FPL marginal points: what they are and how to use them
By Arasi Rex · Updated 14 August 2026 · 6 min read
FPL marginal points may look like a technical detail, but they can tilt a budget squad around a dozen points. The system that rewards defensive actions and bonus potential has only shifted in the last two seasons, and the tweaks to the scoring formula mean that a player who once earned a tidy return may now be worth a different amount.
What exactly are marginal points?
Marginal points are the points awarded for defensive contributions (DefCon) and bonus points (BPS) that sit beside the standard goal, assist, clean sheet and card scores. DefCon points count 2 for a defender and 2 for a midfielder/forward when a player achieves a set number of defensive actions in a match. The threshold is 10 for defenders and 12 for midfielders and forwards, but the cap is 2 points per match regardless of how many actions a player records.
The change in 2025/26 introduced the clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles (CBIT) metric for defenders and the combined CBIRT (CBIT plus ball recoveries) for midfielders and forwards. The Premier League confirmed that the cap remained unchanged in the 2026/27 season.
| Player | Total DefCon points | Position | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson | 52 | MID | /clubs/arsenal |
| Senesi | 50 | DEF | /clubs/arsenal |
| Tarkowski | 44 | DEF | /clubs/arsenal |
The table shows that the top scorers are a mix of centre‑backs and defensive midfielders, with no forwards in the top ten.
How BPS now works
Bonus points are awarded to the top eight players in a match based on a weighted system that now includes a new +1 BPS for saving a big chance. The old metric for a save from outside the box has been removed. Goalkeepers still earn +1 BPS for a save from inside the box.
The BPS formula favours players who are involved in both attacking and defensive phases, which is why midfielders like Bruno Fernandes or forwards like Erling Haaland who also pull the ball back can see a noticeable boost.
| Player | BPS per save (inside box) | BPS for big chance save |
|---|---|---|
| David Raya | 1 | - |
| Erling Haaland | - | - |
| Bruno Fernandes | - | - |
Chips and the 2026/27 timeline
There are eight chips in total, split into two sets of four. The first set must be used before Gameweek 19, 13:30 GMT Saturday 2 January 2027, and cannot be carried over. The second set is then available for the second half of the season.
The chips available are:
| Chip | Description |
|---|---|
| Wildcard | Reset the budget and transfer count |
| Free Hit | All transfers for a single gameweek |
| Triple Captain | Triple the captain’s points |
| Bench Boost | All bench points count |
Up to five free transfers can still be rolled over each gameweek, which means you can keep building around a core group while using the chips sparingly.
Live features that help you spot marginal gains
A new live price change predictor now shows how a player’s market value is expected to move during a gameweek. Combined with the projected bonus points that appear 20 minutes into each match, managers can make a last‑minute decision that may earn a few extra marginal points.
The gameweek scoring cut‑off has been extended to incorporate post‑match Opta review data, so defensive actions that were missed in the original match data can now contribute to a player’s DefCon points.
Strategic use of marginal points
- Target high‑volume defenders - A centre‑back with a strong CBIT record can earn 2 DefCon points even if the team concedes. Players like Gabriel or Virgil van Dijk keep the points steady.
- Pick midfielders who recover the ball - The CBIRT metric rewards players who win the ball back. Those who also contribute to the attack, such as Semenyo or J. Pedro, are ideal.
- Use the new BPS rule to your advantage - Players who sit in front of the goal and have a high chance of being in a big chance situation get a bonus. A full‑back who steps up for set pieces can pick up those extra points.
- Plan chip timing - Deploy the Wildcard early to rebuild a squad that is low on DefCon points. Save Bench Boost for a gameweek where you have a strong bench of defenders.
Case study: Building a budget team around marginal points
A manager with a 100‑point budget might allocate 40 £ for a defender like Gabriel who averages 6.5 points per game, including 1.75 clean sheets and 5 assists. Adding a midfielder with a 12‑point CBIRT threshold, such as [Semenyo], can give an extra 2 DefCon points per match. If the team includes a forward who frequently pulls the ball back, the BPS bonus can add another 1-2 points per game.
In the first half of the season, the manager uses the Wildcard to swap out a low‑scoring striker for a budget midfielder who has a higher CBIRT. In Gameweek 20, the Bench Boost chip is deployed to capture the 18 clean sheets that the bench defenders provided that week.
The result is a stable core that consistently earns marginal points, turning a budget team into a competitive challenger.
Key takeaways
- DefCon points are capped at 2 per match, regardless of how many defensive actions a player records.
- The 2026/27 season keeps the DefCon formula unchanged but adds a new BPS rule for big chance saves.
- Eight chips are available, split into two sets of four, with the first set due before GW 19.
- Live price change predictions and projected bonus points give managers a real‑time edge.
- Targeting high‑volume defenders and midfielders with CBIRT can generate steady marginal points.
FAQ
What is the difference between CBIT and CBIRT?
CBIT counts clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles for defenders. CBIRT adds ball recoveries to that metric for midfielders and forwards.
How does the new BPS rule affect goalkeeper selection?
Goalkeepers gain +1 BPS for a save from inside the box; the old outside‑box save metric has been removed. The new rule rewards goalkeepers who are involved in high‑pressure situations.
When can I use the Wildcard chip in 2026/27?
The first Wildcard must be used before Gameweek 19, 13:30 GMT Saturday 2 January 2027. The second Wildcard is available after that deadline for the second half of the season.
Are there any changes to free transfers?
Up to five free transfers can still be rolled over each gameweek, unchanged from previous seasons.
How do live features help with marginal points?
Projected bonus points appear 20 minutes into a match, and the price change predictor shows expected market movement. Both tools let you spot opportunities to gain extra marginal points.