The goalkeeper position is often the most overlooked in Premier League Fantasy Football. Managers tend to focus their transfers on attacking players, leaving goalkeepers unchanged unless forced by injury or a dramatic drop in form. However, choosing the right goalkeeper can be a subtle yet effective way to maximize your team's potential.
A brief analysis of goalkeeper performance from the 2015/16 to 2023/24 seasons shows that the Points Per Million (PPM) doesn't vary significantly with price. This means that investing heavily in a goalkeeper doesn't necessarily guarantee better returns on your investment.
| Cost | Average Points | Points Per Million |
|---|---|---|
| 3.9 | 3.2 | 0.8 |
| 4.0 | 3.3 | 0.8 |
| 4.1 | 3.3 | 0.8 |
| 4.2 | 3.3 | 0.8 |
| 4.3 | 2.6 | 0.6 |
| 4.4 | 2.9 | 0.6 |
| 4.5 | 3.2 | 0.7 |
| 4.6 | 3.5 | 0.8 |
| 4.7 | 3.5 | 0.7 |
| 4.8 | 3.6 | 0.7 |
| 4.9 | 3.2 | 0.7 |
| 5.0 | 3.4 | 0.7 |
| 5.1 | 3.4 | 0.7 |
| 5.2 | 3.6 | 0.7 |
| 5.3 | 3.5 | 0.7 |
| 5.4 | 4.0 | 0.7 |
| 5.5 | 3.7 | 0.7 |
| 5.6 | 3.8 | 0.7 |
| 5.7 | 3.8 | 0.7 |
| 5.8 | 3.4 | 0.6 |
| 5.9 | 4.1 | 0.7 |
| 6.0 | 4.3 | 0.7 |
| 6.1 | 3.9 | 0.6 |
As seen in the table, the PPM hovers around 0.7 to 0.8 regardless of the goalkeeper's cost. This suggests that spending more on a premium goalkeeper doesn't necessarily yield better value compared to a budget option.
There are two main strategies when it comes to selecting goalkeepers in Fantasy Premier League:
When we break down the average points by home and away games, some interesting patterns emerge.
| Cost | Average Points (Home) |
|---|---|
| 3.9 | 3.7 |
| 4.0 | 3.5 |
| 4.1 | 3.0 |
| 4.2 | 3.6 |
| 4.3 | 2.9 |
| 4.4 | 3.1 |
| 4.5 | 3.3 |
| 4.6 | 3.7 |
| 4.7 | 3.7 |
| 4.8 | 3.6 |
| 4.9 | 3.5 |
| 5.0 | 3.4 |
| 5.1 | 3.4 |
| 5.2 | 3.6 |
| 5.3 | 3.9 |
| 5.4 | 4.3 |
| 5.5 | 3.8 |
| 5.6 | 4.2 |
| 5.7 | 3.8 |
| 5.8 | 3.7 |
| 5.9 | 4.1 |
| 6.0 | 4.4 |
| 6.1 | 4.0 |
| Cost | Average Points (Away) |
|---|---|
| 3.9 | 2.8 |
| 4.0 | 3.1 |
| 4.1 | 3.6 |
| 4.2 | 2.9 |
| 4.3 | 2.4 |
| 4.4 | 2.6 |
| 4.5 | 3.1 |
| 4.6 | 3.2 |
| 4.7 | 3.2 |
| 4.8 | 3.5 |
| 4.9 | 2.9 |
| 5.0 | 3.5 |
| 5.1 | 3.5 |
| 5.2 | 3.6 |
| 5.3 | 3.2 |
| 5.4 | 3.6 |
| 5.5 | 3.6 |
| 5.6 | 3.4 |
| 5.7 | 3.8 |
| 5.8 | 3.2 |
| 5.9 | 4.1 |
| 6.0 | 4.3 |
| 6.1 | 3.8 |
From these tables, it's evident that higher-priced goalkeepers (above £5 million) tend to deliver consistent points both home and away. This supports the Set and Forget strategy, where investing in a premium goalkeeper ensures steady returns without the need for rotation.
On the other hand, the Alternating Keepers strategy, involving rotating two cheaper goalkeepers based on home fixtures, can offer an alternative. Lower-priced goalkeepers generally perform better at home, and by rotating them, you can potentially maximize their point output.
When planning your team with an FPL Planner, consider that while premium goalkeepers offer reliability, budget options can free up funds for other positions. Utilizing FPL Stats and understanding these patterns can give you an edge in your Fantasy Premier League journey.
Whether you opt for a set-and-forget premium pick or rotate two budget keepers, the key is to align your choice with your overall strategy and to stay informed with the latest Fantasy Premier League Tips 24/25.
Note: All data is based on historical performances from the 2015/16 to 2023/24 seasons.