How is the Bonus Points System (BPS) Calculated in FPL? A Detailed Guide
The Bonus Points System (BPS) in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) plays a crucial role in awarding extra points to standout players after each game. It has been known to be adjusted from time to time.
Bonus Points can be the difference between a good and great Gameweek, so understanding how they are calculated is essential for any FPL manager looking to maximize their returns.
In this guide, we’ll break down how the BPS works, the specific actions that contribute to a player's BPS score, and how it ultimately affects the allocation of bonus points in each match.
What is the BPS?
The Bonus Points System (BPS) is a statistical formula used to assess player performance in a match beyond just goals, assists, and clean sheets. It considers a wide range of on-pitch actions—both positive and negative—that help determine a player’s contribution to their team.
At the end of each Premier League match, FPL uses the BPS to rank players based on their performances. The top three players in each match are awarded bonus points, which can be a significant boost to their FPL scores.
1st place: 3 bonus points
2nd place: 2 bonus points
3rd place: 1 bonus point
If players are tied in their BPS score, the bonus points are distributed accordingly. For example, if two players are tied for 1st place, they will each receive 3 bonus points, and no points will be awarded for 2nd or 3rd place.
How Does the BPS Work?
The BPS assigns points for specific positive actions and subtracts points for negative actions. These actions vary by position, so while a forward may earn BPS points for scoring a goal, a defender may accumulate BPS by making successful tackles, completing passes, and maintaining a clean sheet.
The full BPS breakdown includes actions that contribute to the score, each with assigned values. Here’s a detailed look at the actions that affect the BPS score:
Positive BPS Actions and Their Points
Goal Scored
Forward: +24 BPS points
Midfielder: +18 BPS points
Defender: +12 BPS points
Goalkeeper: +12 BPS points
Assist
+9 BPS points
Clean Sheet
Defender or Goalkeeper (60+ minutes played): +12 BPS points
Saving a Penalty
Goalkeeper: +9 BPS points
Save
Goalkeeper: +2 BPS points per save
Successful Tackle
+2 BPS points per successful tackle
Interception and Fouls Won
+1 BPS point each
Blocked Shot and conversely a Shot on Target
+2 BPS points each
For every 2 Clearance, Block, or Interception (CBI)
+1 BPS point per CBI
Key Pass
+1 BPS point
Big Chance Created
+3 BPS points
Successful Dribble
+1 BPS point per successful dribble
Completed Pass
+1 BPS point for every three completed passes
Final Third Pass
+1 BPS point for every three passes in the final third
Recoveries
+1 BPS point for every two recoveries
Negative BPS Actions and Their Penalties
Yellow Card
-3 BPS points
Red Card
-9 BPS points
Own Goal
-6 BPS points
Penalty Missed
-6 BPS points
Goal Conceded
Goalkeeper or Defender: -4 BPS points
Error Leading to Goal
-3 BPS points
Error Leading to Attempt on Goal
-1 BPS point
Big Chance Missed
-3 BPS points per big chance missed
Shot Off Target
-1 BPS point
Foul Committed
-1 BPS point
Dribbled Past
-1 BPS point per time dribbled past
Position-Based Impact on BPS
It’s important to note that the BPS is tailored to a player’s position on the field. Forwards typically earn the highest BPS for scoring goals, whereas defenders are more likely to accumulate BPS through defensive actions like clearances, blocks, and interceptions (CBI). Goalkeepers earn significant BPS for making saves and keeping clean sheets.
Forwards
Forwards accumulate BPS primarily through goals, assists, successful dribbles and shots on target. They can also gain points for creating big chances and completing key passes. However, they are penalised for missing big chances, committing fouls, and shots off target.
Midfielders
Midfielders have a broader range of BPS contributions. They benefit from goals and assists, as well as creating big chances, completing key passes, and making interceptions. Midfielders also receive points for successful tackles and recoveries, making them versatile in earning BPS across different match scenarios.
Defenders
Defenders excel in BPS through clean sheets, CBIs, and defensive recoveries. Scoring a goal or providing an assist significantly boosts their BPS, but their bread and butter comes from the defensive metrics. However, conceding goals heavily penalizes their BPS.
Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers rely on saves, clean sheets, and penalty saves to boost their BPS. They are penalized for goals conceded and errors leading to goals, so a solid defensive performance is crucial for goalkeepers to accumulate BPS.
Examples of BPS in Action
To better understand how BPS is calculated in practice, let’s consider a couple of match scenarios:
Example 1: Erling Haaland Scores a Hat-Trick
Haaland (Forward) scores three goals and plays the full 90 minutes. He doesn’t miss any big chances, avoids a yellow card, and commits one foul.
BPS Calculation:
3 Goals: 72 BPS (3 x 24 points for a forward)
No yellow cards, fouls, or big chances missed: 0 penalties
Total BPS: 72 points
If Haaland has the highest BPS score in the match, he will be awarded 3 bonus points.
Example 2: Virgil van Dijk Keeps a Clean Sheet
Van Dijk (Defender) keeps a clean sheet in a 1-0 win, makes 10 clearances, blocks two shots, completes 50 passes, and intercepts the ball five times.
BPS Calculation:
Clean Sheet: 12 BPS
10 CBIs: 10 BPS
2 Blocked Shots: 4 BPS
50 Completed Passes: 16 BPS (1 point for every 3 passes)
5 Interceptions: 5 BPS
Total BPS: 47 points
If van Dijk ranks in the top three for BPS in this match, he will be awarded bonus points based on his ranking.
Conclusion
The Bonus Points System (BPS) is an integral part of FPL, offering additional rewards to players who contribute positively in matches. Understanding how the BPS is calculated can help FPL managers make more informed decisions when selecting players, particularly when targeting bonus point magnets like goalkeepers who make lots of saves or defenders who excel in CBIs.
Ultimately, while goals and assists remain the primary source of FPL points, mastering the intricacies of the BPS can give savvy managers an edge in securing those crucial bonus points that can make all the difference in a tightly contested mini-league.
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