Mastering Fantasy Premier League Bonus Points: A Guide

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) has become one of the most popular fantasy sports games worldwide. Managers know that success isn’t just about goals, assists, or clean sheets — bonus points play a huge role in climbing the ranks. The Bonus Points System (BPS) adds another layer of strategy, rewarding players for their all-around performances on the pitch. Knowing how this system works can be the key to dominating your FPL mini-leagues.

This guide will explain everything about the FPL bonus points system, how players earn or lose them, and strategies to help you maximize your weekly points.

What Is the FPL Bonus Points System?

The Bonus Points System (BPS) is a unique way FPL rewards players who have the most impact during a match. While standard points are awarded for goals, assists, clean sheets, and saves, bonus points go to the top three performers in each game based on a range of on-field actions.

The top performer earns three bonus points, the second gets two, and the third takes one. In case of a tie, the points are split — for example, if two players tie for the highest BPS, they both get three points, and the next highest scorer gets one.

Understanding the BPS allows FPL managers to pick players who consistently contribute beyond just goals and assists.

How Are FPL Bonus Points Calculated?

Bonus points are awarded based on Opta’s detailed match data, which tracks every player’s positive and negative contributions during the game. Here’s how points are gained or lost:

Positive Contributions

Playing Time: Players get points for minutes played. Playing over 60 minutes gives a significant boost.

Goals Scored: Scoring goals earns BPS points, with forwards getting the most for goals, followed by midfielders, and then defenders.

Assists: Providing assists adds solid BPS points, rewarding creativity.

Clean Sheets: Defenders and goalkeepers gain extra points for keeping clean sheets.

Saves: Goalkeepers get points for each save, with extra rewards for penalty saves.

Key Passes: Players who create big goal-scoring chances gain more BPS.

Successful Tackles: Defensive midfielders and defenders benefit from making clean tackles.

Pass Completion: Players with high pass accuracy (usually over 70% completion with 30+ passes) get BPS rewards.

Successful Dribbles: Wingers and attacking players gain points for beating defenders.

Recoveries: Defensive players earn BPS for regaining possession for their team.

Negative Contributions

Conceding Goals: Goalkeepers and defenders lose points for each goal conceded after the first.

Yellow and Red Cards: Players are penalized heavily for bookings. A red card results in a significant BPS drop.

Penalty Misses: Missing a penalty leads to a major point deduction.

Errors Leading to Goals: Any error that directly results in a goal deducts points.

Offsides: Forwards caught offside multiple times lose points.

Fouls Committed: Regular fouling leads to small BPS deductions.

Shots Off Target: Players who take many inaccurate shots may lose points.

Being Tackled: Players who lose possession frequently lose BPS.

The combination of these positive and negative stats determines a player’s BPS score at the end of each match.

Players Who Frequently Earn Bonus Points

Some players are naturally BPS magnets due to their playing styles. Understanding who these players are can help managers make smart transfers.

Goalkeepers

Nick Pope (Newcastle United): Known for making many saves and keeping clean sheets, Pope often racks up bonus points even in tough matches.

Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa): His shot-stopping ability and penalty saves make him a bonus point favorite.

Defenders

Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United): With his attacking runs, set-piece deliveries, and solid defensive stats, Trippier regularly earns bonus points.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool): His ability to assist and create chances while maintaining defensive duties makes him a top BPS earner.

Midfielders

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): Thanks to his key passes, assists, goals, and high pass completion, Fernandes often tops the BPS charts.

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): Saka combines goals, assists, and consistent dribbles, leading to frequent bonus points.

Forwards

Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Scoring goals regularly, Haaland racks up BPS, though his low involvement in play sometimes limits his points when he doesn’t score.

Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa): His combination of goals, assists, and off-the-ball work makes him a bonus point magnet.

Recent Updates to FPL Bonus Points

The 2024-25 FPL season introduced a few changes aimed at enhancing the game experience and making the BPS system even more impactful.

Transfer Limits: Managers are now capped at 20 transfers per game week, encouraging more strategic team management.

Saved Transfers: Players can now save up to five free transfers, allowing more planning for double game weeks.

Mystery Chip: A new “Mystery Chip” is set to be introduced in January 2025. While details remain under wraps, it promises to add an extra twist to the season.

Advanced BPS Metrics: FPL has fine-tuned the BPS algorithm to give more weight to defensive actions, rewarding players who contribute significantly off the ball.

Strategies to Maximize Bonus Points in FPL

Maximizing bonus points requires a combination of selecting the right players and understanding game dynamics. Here are strategies to boost your weekly scores:

Focus on Playmakers: Players who regularly create chances (e.g., Bruno Fernandes or Kevin De Bruyne) often gain bonus points even without scoring.

Pick Set-Piece Takers: Players who take corners, free-kicks, and penalties (e.g., James Maddison) get more opportunities to earn assists and goals, increasing their BPS.

Value Defenders Who Attack: Full-backs and wing-backs who get forward (e.g., Trippier or Alexander-Arnold) are prime BPS earners, combining defensive solidity with attacking returns.

Choose Safe Goalkeepers: Goalkeepers who face lots of shots but still make saves (e.g., Nick Pope) are BPS gems, even if their teams concede occasionally.

Target Consistency Over Explosiveness: Players who consistently perform well, even without scoring big, will earn more bonus points over time.

Monitor Fixture Difficulty: Picking players with easier fixtures increases the chances of clean sheets and attacking returns, leading to higher BPS scores.

Use the Eye Test: While stats help, watching games shows which players are consistently involved in key plays, often leading to bonus points.

Wrapping Up

The FPL Bonus Points System adds depth and strategy to the game, rewarding players for their complete performances on the field. Managers who understand how BPS works gain a significant advantage, spotting hidden gems and maximizing returns from every match.

By focusing on all-around performers, targeting players involved in set-pieces, and watching out for defensive stalwarts, you can regularly rack up bonus points. With changes to the FPL system in the 2024-25 season, including the new Mystery Chip, there are even more ways to get ahead. So, build your squad smartly, track performances closely, and let the bonus points roll in.

FAQs

How do players earn FPL bonus points?

Players earn bonus points through the Bonus Points System (BPS), which tracks their positive and negative contributions during a match. Goals, assists, clean sheets, key passes, and defensive actions help increase a player’s BPS, while fouls, offsides, and errors lower it.

Can players tie for bonus points?

Yes. If two players tie for the highest BPS in a match, they both receive three bonus points. If two players tie for the second-highest score, they both get two points, and no one receives one point in that scenario.

Are certain positions more likely to earn bonus points?

Yes. Midfielders often earn more bonus points due to their involvement in both attack and defense. Full-backs and attacking defenders also score highly, while forwards usually rely on goals to secure bonus points.

Has the BPS system changed recently?

The 2024-25 season introduced some tweaks, especially in how defensive contributions are weighted. FPL also implemented transfer limits and added new features like the upcoming “Mystery Chip” to shake things up.

What is the best strategy to maximize bonus points in FPL?

Focus on players who contribute across all areas — not just goals and assists. Pick creative midfielders, attacking full-backs, and goalkeepers who make frequent saves. Monitor fixtures and player form closely to make the most of every game week.

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