Defenders to Become FPL Gold? Major Scoring Changes for 2025/26

The FPL landscape is shifting — and it's good news for the overlooked defensive assets on the pitch.

For 2025/26, Fantasy Premier League has revamped its points system, introducing: Defensive Contributions.

This change means that players who rack up tackles, blocks, interceptions, and recoveries will now have added value in the game — even if they never get close to the opposition box.

It’s a big step towards rewarding defensive influence, and it could have a serious impact on your squad selection this season.

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What’s New in FPL?

From Gameweek 1, outfield players can now earn extra FPL points for key defensive work. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Defenders earn 2 points if they record 10 clearances, blocks, interceptions or tackles (CBIT) in a single match.
  
• Midfielders and forwards have a slightly higher threshold, needing 12 defensive actions, but this includes ball recoveries — actions like regaining possession and starting a counter-attack.

This rule is designed to shine a light on players who do the defensive work, especially centre-backs and defensive midfielders, who were often ignored in FPL due to limited attacking threat.

How the Scoring Works

The system works similarly to goalkeeper save points:

• Defenders earn 2 points for hitting 10 CBIT in a match.
  
• Midfielders and forwards earn 2 points for 12 total defensive contributions — including CBIT plus recoveries (CBIRT).

Importantly, this is capped at 2 points per match, no matter how many actions are recorded. So a monster performance with 20 blocks and tackles still gets the same bonus as one with 10 — but it may also help toward bonus points.

Why This Matters

In past seasons, FPL managers have largely avoided defensive midfielders and favoured only attacking full-backs or set-piece threats in defence. But with this update, the likes of Norgaard, Caicedo, and Tarkowski become much more viable.

And there’s a tactical implication too — with more viable budget picks across the board, managers may have more flexibility to load up in other areas, like premium attackers.

TL;DR

• New points added for defensive actions.
  
• 10 CBIT = 2 points (defenders); 12 CBIRT = 2 points (mids/forwards).
  
• Midfielders now rewarded for pressing and recoveries.
  
• Budget picks in defensive positions could become gold.
  

Get ready for the 2025/26 season – the Preseason Pack is just £1 for a limited time.