeper saves are weighted by shot location, penalty goals = +12 BPS for all positions, goalline clearance = +9 BPS.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When do chips from the first half expire?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By GW19 deadline (December 30, 2025 at 18:30 GMT).<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2025\/26 rewards hard-working players and active planning. Leverage the first chipset this fall, scout for CBIT\/CBIRT profiles and use GW16 as a mini-reset. You&#8217;ll be ahead of the game once the rest of the league starts to react.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The new FPL season changes the game significantly: more chips, points for defensive actions, clearer assist rules, extra transfers due to AFCON and adjusted bonus point system. Below you&#8217;ll find an overview &#8211; explained in practice and with concrete strategy tips. Quick overview Two sets of chips &#8211; how it works You have 8 chips [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":5685,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[267],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5701","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fpl-en","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/FPL-rule-changes-featured.webp",2560,1440,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/FPL-rule-changes-featured-150x150.webp",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/FPL-rule-changes-featured-300x169.webp",300,169,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/FPL-rule-changes-featured-768x432.webp",768,432,true],"large":["https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/FPL-rule-changes-featured-1024x576.webp",1024,576,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/FPL-rule-changes-featured-1536x864.webp",1536,864,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/FPL-rule-changes-featured-2048x1152.webp",2048,1152,true],"et-builder-post-main-image":["https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/FPL-rule-changes-featured-400x250.webp",400,250,true],"et-builder-post-main-image-fullwidth":["https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/FPL-rule-changes-featured-1080x675.webp",1080,675,true],"et-builder-portfolio-image":["https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/FPL-rule-changes-featured-400x284.webp",400,284,true],"et-builder-portfolio-image-single":["https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/FPL-rule-changes-featured-1080x608.webp",1080,608,true],"et-builder-gallery-image-portrait":["https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/FPL-rule-changes-featured-400x516.webp",400,516,true],"extra-image-huge":["https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/FPL-rule-changes-featured-1280x768.webp",1280,768,true],"extra-image-single-post":["https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/FPL-rule-changes-featured-1280x640.webp",1280,640,true],"extra-image-medium":["https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/FPL-rule-changes-featured-627x376.webp",627,376,true],"extra-image-small":["https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/FPL-rule-changes-featured-440x264.webp",440,264,true],"extra-image-square-medium":["https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/FPL-rule-changes-featured-440x440.webp",440,440,true],"extra-image-square-small":["https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/FPL-rule-changes-featured-150x150.webp",150,150,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Jacob Olesen","author_link":"https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/en\/author\/jaco9115\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"The new FPL season changes the game significantly: more chips, points for defensive actions, clearer assist rules, extra transfers due to AFCON and adjusted bonus point system. Below you&#8217;ll find an overview &#8211; explained in practice and with concrete strategy tips. Quick overview Two sets of chips &#8211; how it works You have 8 chips&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5701","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5701"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5701\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5702,"href":"https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5701\/revisions\/5702"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5685"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5701"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5701"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fantasyleague.gg\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5701"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}