What is player ratings work? How points are calculated
By Arasi Rex · Updated 14 August 2026 · 5 min read
The answer to what is player ratings work is that Fantasy Premier League uses a set of scoring rules to calculate points for each player based on match actions. These rules reward goals, assists, clean sheets, appearances, and other contributions while penalising cards, own goals, and missed penalties. The system is applied to every match in the FA Premier League (/clubs/fa-premier-league) and is updated after each gameweek.
The mechanism
Players are selected from a 15-player squad that includes at least 2 goalkeepers, 5 defenders, 5 midfielders and 3 forwards. A budget of £100.0m caps the total cost and a maximum of 3 players can be taken from a single club. The squad must field 11 starters, with the remaining four on the bench, and one player is chosen as captain to double the points earned.
The FA Premier League (/clubs/fa-premier-league) records each match event that feeds into the scoring engine.
| Position | Goal | Assist | Clean Sheet | Appear (<60) | Appear (≥60) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK/Defender | 6 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Midfielder | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Forward | 4 | 3 | - | 1 | 2 |
Bonus points are awarded to the top three players in a match, with 3, 2 or 1 points respectively. Penalty saves give goalkeepers 5 points plus 1 point for every 3 saves, while conceding two goals costs a defender or keeper 1 point. A captain earns double the points for every action they perform. Transfers beyond the free allowance of two per gameweek incur a 4-point deduction.
Negative points are applied for disciplinary actions. A yellow card subtracts 1 point, a red card 3, an own goal 2, and a penalty miss 2. These deductions apply regardless of the minutes played. A clean sheet for a midfielder yields only 1 point, whereas a defender or goalkeeper receives 4.
Managers can make two free transfers each gameweek. A free transfer moves a player to the starting lineup or replaces a player in the squad without penalty. Any transfer beyond the free allowance reduces the score by 4 points.
Bench players do not contribute points unless they are named as a substitute and come on. A bench player who is unused receives no points but can still be swapped for a free transfer.
Choosing a captain is a tactical decision; the selected player’s points are multiplied by two. The vice‑captain is only used if the captain is unavailable due to injury or suspension.
Points earned by each player are summed to form the manager’s total. The manager’s score is displayed for each gameweek and can be compared with other managers in the league.
History/evolution
The FA Premier League was founded on 20 February 1992 and began with 22 clubs. It reduced to 20 clubs in 1995/96, giving each team 38 matches per season and a total of 380 matches. Three points are awarded for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss. Tiebreakers follow the order: points, goal difference, goals scored, head‑to‑head record. When a position that determines a title, relegation or European qualification remains level, a neutral‑venue play‑off may decide the outcome. The core structure of the fantasy scoring system has stayed consistent, but details such as the bonus point system and penalty rules have evolved over time.
The league’s promotion and relegation system involves three teams moving between the Premier League and the Championship each season. The top four teams qualify for the Champions League, while other European spots are allocated based on league position and cup winners.
Edge cases
Players in the FA Premier League (/clubs/fa-premier-league) are the source of all points. Some scenarios produce points that are not obvious. A defender who scores a goal and keeps a clean sheet can earn 10 points, while a goalkeeper who saves a penalty and keeps a clean sheet can reach 9 points. If a player finishes in the top three for the BPS score, they receive bonus points. A red card removes 3 points regardless of minutes played. Own goals and missed penalties also subtract 2 points each. The captain’s double points apply to all these actions, and a transfer penalty of 4 points can offset a good return.
The system also rewards consistency. A goalkeeper who makes three saves earns an extra point, and each additional set of three saves adds another. A defender or keeper who concedes two goals in a match loses 1 point, encouraging defensive solidity. When a player is substituted before 60 minutes they still receive 1 point; if they play 60 minutes or more they receive 2 points. These rules make the point spread across positions and match events more nuanced.
If a goalkeeper keeps a clean sheet and concedes no goals, the penalty save bonus is the only additional contribution beyond the clean sheet points. However, conceding goals still imposes a penalty, which can offset the bonus.
A player who is sent off after 60 minutes still receives 2 points for the minutes played, but the red card penalty of 3 points negates the majority of the points earned.
Key takeaways
- A defender’s goal can earn 6 points, the highest for any goal.
- An assist is worth 3 points for all positions.
- A clean sheet for a defender or goalkeeper yields 4 points; midfielders receive only 1.
- A penalty save gives a goalkeeper 5 points plus 1 point for every 3 saves.
- Two free transfers are allowed each gameweek; each extra transfer costs 4 points.
FAQ
Q: How many points does a goal earn for a defender? A: A defender’s goal earns 6 points, the maximum for a goal in the scoring system.
Q: What is the maximum number of points a goalkeeper can earn in a single match? A: A goalkeeper can reach 9 points by earning 4 for a clean sheet, 5 for a penalty save, and 0 for saves beyond the initial 3, but only if no other penalties apply.
Q: How many bonus points can a player receive? A: The top three players in a match receive 3, 2 or 1 bonus points respectively.
Q: How many transfers are free each gameweek? A: Two transfers are free; any additional transfer reduces the score by 4 points.
Q: What happens if a player is injured and does not play? A: An injured player who does not appear receives no points; they can still be part of the squad and may be swapped later.
Q: Can a player be selected as captain and still be on the bench? A: No, a captain must start; if they are relegated to the bench, they lose the double points benefit.
Understanding what is player ratings work lets managers plan lineups, pick a captain, and make sensible transfer decisions.