We’re getting to the point of the season when it’s decision time for many Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers regarding chip strategy.
While Gameweeks 32 and 35 are going to be two popular Wildcard windows, here we ponder the merits of Gameweek 30.
So, let’s list the pros and cons of using this chip now, then provide an example draft.
Don’t forget to rate your Wildcard team via our Rate My Team tool or the Plan FPL planner!
REASONS TO WILDCARD
MAN CITY EDGING CLOSER TO BLANK GAMEWEEK 31
Manchester City’s weekend FA Cup victory over Newcastle United means that the odds are that they and Crystal Palace will not play in Gameweek 31.
It’s still possible they will: if both clubs are knocked out of Europe, there’s a slot on Tuesday 7/Wednesday 8 April that the fixture could fit into. Even then, that still looks unlikely.
FURTHER FORWARD WITH DOUBLE GAMEWEEK 33/BLANK GAMEWEEK 34
We now have more knowledge about what the future schedule will look like, thanks to the FA Cup results/draw.
Semi-final weekend clashes with Gameweek 34 and, unless participants still involved in continental competition get knocked out of Europe by then, they’ll likely get a Double Gameweek 33 (or possibly 36).
The bookmakers expect Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City and West Ham to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.
Their Gameweek 34 fixtures could be postponed, then, although European eliminations could complicate things. Still, Arsenal and Newcastle United look good bets for a Double Gameweek 33, while there’s good chance that Manchester City will double then too.
What does this mean for Gameweek 30 Wildcard users? Essentially, combined with what we discussed in the above section, you could construct a team with four players from Arsenal and Man City, who can be benched in Blank Gameweek 31.
GET THE FIRST PUNCH IN
Many engaged FPL managers are planning to activate it in Gameweek 32. But, by doing so now, it’s possible to get ahead of the game and make those much-needed team improvements before everyone else does.
REASONS TO WAIT
SAVE THE WILDCARD FOR GAMEWEEK 32
Managers who’ve been preparing their teams for Blank Gameweek 31 by easing out their Arsenal and Man City assets can dead-end their team without taking any transfer hits, then use a Wildcard when it’s most needed.
Perhaps it could be worth selling Erling Haaland (£14.6m) to buy the in-form Joao Pedro (£7.7m), and then quickly buy the Norwegian back via Wildcard. Given his recent price drops, selling Haaland in the short term isn’t particularly damaging to team value.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Given we know the FA Cup draw and which sides are most likely to double and blank, the suggested play, give or take individual team state, is the following:
- Gameweek 32 Wildcard, for the considerable fixture swing
- Double Gameweek 33 Bench Boost, or possibly Triple Captain
- Blank Gameweek 34 Free Hit, to stay away from FA Cup semi-finalists
- Double Gameweek 36 Bench Boost, or possibly Triple Captain
As neither Leeds nor West Ham United are in Europe, the semi-finalist from their clash could yet remain in Gameweek 34.
Biding your time for another two weeks buys even more knowledge. By the time of Gameweek 32, we should know exactly what the blanks and doubles look like.
LULL INCOMING
A long international break comes right before Gameweek 32. Some individuals will be in matches that decide whether or not they’ll go to the World Cup. Even those playing in friendly matches will be at risk of injury.
Waiting until after this means we have a better chance of avoiding the slings and arrows of outrageous misfortune.
BEST GAMEWEEK 30 WILDCARD DRAFT
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