Opinion

When is the best time to play your FPL Wildcard?

After a great Gameweek 1 for many, Gameweek 2 brought a lot of us back down to earth with a bang.

So much so, that quite a few managers are activating their first Wildcard already, after just two weeks.

We spend months pulling our hair out building a Gameweek 1 squad only to rip it up before September has even arrived. That’s FPL. Things change so quickly.

It’s going to be a very interesting few weeks ahead to see how the early Wildcarders perform against those who are taking a more patient approach.

The beauty of FPL is that there is no right or wrong way to play it. You play the game the way you want to. If you care about what others think about your decision to Wildcard/not Wildcard, you need to take a step back and reassess things.

Do what’s right for your squad and ignore everything else. Don’t let the ‘noise’ influence your decision and that goes for any transfer not just Wildcarding.

Early transfers have been a hot topic this week too. I have always been a very patient FPL manager and it has served me well in the past, but I find with each new season, it is getting more and more difficult to play the waiting game, particularly in these early weeks when the transfer market is crazy.

I made rare early moves on Monday night as I had £0.0m to play with for my intended targets.

It is easier to move early at this stage of the campaign as there is less chance of issues arising during the week with no cup/European matches (apart from Wolves – stay safe Diogo!), and also the fact that the Wildcard is always there to fall back on if disaster does strike before the weekend.

As often as I can this season, I will continue to wait until Friday night to gather all the information possible before pulling the trigger, but as we’ve seen this week, sometimes you’ve got no choice but to act fast. Teemu Pukki (£6.8m) better act fast in Saturday’s early kick-off!

Double Liverpool defence is likely to be abandoned by most Wildcarders this week and by those looking to free up funds for the likes of Kevin De Bruyne (£9.6m) and Harry Kane (£11.0m).

The Liverpool defence has disappointed thus far but if it wasn’t for Adrian’s (£4.5m) howler against Southampton, and Danny Ings‘ (£6.0m) miss, the narrative would be very different this week.

Looking past the Arsenal fixture this weekend, Jurgen Klopp’s side face Burnley (away), Newcastle (home) and Sheffield United (away) in the next four.

Patience could well be rewarded with the likes of Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m), Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.0m).

A clean sheet against Arsenal this weekend could see Wildcarders scrambling to get their ditched Liverpool defenders back in ahead of Gameweek 4.

There was a tweet doing the rounds on Wednesday about Benjamin Mendy (£6.0m) being back in training which will have Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.5m) owners slightly worried about his place in the City team.

Pep Guardiola has been quoted recently saying he wants to see Mendy train well for a month before considering him for selection, but it’s Pep, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Mendy make an appearance sooner than expected.

If you own Zinchenko, it’s an easy one though, you just keep him until Mendy does reappear. On a Wildcard though, it might be worth trying to find the extra £1.0m for Aymeric Laporte (£6.5m) for peace of mind.

The forgotten man of FPL, Son Heung-min (£9.5m) is likely to make a return to action at home to Newcastle this weekend. Owned by less than 2% of managers, he could be the ultimate differential in Gameweek 3.

There is no guarantee that he goes straight back into the starting XI though, so it does feel like a risky move. Fortune favours the brave!

Good news and bad news now. The good news is Callum Wilson (£7.9m) is gone! Watch him wipe out my Zinchenko clean sheet on Sunday and doing his salute celebration to rub it in.

The bad news is my wife beat me again in Gameweek 2 in our head to head league. She’s six points ahead already and mentions that fact every single day.

Martial was her hero last weekend and I have a feeling he could be my downfall again this weekend. Hopefully, I can claw back three points.

Good luck all in Gameweek 3 and have great weekend.

Lessons learned from Gameweek 2

637 Comments Post a Comment
  1. NorwichCityLad
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Which one?
    A) Mount

    B) Bernard

    1. adams_6
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      a

    2. ALegendJ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    3. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

  2. HD7
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone else intrigued going with Haller instead of Pukki?

    1. ALegendJ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      If he hits form, it is a possibility

    2. NorwichCityLad
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      No Pukki for me but haller still look good pick

    3. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Keeping an eye on him and Lanzini this weekend

    4. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Me, if I was on WC but I am not.

    5. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      One to watch still. West Ham yet to get going

    6. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      If you prefer price falls to rises and dont mind missing points when almost everyone else gets them, go for it.

    7. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      No Pukki, no party.

    8. MosF94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I've got both in my current WC draft

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

      I want both

    10. fantasyfog
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      want to see if he is a hold it up for lanzini and co or a ruthless bang em in type

  3. Obi Wan Elokobi
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Which one of these is best on wildcard and have Lund?

    A) Kelly and Digne
    Or
    B) Mina and any 4.5

    Just feel it’s better to have a playing defender as I’m on wildcard already and saves a headache transfer later on

    1. NorwichCityLad
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A easy

    2. International Richard
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A. but Hanley over Kelly. You can thank me later

    3. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I’ve gone with B

  4. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Pick 1 to play

    Soyuncu
    Montoya
    Lundstram

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. NorwichCityLad
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Lundstram

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Lund

    3. International Richard
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      With those players (and Lunds form) you will have the same conundrum every game week.

      I'd go

      Lund
      Montoya
      Soy

      All good picks

  5. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Who should I change King for next week? Alongside pukki.
    A. Keep him.
    B. Barnes/Wood.
    C. Jota.
    D. Haller
    Same price point allows Rico to 4.5 at some point.

    1. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      D potentially

      1. NorwichCityLad
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Barnes seems consistent

        1. Obi Wan Elokobi
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Agreed but I’ve always played fixtures over form

          1. theodosios
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            and what's wrong with Burnley's fixtures?

          2. fantasyfog
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            how has that served you?

  6. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    From Rodger's comments, can we deduce chances of Perez starting?

    1) Low
    2) High

    1. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      What he say?

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      2) High

      Sounds like he will give him another go and is defending Perez from criticism.

      1. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Hope so

    3. adams_6
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I think he plays.

    4. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Plays and hauls this week...…..I hope

      1. fantasyfog
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        plays and blanks would suit me fine

  7. Maddamotha
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Dunk or Montoya?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Monty

    2. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      montoya

  8. kime67
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    a)salah and digne
    b)mane and taa

    1. NorwichCityLad
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      2 close to call could go either way

    2. kime67
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      the temptation with b is i could just keep them for the whole season

    3. BobbyV
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      c) Mane & Digne

  9. MosF94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Norwich fans: how soon do you see Hanley losing his place?

    1. kime67
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I have to say his finishing is fantastic

  10. AdamJ91
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Feeling kinda unsure about my team atm but is this the right set up with what I currently have for the weekend?

    Ederson
    TAA - VVD - Digne - KWP
    Salah - Sterling (c) - KDB - Cantwell
    King - Jimenez

    (Button - Hanley - Dendoncker - Greenwood)

    0 FT & 0.0 ITB

    1. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      This your team from the start of the season or are you on wildcard?

      1. AdamJ91
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Did Perez & Fraser > KDB & Cantwell this GW otherwise that was my starting team.

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Looks like a solid team

    3. Greasy Grealish Gang
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Your midfield is very good, defence suffers from Liverpool's poor defensive form but that can switch around. Biggest concern is that frontline, otherwise good, no?

      1. AdamJ91
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah, I feel the front line is weak but with a little tinkering around I could free up funds but I'm trying to not use hits if possible, like Pukki & Barnes are tempting.

  11. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    On a -4

    Pope
    Robbo Laporte Coleman Montoya
    Salah Sterling (C) KDB Trossard
    Rashford Deulofue.

    Lundstram Dendo

    G2G??

  12. danlynch13
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    On WC thoughts on this please tell me where it’s wrong!

    Pope
    AWB/VVD/Digne
    Salah/Mount/KDB/Sterling/Martial
    Pukki/Barnes

    Button/Lundstrom/Greenwood/Kelly

    0.3itb

    1. danlynch13
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Thoughts*

    2. jaywills
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Class. G2g

      1. danlynch13
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks

    3. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Looks very good.

      1. danlynch13
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Let’s hope it does well

    4. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Can't really complain. Trying to figure out how you've afforded it! Think it's because I went for Kane instead. Worst case could do Salah > Mane invest funds in one of your bench fodder defenders otherwise great* team.

      *Mount pending approval

      1. danlynch13
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I’ve had pukki since the start so didn’t have to pay extra for him! But ya Mount Is a place holder really could become Trossard Ceballos or CHO

    5. fantasyfog
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      looks great, hopefully the pukki and Barnes trains keep rolling for you

      1. danlynch13
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Ya I can do Barnes to Kean which id love to do but he’s not guaranteed the start so maybe one for a couple weeks time

        1. fantasyfog
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          i think he will start

          1. danlynch13
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Do you think he’d be a better pick than Barnes?

  13. jaywills
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Hello All! Please help my under performing team! 2 FTs this week:

    Options:

    A) Robertson, Zaha out -> K.Walker, Martial in
    B) Robertson, Zaha out -> AWB, Martial in
    C) Perez, Zaha Out -> Cabellos/McGinn, Martial in

    I have TAA and Zinchencko already.
    Rest of team:
    Pope,
    Robertson, TAA, Digne, Zinchencko
    Sterling, Salah, Perez, Zaha,
    Wilson, Jota

    1. Greasy Grealish Gang
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      C

  14. balint84
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    which move this week?(have 2ft)

    A) Wilson to Pukki
    B) Rico to Kelly

    1. danlynch13
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Pukki

    2. jaywills
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Neither. Save the FT.
      Wilson has good fixtures coming up and has 2 assists inn 2 games. Pukki overperformed and now overpriced.

    3. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B is sideways as neither likely to start over medium term

  15. Dr. Rog
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    P/90 of Premiums last season. KdB is too small a sample but long term avg for him is about 6.

    Player Price Pts./90 P90/mln
    Sterling 12 7.60 0.63
    Aguero 12 7.36 0.61
    Salah 12.5 7.16 0.57
    Son 9.5 7.04 0.74
    Auba 11 6.78 0.62
    Mane 11.5 6.76 0.59
    Laca 9.5 5.98 0.63
    Kane 11 5.94 0.54
    Firmino 9.5 5.53 0.58

    Conclusion: From a value perspective the best picks are Sterling (captain) + Son + Auba + Laca.
    Usual caveats, main one being past performance isnt necessarily a predictor of future. Furthermore Kane/Firmino have been in regression the last couple of seasons. Also Pepe is an unknown quantity.

    1. MosF94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Kane didn't look fully fit last season. World Cup and little rest took a lot of out him, injuries didn't help. He looks fitter and faster now than he has in a while, so I expect that P/90 to see a considerable boost

      1. Dr. Rog
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I dont disagree. Question is whether he can halt the decline in output and get back to being the 30 goal a season striker he was.

        Season P90
        2018/19 5.94
        2017/18 6.35
        2016/17 7.99
        2015/16 5.65
        2014/15 6.66
        Total 6.46

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          How serious is that regression? Last season he was definitely on course for golden boot until he got injured. You could be right but I think the jury is still out.

          His season broke in half at gw22 and he was either injured or coming back from injury from point on. As I comment below he (and Auba for that matter who then started to get rotated) were equal to Sterling

          Kane 132 points
          Sterling 133
          Auba 134

          From memory 🙂

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Did you read the community article on undervalued players? Had a rather more sophisticated valuing system.

      Not really a big believer in ppm though - except when read very carefully . Son is a case in point - garbage for a third of last season - 2.5 points in last eleven appearances. Kane is another contrary example he matched Sterling to within a point until he got injured last time out. Yes Sterling missed a few but that’s the deal with him.

  16. horace666
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone pulling the Triple Captain trigger on Kane this week?

    1. fantasyfog
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      hmmm

  17. No_Mo_Salah?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Play McGinn or Dendo?

    1. Greasy Grealish Gang
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      McGinn for sure.

  18. KingOllie
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Think im gonna bench Perez for Lundstram lol.

    Go on you blades

    1. Doni555
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Same

      1. KingOllie
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        heartbreak when he scores in the first 10mins

        1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          He won't. He's looked atrocious

          1. fantasyfog
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            he's gone so can do as he has been thanks

        2. BobbyV
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          he won't be scoring from the bench...

  19. Dannyb
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Zinc or Coleman?

    1. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Zinc- but be ready to switch when Mendy is ready

  20. FPLAdmiral
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC? 352/433

    Adrian
    AWB, Mina, KWP
    Sterling, KDB, Mane, Martial, Cantwell
    Kane, Pukki

    (Button)(Lundrom, Kelly, Greenwood)

    1. jaywills
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Nay like Adrian. Rest is class.

    2. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Not bad, i think Digne Zinchenko Mount and Rashford will outscore Mina KWP Mane Cantwell.. And im a huge Mane fan.

    3. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Get Wickham instead of Greenwood! Greenwood takes a United place! Plus Wickham might start some games if Palace & Benteke keep performing the way they are!

      1. fantasyfog
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        this

        1. fantasyfog
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          just for the utd spot you may want

  21. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Any hits needed? Done 2FT already

    Heaton
    Taa Laporte digne kwp lundstram
    Salah sterling (c) kdb martial
    King

    Button joelinton dendoncker greenwood

    0ft 0.0itb

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Best midfield worst forward line Rhodes!

      1. Rhodes your boat
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Tell me about it! Needs sorting

  22. jaywills
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Perez to McGinn to upgrade Zaha to Martial?
    Yes or No?
    Am I Mad?

    1. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      McGinn did look good against Bournemouth

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      No.
      No! Not the worst plan but I wouldn't do it even though I shipped Perez.

      1. jaywills
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        cannot get martial in otherwise.
        Or i can do cabellos.
        Other options are robertson out for K.Walker/ KWP/ AWB etc.

    3. ENZO SZN™
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yes.

  23. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Play one :

    A) King
    B) Dendoncker
    C) Leitner

    1. jaywills
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A easy.

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Is it? Can't really see King doing much against City based on the latest games

        1. jaywills
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Always opt for a striker. Also on pens. Dendoncker unlikely to score/assist. Leitner who is he?

  24. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    repost (apologies!) Rank these mids in order of priority (for draft team)

    A: Lingard
    B: Mount
    C: Trossard
    D: Beundia
    E: Cebellos

    I am leaning towards ACBED

    1. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Lingard is a good shout, forgot about him. BACED.

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Maybe Lingard first actually.

    2. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      CAEDA

  25. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    My transfers so far.

    Haller, I picked him as a punt, blanked was in two minds GW1 then sold him brought Jota in and then news came afterwards of Hallers knock. If I had him GW2 and 7.5m on my bench of absolute no use to me. Jota never delivered vs UTD but overall I think it was the right move.

    Gw2, Heaton out Pope in. Heaton's fixtures still look good but Villa's defence not going to help him at all throughout this season. Pope is a long term pick so once again believe I made the right move.

    2 FT's used.

    I had a decent GW1. GW2 was a disaster but pretty much because Vardy and Perez blanked again.

    Out with Vardy and Perez -8 hit for Pukki and KDB. KDB long term pick and did not feel the rest of my team needed to be changed so did not need to use my WC for just 2 players.

    -8 hard to swallow but losing value on Perez and Vardy avoided.

    GW

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Points trump value.

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Perhaps but if Haller does not play this weekend and Vardy or Perez or both blank again this weekend the I will have massive issues with all three losing value and would not be able to get KDB in without getting rid of another asset.

        I will take the -8 hit.

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I'm not the man for good advice. I shipped Zouma, Perez and Vardy and kept Haller. I think he can still do well. Was very near fit for GW2.

          1. FOO FIGHTER
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I will wait and see on Haller.

    2. Greasy Grealish Gang
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I was tempted going -8 for both Pukki and KDB as well but I resisted the urge and just got Pukki. Still have Vardy on my team. I'm giving him one last chance.

  26. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    GTG?

    DDG
    VVD KWP Zinchenko Lundstram
    Sterling(vc) Salah Martial Dendoncker
    Kane(C) Pukki

    Button Hayden Rico Deeney

  27. balint84
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    price rise for Pukki again? Should I drop Wilson?

  28. danlynch13
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Digne + VVD + Mount
    B) Coleman + TTA + Mount
    C) Digne + TTA + McGinn

  29. Angin out the Begović
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Cancelo first start? Possible move into a back 5 when Mendy is back as no Sane?

    1. jsd202
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah I'm a little concerned for Zinch's place going forward (Cancelo could start in that position this weekend/Mendy is back in training) so have moved him to Mina who is nailed as don't want to be forced into a transfer in a couple of weeks and Everton seem pretty decent at the clean sheet keeping game.

      1. Angin out the Begović
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Im looking at him for my draft team and i cant decide to replace Vert (Spurs) with him as i have Toby

  30. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Apart from Pukki who is the best 6.9 ST to have for the next 2 - 4 GWs

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Barnes.

    2. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Kean
      and if you knew which Chelsea striker, it would be that