Chip Strategy
15 September 2025 297 comments
avfc82 avfc82
Share:

In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of a Gameweek 5 Wildcard.

We’ll also present a few draft ideas that take into account both the form of Erling Haaland (£14.1m) and the increase in clean sheets.

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers have until the Gameweek 19 deadline to use the first Wildcard.

Don’t forget that you can get your Wildcard team rated via our Rate My Team tool or Plan FPL!


GAMEWEEK 5 WILDCARD: THE PROS

FPL notes: Haaland “better than ever” + Foden central 4

Get Haaland

Erling Haaland has already been bought by almost 170,000 managers this week, having climbed to the top of the FPL player standings on Sunday.

The Norwegian is set to face Burnley in Gameweek 6, with a favourable set of fixtures to follow against Brentford, Everton, Aston Villa and Bournemouth.

If you’ve had enough of seeing him haul, a Wildcard is a chance to buy him through the redistribution of Mohamed Salah (£14.5m) funds or otherwise.

It’s also important to remember that you can’t use two chips in the same Gameweek, so if you want to Triple Captain Haaland against Burnley, you might need to Wildcard now.

Switch to a back four/five

With clean sheets becoming more prevalent, this could be an opportune time to start playing a back four or even a back five formation.

Notably, eight of the top 15 points scorers in FPL so far this season are defenders.

The impact of defensive contributions (DefCons) is clear, so allocating more budget to your backline may be a wise decision.

Rejuvenate your squad

If you haven’t got off to a good start, a Gameweek 5 Wildcard can help rejuvenate your squad.

This could be beneficial if you own underperforming players like Florian Wirtz (£8.4m) and Ollie Watkins (£8.9m), or rotation risks such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£4.4m) and Brennan Johnson (£7.1m).

A Wildcard offers a chance to resolve these issues in a free-hit manner.

Increase team value

This week will likely see lots of price rises and falls, so team value can be enhanced by ditching the droppers and jumping on bandwagons like Antoine Semenyo (£7.5m).

You can monitor these changes using Live FPL’s price change predictions tool.


GAMEWEEK 5 WILDCARD: THE CONS

 

 1



The rest of this article below is completely free to read but requires a Fantasy Football Scout user account for access – you can get yours at no cost here

 1

297 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. SomeoneKnows
    • 10 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    With 2FT should I roll or replace Johnson, and if so with whom?

    Vicario
    Cucurella, Lacroix, Senesi
    Bruno, Gakpo, Semenyo, Johnson
    Haaland (C), J.Pedro, Wood

    (Dubrovka, Porro, Reijnders, Gudmunson)

    1. Pompel
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Replace Johnson with Xavi or Grealish.

    2. agueroo
      • 3 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Johnson to Eze?

  2. Bobby Digital
    • 8 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Start Raya(MCI) or Dubravka(NFO)?

    1. NZREDS
      • 12 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      In the same boat, think city will score so may take a punt on dubs but on the fence

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 8 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        Think I'm going Dubs too, especially as I have Haaland.

    2. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 13 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      I have Raya and Timber, currently benching the latter. Can just see me benching both and Arsenal get a clean sheet 😆

      Haaland owner also.

    3. agueroo
      • 3 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Dubravka, expect no clean sheet but hopefully more save points

  3. agueroo
    • 3 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Start 1. Who? Leaning towards Reindeer or Diouf.

    Reindeer v Arsenal (A)
    Diouf v Crystal Palace (H)
    King v Brentford (H)
    Esteve v Forest (H)

    1. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Top one nailed starter in that City squad is gold

      1. agueroo
        • 3 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        Thanks

      2. Geriatric Unathletic
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        Did someone just say nailed and city, lol

        1. g40steve
          • 8 Years
          10 months, 2 days ago

          4 out of 4

  4. Dthinger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Salah + Guiu to Semenyo + Haaland, for a hit?

    Team would be:

    Sanchez
    Esteve Richards, VanDeVen
    Semenyo Palmer Grealish Xhaka/Reindeer
    Watkins Haaland Ekitike

    Dubravka Reindeer/Xhaka Tarkovski Williams

    1. JT11fc
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Not this week, keep Salah 1 more akd play Xhaka

  5. Tonyawesome69
    • 7 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    I'm getting Raphinha vibes after watching clips of Kevin at Fulham from the weekend

    https://x.com/PolymarketFC/status/1967670015358013485?t=LerjJGPpM8fDqmSuL7FGRA&s=19

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      He looked brilliant tbh

      No one will be laughing if you go early on picking him.

      Despite the Fulham fixtures coming up...

    2. Herger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      We need to talk about him!

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        Put the crossbow away!

      2. The Knights Template
        • 12 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        And Bad Ronaldinho!

    3. F4L
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      very excited about him. with the lack of options in wide areas, if he's as good as that cameo was against leeds, will rarely ever lose minutes

  6. Stranger Mings
    • 5 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Start 1
    A) gudmundsson wol
    B) vdv bri
    C) diouf CRY
    Thanks

    1. Punned It
      • 1 Year
      10 months, 2 days ago

      A

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 5 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        Cheers seems to have best cs odds

    2. Sun God Nika
      • 5 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      B or A

      Tough

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 5 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        Thanks yeh torn but currently thinking a

  7. WhilePaquetàGentlyWe…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    BB chip with this lot?
    Vic/Dubz
    Cucu/Porro/Munoz/Livra/Rondon
    Gakpo/Semenyo/Reij/Barnes/Ndoye
    Haaland/Eki/Pedro

    I usually try use it on a DGW but never really works out. Last year I didn't even bother with it until GW38. Hard to know who to bench. Just looks like one of those weeks where no matter who I pick in the end I'm going to leave 20+ points on the bench haha

    1. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Go for it you have 2 this year

    2. JT11fc
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Looks good to bb

  8. g40steve
    • 8 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Seriously need to get rid of Guiu or Sarr, worth a hit for one of them?

    Play 5 at the back & bench Jonny?

    Dubs,
    Cucu, Senesi, Guehi, VDV, Gudmund
    Salah, Semenyo, Kudus,
    Pedro, Haaland

    Sels, Reijnders, Guiu, I Sarr

    1.3

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Possibly keep Sarr now?

      But Guiu + £1.3 = ??

      1. g40steve
        • 8 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        Sarr out for good while

  9. Deer-in-headlights
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Which two to start?

    A. Rodon wol
    B. Porro bri
    C. Reindeer ars
    D. Senesi NEW

    1. JT11fc
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      C and D

    2. AAAFootball
      • 1 Year
      10 months, 2 days ago

      B and d

  10. JT11fc
    • 7 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Captincy is looking tough this week, early thoughts as a non Salah owner are Ekitike or Gakpo, maybe Semenyo against a tired Newcastle or J Pedro if he gets a rest midweek

    1. MJF
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Semenyo a decent shout yeah.

    2. Pumpkinhead
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Maybe a tired Newcastle is weaker but they've been very solid defensively. It's definitely not a standout option for me but is team dependent.

      1. JT11fc
        • 7 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        The more I look at it the more Gakpo makes sense..

        1. Pumpkinhead
          • 11 Years
          10 months, 2 days ago

          Its a difficult week without Salah. I still think he is the best given the fixture. We will see but could be a good week to bet against the crowd if another option emerges in the next couple of days.

  11. GoonerByron
    • 14 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Best cap for GW5 here?

    A) Haaland (ars)
    B) Semenyo (NEW)
    C) Watkins (sun)
    D) Ekiteke (EVE)

    1. JT11fc
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      B or D, guess it depends how the Isak situation evolves midweek

  12. OptimusBlack
    • 13 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Would u WC if u have this team and
    2 FT ?
    Sales Dúbravka
    Porro VDV Munoz Cucurella Diouf
    Salah Wirtz KDH Rutter Reijnders
    Watkins Pedro Gyökeres

    1. JT11fc
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Itl be fine for this week I think, last chance for a few of those picks tho

    2. Pumpkinhead
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      With 2ft I wouldn't + this isn't a great week to WC. If you're convinced that you want to then pull the trigger next week but Watkins, Wirtz, etc... have good fixtures this week but I understand why you would want to just reset.

    3. OptimusBlack
      • 13 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Cheers guys

  13. Pumpkinhead
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Who would you start?
    A) Livermento (A to Bou)
    B) Senesi (H to New)

    Current thought is play the home fixture. Doubt either keep a clean sheet and Senesi seems better for dc points.

    1. JT11fc
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      B for said reasons

      1. Pumpkinhead
        • 11 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        Thanks

  14. OverTinker
    • 7 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Will there be a game week where experts won't be discussing a wildcard draft?

    1. JT11fc
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Shows the state of things, the question is why havnt they wildcarded yet if its that bad

    2. Pumpkinhead
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Probably not but it is important to remember that their content is one to many and not just geared towards engaged managers

      1. Yes Ndidi
        • 6 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        One to many or one too many? Or both?

        1. Pumpkinhead
          • 11 Years
          10 months, 2 days ago

          How would "one too many" work in this sentence? You've never heard the expression one to many?

          1. Yes Ndidi
            • 6 Years
            10 months, 1 day ago

            Never mind. To me, any content is one too many. I guess we view content creators differently.

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Double chips just over egged the content

      They're being thrown around like confetti

      FH here

      WC there

      Just use the BB to get rid of it

      And so on.

      1. OverTinker
        • 7 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        Exactly

    4. OverTinker
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Perchance a Gameweek shall dawn, when talk of Wildcards and Free Hits fades, and only the glory of points remaineth

    5. MJF
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Proper insightful articles are few and far between now, years ago every article seemed to be a good read, now I skip 90% of them. Some of them don't even contain anything except a screenshot of the price change table.

  15. OverTinker
    • 7 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Raya
    VVD Munoz Senesi
    Salah Grealish Semenyo Gakpo
    J.Pedro Gyokeres Mateta

    Dubravka - King - Rodon - Gudmundson
    1 FT and 1.7 it
    Should I save Ft as the plan is to bring in Haaland next game week?

    1. AAAFootball
      • 1 Year
      10 months, 2 days ago

      yes that sounds good
      Who are you selling for him? Mateta?

      1. OverTinker
        • 7 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        I have not made up my mind yet but yes most likely Mateta

  16. Tinfoil Deathstar
    • 5 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Assuming no mid-week injuries, would you play BB here?

    Raya
    Virgil - Munoz - Andersen
    Salah (c) - Bruno - Semenyo - Reijnders
    Pedro - Gyokores - Mateta

    Dubravka; Dewsbury-Hall, Senesi, Gudmunsson

    1. AAAFootball
      • 1 Year
      10 months, 2 days ago

      110% yes

      absolutely i would

    2. Coys96
      • 8 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Probably just about, although I think you’re going to find multiple opportunities and the fixtures aren’t great for Senesi & KDH

  17. TafOnTour1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Is it definitely not the gameweek to ship Salah out for Haaland knowing Salah has Everton at home, and Haaland has Arsenal away, the best defence in the league?!

    1. OverTinker
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      You have to make a choice

    2. OverTinker
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      I am keeping Salah and without Haaland this game week. I have belief in Arsenal defense

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        Yeah, I’m playing Gabriel and Califiori. They have good attacking threat too

    3. AAAFootball
      • 1 Year
      10 months, 2 days ago

      as an everton fan, i predict 1 goal maybe 1 assist

      although it could potentially be 0-0

      I think we will do respectably but not win, but a draw very possible

  18. Kodap
    • 8 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    With 1.8m in the bank, what changes would you look at here?

    Sanchez
    Cucu - Gabriel - Munoz
    Semenyo - Kudus - Reijnders - Gakpo
    Wood - Joao Pedro - Haaland

    Dubravka - Grealish - Van de Berg - Gudmondsson

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      You can roll

      I'd start Grealish tho over Reijnders.

      1. Kodap
        • 8 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        yeah noted, thanks mate

  19. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Seeing a lot of teams with Rodon in. Any particular reason why he is the go to 4.0 Defender?

    1. Bluetiger1
      • 4 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      I started with Roden but have switched to Reinildo very close to call

      Roden (7, 2, 7, 4) = 20 pts
      Leeds results (W,L,D,L)

      Reinildo (6,3,1,6) = 16 pts
      Sunderland (W, L, W, D)

      1. 1justlookin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        If I was picking a Sunderland player, I would be going with Mukiele. All 3 of our 4.0 players are good picks though. 🙂

        1. FDMS All Starz
          • 10 Years
          10 months, 2 days ago

          Guy used to be a monster for Leipzig

          1. 1justlookin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            10 months, 2 days ago

            He's really impressed me so far. We'll be good for a few clean sheets this season.

  20. FDMS All Starz
    • 10 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Thoughts on this WC team?

    Raya (Dubravka)
    Gabriel Tarkwoski VVD (Romero Lacroix)
    Semenyo Ndiaye Kudus Paqueta (KDH)
    Haaland Gyokeres Pedro

  21. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Wirtz is a slight possible to drop tonight, perhaps not likely but he will in the next two days or so.

    Bournemouth don't have a cup game this week, so is it sensible to just make the switch to Semenyo and risk any injuries needing fixing to your other players this week?

    I'm planning a hit to switch Johnson up anyway so I can wait on that ...

  22. RICICLE
    • 4 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Not sure what to do here chaps.
    Been happy enough with the start, but slipping from 1.1m > 1.8m with 61 points is a bit deflating.

    Do I just WC even though I kinda like my team to stay ahead of some curve?

    Sanchez
    Porro - Milenkovic - Munoz
    Reijnders - Bruno - Salah - Semenyo - Xavi
    Pedro - Watkins
    _____________________________________
    Dubravka: Esteve: Diouf: Guiu

    1FT, 1.6m ITB

    Milenkovic, Reijnders, Watkins, Bruno, Guiu all concerns really.
    Or just WC in GW 6 and BB this GW to get it out the way?

    Any insight greatly appreciated.

    1. Drizzle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Team is fine and you're doing fine, relax.

      1. RICICLE
        • 4 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        Cheers Drizzle, I should just relax.

    2. Yes Ndidi
      • 6 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      I wouldn't be in a hurry to ditch Reijnders. He should've scored this week, was getting into some decent positions and with Rodri back he won't be asked to stay back too much.
      I've got Milenkovic and he's not hurting either, especially with Burnley & Sunderland up next. I know they're both resolute in defence against the big boys, but surely the Forest defence can defy Ange for a couple more games before he insists they become more sieve-like in their defending.
      There's only Guiu that needs immediate attention, and maybe Watkins if you're sick of the sight of him.

      I wouldn't even WC6 unless you want a certain Norwegian - just take a hit and lose Watkins Guiu & Bruno for Gyokeres & maybe Rice for the Arsenal swing.

      1. RICICLE
        • 4 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        Thanks very much bud, some good feedback there.
        I agree on all the points really, and it would be a bit hasty for me to get too annoyed with Milenkovic with two favourable fixtures up next which I’m sure Ange will want results from.
        I’ve taken hits the last two gameweeks and they’ve thankfully worked out, I suppose I could take another this GW if I’ve had enough of Watkins, but I’m keen to give him the Sunderland game. I only have up to 6m to replace Guiu, and I could Bench boost?

        Haaland from GW6 will be targeted in some way or another, Bruno or Salah being the makeweight.
        I could do Watkins + Salah > Haaland + Palmer but need to lose a Chelsea player first.

  23. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Who to drop to bring in Semenyo?

    A) Wirtz
    B) Fernandes

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      A

  24. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    I know this game can affect people's mood but to make you feel better I am ranked 5m and having a chilled approach and not panicking, it's a marathon and not a sprint:)

  25. Coys96
    • 8 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    It’s the week for a differential captain, but who?

    Currently on Semenyo as don’t own Salah

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Watkins!

      1. Coys96
        • 8 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        I’m taking him out to get a captain in 😀

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 11 Years
          10 months, 2 days ago

          Lol like bonjovi says keeping the faith 🙂

          1. Coys96
            • 8 Years
            10 months, 2 days ago

            It’s a Villa issue, not a Watkins one. And the next 2 fixtures are deceivingly worse than FDR says they are

  26. Zenith UK
    • 9 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    A whopping 5.4m OR currently.

    Time to refresh...

    RMWCT please?

    XXX, Dubravka
    VVD, VDV, Guehi, Senesi, Gudmundsson
    Salah, Semenyo, Caicedo, Zubamendi, XXX
    Haaland, J. Pedro, Woltemade

    A) Raya, King
    B) Vicario, Xhaka
    C) Vicario, King > Vicario to Raya in GW6 when fixtures change

    1. Zenith UK
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Points benched so far; 11, 23, 18...

    2. Zenith UK
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      I can also have Reijnders instead of Zubamendi paired with King and Vicario that leaves me 0.5m ITB for Vicario > Raya in GW6

  27. Darragh82
    • 7 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Would you do Wirtz and Kudus to Xavi and Gakpo?? If not, who would you do?

    1. Zenith UK
      • 9 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      FT, FH, WC, minus points? What does the rest of the midfield look like?

      1. Darragh82
        • 7 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        I have 2 FT, currently on Salah, Rogers, Dewsbury-Hall,
        My defence and attack are solid. Will leave me with 0.4 if I do it

    2. pundit of punts
      • 13 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Why swap Kudus for Xavi?

      1. Darragh82
        • 7 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        He’s starting to remind me of Adama Traore…. Good on the ball, no output

        1. Pumpkinhead
          • 11 Years
          10 months, 2 days ago

          We did know this before he went to Spurs. Had a great couple of games for West Ham and always came away with nothing.

  28. pundit of punts
    • 13 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    GTG?

    Raya
    Cucurella - Cash - Gudmundsson
    Mbeumo - Semenyo - Kudus - Reijnders
    Haaland - Gyokeres - Pedro

    Dubravka - King - Reinildo - Dorgu

    Play Dubravka over Raya? Or Reinildo over Cucurella? Leave it?

    Thoughts please.

    1. pundit of punts
      • 13 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      5.3m in the bank for Kidus ➡ Palmer in gw 6.

      1. ebb2sparky
        • 15 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        Have you already used your FT or do you think kudus is a better option this week?

    2. Cowboy John
      • 14 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Play Raya.
      Play Cucurella.

      Don't get cute.

  29. OverTinker
    • 7 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Play Raya or Dubravka this GW??

    1. Cowboy John
      • 14 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Play Raya every week or don't own him.

      1. OverTinker
        • 7 Years
        10 months, 2 days ago

        No exceptions??

        1. Pumpkinhead
          • 11 Years
          10 months, 2 days ago

          Dub is just a backup or plays incase of injury. Don't need to overcomplicate it especially when we are talking about a maximum of 4-6 point swing.

  30. Random Name
    • 10 Years
    10 months, 2 days ago

    Having a really hard time choosing between transferring in Guehi or Senesi. But Senesi's DC every game is hard to ignore

    1. Cowboy John
      • 14 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Senesi.

      No European football is the tiebreaker.

    2. OverTinker
      • 7 Years
      10 months, 2 days ago

      Senesi easily