10 Mistakes First-Time FPL Managers Make | OneFPL
← All articles beginner guide 29 Jul 2026 · 4 min read
10 Mistakes First-Time FPL Managers Make Avoid the most common beginner mistakes involving squad rules, captains, transfers, chips, bench order, early rank and uncertain starters.
FPL is easy to start and difficult to manage well.
The 2026/27 game gives each manager £100.0m to select 15 players:
Position Squad requirement Goalkeepers 2 Defenders 5 Midfielders 5 Forwards 3 Maximum from one club 3
Your starting eleven must include one goalkeeper, at least three defenders, at least two midfielders and at least one forward.
Here are the ten mistakes that cost new managers the most points.
1. Selecting famous players instead of secure starters A famous player can still be injured, rotated or used in a defensive role.
Better approach Prioritise:
Expected starts Expected minutes
FPL position
Penalties and set pieces
Opening fixtures
Price
2. Spending too much on the bench Only 11 players normally score for you.
A premium substitute can weaken the captain or starting attack.
Better approach Build one reliable first substitute, one cheap defender with real minutes and one final low-cost option.
Spend more when deliberately preparing for Bench Boost.
3. Ignoring the captain The captain scores double points.
A strong captain can be more important than the final two or three squad selections.
Better approach Start squad building with the best captaincy options for the opening fixtures, then construct the team around them.
4. Picking last season's points without checking the new role Managers, teammates and positions change.
A player who scored well last season may:
Lose penalties Move deeper Face more rotation Join a stronger or weaker club Return late from an international tournament
Better approach Use current pre-season lineups and roles, not only historical points.
5. Making transfers too early Early transfers can save money.
They can also be destroyed by injuries, European matches and press conferences.
Transfer early when Wait when No important match remains Midweek football is pending Role and fitness are secure Player is yellow-flagged Price rise blocks the move You can absorb the change Transfer is part of a longer plan It is a one-week reaction
6. Chasing the latest haul A 15-point score attracts transfers.
The points may have come from a penalty, deflection, low-probability shot or unusual bonus.
Better approach Check several matches, expected minutes and underlying involvement.
Do not buy only because the points column is green.
7. Using chips without understanding the rules In 2026/27, managers again receive two sets of Wildcard, Free Hit, Triple Captain and Bench Boost chips.
The first set must be used in the first half of the season and cannot be carried into the second half. Only one chip can be played in a Gameweek.
Better approach Chip Beginner mistake Better use Wildcard Fixing one bad player Rebuilding several weak positions Free Hit Using it for a normal week Saving it for a specific one-week problem Triple Captain Chasing last week's scorer Targeting elite minutes and fixture Bench Boost Using it with non-starters Playing when all 15 have realistic minutes
Automatic substitutions must leave a legal formation.
When your starting eleven contains only three defenders, a missing defender normally needs another defender to replace him.
Better approach Order substitutes by expected points while checking positional requirements.
Do not place the best substitute third without a reason.
9. Taking too many minutes risks One uncertain starter can be covered.
Four uncertain starters can destroy the opening team.
Better approach Limit the squad to one or two calculated risks and maintain a reliable first substitute.
A cheap player who starts is often more valuable than an exciting player who appears for 20 minutes.
10. Reacting to rank too early One Gameweek does not define a season.
Early overall rank can move dramatically because ownership is concentrated and the sample is tiny.
Better approach Team structure Captaincy process Expected minutes Fixture plan Quality of transfers Use the OneFPL Planner to look several Gameweeks ahead rather than rebuilding after one result.
Beginner setup checklist Item Confirmed? 15-player squad within £100.0m ☐ Maximum three players per club ☐ All expected to receive minutes ☐ Strong captain and vice-captain ☐ One reliable first substitute ☐ Legal starting formation ☐ Opening fixtures reviewed ☐ No unnecessary injury doubts ☐ Bench order saved ☐ Deadline time checked ☐
Useful 2026/27 rules to remember You can roll up to five free transfers. Additional transfers normally cost four points each. The squad always contains 15 players. The starting lineup contains 11 players. A maximum of three players can come from one club. Only one chip can be used in a Gameweek. The first set of chips expires after the first half of the season.
FAQ
What is the biggest beginner mistake? Selecting players without checking whether they are expected to start.
Should beginners follow the template? A reliable template core can reduce unnecessary risk. Add differentials only when their roles are secure.
How many transfers can be saved? Managers can roll up to five free transfers in 2026/27.
Is it bad to leave money in the bank? No. A small amount can improve transfer flexibility, provided the starting team remains strong.
OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
FPL beginner how to play FPL FPL mistakes captaincy transfers chips
OneFPL analysis. OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
Official FPL now offers a guided squad builder. Here is how to review the generated team and improve fixtures, minutes and transfer flexibility.
