FPL Data Sources Explained: How to Use Them
By Arasi Rex · Updated 14 August 2026 · 6 min read
FPL data sources give you more than the headline scorecard - they let you weigh the hidden value in every minute, every clearance and every chip. The trick is to read the numbers the way the league publishes them, then weave that insight into a squad that can hit the 10‑point ceiling every gameweek.
What the Data Sources Actually Deliver
The Premier League’s official communication lists three core data streams that FPL relies on for points allocation: Defensive Contribution (DefCon), Bonus Points System (BPS) and chip mechanics. DefCon is now a fixed two‑point ceiling for every player, capped for both defenders and midfielders/forwards. The league confirmed on 20 July 2026 that the 2025/26 rule - 10 CBIT for a defender, 12 CBIRT for a midfielder/forward - remains unchanged for 2026/27.
BPS was tweaked this season to reduce overlap with DefCon. Goalkeepers still earn +1 for a shot saved from inside the box, but the new +1 for saving a big chance replaces the former outside‑box metric. The updated BPS also lifts bonus potential for full‑backs, attacking midfielders and forwards.
Chip availability is now eight in total, split into two sets of four - Wildcard, Free Hit, Triple Captain and Bench Boost. Each set must be used before the Gameweek 19 deadline, 13:30 GMT Saturday 2 January 2027. Up to five free transfers can be rolled each season, and an official Price Change Predictor tool has been added to the game.
DefCon: The Quiet Point Machine
DefCon points are capped at two per match regardless of how many actions a player performs. The last season’s top scorers were Anderson (52), Senesi (50) and Tarkowski (44). Five of the top ten were centre‑backs and five were defensive midfielders; no forwards made the list. This cap means that a defender who racks up 20 CBIT will still only earn the maximum two points. For a midfielder, 12 CBIRT is the ceiling.
| Player | Position | Total DefCon Points |
|---|---|---|
| Anderson | MID | 52 |
| Senesi | DEF | 50 |
| Tarkowski | DEF | 44 |
The cap forces managers to treat DefCon as a supporting role rather than a primary source of points, but it also creates a level field where the best defenders can still earn a steady two points every game without needing to over‑exert.
Chips: Timing and Strategy
With eight chips available, the timing of each can make or break a season. The first set, which must be played before 13:30 GMT on Saturday 2 January 2027, offers maximum flexibility: the Wildcard can reset your squad, the Free Hit can cover a congested fixture window, the Triple Captain can amplify a hot striker, and the Bench Boost can turn a bench‑heavy lineup into a point‑making engine.
The second set mirrors the first but has a stricter deadline - the Gameweek 19 deadline - and cannot be carried over. Because each chip has a distinct use case, the best managers plan their use around fixture density, injury risk and the projected performance of their squad.
| Chip | Quantity | Deadline | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildcard | 2 | 13:30 GMT Sat 2 Jan 2027 | Reset squad |
| Free Hit | 2 | 13:30 GMT Sat 2 Jan 2027 | Cover double gameweeks |
| Triple Captain | 2 | 13:30 GMT Sat 2 Jan 2027 | 3× points on captain |
| Bench Boost | 2 | 13:30 GMT Sat 2 Jan 2027 | 100% of bench points |
BPS Tweaks: Where the Bonus Shifts
The BPS changes mean that a goalkeeper who saves a big chance now has a +1 advantage, which the league said will increase the bonus potential for goalkeepers and attacking players. The removal of the outside‑box save metric also means that a keeper’s BPS now focuses on high‑impact actions.
| Position | Old BPS | New BPS |
|---|---|---|
| GK | +1 for inside‑box save | +1 for big chance save |
| Full‑back | +1 for clean sheet | +1 for clean sheet |
| Attacking midfielder | +1 for key pass | +1 for key pass |
| Forward | +1 for goal | +1 for goal |
Live Updates: A New Edge
The game now shows projected bonus points 20 minutes into each match, allowing managers to adjust their bench on the fly. Mini‑league standings and overall ranks update live, giving you real‑time feedback on how your squad is performing relative to the field. The Price Change Predictor tool, launched this season, also lets you anticipate market swings, helping you lock in bargains before the market reacts.
Putting It All Together: Using the Data to Build a Squad
Take a look at the current top performers:
- Erling Haaland - 155 million, 239 total points, 27 goals, 8 assists.
- B.Fernandes - 120 million, 235 total points, 9 goals, 24 assists.
- Gabriel - 80 million, 209 total points, 3 goals, 5 assists.
Haaland’s goal‑scoring form is obvious, but the real value comes from his 13 clean sheets and the fact that he is a premium forward with a high goal‑expected tally. Fernandes is a midfield engine, providing both goals and a massive assist count - 24 assists in 3065 minutes. Gabriel, meanwhile, offers a solid defensive backbone: 18 clean sheets and a consistent 6.5 points per game.
When building a squad, the DefCon cap means you should not rely on a defender to deliver more than two points per match. Instead, look for defenders who combine clean sheets with a high number of CBIT or CBIRT - for example, a player with 10 CBIT is guaranteed the maximum two points, while a player with 15 CBIT does not gain extra points beyond that.
For chips, schedule your Wildcard before the first major fixture cluster - like the Christmas run‑in - to reset your team without the pressure of a small point loss. Use the Free Hit during a double‑gameweek to field a squad that could otherwise be compromised by injuries or suspensions. Triple Captain shines when you have a striker in a high‑scoring fixture; for instance, pairing Haaland with a 6‑point double gives you a 18‑point haul.
BPS changes advise you to monitor goalkeepers who save big chances; a keeper with a high big‑chance save ratio is likely to earn a bonus point that can swing tight gameweeks. For example, if a goalkeeper has a +1 for a big chance save and has already earned a clean sheet, the bonus potential rises.
Key takeaways
- DefCon points are capped at 2 per match, unchanged in 2026/27.
- The league offers 8 chips - two sets of four - with a strict deadline of 13:30 GMT Saturday 2 January 2027.
- BPS now rewards goalkeepers for big chance saves, shifting bonus potential to high‑impact actions.
- Live projected bonus points appear 20 minutes into a match, giving managers a real‑time edge.
- The Price Change Predictor tool helps identify value buys before the market reacts.
FAQ
What is the DefCon cap and why does it matter? DefCon points are capped at 2 per match, regardless of how many defensive actions a player records. This means a defender who racks up 20 CBIT will still receive the maximum two points, preventing an over‑inflated point haul from a single high‑activity match.
When can I use the Wildcard chip? The first set of chips must be used before the Gameweek 19 deadline, 13:30 GMT Saturday 2 January 2027. The second set is available after this deadline but cannot be carried over.
How does the new BPS rule affect goalkeepers? Goalkeepers now receive +1 BPS for saving a big chance instead of for a shot saved from outside the box. This prioritises high‑impact saves and increases the bonus potential for goalkeepers who are involved in key moments.
What is the Price Change Predictor tool? The official Price Change Predictor tool projects future price movements for each player, allowing managers to lock in bargains before the market reacts to performance trends.