Chip Strategy

What chip strategy are FFS users planning for Blank Gameweek 18?

Nearly half of Fantasy Football Scout voters are contemplating the Free Hit in Blank Gameweek 18.

In our recent poll, 45.0% revealed that they would be pulling the trigger on a one-week-only Wildcard squad.

Specifically, they explained they would be playing the Free Hit regardless of any changing circumstances to their teams.

Results as of Friday morning

By comparison, just under 2.0% of our voters indicated they would only use the chip if their squad sustained more injuries or suffered from more coronavirus (COVID-19) postponements.

That certainly suggests the Free Hit could receive additional attention from members of the community on Tuesday considering recent events in the football world. 

It will be interesting to see what these managers do about 2020/21’s latest Fantasy Premier League curveball.

Ahead of participating in Blank Gameweek 18, Aston Villa revealed on Thursday that a coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak had occurred at their training ground.

‘A large number’ of first-team players and staff tested positive in the most recent round of tests, forcing the premises to be closed on Thursday morning.

That put paid to first-team training ahead of Villa’s FA Cup match with Liverpool, scheduled for the evening of Friday, January 7.

As things stand, the tie is going ahead with Aston Villa’s Under-23s filling in for the first-team, provided they test negative.

Blank and Double Gameweek audition for Man United and Aston Villa

What impact that will have on Blank Gameweek 18 remains to be seen. 

The postponement of Spurs’ visit to Villa Park could drastically change the look of Free Hit squads. Or it could even force more managers to play the chip than before.

Son Heung-min (£9.8m) and Harry Kane (£11.0m) still sit in 63.5% and 44.8% of Fantasy squads worldwide while 38.1% own Jack Grealish (£7.7m) and 29.9% hold Emiliano Martínez (£5.0m).

Uncertainty reigns though. A postponement would wipe out all those popular assets from the list of active players while a similar arrangement to tonight’s FA Cup game could intensify interest in Spurs assets.

Kevin De Bruyne (£11.7m) and Bruno Fernandes (£11.3m) are the two most-talked-up captains for Blank Gameweek 18 but Kane and Son would surely come into the conversation if they face Villa’s youth team instead.

Result on Thursday morning

We can see that there was a slight change in the voting patterns between Thursday and Friday morning; before and after the news of Villa’s COVID-19 outbreak.

The differences are subtle, perhaps because of the remaining uncertainty, but, comparing the two sets of data, we saw an increase of 0.8 percentage points supporting the Free Hit (regardless) option between Thursday and Friday.

Tellingly, there was a decrease of 1.2 percentage points among those planning to handle Blank Gameweek 18 with free transfers (no hits).

We saw a similar drop in the category of free transfers (one hit) while there was an increase of 0.2 percentage points for those prepared to take two or more hits.

It is still worth considering the relatively sizeable chunk of Fantasy Football Scout voters hoping to tackle Blank Gameweek 18 without a chip.

andys-gw17-article 7

Even after the uncertainty surrounding Aston Villa’s involvement, 47.6% of our voters are planning to use only free transfers between now and Tuesday’s deadline, although there is some disparity in terms of propensity to take hits within that.

Either way, that overall total is higher than the number who selected the ‘Free Hit regardless’ option and is at a similar level to the total when we combine these voters with those pulling the Free Hit in the event of more postponements and/or injuries.

This fact is an important element for Fantasy managers to consider for this Gameweek.

We are, admittedly, focussing on a relatively small sample size here compared to the rest of the world, although knowing what the more enthusiastic managers are doing, of which we have many here on the site, is useful information.

And what we are seeing is an indication that a large number of managers are hoping to avoid using their Free Hit if possible.

The news came on the same day that Southampton’s third-round FA Cup tie with Shrewsbury was postponed.

Following a significant number of Shrews players and staff testing positive for COVID-19, they have not trained all week after closing their facilities for 10 days.

The FA’s professional game board is to decide when the fixture will be rearranged for “early next week” but as the pile-up continues, authorities are starting to run out of free slots between now and the end of the campaign.

773 Comments Post a Comment
  1. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    This is not looking good

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It isn’t, oh how I wish I still had my FH chip, even though I used it to great effect back in GW 8! 🙁

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        think season might be on hold soon

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Unlike Juve who were on fire on Wednesday night !

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        chieeeesaaaa

        1. milanista10
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          🙁

    3. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm choosing to ignore it 🙂

  2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Damn did an early transfer which is gonna backfire in a different way...
    Did Salah to KDB and planned to get Salah back next week, keeping Son for this week

    Could have just done Son to KDB instead... If Spurs game was off

    1. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Early transfers a huge risk

      1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, only got myself to blame...
        Ironic that I usually advocate against them and when I decided to do one it's hurting me bad

    2. Bobby's Teeth
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Did the exact same thing. Planning well is actually a problem this year.

    3. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Got Stones in last week, so far so good

    4. FPL Laurenzo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not the worst transfer. You're still getting a player who's playing for a player who isn't. And KDB is a good one v Brighton.

  3. Top Dog
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I think I can move to the FH18 strategy, however I’ve got no idea what to do with Villa players (have 3) in GW19. Even if their games are on I’m guessing we won’t know which players are available or 100%.

    May have to consider the WC?

    1. Top Dog
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      That is Wildcard, not the toilet

      1. Jealous Viper
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Pretty sure everyone on here knew you meant Wildcard.

        1. Lord.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I thought he was flushing Villa players.

    2. Who are all Lukakus
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      same boat here, have 10 BGW players but now down to 7 (have 3 villa). Have no idea what to do

  4. Gobigorgohome
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Are we even sure United Bunrley
    City and Brighton are safe??

    1. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      We're not sure of anything.

  5. harrynye
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    any thoughts on this team
    Mendy
    chilwell, Dias, Dier
    Son, Fernandes, Rashford, Gundogan
    Wilson, Lacazette, Kane
    subs martinez, burke, kilman, lewis
    I have my all of my chips still remaining and no ft

    1. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      FH or WC

      1. In and Out
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Feels like time to save rather than panic in one week. Fixtures could be a complete mess for the rest of of the season

        1. Gobigorgohome
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          may be

    2. NejiHyuuga01
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Even without the Spurs postmonement you can field 9 at best . I would hold

  6. Now I'm Panicking
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Call off the FA Cup 3rd round, GW18 and GW19. Restart in GW20. Play the 2021 FA Cup over 4 pre-season games, plus the semis/finals in late August. Sorted.

    1. Tomsk
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Got to fit euro 2021 in as well!

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yep, this will fit in this schedule.

        1. Tomsk
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah I guess so as euros over by mid July.

        2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Bobb says not

  7. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Looks like even Mourinho has discussed about the possibility of playing with Fulham if match with Villa is off. Need Spurs to play in 18. Got 3 of them and was fielding 11 with FTs planned carefully to try and nullify the FHers advantage!

    1. Lord.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Jose wants to hang on to his FH chip

    2. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      same

  8. Old Man
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Team for next week:
    Lloris
    Aurier Mings Dier Targett
    Grealish Son McGinn Traore
    Kane Watkins
    Subs: Martinez Konsa Reguilón Sissoko
    Should I FH/WC?

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Gtg

    2. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      gtg 100++ points in the bag
      make sure to tc kane too

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Good point - I hadn't thought of that.

    3. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Needs more Spurs

    4. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      TC Watkins and you are good to go.

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I've brought him especially for this match. For a hit.

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Smart move! Ok if I copy it?

    5. Pilgrim62
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What game do you play?

    6. Art Vandelay
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Pfizer (c)

      1. SomeoneKnows
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        LOL

  9. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Even if they don't stop the season there will be many postponements. There simply won't be time for the Euros to happen this summer.

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bobb!

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nice warm-up

  10. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    The season will probably end in July = no euros.

    1. popey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      The Euro's need re-designing anyway, no way could be delivered in existing form with teams flying across Europe regularly, you couldn't design a better mechanism to distribute a highly contagious disease.

      I would assume that to go ahead at all would need to all be in one country and some serious bubble forming

      annoying having 4 tickets to two England games

    2. Meinhoff
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Lol UEFA would sooner disqualify all nations that don't make it.

  11. NejiHyuuga01
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Not sure if this has been discussed already but one way to deal with match cancellations and in the same way motivate teams and players to be more careful is to forcibly let COVID-affected teams play with their youth team or substitutes. Outbreaks at clubs come from irresponsible actions and no precautions so this penalty is more than fair enough to teach those players a lesson. Let them play with the B-team.

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      This is broadly what was supposedly meant to happen but premier league set a precedent with the city and Newcastle games and now they are stuck with it

      1. sunzip14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I think with City they didn’t have enough time to make sure that the remaining players were Covid free, before the game. However, with Villa they can test and get results of all the players more than once to confirm who has and who hasn’t. If they have enough senior+U23 players, there is a case for them to field the team.

    2. FPLShaqiri
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Read my comment below. I think that's a good idea, although the precedent to not do this has been set.

    3. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm not sure players need to be 'taught a lesson' for catching covid. Firstly, it's likely that many have caught covid because workplace protocols and practices are unacceptable and nobody has been held to account (have you even heard a single pundit or regulatory body criticise city for celebrating their semis win with a full team group hug!?!). Secondly, infectious disease may make it's way in because of poor hygiene practise by an individual, but it can also then easily in worplaces through no fault of individuals. Punishment of those at the bottom isn't what's needed first. Good regulation is, then punishment for those few who have been shown to have disregarded workplace protocols or the law

      1. NejiHyuuga01
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        They are millionaires who can feed their great great grandkids. If punishment like this comes into effect , let's see them celebrating in hugs again. Nobody is held to account but they should be. The team should be responsible for holding appropriate hygiene standards and then the players should apply them. COVID is not a disease that just sneaks into a workplace by itself, it needs to be restrained by responsible action .

  12. FPLShaqiri
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Interested to hear what others think will happen. Do you think Premier League football will get called off, and when?

    I know the PL / FA have repeated that there will be no circuit break, football will continue etc.... but the news gets worse every day. For the Premier League Aston Villa seem the only club currently impacted to the point where the game is in doubt, but would it be surprising if another 2 or 3 PL teams get COVID+ tests following FA Cup, and their games in GW18/19 are in doubt? I can think of 3 main scenarios, although i'm sure there are others:

    a) There will come a point where enough games pose a health risk that the Premier League have to postpone the league - think we might only be a week away from this.
    b) Premier League say to impacted clubs "play the u-23's" - I think that's unlikely given this hasn't happened so far in the league.
    c) It carries on as it is now, with multiple postponements in January (probably Feb too, idk when it will improve). Either they get played during season, or season extended if there are too many games left.

    1. popey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      i think the plan is C here, however with Euro's and late start to season there are very few midweeks available to reschedule more than 2/3 games per club.

      Postponing Newcstle and City games was a huge mistake as now hands are tied going forwards.

      If you saw anothr club or 2 like Villa in the next week then surely A only option?

      1. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Loads of options. Extend the season as last year when in the same predicament. Euro's is secondary. Something has to give, as the Olympics did last year

    2. NejiHyuuga01
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Basically b) is in the context of my post previous to yours . Sure there might be complaints that City or Newcastle got away with it but I am sure they can somehow cover it up saying that '' the situation went completely out of control'' etc.

      Besides, since when did the PL concern itself with teams' complaints that range from VAR decisions to five-subs requests from a lot of teams

    3. Lord.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It's already clear that the Government will not be intervening, and the PL/FA and EUFA have TV revenue to protect, so I would expect them to do whatever it takes to keep the season going. Looking at it the other way, if they stop, when would they be able to justify restarting?

    4. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Premier League clubs are in a far better position to continue than those down the pyramid. For those of us taking fantasy football (too?) seriously the covid impacts have been significant especially on a build for 18 strat.

      Actually for the millions who just want footy to watch whilst in lockdown there has been very little lost EPL football.

      The biggest risk to EPL though is probably playing FA Cup football aginst less well protected clubs. Before EPL is canceled I think it would make much more sense to cancel the FA Cup. This would also open up some slots for rescheduled games and stop blanks in gw29.

    5. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C probably with season extended. At this point the infection rate in PL stands at approx 7.5%. Although higher than expected, not a reason to panic, just manage. We did this at the end of last season successfully. Euro's being played in this climate is debateable and I'm sure is/will be debated at great length.

  13. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    The March international break will have to go for starters.

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      That will be up to UEFA, so good luck!

  14. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    https://twitter.com/BenDinnery/status/1347548263986163714?s=20

    Okay. Everton boys are rested, not injured

  15. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    They can get this season finished, or have the Euros. Not both now.

    1. Meinhoff
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah other European countries will be able to finish the season so no biggie

    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Euros is happening Bobby

      "But after taking the decision last March to postpone Euro 2020, sources say that a cancellation this year is simply not an option. It will go ahead, in some shape or form, because the financial damage of not doing so would prove ruinous to many of Europe's 55 national associations and the UEFA initiatives and development programmes, all of which rely on the proceeds of major tournaments to operate."

  16. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If you have already played FH then WC is going to save the free hit chip?

    1. Az
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      you cant play both

    2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm hoping my Treble wild free boost chip does well this week...

  17. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Lads, I've been out. Is Villa-Spurs likely to be postponed?

    1. Ragabolly
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

      1. norab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        no

        1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          maybe

          1. El Presidente
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Who knows?!..

            1. Brosstan
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Mark

              1. Ginola14
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                It is for the Premier League to make decisions, if we don't play against Aston Villa we will have three matches postponed and that is impossible because it would need the Euros to get moved and that is not going to happen

    2. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Whilst the training ground remains closed postponement is almost definite - the inability to train was the main reason given for cancelling Toon v Villa. If the training ground reopens I'd expect it to go ahead.

  18. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Why don't we all just take a break till Monday/Tuesday?

    Surely there's not any point in worrying or planning what your team will look like until then 🙂

    1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      FPL is like Covid...once in the system you are in the doo doo...

    2. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It has slowed right down on here. Pages crawling, which is in contrast to most other days lately.

  19. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Wonder if a suspension will result in people getting the old one FT a week? As someone on WC that would be even more annoying than it already is lol...

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      More likely people will get a free WC like last time

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes!@@

      2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yep we've been there before for sure....might be different if just a circuit break though.

  20. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Just saw Phil Neville new Inter manager and fainted...all ok now my bad....

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Ah ah

  21. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Plans are in ruins.

    1. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What's happened? I guess Spurs off is good for FH teams or are you talking about something else?

  22. el polako
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What did I miss ?

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Absolute scenes and utter chaos, season in tatters and most definitely over. Spewing.

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Need a rusty razor ?

  23. Ginola14
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Reckon the euros get moved?

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dunno but got tickets for Poland - Sweden game and considering asking for my money back.

  24. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Can bookies just override a wager posted a few days ago on the villa Liverpool match????

  25. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If Spurs Villa is off, i go from 10 to 7 players with 2FTs. Issue is that the 7 includes Taylor(mun and injured) and Burke (garbage)

    Taylor Cancelo Stones
    Bruno Kdb Burke
    DCL

    Free hit or take a 1 hit to get 10 out? well effectively 8 with taylor/burke.

    1. DannyDrinkVodka
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      hold for now, there might be a circuit-breaker in the works

    2. NejiHyuuga01
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      For me any team fielding more than 7 this week doesn't need FH. We have the luxury of having teams in the Blank that play in the Double next . Save FH for situations when this doesnt happen so you can BB with full returns

    3. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I go from 11 to 6

  26. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Il be down to 4 players instead of 8 of villa/spurs is off too.

    And I don't want to play my FH coz of all the uncertainty.

    This is becoming a mess bug time.

    1. camarozz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      And iv lost the ability to spell too it seems

  27. Master Frieza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If Spurs play GW 18, who's more likely to start at LB between Davies and Reguilon?

  28. Reeker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Calvert Lewin becomes a great option for FH if Dignes back

    1. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      yup. And Wolves vulnerable from headed attempts.

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Digne might play the FA cup match, but get rested for the league for now. Carlo may not risk him for both games so soon.

  29. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Potentially down to 6 players in the blank, could do a -4 on Son and Kane to KDB and Laca (or potentially a -8 to get Rashford in for Salah as well). Is 8 players ok for that week? I'm thinking yes....

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes but is losing Kane and son really what you want to do ?

      1. Hart-ake
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        yeah, I was going to lose them for the double anyway, so it just brings that move forward.

  30. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If already loaded up on Spurs and Villa assets it looks like the wildcard may be the better option over a freehit?

    1. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably, considering City and United are the teams to target. Really want to hold it until 25 though.