What's Happening?
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) has announced significant rule changes for the 2025/26 season. These changes include rewarding defensive contributions, doubling the number of chips available, and relaxing the criteria for awarding assists. Defensive players will now earn points for clearances, blocks, interceptions, and tackles, with defenders needing 10 such actions and midfielders/forwards requiring 12 to gain extra points. The Assistant Manager chip has been removed, but players will receive two of each existing chip, such as Wildcard and Triple Captain, which must be used before Gameweek 19. Additionally, the rules for assists have been relaxed, potentially increasing the number awarded. Extra transfers will be provided in December to accommodate the Africa Cup of Nations, and tweaks have been made to the Bonus Points System.
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Why It's Important?
These changes are likely to impact FPL strategies significantly, particularly benefiting defensive-minded players and altering chip usage tactics. The increased points for defensive actions may shift focus towards selecting players who excel in these areas, potentially changing the dynamics of team selection. The removal of the Assistant Manager chip and the introduction of double chips could lead to more strategic planning around chip usage. The relaxed rules for assists may increase player value, especially for those involved in build-up play. The extra transfers during AFCON will help managers navigate player absences, ensuring teams remain competitive during this period.
What's Next?
FPL managers will need to adapt their strategies to these new rules, particularly in terms of player selection and chip usage. As the season progresses, managers will likely experiment with different approaches to maximize points from defensive contributions and assists. The changes may also influence player market values and transfer decisions, as managers seek to optimize their squads under the new system. Observing how these changes affect gameplay and scoring will be crucial for managers aiming to stay competitive.
