This season, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers have been given twice as many chips, which includes two Free Hits.
Similar to the use of the first Wildcard in recent seasons, the first one must be used before the Gameweek 19 deadline.
The addition offers FPL managers extra opportunities, rather than simply waiting for a Blank or Double Gameweek in the second half of the season.
Consequently, Gameweek 2 has been identified as a possible opportunity to use it.
Many FPL managers will have already decided on their chip strategy, of course; however, for those who haven’t yet fully committed, we look at the potential pros and cons of a Gameweek 2 Free Hit below.
We’ve also put together a couple of team drafts to consider.
GAMEWEEK 2 FREE HIT: THE PROS
FPL managers have traditionally favoured using the Free Chip in a Blank or Double Gameweek, but it seems unlikely we will get either in the first half of the season, unless there is a postponement for bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
As a result, there isn’t really a standout time to play it, so why not use it in Gameweek 2?
It could help you navigate a Gameweek in which several key players encounter difficult matchups.
Liverpool have a potentially tricky trip to Newcastle United, who limited Aston Villa to just three shots and 0.2 expected goals (xG) on Saturday. Even before the red card, Unai Emery’s side failed to conjure a single effort in the first half.
Therefore, for those who have Mohamed Salah (£14.5m) and Florian Wirtz (£8.5m), you may want to freshen up your squad and seek out players with more favourable fixtures.
Tottenham Hotspur face off against Manchester City, too.
Those who have stacked up on Spurs assets such as Pedro Porro (£5.5m), Micky van de Ven (£4.5m) and Mohammed Kudus (£6.5m) may want to remove them for a week.
You’d then get them back for Bournemouth, West Ham United, Brighton and Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers in Gameweeks 3-6.
Gameweek 2 fixtures sorted by difficulty on our Season Ticker
Instead, you could triple-up on relatively low-owned Arsenal assets against newly-promoted Leeds United.
You also wouldn’t have to worry about holding them for the games against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Man City and Newcastle which follow. They simply switch in and switch out.
| Player | Position | Ownership % |
|---|---|---|
| Gyokeres | Forward | 25.7 |
| Gabriel | Defender | 18.8 |
| Raya | Goalkeeper | 17.9 |
| Saka | Midfielder | 16.9 |
| Saliba | Defender | 14.9 |
| Rice | Midfielder | 8.0 |
| Odegaard | Midfielder | 3.6 |
Selected Arsenal players sorted by ownership
Bournemouth also have a very decent fixture in Gameweek 2 after starting the season at Anfield.
A Gameweek 2 Free Hit does have its merits, then, depending on the makeup of your squad.
GAMEWEEK 2 FREE HIT: THE CONS
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