Chip Strategy

When are the best FPL Gameweeks to play the first Wildcard?

With Fantasy Premier League (FPL) live for 2022/23, we’ll be welcoming back our stellar team of Pro Pundits and Hall of Famers for the new campaign.

Our writers will be providing regular articles and team reveals throughout the new season, with only Premium Members able to access every single one.

Here, Burning Questions co-host Pras looks at windows for the first Wildcard.


I think I speak for everyone when I say, I can’t wait for the deadline on Friday! All pre-season friendly information has been processed, 2021/22 data has been applied and all permutations have been considered. But wait, have they? I have seen a lot of managers confidently say that given the Gameweek 16 unlimited transfers, they will be aggressive this season, and go for an “early Wildcard”. But there is no consensus of what “early” means. I have heard suggestions of Gameweeks 4-5 ahead of the beginning of midweek fixtures. Some say they want to wait for the transfer window to close, which is pre-Gameweek 6. Others have been suggesting the international break before Gameweek 9. Many prefer a freestyle approach. 

I am all for the latter freestyle mindset and to use the Wildcard when there are enough problems in my team. However, I do still think one should know the pros and of cons each window and to take that into account when pulling the trigger. More importantly, potentially have a base case window in mind and take that into account in building your Gameweek 1 team. I will try to make the case for one Gameweek in particular.

For each key window, I will discuss the top and bottom five teams on the Season Ticker leading up to that week to take into account your optimal Gameweek 1 set-up. I also look at the top and bottom five teams on the Wildcard (i.e. from the Wildcard week until Gameweek 16) to assess who it is you are targeting with the chip. I’ll then talk about a few things that stand out, such as fixture swings, pros/cons and strategy.

Before we dive in, I should note that Sonaldo and I discussed this topic in great detail on the Burning Questions video this week. I would encourage you to check that out, if this topic is of further interest:

Also, I have shared below the excellent Legomane’s calendar to reference the fixtures before and after each window.

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Gameweek 3 Wildcard – The ultra-aggressive Wildcard

There are always a few mavericks who chose a very early Wildcard route and maybe even Bench Boost in Gameweek 1. I think the Chelsea v Spurs game in Gameweek 2 presents a good opportunity to do this. One could target a ‘threemium’ draft – eg. Mohamed Salah (£13.0m), Harry Kane (£11.5m) and Kevin De Bruyne (£12.0m) – with fillers from Man Utd, Newcastle, Villa and Wolves. Then switch the Spurs player for another City player ahead of Bournemouth (H). After the Wildcard, you can more confidently pick the Chelsea and Spurs players to complement the Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal assets.

Pros:

  • Maximize big hitters initially – then pick the right ones with some more information
  • Price rises

Cons:

  • Not enough season info/underlying data
  • Transfer window still open

Gameweek 5 Wildcard – The midweek free Wildcard

There is a line of thinking that, once the midweek fixtures commence, which is after Gamweek 4, the rotation for the top teams begins. So why not maximize that by filling up on the best five clubs and then assess thereafter? I was surprised to note however that from Gameweeks 5-16, Spurs, Arsenal and Man Utd are bottom of the ticker if you Wildcarded in this window.

Pros:

  • Since the good teams still have great fixtures, this could involve a reshuffle between them eg. Robbo vs Diaz vs Nunez, Grealish vs Dias vs Foden, Threemium vs Twomium
  • Get on Leicester, Palace early if they are looking good

Cons:

  • Not enough season info/underlying data
  • Unclear what the wildcard is for: Arsenal, Liverpool still with good short-term fixtures
  • Short window to wildcard: Gameweek 5 is during a midweek
  • Transfer window still open

Gameweek 6 Wildcard – The post-transfer window wildcard

Who played the most minutes over the March international break?

1,174 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Mozumbus
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Getting close:
    Ward
    TAA Robertson Cancelo Zinchenko Trippier
    Salah KDB Martinelli Bailey
    Kane

    Please comment
    Thanks

    1. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Depends on bench

    2. Calum Undisputed
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Ward and ?
      Im against ward n iverson, worries leicester get a gk then u will be forced a transfer

      Too early on zinchenko. dont see the hype. arsenal def ramsdale gabriel much better option
      No jesus is worrying

      1. Mozumbus
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Would we get Leicester GK news before the deadline?

        1. Calum Undisputed
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Transfer window is still open. they can sign b4 31st aug a starting gk and then u will have 2 reserve gk.

          1. Mozumbus
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            That I understand. I'm looking at it week by week for now.

    3. Reckoner.
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Solid 3 x Premium, obviously missing Jesus which is the biggest risk due to his >70% ownership. If he bangs it's going to really hurt you.

      I personally prefer Gabriel over Zinchenko.

      1. Mozumbus
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Thanks. Jesus is a calculated risk to enable 3 premiums without compromising on the defense. Might downgrade both Zinchenko and Trippier to playing 4.5 defenders to enable a decent GK.

  2. Saviour22
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Final Draft
    Meslier
    Taa Robertson James walker
    Salah kulu Rash Martinelli
    Jesus Kane

  3. beric
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Who's your favourite 4.5 defender?

    1. FPL Elephant
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      White at first I think!

    2. Kaptenen
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Botman, Dunk, Ait-Nouri

    3. Yome
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Dalot

    4. Calum Undisputed
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      i nv went for any.
      but if need to choose wud be dunk and ait nouri

    5. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      James Justin

  4. Kaptenen
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Who are you punting on? 🙂
    I am on Kulusevski and Aaronson.

    1. 15men1cup
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Kulu....although I am concidering Bowen for an extra .5m

    2. Calum Undisputed
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Kulu

    3. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Exactly the same

    4. Hawk
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Podence

  5. FPL Elephant
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    A) Perisic and White
    B) James and Neco

    White or Neco would be first sub in GW1

    1. Calum Undisputed
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B. Off perisic after Conte comments

  6. R.C
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Which one would you pick?

    1. 5-3-2 [All 11 players from top 5 clubs from last season]
    2. 4-4-2 [10 players from top 6 and Ward/Iversen]

    1. FPL Elephant
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I’m on 2

    2. Calum Undisputed
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      1. worries leicester get a gk then u will be forced a transfer, their fixtures not gd. if after dateline and when u wc, leicester fixtures turn better not to late to switch if still these 2 then u pay 8.2 still gd deal low risk

    3. Yome
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      2

    4. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I have 11 from top5

      1. R.C
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Which formation?

  7. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Perisic or trippier

    1. ace3.1415
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      perisic

    2. FPL Elephant
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Perisic

    3. Reckoner.
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I'm gambling on Perisic.

    4. 15men1cup
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Perisic

    5. Calum Undisputed
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Trippier.
      Not a gambler esp after conte comments

    6. Yome
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Trippier. Perisic is a trap

  8. ace3.1415
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    zinchenko or gabriel?

    1. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Zinchenko imo

    2. Reckoner.
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Gabriel for me, think he's a bigger goal threat and 100% nailed!

    3. FPL Elephant
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I’d go Zinchenko hoping that he’ll get forward but I have read that won’t happen depending on tactics

    4. Calum Undisputed
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Gabriel. Preseason Zin not as attacking

  9. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Ramsdale
    TAA Robertson Cancelo Trippier
    Salah Mount Martinelli Bailey
    Haaland Jesus

    Ward Williams Andreas Greenwood

    How’s this, good to go or any final tweaks?

    Thanks

    1. Reckoner.
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Pretty template, which isn't a bad thing, I like it.

    2. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Gtg

    3. Prinzhorn
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      G2G.

      Could go for Kane GW1.

  10. Reckoner.
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    I'm finding the last decisions so tough to make, now between this:

    A) Ramsdale, Saka, Neto
    Or
    B) Sanchez (rotating with Ward), Kulu, Martinelli

    Kulu > Saka GW3

    1. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A

    2. FPL Elephant
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A but Aaronson over Neto

      1. Reckoner.
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I'm a Leeds fan, my opinion on Aaronson is wait and see. Think Neto is the safer, earlier pick.

    3. Kaptenen
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A

    4. Calum Undisputed
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A

  11. Puntillimon
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Considering the martial news, does that raise rashford’s stock?

    Was set on
    A) Diaz + wilson

    but now considering

    B) rashford + Darwin

    What do u guys think?

    1. Calum Undisputed
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A. Darwin not convinced of a start

  12. Il Capitano
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    A) Ramsdale + Trippier
    B) Sanchez + Perisic
    C) Iversen/Ward + James

    1. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      C

    2. Calum Undisputed
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A

  13. Gandalf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Ward
    TAA James Gabriel Walker
    Salah Martinelli Bailey
    Haaland Kane Jesus

    Sanchez Neco Andreas 4.5

    How's she looking?

    1. FPL Elephant
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Naughty.

    2. mcpoop
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Pretty good for a 3 big hitter team.

  14. mcpoop
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Assess this mess

    Ward
    James Trent Robbo Cancelo
    Salah Saka Mart Bailey
    Kane Jesus

    Bench: Iversen Andreas Patterson Plange

  15. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Everyone seems to have Bailey, because he is extra cheap?

    1. Prinzhorn
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Form and fixtures

      1. Loftus cheeky nandos
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        villa fixtures aint that great

    2. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Good preseason

  16. jonny77
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    I'm interested why people are choosing a super premium defence and only 1 or in some cases no 8.0 mids. Are you not worried th

    1. PB-THE-VET
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      premium defenders usually score more points than mids

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      And if you go mids someone will say ‘no Robbo/cancelo/James’

      I like this season because you really can’t have to em all

  17. Prinzhorn
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Seems like James and Perisic have become the template.

    For now I’m still on Trent+Robbo+Cancelo.

    Cancelo/Rob + Trippier > Dias/James ?

    1. PB-THE-VET
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      taa james canc perisic n williams 😀

  18. PB-THE-VET
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Those playing 2 up front with a 4.5 forward for the bench?

    Who are you choosing for the 4.5.

    I see a lot of greenwood. Worried his high ownership could result in a early price fall?

    Also see Archer? Why?

    1. mcpoop
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Rumours Archer might get a chance at some point though I don't see it with the options there. I think you're right regards greenwood.

    2. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Most likely to come off the bench

      1. Bad Kompany
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I’d ignore ownership. One year I picked a low owned one for price drop reasons and he dropped before the highly owned one

  19. Loftus cheeky nandos
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    why is there such few picks of walker? 5 mill for a city defender surely a bargain

    1. Yome
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I have him.
      TAA, James, Cancelo, Walker (Neco)

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Think people worried M City get a LB during transfer window.

      Also many maybe saving a spot for a City midfielder.

  20. sthelenslad92
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    A) Ramsdale, 4.5 DEF, Neto
    B) Ramsdale, Trippier/Walker, Bailey
    C) 4.5 GK, Trippier/Walker, Neto

    1. 15men1cup
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B

    2. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B or C

  21. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Last two decisions… which one?

    A) Perisic+Wilson
    B) Trippier+Foden/any 8.0

    1. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B

    2. Calum Undisputed
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B if you gng with Kane not Haaland. a city mid is gd

  22. tristanabc
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    A) Ramsdale, Perisic
    B) Ederson, Trippier

    1. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B but Ederson taking up 3rd man city slot is a bit risky (if that's what you're do9ing)

    2. 15men1cup
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      close but A

  23. jonny77
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    I see a lot of drafts where teams have a super premium defence but only one or in some cases no 8.0 mids. Are people not concerned that more than one 8.0 mid will start of strong and kind of warrant a transfer in? For example, what if both Mount and Saka start getting a load of points and can't be ignored as options.

    Surely in that scenario its much better to already have 2x 8.0 slots in your midfield already to facilitate an easy transfer rather than having to move money out of defence to upgrade one of the cheaper midfielders.

    I feel like people are putting two much faith in Neto, Bailey and Martinelli too. I think it definitely makes sense to have one of them given the price but they're all kind of gambles so having 2 or 3 of them in your draft doesn't make too much sense to me

    1. 15men1cup
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I have only 1 premium and have a full house in Def and Mid

      1. jonny77
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I am on two premiums currently, my defence is still v strong albeit a bit weaker than the current template IMO with TAA, Cancelo, Zinch, Trip.

        But that allows me to fit Salah and 2x 8.0 mids

    2. R.C
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      best to get one 8m and one 6m mid option i feel

      1. jonny77
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        The thing is there are so many 8.0 mids that could just start going crazy, i have a feeling post WC a lot of people will be trying to squeeze in the best two 8.0s

    3. Reckoner.
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I actually think going with Martinelli, Neto & Bailey is a great option, I still have a 8.0 midfielder as well mind.

      If they perform and become bandwagons then we ride the price rises, if not I actually think there are loads of options to go to this season at those prices. The Leeds Mids cover a range of 6.0 > 5.5, Bruno G, Ramsey, Wissa, Eze, Olise, Gray, McNeil,

      1. Reckoner.
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Oops.....Dewsbury-Hall etc.

      2. jonny77
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        the 8.0 mids are just better and more reliable picks than these though

  24. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Off on holiday today, long journey ahead, no WiFi until tomorrow.

    Will look at setting up my GW1 team next week, ready for the new season.

    Squads a complete shambles at the moment. Have a good one.

    1. C0YS
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      ...next week? As in GW2 WC?

  25. Bad Kompany
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Anyone else worried that if wolves sell Gibbs white it will hurt Neto? Think he’s a real good player and that they’ll struggle to score goals without him or a real striker

  26. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    1. Robertson and Bailey

    or

    2. Walker and Dias

    ?

    1. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      * Diaz (8 mil mid)

    2. 15men1cup
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      1 easy

  27. shapply
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    what do you think?

    Ramsdale (Ward)
    Digne, Trippier, TAA, Walker (Patterson)
    Salah, Martinelli, Bailey, Son (Andreas)
    Jesus, Haaland (Archer)

  28. Mesh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Last decisions

    A. Perisic
    B. Trippier

    1. Diaz
    2. Mount

    1. jackruet
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Tough. A1

    2. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B2

  29. jackruet
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Anyone else going 532 with

    Reece trent robbo perisic cancelo?
    Is it too much?
    Are they better value than mount sancho madison etc

    1. 15men1cup
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Been my backline for a while. I think its excellent value

    2. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I love it

  30. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    In your opinion who is the best 6.5m DF for this team

    Meslier Ward

    TAA Walker Dalot Williams xxxxxxxx

    Salah Saka Diaz Rashford Peirera

    Kane Jesus Greenwood

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      James. Azpi resigned so he’ll be playing rwb and only one new defender needs to settle in

    2. Prinzhorn
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Losing 0.5 else for Robbo/Cancelo is worth it imo

    3. Calum Undisputed
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Long term : James Gabriel
      Short Term: Cash Trippier