Fantasy Premier League (FPL) isn’t just about picking players who score goals or keep clean sheets; it’s also about maximizing every point possible, including those elusive bonus points.
In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about the FPL bonus points system, including how it works, recent changes, and strategies to help you get the most out of your squad.
What Are FPL Bonus Points?
Bonus points are a key part of the FPL scoring system, often distinguishing between a good Gameweek and a great one. These points are awarded to the top three performers in each match, based on the Bonus Points System (BPS), which evaluates a player’s overall contribution during a game.
The bonus points are added to a player’s score after the final whistle, and they can significantly boost your FPL tally, especially when combined with goals, assists, or clean sheets. Understanding how these points are awarded is crucial to squeezing every possible point from your team.
How Does the Bonus Points System (BPS) Work?
The Bonus Points System (BPS) is an algorithm that calculates every player’s performance in a match based on various actions. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- Key Actions: Goals, assists, clean sheets, key passes, tackles, and saves are just some of the actions that earn BPS points. For example, a forward earns a large BPS boost for scoring, while defenders get rewarded for clean sheets and tackles.
- Negative Actions: On the flip side, actions like missing penalties, yellow cards, and conceding goals result in BPS deductions.
- Final BPS Score: At the end of the match, the players with the highest BPS scores receive bonus points—three points for the highest, two for the second, and one for the third.
Let’s consider an example: If a defender scores the winning goal, makes several crucial tackles, and keeps a clean sheet, they’re likely to top the BPS for that match and earn three bonus points.
What Are the List of Bonus Points Available in FPL?
The Bonus Points System (BPS) in FPL is designed to reward players who make significant contributions during a match. These contributions are measured through various actions, each allocating points within the BPS. Here’s a detailed list of the key actions that can earn players BPS points, leading to bonus points in FPL:
1. Goal-Scoring Actions
- Goals Scored (Forwards): +24 BPS
Forwards receive a substantial boost in their BPS score when they score a goal, reflecting the importance of goal-scoring in FPL. - Goals Scored (Midfielders): +18 BPS
Midfielders also earn significant BPS for goals but slightly less than forwards, acknowledging their dual role in attack and defence. - Goals Scored (Defenders): +12 BPS
Defenders earn fewer BPS for goals, but it still provides a major boost, especially when combined with defensive contributions. - Goals Scored (Goalkeepers): +12 BPS
Rare, but when goalkeepers score, they earn the same BPS as defenders, reflecting the extraordinary nature of such an event.
2. Assisting Actions
- Assists: +9 BPS
Players who provide assists are rewarded with BPS, as creating a goal-scoring opportunity is highly valued in the system.
3. Defensive Contributions
- Clean Sheet (Goalkeepers & Defenders): +12 BPS
Clean sheets are vital, especially for defenders and goalkeepers, and the BPS system reflects this with a significant boost. - Tackles (Successful): +1 BPS per tackle
Each successful tackle contributes to a player’s BPS, rewarding those who excel in one-on-one defensive situations. - Clearances, Blocks, and Interceptions (CBI): +1 BPS per action
Defenders and midfielders who are actively involved in clearing danger or intercepting passes gain BPS for each successful action.
4. Goalkeeping Actions
- Saves (Goalkeepers): +2 BPS per save
Goalkeepers accumulate BPS for each save, highlighting the importance of shot-stopping in tight matches. - Penalty Save: +15 BPS
Saving a penalty is a game-changing moment, and the BPS rewards goalkeepers heavily for this feat.
5. Creative and Offensive Play
- Key Passes: +3 BPS per pass
Players who make key passes, leading to goal-scoring opportunities, are rewarded with BPS, which encourages creative play. - Successful Dribbles: +1 BPS per dribble
Players who successfully take on and beat opponents gain BPS, reflecting their ability to disrupt defences.
6. Negative Actions (BPS Deductions)
- Yellow Card: -3 BPS
Players receive a deduction for yellow cards, penalizing poor discipline. - Red Card: -9 BPS
A red card results in a substantial BPS deduction, negatively impacting the team’s performance. - Penalty Miss: -6 BPS
Missing a penalty incurs a significant BPS penalty, as it’s a wasted goal-scoring opportunity. - Own Goal: -6 BPS
Scoring an own goal also leads to a substantial BPS deduction, given its direct impact on the match outcome.
Which Players Are Likely to Earn Bonus Points?
Not all FPL players are equally likely to earn bonus points, and understanding which types of players consistently rack up these points can help you make more informed decisions when selecting your squad. Bonus points are often awarded to players who significantly influence the match, whether through direct involvement in goals or through consistent and impactful play across various aspects of the game. Here’s a breakdown of the types of players who are most likely to earn bonus points:
1. Attacking Full-backs and Wing-backs
Full-backs and wing-backs have increasingly become integral to attacking play in modern football. Players in these positions who contribute defensively and offensively are highly valued in the FPL bonus points system. For example, full-backs who provide assists, create key passes or even score goals while maintaining solid defensive contributions (such as tackles, interceptions, and clearances) are prime candidates for bonus points.
Examples:
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool): Known for his crossing ability, key passes, and occasional goals, Alexander-Arnold frequently earns bonus points due to his dual role in attack and defence.
- João Cancelo (Bayern Munich): During his time in the Premier League, Cancelo was a regular bonus point earner because of his forward runs, assists, and defensive work rate.
2. Creative Midfielders
Midfielders who are the playmakers of their teams often rack up bonus points due to their involvement in creating chances, providing assists, and scoring goals. The BPS rewards players who make key passes, dribble effectively and contribute to their team’s build-up play. Midfielders who dominate the central areas and are pivotal in attacking and defensive transitions are particularly likely to earn bonus points.
Examples:
- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City): De Bruyne’s ability to consistently deliver assists, score goals, and dominate the midfield makes him a frequent recipient of bonus points.
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): Fernandes is heavily involved in Manchester United’s attacks, contributing with key passes, goals, and assists, which often puts him at the top of the BPS rankings.
3. Goal-Scoring Forwards
Forwards who are clinical in front of goal and contribute to their team’s overall play are often rewarded with bonus points. The BPS favours forwards who score and assist, create chances, and participate in defensive actions like pressing and winning duels. Forwards who are involved in multiple facets of the game are more likely to accumulate a high BPS score.
Examples:
- Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur): Kane is known for his goal-scoring prowess and for dropping deep to link play and assist teammates, making him a regular bonus point earner.
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Haaland’s ability to score consistently, combined with his physical presence and involvement in key moments, often sees him picking up bonus points.
4. Solid Central Defenders
Central defenders who dominate the air, make crucial clearances, and contribute to clean sheets are also likely to earn bonus points, especially if they score or assist from set-pieces. The BPS system rewards defensive actions, so defenders who excel in these areas often find themselves among the bonus point scorers.
Examples:
- Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool): Van Dijk’s ability to win aerial duels, make crucial tackles, and contribute to Liverpool’s clean sheets often results in high BPS scores.
- Rúben Dias (Manchester City): Dias’ defensive solidity and occasional contributions in attack make him a regular contender for bonus points.
5. Goalkeepers with High Save Counts
While less common than outfield players, goalkeepers can earn bonus points, particularly in matches where they make many saves or keep a clean sheet in a closely contested game. The BPS rewards goalkeepers who make crucial saves, command their area and help secure clean sheets.
Examples:
- Nick Pope (Newcastle United): Known for his shot-stopping ability, Pope often racks up saves in matches, leading to bonus points, especially in games where Newcastle wins by a narrow margin.
- David de Gea (Manchester United): De Gea’s consistent performances in goal, particularly in matches where he is called upon to make multiple saves, often see him earning bonus points.
How Are Bonus Points Changing?
FPL regularly updates the bonus points system to accurately reflect player performances and keep the game competitive. Over the years, we’ve seen tweaks to how different actions are weighted, aiming to balance the impact across all positions.
Changes are often influenced by feedback from the FPL community and a review of how bonus points were distributed in previous seasons. For example, in past seasons, there was criticism that the system favoured attacking players too heavily. Adjustments were made to ensure defenders and goalkeepers had fair opportunities to earn bonus points.
What Are the Changes in the Bonus Points for 2024/25?
For the 2024/25 FPL season, a few noteworthy changes have been introduced to the Bonus Points System:
- Enhanced Defensive Contributions: Defenders and goalkeepers now receive slightly higher BPS scores for blocks, interceptions, and clearances. This change aims to level the playing field, ensuring that defensive actions are rewarded on par with attacking contributions.
- Goalkeeper Saves: The BPS for goalkeeper saves has been adjusted to emphasize consistent shot-stopping performances over single-match heroics. This means keepers who consistently perform well, even in matches where they don’t keep a clean sheet, could still earn bonus points.
- Dribbling and Key Passes: Midfielders and forwards now receive more BPS for successful dribbles and key passes, making creative playmakers more valuable in the bonus points system.
These changes are expected to impact player selection, especially regarding which defenders and goalkeepers you might consider for your FPL team.
Which Players Are Likely to Earn Bonus Points?
Not all players are created equal when it comes to earning bonus points. Certain types of players are more likely to rack up these valuable points:
- Defenders: Full-backs and centre-backs who contribute defensively and offensively (e.g., by scoring or assisting) tend to do well in the BPS. Players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is involved in attack and defends solidly, often score high.
- Midfielders: Creative midfielders who are heavily involved in their team’s attack—those who make key passes, assist, and score—are often in the running for bonus points. Think Kevin De Bruyne, who frequently tops the BPS charts.
- Forwards: Strikers who score and contribute to build-up play or create chances for others are likely candidates for bonus points. Harry Kane is a prime example, as his playmaking abilities often boost his BPS.
What Happens if Two Players Get the Same Bonus Points?
Sometimes, two or more players might have the same BPS score. When this happens, FPL has a specific way of resolving ties:
- Shared Bonus Points: If two players are tied for the highest BPS, they receive three bonus points. If they tie for the second-highest score, they each get two points. This ensures that the best performers are fairly rewarded, even if their contributions are identical.
- Impact on Overall Score: While tied bonus points can spread the rewards across more players, it can also dilute the impact of those points. For example, if three players tie at the top, the total bonus points in that match could be higher than usual, spreading the benefit across more FPL managers.
What Are the Strategies to Maximize Your Bonus Points in FPL
Now that you know how the BPS works and which players are likely to earn bonus points, here are some strategies to help you maximize these points in your FPL team:
- Select Consistent Performers: Players who regularly contribute across multiple aspects of the game are likelier to earn bonus points. This includes defenders who are solid at the back but contribute to the attack or midfielders who create chances and score.
- Use Bonus Points for Captaincy Choices: Consider a player’s bonus point potential when selecting your captain. A player consistently earning bonus points will likely deliver a higher overall score.
- Balance Your Squad: Aim for a balanced squad where multiple players have the potential to earn bonus points. This spreads the risk and increases your chances of gaining extra points each game week.
Conclusion
Understanding and maximizing FPL bonus points can give you an edge over competitors. By carefully selecting players with high BPS potential and staying informed about changes in the system, you can boost your overall FPL score. Remember, it’s not just about picking the best players—it’s about picking the players who will deliver when it counts, right down to those crucial bonus points.
FAQ About FPL Bonus Points
How are bonus points awarded if players are tied in BPS?
If players are tied in BPS, they share the bonus points. For example, if two players tie for the top BPS, they receive three bonus points.
Can goalkeepers earn bonus points?
Yes, goalkeepers can earn bonus points, especially when they make many saves or keep a clean sheet in a closely contested match.
Do bonus points favour attacking or defensive players more?
Traditionally, attacking players earn more bonus points due to their involvement in goals. Still, recent changes to the BPS have made it more balanced, rewarding defenders and goalkeepers for their contributions as well.
