FPL 2025-26: Essential Guide to Rule Changes, Chip Strategy and Differential Picks

The roar of the crowd is almost audible as Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers worldwide dive into the 2025-26 season. With sweeping rule changes and fresh player dynamics, this campaign demands new strategies. Official FPL updates released in July 2025 confirm revolutionary adjustments – including double chip usage and revamped bonus points – that fundamentally alter team-building tactics.

Major Rule Changes Reshaping FPL 2025-26

The most seismic shift is dual chip deployment. Managers now wield each chip (Bench Boost, Free Hit, Triple Captain, Wildcard) twice – once before Gameweek 19 and once after. “This removes the paralysis of saving chips endlessly,” notes FPL analyst CharlieVantFPL (Twitter, July 27, 2025). “Aggressive early chip use is now viable.”

Defensive actions now directly reward outfield players:

• Defenders: 2 bonus points per 10 clearances/blocks/interceptions/tackles
• Midfielders/Forwards: 2 points per 12 defensive actions
  The Bonus Points System (BPS) also rewards goalkeepers more heavily for penalty-area saves (3 BPS vs. 2 previously), while goal-line clearances skyrocket to 9 BPS (from 3).

Assist rules expand significantly:

• Deflected passes count as assists if received in the box
• Unforced defensive errors yield assists
• Winning penalties via handball earns assists

Notably, all managers receive five free transfers during Gameweek 16 to offset Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) absences. Position changes also impact strategy: Cody Gakpo and Jarrod Bowen shift to midfield and forward roles respectively, while Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal) becomes a defender.

Six Differential Picks to Transform Your Squad

With under 5% ownership, these players offer massive upside:

1. Elliot Anderson (£5.5M, MID, Nottingham Forest): Created 37 chances last term. With Forest’s attacking overhaul, he’s primed for central creativity.
2. Keane Lewis-Potter (£5.0M, DEF, Brentford): Reclassified as defender but plays advanced wing-back. His dribbling threat offers rare defensive-attacking hybrid value.
3. Enzo Fernandez (£6.5M, MID, Chelsea): Finished 2024/25 with 13 goal contributions in 27 games. Chelsea’s primary set-piece taker under Maresca.
4. El Hadji Malick Diouf (£4.5M, DEF, West Ham): New signing notched 11 goal contributions as an attacking left-back for Slavia Prague.
5. Dwight McNeil (£6.0M, MID, Everton): Delivered eight assists with elite underlying creativity stats last season.
6. Daniel James (£5.5M, MID, Leeds): Blistering speed and 41 goal contributions across two Championship seasons.

Budget Enablers and Tactical Tips

Value Midfielders: Ryan Christie (£5.0M), Andreas Pereira (£5.5M), and Carlos Baleba (£5.0M) offer sub-5% ownership and high defensive-action potential. As FPLMeerkat notes (Twitter, July 24, 2025), “These enablers free funds for premium forwards.”

Defensive Pairings: Rotate Leeds/Man Utd (33.8% clean sheet potential GW1-12) or Bournemouth/Forest (11 home games). “Target promoted teams,” advises analyst FPL Nik (Twitter, June 18, 2025).

Price changes further shape strategy: Erling Haaland drops to £14.0M while Mohamed Salah rises to £14.5M. Newcomer Florian Wirtz debuts at £8.5M, and Jordan Pickford’s £5.5M valuation makes him a top goalkeeper target.

Mastering FPL 2025-26 requires adapting to dual-chip windows and defensive point rewards while targeting overlooked differentials like Anderson and Diouf. Revisit your chip strategy immediately and capitalize on AFCON free transfers – your rank depends on it.

Must Know

Q: How does dual-chip usage work in FPL 2025-26?
A: Managers can use each chip twice – once between Gameweeks 1-19 and once between 20-38. The Assistant Manager chip has been removed entirely.

Q: Which players had significant position changes?
A: Key reclassifications include Jarrod Bowen (MID to FWD), Cody Gakpo (FWD to MID), and Myles Lewis-Skelly (MID to DEF). Always verify positions before selecting.

Q: Do defensive actions reward all players equally?
A: No. Defenders earn bonus points faster (per 10 actions) versus midfielders/forwards (per 12 actions). This makes defensive midfielders particularly valuable.

Q: When do we get AFCON replacement transfers?
A: Five free transfers are granted in Gameweek 16 (December 2025) to cover African player absences without point hits.

Q: Which budget defenders offer attacking threat?
A: Keane Lewis-Potter (£5.0M) and new signing Malick Diouf (£4.5M) are listed as defenders but play advanced wing-back roles, offering clean sheet + attacking upside.

Q: Has Haaland’s price dropped?
A: Yes. Erling Haaland costs £14.0M (down from £15.0M), while Mohamed Salah rises to £14.5M. Florian Wirtz enters at £8.5M.