Fantasy Premier League introduce new 'overlooked' points scoring rule leaving fans baffled

Fantasy Premier League players beware: there are changes to the game for the 2025/26 season. The makers of the free game have been evolving it every year, adding more and more features, and that has continued this summer.

Last season saw the introduction of the assistant manager chip, whereby players were given the chance to earn points from the results of one team. And now there is another factor for FPL players to consider in the form of defensive contributions.

Typically, FPL players select their squad based on attacking contributions, picking attacking full-backs or towering centre-backs to fill their back line. That is because defenders can only really earn points from clean sheets or bonuses, as well as goals and assists.

But FPL bosses have now tried to address that trend by introducing another point-scoring metric. From this season, defenders and defensive midfielders – previously neglected classes of players – will become newly sought after.

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That’s because the meat and drink of defenders – clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles – will now be recognised and rewarded. Defenders who rack up a combined 10 of those per match will earn two points.

Meanwhile, defensive midfielders may not be pointless picks now, because, as well as clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles, their “ball recoveries” will also count towards their total of defensive contributions.

To illustrate the changes, FPL have explained that, based on last season’s numbers, Everton’s James Tarkowski would’ve notched a further 44 points via this rule. He tops the charts ahead of Chelsea midfield destroyer Moises Caicedo and Southampton centre-back Jan Bednarek.

People don’t always like change and there was a mixed reaction to the announcement. “Totally unacceptable scoring,” one fan wrote on X. “Let it make sense please, when defenders score, their point per goal is higher than when a forward scores because the forwards are more likely to see goals per match.

“Now you bring a scoring system to balance up the relevance of defence and you set a higher mark for forwards, who are less likely to get defensive points than a defender who is always active at the back. Doesn't add up.”

However, there were plenty of positive responses. “Finally defensive midfielders won’t be useless,” one reply read. Another wrote: “Capping at 2 points is an excellent idea – it keeps it simple. This is an awesome change, fair play!”

A third person wrote: “So midfielders who are good at leading the press playing for high pressing teams will have a slight advantage. On the other hand defenders who play for teams that sit in deep blocks might have more blocks or clearances but might concede too. Interesting, it’ll be fun.”

A fourth concluded: “This will shake things up massively and will take some getting used to. Will be a lottery picking some stand out players for these extra points”.

FPL have also announced that players will now get two bench boosts, free hits, triple captains and wildcards per season. That means players will be encouraged to use their first batch before week 19, with their allocation then resetting.

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