BestOfBets FPL 2023/24 template, tips and advice

Use this expansion to complement the starter FPL template above with practical strategy, fixture awareness and squad management ideas that help your seasonal planning.

This guidance is editorial and informational, for readers aged 18+, and encourages responsible play rather than promising wins.

How to use this FPL template and draft strategy

Treat the template as a starting point: balance premium assets with mid-price value and bench strength to survive blank and double gameweeks.

Plan transfers around fixture runs, injuries and form rather than short-term hype, and remember chips and captaincy are strategic tools, not guarantees.

Goalkeeper choices and rotation tips for FPL

Picking a reliable starting goalkeeper like Andre Onana should be balanced with a playing backup to cover rotation and injuries across the season.

Consider fixture difficulty, clean sheet likelihood and the rotational policy at clubs before committing to a £5.0 or £4.0 option.

Defender picks: clean sheet and attacking upside

Defenders such as Reece James and Luke Shaw blend clean-sheet potential with attacking returns and set-piece threat, which boosts their FPL ceiling.

Also include at least one budget defender with attacking potential to preserve funds for premium midfielders and forwards.

Midfield selection: form, fixtures and value picks

Midfield choices should combine penalty takers, set-piece takers and high-involvement creators like Bruno Fernandes, Martin Ødegaard and Kaoru Mitoma.

Monitor pre-season form and early fixtures to identify midfielders who can deliver regular returns at mid-price values.

Forward options: rotation, form and captaincy choices

Forwards such as Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak and Darwin Núñez offer different risk-reward profiles, so use captaincy and fixture alignment to maximise points.

Keep a mix of premium and mid-priced strikers to cover blanks, different opponent types and injuries without sacrificing overall team balance.

Bench and budget management across the season

A playing bench goalkeeper and two budget outfield backups provide security during unexpected absences and make transfers less urgent in early weeks.

Prioritise starting XI value in the opening fixtures and avoid splurging on multiple hit points; steady squad value growth is preferable to short-term punts.

Using statistics and fixtures to inform transfers

Use fixture difficulty sequences, expected goals (xG) trends and minutes played to prioritise transfer targets ahead of double or blank weeks.

Plan at least two weeks ahead for transfers and save at least one free transfer for potential injuries or sudden form swings.

Responsible betting and bookmaker comparisons advice

If you choose to explore match markets, compare odds and offers across licensed UK bookmakers and only stake amounts you can afford to lose.

Gambling should be for entertainment by adults aged 18+, and you can use bookmaker comparison tools to find suitable, responsibly offered promotions.

How to use captaincy and chip strategies effectively

Reserve wildcards for sustained fixture swings or injury crises, and use the bench boost or triple captain when your whole squad has favourable double fixtures.

Choose captains based on fixture ease, form and reliability; rotating the armband between Haaland and another premium can be prudent rather than following headlines.

Balancing template picks with differentials

While a core of template players provides steady points, a couple of low-ownership differentials can elevate your rank if chosen with sound reasoning.

Target differentials who are nailed starters with attacking returns or who have sudden fixture tilts in their favour, rather than purely risky punts.

Injury risk and rotation planning across clubs

Monitor clubs with heavy European schedules or known rotation managers and minimise reliance on players who are regularly rested or substituted early.

Keep a transfer contingency for early injuries and track pre-season minutes to gauge likely starters ahead of opening gameweeks.

Using form and minutes to choose starters

Pre-season minutes, training reports and manager comments are useful indicators of likely starters and should influence early-week decisions.

Combine these signals with fixture analysis to reduce the chance of being caught out by unexpected substitutions or benchings.

When to use free transfers and avoid hits

Avoid point hits unless a clear long-term benefit is apparent; small, patient changes typically outperform frequent hits over a full season.

Use free transfers to react to injuries and one-week form but plan moves that improve both immediate returns and future flexibility.

Integrating bookmaker markets with FPL decision-making

Bookmaker match odds, expected goals markets and anytime scorer lines can highlight likely goalscorers and emerging threats useful for FPL captaincy choices.

Use these markets for insight only and never treat them as a replacement for FPL-specific metrics like minutes, set-piece duties and team role.

Season-long squad maintenance and planning

Regularly reassess your squad value, keep a small amount of cash in reserve and avoid knee-jerk changes driven by headline transfers.

Work towards a cohesive XI that can be fielded across double gameweeks while retaining flexibility to rotate around fixtures.

How to follow fixture swings, doubles and blanks

Map the fixture schedule early and identify favourable double gameweeks to prepare with transfers and chip timing rather than last-minute adjustments.

Stay nimble for blank gameweeks and use the wildcard when the fixture calendar creates prolonged selection imbalances.

Data-driven tips for improving rank and returns

Track key metrics such as xG, xA, shots in the box and big chances to spot rising players before ownership spikes and price rises occur.

Combine these stats with qualitative factors like set-piece duties and manager hints to form a rounded transfer rationale.

Combining FPL with informed bookmaker choices

If you engage with bookmaker offers, use licensed UK firms and compare promotions through reputable comparison pages while following responsible gambling principles.

Remember affiliate links may be present on some comparison pages; use them only if they add convenience and always gamble within limits.

Final practical checklist before the first gameweek

Confirm starting XI, captain choice, bench order and any late team news within the final 24 hours before the deadline to avoid costly mistakes.

Set a small contingency budget for an immediate emergency transfer while aiming to preserve free transfers for planned moves.

You can explore current bookmaker offers and free bet promotions using our comparison tools if you choose to bet responsibly: BestOfBets free bets.

For those interested in casino bonuses, view a curated list of offers and responsible play information here: BestOfBets casino bonuses.

Frequently asked questions about the FPL template and strategy

Is this FPL advice suitable for beginners and veterans alike?

Yes, the template is a starting point for managers of all levels and the accompanying strategy notes help both newcomers and experienced players make informed choices.

How should I prioritise transfers early in the season?

Prioritise fixed starters with good fixtures and known roles, and avoid reactive transfers unless prompted by injury or clear rotation risk.

When is the best time to use the wildcard and other chips?

Use the wildcard when fixture swings create selection problems or when injuries force large changes; reserve bench boost and triple captain for planned double gameweeks.

Can bookmaker markets help with FPL decisions?

Bookmaker markets can highlight probable scorers and match trends, but they should only inform decisions alongside FPL-specific data like minutes and set-piece duties.

How many differential picks should I include?

Include one to three well-researched differentials to improve rank potential without compromising the safety of template core selections.

What responsible gambling advice should I follow?

Gamble only if you are 18+, set strict limits, never chase losses and treat betting as entertainment rather than a way to make money.

Where can I compare bookmaker offers safely?

Use licensed UK bookmaker comparison tools that display terms clearly and avoid pressure-driven promotions; always check eligibility and wagering conditions first.

How do I handle unexpected injuries to key players?

Use your free transfer and consider short-term replacements with good fixtures, avoiding multiple hits unless the long-term benefit is evident.