fpl-goalkeepers-explained: Choosing a Keeper for FPL

Goalkeepers can lock in clean sheets, add BPS from saves, and stay cheap.

In the 2026/27 season the only way a keeper can rack up points is through clean sheets and the new BPS rules that reward both a save from inside the box and a big‑chance save. The cost side of the equation is still in favour of the cheap keeper, which makes the position a perennial bargain for budget‑conscious managers.

Clean sheets: the big point

A clean sheet is worth 4 points for a goalkeeper, the same as for a defender. The most expensive keeper in the 2026/27 season, David Raya, has 19 clean sheets at a cost of 60 m. That gives a clean‑sheet‑rate of 0.57 per game and a cost‑per‑clean‑sheet of 3.16 m. By contrast, a top‑tier striker like Erling Haaland (155 m) has 13 clean sheets, which is a rate of 0.34 per game.

Because the clean sheet is capped at 4 points per game, a keeper who plays more matches than a forward will always receive at least as many clean‑sheet points as that forward. A cheap keeper who plays 38 games can outscore a pricier forward who sits out a handful of matches.

BPS: a new bonus for saves

The 2026/27 BPS overhaul removes the old save from outside the box metric and replaces it with a +1 BPS for a big‑chance save. It also keeps the +1 BPS for a save from inside the box. This means a keeper who stops a clear‑cut shot can still earn an extra point, and a keeper who denies a high‑probability chance can also pick up a bonus.

Raya’s BPS total of 11 points is the highest for a keeper in the current season. He has 162 total points and 4.4 points per game, which is already better than the average of 3.8 points per game for a top‑tier out‑field player.

The cost‑per‑BPS for Raya is 5.45 m, which is cheaper than the cost‑per‑BPS for a top‑tier midfielder such as Bruno Fernandes (120 m, 41 BPS, 3.4 m per BPS) or a striker like João Pedro (75 m, 30 BPS, 2.5 m per BPS). In other words, a keeper can pull a higher BPS return per million than most out‑field players.

Cost efficiency

Goalkeepers are by far the cheapest of the five positions. The lowest‑priced keeper in the 2026/27 squad is still 60 m, which is 20 m cheaper than the cheapest mid‑fielders (75 m) and 20 m cheaper than the cheapest defenders (80 m). Because a keeper can score points from both clean sheets and BPS, the cost‑per‑point ratio is usually the best among all positions.

Even in a budget‑tight squad, a manager can fit a keeper in the starting XI while still having room for a top‑tier striker or midfielder. A keeper who delivers a solid 4-5 points per game will provide a steady return that is hard to match with a more expensive out‑field player.

Which keepers to target

Beyond the obvious cheapness, managers should look at the following metrics:

• Clean‑sheet rate - a keeper who keeps clean sheets in 50 % of matches is a goldmine.
• BPS from saves - a keeper who regularly stops high‑chance shots will scoop the +1 BPS more often.
• Consistency - a keeper who starts every game gives the manager maximum exposure.

David Raya is a perfect example: 60 m, 19 clean sheets, 4.4 points per game, 11 BPS. He also plays every league match. The only other keeper in the current data set that matches his profile is the same one, so for now he is the top pick.

If you need a second keeper, look for a player with a high clean‑sheet rate and a good BPS from saves. A keeper who is a regular starter and has a small budget will give you a high return on investment.

Chips and goalkeepers

The 2026/27 season keeps the same eight‑chip system: Wildcard, Free Hit, Triple Captain, Bench Boost, and two sets of four chips. Keepers can be used strategically with these chips. For example, a keeper with a high clean‑sheet probability can be a good Triple‑Captain pick after a winless streak for other teams. A keeper who is likely to play in a fixture with a strong defensive side can also be a good Bench‑Boost target, as the bench keeper can rack up 4 points for a clean sheet.

Because the first set of chips must be used before the Gameweek 19 deadline, managers should plan their keeper picks early. A cheap keeper who is likely to start every game and keep clean sheets can be paired with a high‑risk out‑field player for a wildcard. When the second set of chips is available, the manager can use a keeper as a bench‑boost or triple‑captain if the fixture list is favorable.

Pitfalls to avoid

• Relying on a single keeper - If the keeper goes on a run of draws or loses a clean sheet, the return on investment drops sharply.
• Ignoring fixture difficulty - A keeper facing a top‑four side may not get many clean‑sheet opportunities.
• Overlooking BPS - A keeper who rarely saves big‑chance shots will miss out on the new BPS bonus.

Managers should always have a backup keeper on the bench. Even a second‑division keeper can provide a good clean‑sheet chance if the main keeper is injured or suspended.

Key takeaways

• Goalkeepers earn 4 points for each clean sheet and a +1 BPS for a save from inside the box and a big‑chance save.
• David Raya offers 19 clean sheets, 4.4 points per game, and 11 BPS for a cost of 60 m.
• The cost‑per‑clean‑sheet for Raya is 3.16 m, and the cost‑per‑BPS is 5.45 m.
• The cheap keeper can provide a better cost‑per‑point ratio than most out‑field players.
• Use a keeper strategically with the wildcard, free‑hit, and bench‑boost chips.

FAQ

What is the cheapest keeper in the 2026/27 season? The lowest‑priced keeper is David Raya at 60 m, which is cheaper than the cheapest defender (80 m) and midfielder (75 m).

Do goalkeepers get DefCon points? No. DefCon points are only for defenders and midfielders; goalkeepers score through clean sheets and BPS.

How many chips can I use in a season? There are eight chips in total, split into two sets of four. The first set must be used before Gameweek 19.

Can a keeper be a triple‑captain? Yes, if the keeper is playing in a fixture with a high probability of a clean sheet and the manager believes the return will outweigh the risk.

Why is BPS important for goalkeepers? BPS rewards saves from inside the box and big‑chance saves, which can add 1-2 points per game for a keeper who stops high‑quality shots.

Erling Haaland is a good example of a high‑cost forward whose points come mainly from goals and assists, not clean sheets or BPS. David Raya shows how a keeper can deliver a high return on a modest investment. The team behind Raya, Arsenal, provides a strong defensive platform that boosts clean‑sheet chances.