Games

FPL Analysis – Assessing the Three Chips

Today’s launch of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game sprung a few surprises, with the addition of some intriguing new rules that will bring an extra tactical element to our approaches in the season ahead.

In the first of our articles focusing on these new mechanics, we turn our attentions to the three chips, which, as explained by the official website:

Chips can be used to potentially enhance your team’s performance during the season.
Only one chip can be played in a single Gameweek. The chips available are as follows:

All Out Attack – Allows you to play a 2-5-3 formation in the next Gameweek.
Bench Boost – The points scored by your bench players in the next Gameweek are included in your total.
Triple Captain – Your captain points are tripled instead of doubled in the next Gameweek.

Immediately, it stands to reason that the best time to exploit these chips would be during a double Gameweek in order to maximize our points potential, though as Jonty’s Hot Topic discussed this morning, there are still a number of Gameweeks worth keeping an eye on, should they fail to harvest a pair of fixtures.

Bench Boost

Wielding this chip means that Fantasy managers will gain all points accrued from their 15-man squad in that particular Gameweek. In all likelihood, this has the greatest potential of any of the three chips and assessing when to play it will be crucial.

In order to get the full benefit from the “Bench Boost” chip, the ideal time would be a double Gameweek where a number of clubs are handed a pair of fixtures apiece.

Last season’s double Gameweek 34 saw four clubs – Chelsea, Hull, Leicester and Liverpool – feature twice, for example. Although Captain Poll favourite Eden Hazard blanked on both occasions, as many as 17 players produced a minimum of ten points, which highlights the potential of the “Bench Boost” chip.

By comparison, double Gameweeks 28, 31 and 37 – containing two teams apiece – produced ten points or more on four, four and eight occasions respectively.

Certainly, this chip will encourage Fantasy managers to roll out numerous alterations to their starting line-ups – not only does each double player feature twice, the single Gameweek assets also contribute points, thus helping to offset any possible points hits.

Furthermore, when factoring in the new Wildcard changes, it would perhaps seem that the second Wildcard would be best kept to take advantage of this particular chip. By playing a Wildcard the week before a bumper double Gameweek, canny Fantasy managers could load up on double options – therefore avoiding the need for points hits – and structure their squad in line with the impending double Gameweek.

Another factor of the “Bench Boost” chip is that it allows us to play two keepers in the Gameweek. Intriguingly, a pair of keepers earned at least ten points apiece in two of last term’s four doubles. Partnering Steve Harper with either Simon Mignolet or Kasper Schmeichel in the aforementioned Gameweek 34 would have earned you 30 points, whilst a Costel Pantilimon-David Ospina double-up would have produced 24 points in the penultimate round of fixtures. A nice tactical twist that certainly changes how we’ve previously approached double Gameweeks.

Monitoring the fixtures and assessing when the doubles are likely to fall in place will be key, then.

The Capital One Cup Final, for example, will take place on Gameweek 27 and will force a fixture reschedule for the two teams that make the Wembley showpiece. We also know that the Gameweek 30 schedule will be subject to change as it falls on the same weekend as the FA Cup Sixth Round – keeping a Wildcard up your sleeve could prove a devastating tactic in many mini-leagues, particularly if this involves more than a couple of teams.

Whilst the domestic cups tend to prove the catalyst for most rearranged fixtures, there’s also the weather to consider, too. As we’ve seen in the past, the unpredictable festive elements could prompt postponements and may even tempt some Fantasy managers to wield one of their three chips, particularly if the squads of mini-league rivals are hit hard by the weather. Nonetheless, the allure of a double Gameweek is likely to ensure we remain patient with our plans in order to reap the full benefit.

Triple Captain

Again, it seems logical that this chip should be played in a double Gameweek in order to boost your chances of earning more points.

It’s no coincidence that all but one of the four doubles last season supplied us with the highest scoring player in the Gameweek. The one exception being Gameweek 37, where Southampton’s Sadio Mane chalked up 23 points after producing three goals, an assist and maximum bonus in the 6-1 home win over Villa.

Bearing in mind we cannot use more than one chip at a time, the “Triple Captain” is perhaps best utilised in a two-team double Gameweek, in order to ensure we keep our “Bench Boost” chip for a bumper double.

Looking back to last term, for example, Harry Kane earned 15 points in Tottenham’s double Gameweek 28, whilst Christian Benteke and Charlie Austin amassed 23 and 21 points respectively when Villa and QPR were handed a pair of fixtures apiece in Gameweek 31. Wielding the “Triple Captain” in the latter Gameweek would have racked up 60+ points if you’d handed Benteke or Austin the armband and also allowed you to keep the “Bench Boost” chip for Gameweek 34.

Furthermore, the “Triple Captain” also helps to lessen the blow of a faltering armband pick. Eden Hazard and Alexis Sanchez were the runaway leaders of our Captain Poll for double Gameweeks 34 and 37 respectively but limped home with just five points apiece. The “Triple Captain” option would at least have handed us 15 points from both players, despite their failure to produce any returns over their pair of matches.

All Out Attack

This chip allows you to opt for a 2-5-3 formation in any given Gameweek. Bearing in mind that the majority of Fantasy managers operate with a 3-4-3 set-up, this essentially will afford us the opportunity to replace a defender with a midfielder for the selected Gameweek.

The main knock-on effect of the “All Out Attack” chip is that it forces us to reconsider our cheap fifth midfielders. Many started with the likes of Dean Marney or Marc Albrighton last season and were content to keep them on their benches, despite a lack of returns and minutes respectively. Freshening up that position will be key to take advantage of this chip, then. Similarly, those operating with a 3-5-2 formation will need to address their third forward slot in order to make the most out of the “All Out Attack” chip.

Again, it would seem most beneficial to use this chip during a double Gameweek, thus ensuring that our extra attacker has a pair of fixtures to profit from.

As we saw during last season’s doubles, the likes of Andros Townsend (15 points), Ryan Mason (13 points), Matty Phillips (20 points), Marc Albrighton (13 points) and Ahmed Elmohamady (ten points) all proved canny cut-price options in the centre of the park.

Arguably, though, this chip has the potential to frustrate Fantasy managers. Only seven midfielders and six forwards managed double-figure hauls during last season’s doubles, compared to five keepers and 15 defenders.

Clearly, then, taking out a defensive option to bring in an attacker will still carry a degree of risk, though there’s no doubt that the potentially explosive points hauls on offer from a midfielder or forward have a greater upside, given that a goal would essentially cancel out the opposition’s defensive points.

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2,764 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Light Knight
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Mannone penalty save, Panti owners worried? 😉

    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      3-4 bad weeks is all he needs to get dropped. We saw the same happen to Mannone after getting Player of the Season.

  2. The Hindu Monkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    who rotates best with west brom anyone?

    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Villa rotates home and way, I think that's the best rotation fixture-wise as well.

    2. Licky
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Rotate a Tony Pulis team???

    3. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Vila for home and away...sure you can do better though.

      1. The Hindu Monkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        9m myhil/guzan keeper - that's all I was looking for, good enough for me

        1. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah...good keeper combo. Not sure I'd rotate their defenders though, I'd sooner just play Lescott.

    4. stilicho
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Villa

  3. stewlynz
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    1st and last time I'll ask, honest. Initial draft. Would appreciate your opinions

    Courtois, Myhill

    Kolorav, Morgan, Francis, Turner, Cresswell

    Depay, Haz, Milner, Ritchie N'Zonzi

    Aguero, Kane, Deeney

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      10m is 5m too much for goalkeepers at those prices for me. Are you ever going to drop courtois? no. pick a 4m

      Kane, oddly, could be a real differential as I think lot of people will be put off at that price

      and for gods sake get n'zonzi out he's been sold!

    2. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      If you want to keep Courtois, do Myhill to a £4m.

      If that Norwich's Turner? I think he is not first-choice, Kolarov ain't nailed, Cresswell too costly.

      Also N'Zonzi is leaving.

    3. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Kolorav not nailed, N'Zonzi moving abroad, Aguero not likely to start in GW1

    4. stewlynz
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks for the comments gents. Wasn't even aware of N'Zonzi!

  4. Holy See
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    A month of drunken transfers, huzzah!

  5. Daniel Exeter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Now, to just remember how to change my photo!!

    1. AllINeedIsCoffee
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      How do you do it?

  6. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Ivanovic (31) and Terry (34) are older than I thought. Very impressive considering how well they did last season.

    1. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      They both look far, FAR older than they are. How could you have made that judgment ??! Lol.

  7. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Just seen something about Arsenal enquiring about Benzema.....

    1. Mouth
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Arsenal has been linked to Benzema every other day for 2 years.

  8. Licky
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Ooooh, Jordan Henderson £7, he's going straight in my basket. Teeheehee.

    1. Captain Shirokov
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      You little minx

      1. Licky
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        😆

    2. Slam
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Same here Licky 😉

    3. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Milner to steal some set pieces and force him to play deeper? it'll be Hendo ans Milner in the double pivot with Coutinho ahead of them right?

      1. Licky
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        I suspect some real improvement form Hnedo this, no longer has to act as Gerrards legs, so should have a free b2b position. I'm not sure on set pieces though, personally I think Hendo should be given the opportunity to get forward more than Milner.

        1. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          He was given that license for part of matches last season.

      2. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        They should play CM ahead of Can

      3. Holy See
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        & maybe Benteke to nick pens. Only a month before all/some/nothing becomes revealed!

    4. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Cabaye will probably be the same...two good picks right there.

      1. Licky
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Cabaye will certainly be one to watch, I think if Liverpool pick up some real form Hendo will be immense value.

  9. Del Monte
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Any Palace fans?

    Back four? Kelly Dann Delaney Ward?

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Dont think Kelly will play every game. Dann linked with Everton.

    2. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Ward Dann Hangeland Souare IMO. With only Ward and Dann nailed on.

  10. andy85wsm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Sunderland smashing it now 4-2

    Get them in!

  11. sully29
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    So, who is nailed on for your GW1 team atm?

    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Hazard, Ivanovic and Lukaku.

    2. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      ivan.

      end of list.

    3. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Courtois
      Koscielny Lescott Cedric Morgan
      Hazard Ozil
      Costa

      Oshea, Yaya, Mata, Anya, Wilson and Lukaku all staking a claim for the other spots

    4. Texas Pete
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Rooney, Walcott(!), & courtois

    5. il Brutto
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Silva

  12. JAC THE CAT
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Given a threat to Butland being Stokes number 1?

    1. @FPLMason
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      ney imo

  13. Trigg ⭐️
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Can't believe there are RMTs before the pre-season bandwagons have even begun.

    Come on people, Dzeko hasn't even scored a pre-season goal yet.

  14. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Haven't seen DiMaria getting mentioned much here. He should be fit for gw1 and priced just 8.5

    Surely he is great option if he stays at United?

    Other one is Deeney vs Wilson? Thoughts?

    1. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Wilson cause of fixtures.. should be on penos too. Plus his pace should cause a problem no matter what division he is in

    2. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Yes, but then van Gaal is not one who'll play someone every game just because he cost £60m last season. Also, he didn't play a lot of games last season as well, even when fit.

      I'd say Mata ahead of him in the right wing pecking order, and don't see ADM playing in midfield.

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Good point about Dimaria. Cheers.

  15. Arsenal@Gunners
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Do yo think walcott or giroud ?

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      ozil and rambo baby!!

    2. Texas Pete
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Wally higer risk, higher reward.

  16. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Is anyone going with Valdes?

  17. Daniel Exeter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Can someone remind me how to change the photo again? Completely forgotten

    1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Profile, delete account, hold standby button in.
      😉

      1. Daniel Exeter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Ha hush you

    2. Slam
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      gravatar.com

      1. Daniel Exeter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Top man - cheers

  18. New Post
  19. Big_Andy_GAWA
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Alright lads!

    It's been a while! A lot has gone on since last been on here. Looking forward to the season ahead. Yet to look into the new add-ones. Are they good?? 🙂

  20. Wishdom Teeth
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    First Draft :

    Schmeichel Hennessey
    Ivanovic ,Mings, Clyne(/monreal), Cédric(/Sotn RB), Burke
    Oscar, Ramsey ,Mane, Atsu(/any other 5.5m option), Fletcher(/less owned 4.5 nailed on mid)
    Rooney Costa Giroud

    0.0 ITB

  21. Arsenal@Gunners
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    kane aguero and which other

  22. Arsenal@Gunners
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Oscar might not get side

  23. schlupptheweek
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    I'm going cheap in defence and am risking the 2-5-3 at the start although I will probably get talked out of it, then lasting out till the internationals:
    Ruddy (Hennessey)
    Jagielka Mertesacker (Ashley Williams) (Baker) (Targett)
    Yaya Toure Depay Ritchie Mane Walcott
    Benteke Lukaku Costa

    Any good?

  24. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    As usual it's hard to pick an Arsenal attacker.

  25. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Best 5.5 midfielder from promoted teams?

  26. Bastien
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone spotted a 4.0m (likely) starting defender?

  27. PB-THE-VET
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Downing at 6.0 has to be a bargain

  28. Tiggsy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    I think this All Out Attack chip could be most useful if you end up with a week where most of your defenders are against big/in-form teams.

    1. Goofball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      moreover you gotta have 3rd striker+5th mid with favourable fixtures