FPL Cup Finals Strategy: Maximise Points in the Last Gameweek
By Arasi Rex · Updated 14 August 2026 · 5 min read
Arsenal’s defensive line is a good example of how to pick a keeper and full‑back that can still benefit from the new DefCon cap. Locking a Triple Captain on a high‑scoring forward such as Erling Haaland and pairing it with a defensive pick that can secure clean sheets will give the squad a solid foundation for the final Gameweek. The claim that the DefCon cap limits defender value is not supported by the data: centre‑back Gabriel still tops the clean sheet chart with 18 clean sheets and 209 points for 80 million.
The Anatomy of the Cup Finals: Timing and Chips
Gameweek 19 is the deadline for the first set of chips, set at 13:30 GMT Saturday 2 January 2027. The two sets of chips available are: Wildcard, Free Hit, Triple Captain, Bench Boost, and the second set of the same four for the second half of the season. Each set must be used before its respective deadline and cannot be carried over. The rule that you can roll up to five free transfers means you can fine‑tune the squad without incurring a penalty.
Defensive Foundations: DefCon and Clean Sheets
DefCon points remain unchanged for the 2026/27 season. A defender who records 10 CBIT actions in a match receives 2 points, and a midfielder or forward who records 12 CBIRT actions also receives 2 points, regardless of how many actions are recorded. That means a centre‑back with 20 CBIT still gets 2 points, not 4. The top DefCon scorers last season were Anderson (52), Senesi (50) and Tarkowski (44). Five of the top ten were centre‑backs and five were defensive midfielders; no forwards appeared.
Defenders such as Virgil van Dijk and Marcos Senesi still offer the highest clean‑sheet returns, with 10 and 11 clean sheets respectively, and costs of 65 million and 60 million. A cost‑efficient centre‑back like Gabriel provides 18 clean sheets for 80 million, giving a clean‑sheet return of 1.125 points per million.
BPS Boosts: Goalkeepers, Full‑Backs and Attackers
The 2026/27 BPS changes allocate +1 BPS to goalkeepers who save a big chance, removing the earlier +1 BPS for a save from inside the box. Full‑backs and attacking midfielders also see an improvement in bonus potential. David Raya earns 11 BPS points for 60 million, with 19 clean sheets. The top BPS performers among midfielders are Bruno Fernandes with 41 BPS for 120 million and Declan Rice with 23 BPS for 75 million.
Player‑Level Calculations: Cost vs Return
The following table shows the top five players by total points, sorted by cost efficiency (points per million):
| Player | Position | Cost (M) | Total Points | Points per Million |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | FWD | 155 | 239 | 1.54 |
| Bruno Fernandes | MID | 120 | 235 | 1.96 |
| Gabriel | DEF | 80 | 209 | 2.62 |
| Declan Rice | MID | 75 | 184 | 2.45 |
| Virgil van Dijk | DEF | 65 | 175 | 2.69 |
The cost‑efficiency data indicates that a mid‑field captain can often beat a high‑cost forward, especially when the captain is a Triple Captain for the final game. When a forward like Haaland is on the field, the extra 2 points from the Triple Captain can swing the outcome.
Real‑World Examples: How the Numbers Stack Up
Take a squad that includes Haaland, Gabriel, and Raya. In the final game, Haaland scores a hat‑trick (3 goals) and receives 6 points from goals and 3 from assists, totalling 9 points. With a Triple Captain, that becomes 27 points. Gabriel provides a clean sheet (2 points) and 3 assists (1.5 points), while Raya earns 5 BPS and a clean sheet (2 points). The total points from these three players alone reach 36, well above the average 21 points per game for a top squad.
If we replace Haaland with a cheaper forward like João Pedro for 75 million, the same game would still deliver 24 points from the Triple Captain, but the cost savings of 80 million could be used to secure a second clean‑sheet defender or a high‑bonus midfielder.
Practical Tips: Transfer Strategy and Risk Management
- Use the Wildcard to swap out a low‑return defender for a free‑sheet‑heavy centre‑back.
- Lock a Triple Captain on a forward who has scored 25+ goals in the season; the 6‑point bonus from a hat‑trick is worth the risk.
- Keep a high‑BPS keeper or full‑back in the bench; the +1 BPS for a big‑chance save can be decisive.
- Roll free transfers to adjust for injuries; the five‑transfer rule allows you to fine‑tune without penalty.
- Monitor the live BPS predictor tool to decide whether to drop a player who has a low projected bonus.
Final Round Checklist
- Verify that the first chip set is used before 13:30 GMT on 2 January 2027.
- Confirm that the Triple Captain is on a player who has a high probability of scoring at least one goal.
- Ensure the defender chosen has a clean‑sheet record of at least 12 matches.
- Check the BPS predictor for the keeper and full‑back.
- Use the free transfer allowance to address any last‑minute injuries.
Key takeaways
- The DefCon cap does not diminish defender value; centre‑backs still provide the best clean‑sheet returns.
- A Triple Captain on a high‑scoring forward is the most effective way to maximise points in the cup final.
- The BPS tweaks mean goalkeepers who save a big chance now have a higher bonus potential.
- Five free transfers can be rolled, allowing strategic squad reshuffles without penalty.
- Using the Wildcard before Gameweek 19 is mandatory for the first chip set.
FAQ
Q: Can I use the second set of chips in the final gameweek? A: The second set of four chips is available only after the first set’s deadline. The final gameweek falls within the first set’s window, so only the first set can be used.
Q: Does the new DefCon cap reduce the value of full‑backs? A: Full‑backs still earn 2 points for 12 CBIRT actions, so their defensive contribution remains capped at 2 points. However, their bonus potential remains unchanged.
Q: Is there a risk in using a Triple Captain on a forward? A: The risk is mitigated if the player has a proven goal‑scoring record; Haaland’s 27 points from a hat‑trick illustrate the upside.
Q: How do I choose the best keeper for BPS? A: Look for keepers with a high chance of saving a big chance; Raya’s 11 BPS points come from 19 clean sheets and his team’s defensive solidity.