This article highlights the new features for Fantasy Premier League 2015/16 including FPL Chips (All Out Attack, Triple Captain & Bench Boost) and the new Wildcard rules. After a tough ten days of hitting refresh every two hours, we've finally been rewarded with a brand spanking new Fantasy Premier League game for the 2015/16 season. This year's update comes with undoubtedly some of the biggest changes since the game moved from newspaper to online. We've received a mixture of responses on Twitter, but it ultimately comes down to whether you're welcoming of gimmicky new features or an FPL original that likes to keep things simple. We fall more into the latter category but will try to summarise the new features with as little cynicism as possible.

FANTASY PREMIER LEAGUE CHIPS

At first we thought ‘Chips' might be some kind of new virtual pre-match meal you could give to Wayne Rooney that activates a 3x point multiplier. We were however, slightly wrong… Instead, it's the name used to categorise three equally as gimmicky new features - and the Wildcard. The chips can only be used once in the season and only one chip can be applied at a time. Chips are activated on the team selection page, much like the wildcard except you can cancel them anytime before the gameweek deadline. FPL CHIP #1: ALL OUT ATTACK There's a point in every manager's season where they start to feel sorry for their cheap fifth midfielder, but luckily there's now a chip that allows you to give him a run out without having to sacrifice one of your big guns. When activated the chip allows you to play 2-5-3 formation in the following gameweek - It's your lucky year George Boyd! FPL CHIP #2: TRIPLE CAPTAIN Designed to make those of us who already suck at captaincy decisions pay an even bigger price. When the chip is activated your captain points will be tripled instead of doubled in the following gameweek. You thought a lot of people were annoyed at Giroud's Boxing Day red card? You've seen nothing yet! FPL CHIP #3: BENCH BOOST Obviously created by an end-of-season Boaz Myhill owner is a chip that allows you to break the rules of football and field a starting 15. When the chip is activated it means that the points scored by your bench players in the following gameweek are included in your total. Bring on the double gameweeks! FPL CHIP #4: WILDCARD Previously fantasy managers were allowed one Wildcard that could be used at any time in the season and a use-or-lose Wildcard that could only be used during the January transfer window. This season the Wildcard now comes in the form of a chip that can be used twice a season, once in the first half of the season (before December 28^th) and once in the second half of the season.

FANTASY PREMIER LEAGUE 2015/16 UPDATE SUMMARY

Despite being somewhat gimmicky it's exciting to see the game taking big strides in terms of creativity in development. It's an update that nobody predicted and we will have to wait to see what level of impact it has on the game come this season. There's a lot to talk about, but here are our main talking points from the Fantasy Premier League 2015/16 update: THE IMPORTANCE OF FORWARD PLANNING HAS INCREASED. The inclusion of chips seems to add more randomness and luck, but also increases the importance of planning ahead and not making short-term decisions. Bench boost looks the most powerful and preparation will be key to maximising it's potential. NEW WILDCARD RULES WILL LIKELY LEAD TO EVEN MORE TEMPLATE TEAMS. Previously, fantasy managers would tactically avoid using their season-long Wildcard until the second half of the season, meaning they'd be slower to jump on in-form or players. The introduction of a Wildcard for each half of the season grants more freedom, so we'll no doubt see them used more sporadically to catch a good run of form. WE'RE GOING TO SEE SOME VERY HIGH SCORES THIS SEASON. Since Luis Suarez didn't wait around for Norwich's return to the Premier League, we think that Bench Boost packs a little more punch than Triple Captain. A snowy English winter could lead to a few extra-rescheduled matches and six teams could face off in DGW36. Wildcard in 15 DGW players, apply Bench Boost and sit back as the green arrows roll in. ARE YOU LUCKY OR NOT? All three new chips and the update to the Wildcard rules increase the randomness of the game significantly. If you failed to get captaincy decisions right last season then things aren't looking up for you. Captain Triple has the potential to undo several weeks of consistent performances. An unfortunate injury or booking has the potential to cost you 50-odd points. [mks_separator style="dotted" height="1"] We would love to hear your opinions on the new Fantasy Premier League updates, so leave us a comment!