What Lessons Can We Learn from the FPL Season So Far for 2025?

The Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is set to resume following the third international break of the season, offering players a crucial opportunity to reassess their teams and strategies. With the festive period approaching and a full slate of matches until March, now is an ideal time to evaluate player performances, fixture advantages, and tactical decisions for the remainder of the season. This article highlights eight key talking points from our expert panel, including optimal chip usage, standout players, and strategies for succeeding in your mini-league.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The FPL is gearing up for an exciting phase as teams return from the international break. With nearly a third of the season completed, managers are faced with decisions that could significantly impact their standings. Key players like Erling Haaland have been performing at exceptional levels, while teams such as Liverpool are starting to show signs of revival despite recent struggles. As we move into a congested fixture schedule, understanding player form and fixture difficulty will be vital for tactical planning.

Key takeaways

Erling Haaland is the standout captaincy choice, especially for Gameweek 13 against Leeds.
Liverpool’s improved performance and favourable fixtures make them a team to consider, despite recent form.
Defensive midfielders like Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo are becoming essential picks in FPL.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the start of the FPL season on 11 August 2023, several key developments have shaped the landscape:

11 August 2023: FPL season kicks off with the opening fixtures.
International Breaks: The first and second breaks occurred in September and October, impacting player availability.
Current Phase: Following the third international break, teams will play continuously until March 2024.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent international performances have highlighted players like Haaland and Rice, who have continued their excellent form. Furthermore, Liverpool's fixtures have shifted, making them a team to watch closely in the coming weeks. The introduction of defensive contribution points (defcon) has also changed how managers approach their defensive selections.

What was already established

Haaland has established himself as an essential captaincy choice, while teams like Liverpool and Manchester City have shown both promise and unpredictability. The trend of integrating defensive midfielders into FPL squads has been emerging, with players like Rice and Caicedo gaining traction among fantasy managers.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As FPL continues to grow in popularity, fans engage more with their local teams, boosting viewership and merchandise sales. The festive season, paired with the congested schedule, can drive higher engagement as fans follow their teams more closely.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses in regions with Premier League teams may see a spike in sales as fans gather to watch games. Additionally, staffing within hospitality sectors may increase to accommodate the influx of viewers, particularly during the festive period.

Policy and regulation

With the FPL season in full swing, the governing bodies of football may look to address issues related to player fatigue and fixture congestion, especially as clubs navigate the busy December schedule.

Numbers that matter

Erling Haaland has scored 16 goals this season, making him the top scorer.
Liverpool has the easiest fixture difficulty rating until 31 December 2023.
Declan Rice currently sits with 65 FPL points, second among midfielders.
Four defenders have exceeded 60 points this season, showcasing the value of defensive players.
Mohamed Salah's ownership stands at 35%, making him a popular pick despite recent underperformance.

Definitions and jargon buster

FPL: Fantasy Premier League, a fantasy football game based on the English Premier League.
Defcon: Defensive contribution points awarded for various defensive actions.
Triple Captain Chip: A special chip that allows a player to triple the points of one captain in a single gameweek.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Focus on maximising your squad's performance by prioritising players with favourable fixtures. Consider using your Triple Captain Chip in Gameweek 13 for Haaland against Leeds.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As we head into the festive period, keep an eye on player rotations and injuries. Adjust your strategies based on player performances and fixture congestion.

Signals to watch

Monitor player form and injury reports closely leading into December.
Track the performance of teams with easier fixtures, especially Liverpool and Manchester City.
Watch for updates on players going to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Practical guidance

Do

Consider using your Triple Captain Chip on Haaland in Gameweek 13.
Invest in Liverpool players due to their favourable upcoming fixtures.
Monitor defcon points when selecting your defenders.

Don’t

Overlook defensive midfielders as viable options for your squad.
Ignore fixture difficulty when making transfer decisions.
Underestimate the impact of player rotations in Manchester City’s squad.

Checklist

Review your squad for players with upcoming matches against weaker opposition.
Ensure you are ready for the influx of transfers before Gameweek 16.
Monitor for potential injuries or suspensions following the international break.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

There are ongoing uncertainties regarding player fitness and fixture scheduling, particularly with respect to the Africa Cup of Nations. Some players may be called up, impacting their availability in crucial gameweeks. Additionally, while Haaland is a strong captaincy choice, managers should be cautious of potential rotation, especially within the Manchester City squad.

Bottom line

As the FPL season progresses, the next few weeks will be critical for managers looking to gain an edge in their mini-leagues. With the right strategy, such as utilising the Triple Captain Chip effectively and targeting players with favourable fixtures, managers can significantly enhance their point totals and navigate the challenges presented by fixture congestion.

FAQs

When should I use my Triple Captain Chip?

Consider using your Triple Captain Chip in Gameweek 13 when Erling Haaland faces Leeds, as it presents a strong opportunity for maximum points.

Which Liverpool players are worth considering?

Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk are solid picks due to their current form and upcoming fixtures, particularly with Liverpool facing weaker teams.

How important are defensive midfielders this season?

Defensive midfielders like Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo are becoming essential due to their scoring potential and ability to earn defcon points, making them valuable FPL assets.