Points only matter when they're different
If you and your rival both own the same player, his goals don't change the gap between you. Only players one of you owns and the other doesn't, and different captain choices, move you up or down the table. Look at your rivals' teams in the game and notice which of your players they don't have.
Leading? Copy the big picks
If you're ahead, the safest plan is to own the players your rivals rely on, especially their captains. That way, their big weeks don't cost you ground. Make fewer risky transfers and avoid points hits unless a player is injured long-term.
Chasing? Pick your moments
If you're behind, you need players your rivals don't have, called differentials, to score well. Good ways to find them:
- Players with a strong run of fixtures but low ownership. The fixture grid helps you spot them early.
- A different captain from the leader, in a week when your pick has a much easier match.
- Timing chips differently. If your rivals have already used their Bench Boost or Triple Captain, using yours in a big double gameweek can swing the table.
Don't overreact
One bad week isn't a trend. Selling players after one blank and buying last week's top scorer usually costs points over the season. Keep a plan for the next few gameweeks and adjust it only for injuries, suspensions and fixture changes.
Watch the chip deadline
This season, first-half chips expire at the Gameweek 19 deadline. Check which chips your rivals have left and plan yours so you don't waste any. See FPL chips explained.
Last updated October 2026.