FPL: Simple Weekly Plan to Climb the Ranks

Want to stop hitting reset every gameweek and actually score consistent points in FPL? Start with a plan you can follow each week. This guide gives clear, practical steps you can use right away — from transfers to captain choices and when to save a chip.

Build a flexible squad

Pick players who start regularly and fit a variety of fixture runs. Don’t overload one position with bench fodder — you want usable subs when rotation hits. Aim for two premium attackers, two reliable midfielders on set pieces, and a mix of rotating defenders you can bench based on fixtures. Keep at least one playing goalkeeper who gets regular minutes.

Balance is better than flashy. A 5-4-1 or 4-4-2 core lets you adapt without making knee-jerk transfers when injuries or blank gameweeks appear. That saves free transfers for actual problems.

Weekly checklist that wins points

Before the deadline, run this five-step check: 1) Confirm injuries and lineups; 2) Scan fixture difficulty for the next two gameweeks; 3) Decide captain — pick form plus fixture, not name alone; 4) Use your free transfer or hit a hit if it fixes multiple issues; 5) Consider bench order and triple captain or bench boost planning if double gameweeks approach.

Captaincy beats everything. A good captain choice can make up for a poor transfer week. Look for attackers on home form or defenders with attacking returns and set-piece duties. If two strong captains clash, prefer the one with the easier fixture.

Know when to use chips. Save Bench Boost and Triple Captain for double gameweeks. Wildcard early can fix a broken squad, but a well-timed second wildcard late in the season often beats early usage. Free Hit is a one-week fix for blanks — use it if it lets you field a full, strong XI during a big blank or double.

Watch rotation and press conferences. Managers often tip off rotation in pressers; if a key player is 'tired' or 'close to full fitness', consider benching them. Keep an eye on European schedules — midweek travel raises rotation risk.

Use simple stats, not fancy models. Minutes played, shots in the box, expected goals (xG), and set-piece duties tell you most of what you need. Follow a couple of trusted FPL accounts for last-minute lineup clues.

Finally, be patient and stay flexible. Small, consistent gains beat risky punts most weeks. Make transfer decisions with a two-week view, protect your bench, and treat chips like ammunition for the biggest fights in your mini-leagues.

Need a one-week strategy based on upcoming fixtures? Ask and I’ll suggest transfers and a captain pick for your squad.