How Defensive Contributions Will Change FPL in 2025/26: A New Era for Centre-Backs and Defensive Midfielders

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are set for a shake-up in strategy for the 2025/26 season, as defensive contributions become a new source of points. For years, FPL has largely rewarded defenders for attacking output — assists, goals, and occasionally clean sheets. Defensive midfielders, meanwhile, have been near-irrelevant as FPL assets. That’s about to change.

This article breaks down how this rule change works, who it benefits, and what impact it could have on FPL managers' strategies moving forward.

✅ What Are Defensive Contributions in FPL?

For the 2025/26 season, players will now earn extra points for completing a high number of defensive actions during a match. Specifically:

• Defenders will earn 2 points for reaching 10 defensive actions (clearances, blocks, interceptions, tackles — CBIT) in a single game.

• Midfielders and forwards will need to complete 12 defensive actions, including ball recoveries (CBIRT), to earn the same 2 points.
  

This is similar in structure to the way goalkeepers currently earn bonus points for saves (1 point per 3 saves). However, these new defensive contribution points are capped at 2 per game.

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⚽ Why Is This Change Significant?

1️⃣ More Viable FPL Assets

Historically, defensive midfielders have been near-unpickable due to limited attacking output and only minor clean sheet points. Players like Joao Gomes (Wolves) or Idrissa Gueye (Everton) are crucial in real football, but offered little to no FPL value. This change rewards their efforts, making them potential budget enablers.

Similarly, centre-backs who rack up clearances and blocks — think James Tarkowski (Everton) or Murillo (Nottingham Forest) — now have added appeal, especially in tough fixtures where they’ll be busier defensively.

2️⃣ Greater Squad Variety

Managers often fill their FPL benches with cheap, unplayable assets. With defensive midfielders and centre-backs now capable of ticking over points through defensive contributions, these cheaper players could rotate into squads more regularly.

Expect to see more teams carrying a £4.5m midfielder or defender who can pick up 2-3 points consistently, even without clean sheets or goals.

3️⃣ A Shift in Fixtures Strategy

Fixtures against dominant attacking sides like Man City or Liverpool could now boost the appeal of defenders from lower-ranked clubs. In games where a centre-back is expected to make 15+ clearances and blocks, there’s now tangible FPL upside.

Suddenly, those "hard" fixtures might be where you turn to certain defenders — rather than bench them.

🧠 What Does This Mean for FPL Strategy?

🔄 Re-Evaluating 4.5 Defenders

Your cheap defenders could shift from attacking full-backs at newly promoted clubs to solid centre-backs at mid-to-lower-table teams. These players are more likely to hit the 10 CBIT threshold regularly.

🛡️ Defensive Midfielders as Enablers

The £4.5-5.0m midfield bracket now offers more viable picks. While you won’t build a midfield around these players, they’re better bench options than fringe attackers who might not play.

📊 Bonus Point System Synergy

Players making lots of defensive contributions are also likely to score better in the Bonus Points System (BPS). Defensive actions feed into BPS, so centre-backs could now hit 4-5 points more frequently, even without a clean sheet.

🚨 Potential Pitfalls for FPL Managers

• Don't Overvalue Defensive Midfielders: They might offer more 2-point returns, but they’re still unlikely to haul.

• Capped Points: Unlike keepers who can rack up multiple save points, defenders max out at 2 points no matter how many CBITs they achieve.

• Attacking Returns Still Key: The core FPL scoring still revolves around goals and assists. These defensive contributions are supplementary, not transformative.

📈 How Will This Change the FPL Meta?

Expect to see: ✅ More teams starting 4.0-5.0 centre-backs regularly ✅ Defensive midfielders creeping into draft teams and budget strategies ✅ Slightly less reliance on attacking full-backs for value ✅ Greater tactical flexibility in rotating bench players

For FPL content creators, managers, and mini-league competitors, understanding these subtleties will provide an edge early in the season.

🏆 Final Thoughts: A Step Towards Fairness

This change makes FPL more reflective of real football contributions. Defensive stalwarts and midfield engines now have clearer routes to FPL points. While it won’t replace the need for attacking assets, it adds depth and nuance for managers looking to maximise every slot in their squad.

TL;DR:

Defensive contributions mean 2 extra points for defenders (10 actions) and midfielders/forwards (12 actions). Centre-backs and defensive mids are now better FPL picks. More squad variety, more strategic depth, and greater realism.