The article is dedicated to those who are still contemplating whether to activate their Wildcard now or carry it into Gameweek 33. I have been considering using it now but am still reluctant to push my Wildcard button. Here I outline some of the advantages of firing up this vital chip now or saving it until Gameweek 33.
Gameweek 32 Wildcard Advantages
- You can still catch a few price rises. Even though some players have already risen in price, such as Romelu Lukaku, there are still plenty more vital players for the season run in, especially those with Double Gameweeks, who could rise before Saturday morning.
- By wildcarding now you get to carry two free transfers into double Gameweek 34. This is not a luxury that Gameweek 33 players have.
- This is an ideal opportunity to get rid of some poorly performing assets, especially those from popular blank Gameweek 31 teams from the ranks of Everton and Stoke.
Gameweek 33 Wildcard Advantages
- Delaying can buy Fantasy managers vital information. For example, an injury or suspension for one of Tottenham’s competing left-backs, Danny Rose and Ben Davies, could make one of them a far more attractive proposition and allay rotation fears. Also with Spurs we may have more information regarding the return of Harry Kane.
- The week after an international break is notoriously hard to call, with unexpected benchings and fluctuating form.
- Gameweek 32 sees assets from two key teams for the season run in face each other – Chelsea and Tottenham. This match looks hard to call and by waiting a week late wild carders get to draft them in ahead of their more favourable Gameweek 33 clashes, against West Ham and Stoke respectively.
- Gameweek 31’s key players from Liverpool and Bournemouth have strong fixtures in Gameweek 32, when they play Crystal Palace and Watford respectively. Delaying shipping them out means Fantasy managers can take advantage of potentially strong returns from the likes of Reds forward Roberto Firmino and Cherries midfielder Junior Stanislas.
- In terms of mini-league positions waiting a week means Fantasy managers get to see their opponents’ revamped sides.
- The remaining unscheduled games will be handed a date after the Gameweek 32 deadline, but before Gameweek 33’s. These will most likely take place in Gameweek 37 but waiting gives certainty in case the schedulers spring a surprise.
Conclusion
There is a strong case for wildcarding now, to catch price rises and enjoy two free transfers going into Gameweek 34. But waiting a week could provide vital information around team sheets and injuries. In addition, for those with a team packed full of Liverpool and Bournemouth assets, Gameweek 32 represents an opportunity to steal a march on wild carders, who are jettisoning assets from these teams. After weighing up the two options I prefer wildcarding in Gameweek 33 and the extra information it brings ahead of Double Gameweek 34.
