Our AI Rating is a single number from 0 to 100 for every player — it combines form, attacking stats, fixture difficulty, minutes security, availability (injuries/suspensions) and value for money. It’s a shortcut that tells you how strong a player is for the coming gameweeks. This guide shows you how to actually use that number to build a squad. (If you want to know how we calculate it, we have a separate full methodology.)
First: the six verdicts
Alongside the number, every player gets a quick label:
- Strong Buy (90+) — the elite, a foundation for your squad.
- Buy (80+) — a solid pick.
- Hold (70+) — keep if you have them; not necessarily a buy.
- Risky (60+) — possible, but with risk.
- Sell (below 60) — probably one to avoid.
- Watchlist — one to monitor before deciding.
Step by step: building your squad
- Start with the premiums — your 2–3 highest-rated expensive players. They’re your foundation, and also your captain candidates.
- Mid-price is where the value is — a high rating at a sensible price. That’s where seasons are won: lots of points for little money.
- Cheap slots — don’t overpay — a nailed player with a decent rating who plays 90 minutes is worth more than a big name on the bench. The rating already factors in minutes security, so lean on it.
- Respect the rules: £100.0m budget, max three players from one club, and the required positions. The rating helps you choose between similar options.
Our rankings show the top 50 by rating, with filters by position and price — that’s your shopping list.
Captaincy
For the armband, look for a high rating plus a high ceiling and an easy, home fixture. Our Captain Picks give a ready-made risk and upside score for the top options.
Fixtures matter
The rating isn’t everything — pair it with the Fixture Ticker. High rating + easy fixtures = buy. High rating but a brutal run of games = sometimes better to wait.
Check availability before the deadline
The rating accounts for injuries and suspensions, but right before the deadline check the Injury Centre — things can change at the last minute.
Don’t just copy — use it as a filter
The rating narrows the field and flags value, but the final call — balance, differentials — is yours. Want a ready-made version? Our Recommended Squad builds a full XI, bench and captain for the next gameweek.
In 5 minutes before the deadline
- Open the rankings.
- Pick 2–3 premiums (foundation + captain).
- Add value in the mid-price range.
- Fill the cheap slots with nailed players who start.
- Check fixtures and injuries.
- Set your captain.
Our ratings are produced by a model from data, and our editors can adjust them — we’re open about this in the methodology. Fantasy PL Edge is independent and is not affiliated with the Premier League or the official Fantasy Premier League game.