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. arkom
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Salah / Martinelli / Bailey (Andreas / XXX)
    Kane / Haaland / Jesus

    For 5th mid. COLBACK or MURPHY? 😀
    Both plays?

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

      Neither

      1. arkom
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        So who then?

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

          Dasilva

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

      4 3 3

      1. arkom
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        It's. Two 4,5£ fodder on the bench.

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

    A) 442 Robbo & Mount
    B) 433 James & Darwin

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

      Interesting dilemma, I'd go with A. Wait and see for Darwin

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A

    3. trick9
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A

  3. Millie7
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Walker being overlooked? almost guaranteed starting position and plenty of clean sheets

    1. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I have him, the 5m pool of defenders is very good, suspect there will be a better option (since Walker is not very attacking). But happy with him from the start.

    2. Leeroy357
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Great option for 4 or 5 weeks. They have to sign a full back so might be at risk, but for now it's a now brainer imo

    3. Ode
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Definitely, 5m for a defender playing in the best defence in the league

    4. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Is he that nailed?

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Absolutely. Especially with Zincenko leaving and cucurella going to Chelsea.

    5. Boz
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Stones can play RB and Ake LB with Cancelo moving over so not guaranteed, but at least very likely

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

    Locked. What don't you like?

    Iversen
    Trent, Robertson, Cancelo
    Salah (C), Maddison, Mount, Martinelli
    Jesus, Wilson, Bamford
    (Ward, N.Williams, Patterson, Andreas)

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

      Maddison as he's unsettled, not even sure he plays

    2. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Nothing looks that bad. Some chance Maddison will be made Captain or Vice at Leicester, seems like he will be offered a new deal. I wouldn’t worry, he’s a good pick and the hysteria about Leicester from fans of other clubs means he’s relatively low ownership.

      Two mid priced strikers is the bit I don’t like… Bamford out, 442 with another wing back would be my preference.

      1. adstomko
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        That has been on my mind. I just don't know which defenders to choose. Only Arsenal have an easy run of fixture

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

    Why is suddenly Newcastles mid and attack a bit off the table? BrunoG would still do?

    1. Leeroy357
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Bruno G looks likely to be DM at start of the season, not gonna get forwards much

  6. Leeroy357
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Good to go? Don't love Leicester keepers but not sure where the find the 1m to get a keeper I want

    Iverson - Ward
    Trent - Robbo - Cancelo - Walker - James
    Salah - Saka - Neto - (Andreas) - (Colback)
    Haaland - Jesus - (Archer)

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

      You need spurs cover especially with their opening fixtures

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

      Lack of Spurs aside, looks great

    3. Boz
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Saka to Martinelli, Iverson upgrade

  7. FallingDuck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Sanchez or Raya + 4.0?

    1. trick9
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Sanchez + Ward.

      Rotate.

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

    A. James + Neto (5-3-2)
    B. N. Williams + mount (4-4-2)

    Think ramsdale is worth extra 0.5 over Sanchez/wars rotation ?

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

      Not sure I'd play Neco or Neto week in week out, especially if you have Bailey. If you don't A with Bailey.

      A with Neto if you must

  9. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Best 4.5 GK?

    Surely Meslier is the only viable option. Potentially Henderson.

    Raya first 2 fixtures aren’t great. Sanchez maybe but not keen

    1. LLoris
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Meslier Raya Sanchez take your pick

    2. Oscar Slater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      For me it's either a 5.0m goalie or the Leicester combo. I think both of those options offer a little better value than any of the 4.5m 'keepers.

      1. Leeroy357
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        That's what I'm stuck on. None of the 4.5m stick out so it's a big step from Leicester to a 5m

    3. banskt
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Why not Ward at 4.0m? Leicester not in Europe, defenders are back from the hospital. Don't you think they will keep at least 12 clean sheets this season? That's around 130 points -- as good as it gets with 4.5m keepers.

      1. Kane Train
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Incase they sign another keeper. Sounds like they are trying to get Dubravka as part of the Maddison deal.

        1. banskt
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Possible. But, its not that difficult to sort it out if that happens.

    4. trick9
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Sanchez and Ward rotate really well, fixture wise.

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

        This

      2. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Plus Sanchez is nailed so you aren't wasting a transfer shipping out Ward if Leicester do sign a GK

    5. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Raya

      Save points and some clean sheets.

      Unless Brentford have tricky season two to do

  10. quickstop
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Is Neto>Podence really the best option?

    Same price but Podence is starting up front?

  11. gooner_112233445566
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Neto 4-4-2 or Ruben Dias (5-3-2) got cancelo As well

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Dias

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

      Dias
      Not feeling the Neto bandwagon

      1. gooner_112233445566
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I'm unsure myself mate

    3. banskt
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Dias will of course score more points than Neto. But also costs more, and 5-3-2 will require more money on the bench (minimum price of second bench mid is 5.0m).

  12. Doug McCasual
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    quick question for everyone...

    are there any 4.5 mids nailed, outside of Andreas?

    1. trick9
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Reed.

  13. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Team Perisic.

    Locked in.

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

      He might not start

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Then again he could

        1. banskt
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          30% chance that he will be subbed off before 60mins even if starts.

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

          He is 33 years old. Too old to play wingbacks every match.

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

            This

          2. AC/DC AFC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            That's fine if he's scoring points.

            Will see.

            Doherty is an easy switch to do.

          3. Van der Faart
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            He played over 60 minuted 40 times for Inter Milan last season, out of nearly 50 games. Played 90 minutes nearly 30 times.

  14. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Alisson or Ederson?

    1. notlob legin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Ederson - 3 outfield Liverpool players is better with City rotation issues - their defenders are the only ones more likely to start

  15. MysticMac17
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    @mods Trying to sign up as a member on premium account and I’m being brought around on an endless loop on my phone. The UI/UX is awful I’m sorry to say. Maybe try sign up yourself (have an account already but want to sign up to premium) . You are only able to pay for the 4.99 monthly option and not the others.

    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/upgrade

  16. hazza44
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Hey guys,
    This is my final decision:
    A) Robbo, Walker/Trippier & Mount
    B) James, Perisic & Diaz/Mount

  17. Aaa
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    A - Sancho & Martinelli

    B - Saka & Neto

    No Wolves or United players and only Jesus from Arsenal

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

      B

  18. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Rams | Ward
    TAA | Cancelo | James | Trippier | 4.0
    Salah | Foden | Martinelli | Bailey | 4.5
    Kane | Jesus | 4.5

    1 ITB

    gtg?

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      James to Robbo? Good though

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        possible

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

      As long as Foden gets decent minutes. Always tricky with Pep rotation

  19. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Been on a three premium team for the last week or so, but now getting nervous.
    Which do you prefer?
    A) James, Walker, 4.5, Kane
    B) Robbo, Cancelo, Kulu, 4.5

    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B

    2. notlob legin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B

  20. dshv
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Ramsdale
    Taa Robbo Cancelo Trippier
    Salah Mount Martinelli Bailey
    Haaland Jesus

    Any last changes needed ????

  21. gooner_112233445566
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    A) ramsdale, Walker, martinelli 1.5 itb
    B) ramsdale, Ruben Dias, martinelli 0.5 itb
    C) raya, Walker, saka

    Which one...

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B

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

    A) Trippier+Foden/Kulu/Mount
    B) Perisic+Wilson

    Which one is better?

  23. Paddy Gooner
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    A Maddison or
    B Mount

    ??? No other LEI or CHE players

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

      I am going with Mount

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

    I think palace will shock arsenal

    1. trick9
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      You and me both.

    2. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      they lost opening game (away) last season .. not a shocker if they lose

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

        Last season was Different at the start

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      2-2

  25. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Bottomed:

    Ramsdale worth it over 4.5?

    Mount over Foden/Mahrez?

    Digne over Cash/Trippier/Walker?

    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      yes
      yes
      cash short term, trippier long term

    2. notlob legin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Yes
      Yes
      Yes

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

      Yeah

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

      Cheers guys!

  26. LosSurenos
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Best option?

    A) Ederson/Gabriel
    B) Ramsdale/Walker

    1. trick9
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B

    2. notlob legin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A

  27. GinjaWhinja
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Has anyone considered that Perisic might take goals away from Son? Rather than add them?

    1. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      It's a good point. How will thet effect each other.

  28. The Kopite
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Ramsdale, Perisic, Martinelli, Diaz or Sanchez, Robertson, Saka, Neto ? The rest is template.

  29. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Ait-Nouri+Saka or James+Martinelli+0.5m?

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      James and Martinelli

  30. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Feels good to just go in all guns blazing wk 1.

    My advice would be:

    -Forget about about 4.5m def's rotating...as soon as Cancelo scores everyone will sell the cheapies. By all means pick them, but be ready to WC
    -If you do go for the 4.5m def's then go for those with some goal threat that have a proven track record(Dunk, Tarkowski, Jannson etc)
    -You don't pick anyone for 38 weeks. Don't fool yourself.
    -Don't try and play the game without Salah. Never.
    -Jesus is underpriced
    -"Balance" is a myth. You have transfers to fix it.
    -One of Kane or Son is a must have.

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

      Agree

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Good summary, cheers, I needed that this morning!
      What's your thoughts on the mid priced mids?
      Martinelli, Rashford, Bailey etc?

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        ...I typed "stay away from ManU" but then deleted it. Personally I think CIty, Livp, Arsenal and Chelsea are all a lot better this season. Not ManU.

        Bailey wont be nailed week in week out so I prefer a 4.5m mf

        Same with MArtinelli. Get Jesus or Saka.

    3. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Kane or Son in a 3 premium or 2?

      Who's left out if it's 2 premium

      Debating Haaland and Kane atm

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I think Kane is easier to fit in atm. Maybe Son once TV increase. Thats my plan.

    4. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      agree!