Clean sheets are one of the most important aspects of FPL (Fantasy Premier League), and understanding how they work in FPL is crucial if you want to succeed in the game.
In FPL, points are awarded to players based on their performance in real-life Premier League matches. Clean sheets are one of the categories in which players can earn points. An FPL clean sheet is awarded to a team when they prevent their opponents from scoring a goal during a match. If a team concedes a goal, they lose their clean sheet and their players are not awarded any points for that category.
So, how do clean sheets work in FPL? Let’s take a closer look.
How many points are awarded for FPL clean sheets?
In FPL, points are awarded to all eligible players on the pitch for each clean sheet they keep. This means that not only defenders but also goalkeepers and midfielders can earn clean sheet points.
- A defender earns 4 points
- Goal keepers earn 4 points
- Midfielders earn 1 point
How many minutes does your player need to play to get their FPL clean sheet points?
A player has to play at least 60 minutes without conceding a goal or they will not be awarded any points for their clean sheet.
This also applies to substitutes. So as long as they’re on the pitch for 60 minutes without conceding, they’ll get their clean sheet points. This generally happens when a player gets subbed on early due to an injury.
What happens to my FPL clean sheet if my player is subbed off?
If a player is substituted off without their team conceding a goal, then once they are taken off their team concedes, the clean sheet points still stand. The player must be playing when his team concedes a goal for the clean sheet points to be taken away.
FPL clean sheet bonus points
The bonus points system (BPS) is based on a range of statistics, such as the number of clearances, interceptions, and tackles made by the player. The bonus points are awarded on a scale of 1-3, with the top-performing player receiving three bonus points. If a defender or goalkeeper keeps a clean sheet, they gain a large number of bonus points on the BPS, meaning they stand a good chance of picking up a bonus point from the match if they have performed well.
It is more likely that a goal keeper or defender gets bonus points in low scoring games, such as 0-0 or 1-0. This is because there is less opportunity for attackers to pick up bonus points by scoring and assisting goals.
Impact on team selection
When selecting your FPL team, it’s important to consider a team’s defensive record. Teams that have a strong defensive record are more likely to keep clean sheets and earn points. It’s important to look for cheap defenders in teams with good defences as these types of players are great for filling out your FPL bench. It’s also important to consider the fixtures and the opponents that a team will be facing. If a team is playing against a weaker opponent, they are more likely to keep a clean sheet than if they were playing against a top team.
Another factor to consider is the playing position of the player. While defenders and goalkeepers are more likely to earn clean sheet points, midfielders can also earn points in this category. When selecting your team, it’s important to choose players who are likely to play regularly and have a high chance of keeping clean sheets.
How do out of position players’ FPL clean sheets work?
Sometimes, a player might be listed as a defender on FPL, but plays the game for their team in midfield or attack. In this case, they will still receive their clean sheet points as a defender. They still also receive 6 points for their goal. Basically everything they do will be treated as if they are a defender.
Player positions will never change mid-season either, so keep an eye out for defenders, or even midfielders, playing further up the pitch. These players are gems and will often bring in a lot of points throughout the season.
Conclusion
FPL clean sheets are a crucial aspect of the game and can have a big impact on your team’s overall performance. By understanding how clean sheets work and how they are awarded, you can make better-informed decisions when selecting your team and planning your transfers. Keep an eye on a team’s defensive record and fixtures, and choose players who are likely to play regularly and contribute to clean sheets. With these tips, you can maximize your points in the clean sheet category and give yourself the best chance of success in FPL.
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