How Do Fantasy Premier League Subs Work?

Understanding how subs work in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) can make a big difference in maximizing your weekly points. Each game week, you select a starting XI from your 15-player squad, but the four players on your bench also play an important role.

Automatic Substitutions

FPL uses automatic substitutions if any of your starting players do not play in a game week. The system will bring in players from your bench in a specific order to fill in gaps left by non-playing starters. Here’s how it works:

1. Priority Order: The substitutes are automatically brought in based on the order you set on your bench (left to right). Your first substitute has the highest priority, followed by the second, and then the third.
2. Position Requirements: FPL follows formation rules when making substitutions. You must always have a legal formation (e.g., 3-4-3, 4-4-2), which means the game might skip a player if adding them would create an illegal formation. For instance, if one of your defenders doesn’t play, FPL will prioritize bringing in another defender over a midfielder or forward.
3. Goalkeepers: If your starting goalkeeper doesn’t play, the system will substitute in your backup goalkeeper if they’ve played, regardless of the rest of your bench order.

Manual Bench Management

Setting your bench order can be strategic. If you expect one of your starting players might not play due to injury or rotation, place a reliable substitute in the first position. This way, you’re more likely to have someone who can contribute points if your starter is unexpectedly absent.

In summary, while your subs don’t usually score points, strategic bench management can provide a safety net. Understanding the substitution rules in FPL allows you to make the most of your squad and avoid unexpected zero-point contributions.

 

For more tips to optimise check out our Fantasy Fundamentals!