Gaffa XI vs Fantasy Premier League
FPL is the weekly grind. Gaffa XI is the all-time gaffer test. Both are free fantasy football games — they just answer very different questions.
The short version
Fantasy Premier League asks: "Can you out-pick 11 million managers across 38 real-world gameweeks?" You're tied to this season's squads, this season's fixtures, and a points system that rewards captaincy, transfers and chip timing.
Gaffa XI asks a different question: "Of every player who has kicked a ball in the English top flight since 1992-93, who's in your all-time XI?" You spin the wheel to land on a real club and season, draft a man from that squad, name your eleven, and simulate a full 38-match top-flight campaign. No gameweek admin, no price changes, no missed deadlines.
Side by side
| FPL | Gaffa XI | |
|---|---|---|
| Game shape | Season-long, gameweek by gameweek | One-and-done all-time draft |
| Player pool | Current Premier League squads | Every top-flight season since 1992-93 |
| Time per session | Hours per week, every week | 10 minutes to name your XI |
| Skill | Fixture planning, transfers, captaincy | Squad-building taste and history |
| Outcome | Points table tied to real matches | Simulated 38-match top-flight campaign |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Best for | Following the real season live | Pub debates and all-time XI bragging rights |
What makes the all-time draft different
1. The player pool is 30+ years deep
FPL is locked to this season's Premier League squads. Gaffa XI opens up every top-flight campaign since 1992-93 — peak Henry, prime Bergkamp, '99 Keane, 2008 Ronaldo, 2014 Suarez, 2024 Haaland — all in the same draft pool, all eligible for the same XI.
2. You build, you don't manage
There are no weekly transfers, no wildcards, no triple captains. You spin, you pick, you name your side. Once your XI is named, it's named — your only job is to enjoy the simulated season and see how far it goes.
3. A full season in minutes
FPL plays out across nine real-world months. Gaffa XI simulates a full 38-match top-flight campaign as soon as your XI is in. You see the wins, the draws, the rating, the table position — and whether your dream side has the legs to win the lot.
4. It's a pub game, not a spreadsheet
FPL rewards admin: fixture analysis, price tracking, set-piece data. Gaffa XI rewards taste — picking the cult hero over the safe shout, mixing eras, naming the side you'd actually want to watch.
Who is Gaffa XI for?
- ▸ FPL players who want a quicker fantasy football fix in the off-season
- ▸ Fans who'd rather argue about all-time XIs than gameweek captaincy
- ▸ Anyone who's named a 'best Premier League XI' in the pub
- ▸ Friend groups who want a mini-league without a 38-week commitment
- ▸ Anyone who misses the 90s and 2000s top flight as much as they enjoy the modern era
How to try it · 60-second flow
- Spin the wheel — land on a real top-flight club from a real season.
- Draft a player from that squad into your formation.
- Repeat until all 11 shirts are handed out.
- Simulate the 38-match top-flight campaign.
- Share your XI, climb the leaderboard, take on your mates.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gaffa XI a fantasy football game?
Not in the FPL sense. There are no gameweeks, no transfers and no point chase. It's an all-time English top-flight draft and squad builder — closer to a "name your all-time XI" pub game than a season-long fantasy league.
What is the difference between Gaffa XI and FPL?
FPL is a season-long fantasy game tied to live Premier League gameweeks. Gaffa XI is a one-and-done draft from every top-flight season since 1992-93, played out as a simulated 38-match campaign in minutes.
Is Gaffa XI free to play?
Yes. Completely free. No paywall, no chips, no price changes, no pay-to-win.
Can I play with my mates?
Yes. Create a Gaffa XI league, invite friends, and stack all-time XIs against each other on the leaderboard.
Or read more on the About page.