Understanding the mechanics of substitutions in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is crucial for effective team management. This guide covers the basics of substitutions and how to use your bench strategically to rotate your starting XI.
When is a Player Substituted?
In FPL, a player from your starting XI is substituted if they don’t play any minutes in a Gameweek. The substitution is automatic and is based on the order of substitutes on your bench, while adhering to the formation rules of the game.
What is a Valid Formation?
A valid formation in FPL must adhere to the following rules:
- Minimum Players in Each Position: Your formation must include at least one goalkeeper, three defenders, two midfielders, and one forward.
- Formation Variations: Common formation structures include 3-4-3, 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 5-3-2, and others. The key is that the total number of players, including the goalkeeper, adds up to 11.
- Goalkeeper Specifics: Only one goalkeeper can be included in the starting XI.
How Do Substitutions Affect Formation?
Automatic substitutions in FPL can alter your team’s formation but must still adhere to the valid formation rules:
If an outfield player doesn’t play, they will be replaced by the highest-priority outfield substitute on your bench who played in the Gameweek. This substitution must not break the formation rules. For instance, if you have a 4-4-2 formation and a defender doesn’t play, they can be replaced by another defender, a midfielder, or a forward, as long as the end formation still meets the minimum requirements (at least 3 defenders, 2 midfielders, 1 forward).
If a midfielder doesn’t play, they can be replaced by a defender or forward, again respecting the formation constraints.
If your starting goalkeeper doesn’t play, they will be automatically substituted by your substitute goalkeeper, provided they played in the Gameweek.
How Do I Order My Bench?
Your bench should be ordered based on who you would prefer to come into your starting XI first. This order is crucial as it determines which substitute is brought in if one of your starting players doesn’t play.
How Do I Decide Who to Bench?
Choosing who to bench each week involves:
- Evaluating Fixtures: Bench players who have tough fixtures compared to others.
- Player Form and Rotation Risks: Consider benching players who are out of form or at risk of rotation.
- Injury and Suspensions: Keep players who are injured or suspended on the bench.
Picking Your Team Each Week
Each week, you should:
- Review Player Performances: Check recent form and fitness of your players.
- Consider Opponents: Factor in the difficulty of your players’ fixtures.
- Use the Bench for Rotation: Rotate your squad based on fixtures and form. Players with easier matchups or in better form can be moved from the bench to the starting XI.
What Does Bench Boost Do?
The Bench Boost chip allows all your substitutes’ points for that Gameweek to count towards your total score. It’s best used when your bench players have favorable fixtures, potentially during a double Gameweek.
FAQs
Can I Pick Which Sub Comes On?
No, you can’t manually select which substitute comes on. Substitutions are based on the order you set on your bench and must follow formation rules.
What Happens if My First Sub Doesn’t Play?
If your first substitute doesn’t play, the system will move to the next player on your bench.
What Happens if My Captain is Substituted?
If your captain is substituted out for not playing, they earn no points for that Gameweek. Your vice-captain’s points will be doubled instead. For more information, we have an article on how the captaincy works in FPL
Will a Starting Player be Subbed if They Score Zero Points?
No, starting players will not be substituted out if they play but score zero points.
What Happens if a Substitute Scores Zero Points?
If a substitute is brought in and scores zero points, these points are added to your total score.