Metrics

How many top 10k FPL managers played their Free Hit chip for Blank Gameweek 18

Just under two-thirds of Fantasy Premier League managers ranked inside the top 10,000 played the Free Hit chip for Blank Gameweek 18.

Before Tuesday’s deadline, just 15.6% of them had pulled the trigger on a one-week-only squad.

However, as the evening’s first games kicked off, it was confirmed by LiveFPL.net that the usage of that chip after 18 Gameweeks had risen to 78.5%.

That means just under 63% of the top 10k saw Blank Gameweek 18 as the optimal time to play the Free Hit.

It is now by far the most utilised of the three non-Wildcard chips this season.

As a result, the Triple Captain and Bench Boost were largely, and expectedly, left untouched.

However, it is certainly of note that 7.6% of the top 10k played their second Wildcards, almost certainly with Double Gameweek 19 at the forefront of their planning.

After several weeks of planning, we can finally examine the players that made the Free Hit cut among the top 10k.

As you can see from the template above, the small number of matches made for a large number of heavily-owned assets.

For example, Bruno Fernandes (£11.3m), Son Heung-min (£9.8m), Harry Kane (£11.0m) and Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) all secured places in over 94% of top 10k Free Hit squads.

Callum Wilson (£6.6m) has already let down the 70.1% who brought him in for one week only, blanking in the 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United.

Meanwhile, over 60% chose Tyrick Mitchell (£3.9m) and João Cancelo (£5.8m) and 58% felt Kieran Tierney (£5.4m) was worth extra spend compared to Rob Holding (£4.5m).

Therefore, it is up to the relative differentials to make a difference among these managers with roughly 44% investing in John Stones (£5.0m), Alexandre Lacazette (£8.3m) and Marcus Rashford (£9.6m).

It looks as if the goalkeeping department has the potential to make the biggest difference between these Free Hitting managers with just 26.4% ownership for the most popular shot-stopper, Hugo Lloris (£5.6m), in such squads, with Bernd Leno (26.3%) just behind him.

It is also worth considering which Free Hit assets count as relative differentials compared to the wider template top 10k template – although the 62% usage for the Free Hit will have significantly influenced that matrix of players.

Once again, it looks like the goalkeepers have the biggest power, however underwhelming that sounds. 

32.4% of this week’s top 10k came into Blank Gameweek 18 considering neither one of Leno (22.1%) or Lloris (19.2%) has a particularly large share at this level.

Bukayo Saka (£5.3m) could be something of an effective difference-maker for Free Hitters considering 53.9% of such managers decided to own him for Blank Gameweek 18 compared to 43.2% ownership for the rest of the top 10k.

Meanwhile, Rashford and Lacazette are both in roughly 44% of Free Hit squads compared to 33.5% and 32.4% of all top 10k squads.

There are some interesting decisions on display from those taking a longer-term approach with their Blank Gameweek 18 teams.

Holding is preferred to Tierney and Pedro Neto (£6.0m) has been selected by 31% of the top 10k’s Wildcard managers despite just one match in Double Gameweek 19.

And with Manchester United’s kind fixture schedule, Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.3m) was chosen by a similar share, more than the backing for Harry Maguire (£5.4m).

All eyes will be on Manchester City and Spurs on Wednesday concerning the top 10k captaincy debate.

40.8% of managers at this level backed De Bruyne with the armband, off the back of his double-digit haul against Chelsea and Brighton’s growing injury list.

The addition of Spurs’ meeting with Fulham did play a big part in the captaincy conversation in the end.

Kane mopped up 29.8% of the armband support among the top 10k, which left Fernandes with just 15.6% of it for Manchester United’s trip to Burnley.

Even though Son still sits in more top 10k squads than Kane, he is backed by fewer of them for the captaincy for the match with Fulham – just 11.2% of them choosing the South Korean as their skipper.

Raheem Sterling (£11.4m) has been conspicuous by his absence in this article thus far – mainly because he has gone under the Free Hit radar, it would seem.

Not among the most popular midfielders among Free Hitting top 10k managers, just 0.9% of managers at this level have captained him for Blank Gameweek 18.

Statistics taken from LiveFPL.net

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1,155 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Son, Kane to Antonio, Salah (TC) for -4?

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wouldn’t lose both Kane and Son

  2. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Please remember this is an FPL site. Can people please stop using it to celebrate the temporary stay of their teams at the top of the Premier League.

    Thanks.

    😀

  3. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Ive now owned a player from all 20 teams at least once this season 🙂

    1. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Pretty certain I've not dipped my toes into West brom team

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I had Pereira at the beginning. I have not owned from Fulham or Sheffield,

        1. Paqueta Rice
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I tell a lie, I owned Egan for the first two gw’s

    2. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Impressive

    3. F_Ivanovic
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I've not owned a Sheff Utd player or (very surprisingly) a West Ham player. That one will definitely change next week

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

      Missing Leicester and West Brom for me

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

        Had Button in the beginning so just Leicester

  4. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What are the chances that Balbuena will start on Saturday?

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He's isolating so very low

  5. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Adams and Son -> Antonio and Salah looks good right? Will also have 1.3 ITB to upgrade Bamford to DCL in GW 26.

    Thanks. And Ps were top of the league

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      *GW21

  6. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Worth -4 to get Coufal?

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

      Who are you selling?

      1. R.C
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Coleman lol

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

          If you think WH keep a CS at least, worthwhile probably.
          WH defence will have a decent EO in 19.

          1. R.C
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            mhm and I think he could get some attacking return too

  7. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Ederson / Martinez*
    Stones / Holding / Dier / Coufal / Dallas
    KDB / Salah / Bruno / Son / Grealish*
    Antonio / Bamford / Watkins*

    Bench Boost still viable here? 2FTs, so can easily ship out the Villa guys if necessary.

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

      Yes but if Villa - Everton is postponed and Leeds - Southampton is postponed I think you' be better off saving it.
      You would have 8 players right now with a single fixture.

      1. Scots Gooner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, those fixtures hanging by a thread make me very hesitant. Also, its a turbulent time, more fixtures could be cancelled after deadline for all we know.

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

          All that cash spread through 15 players tho, how long do you want to keep it like that? I did mine right at the start normally costs me points in hits and dominating my transfer plans in the build up to a double so I was quite relieved to be rid of it albeit for only about 10 extra points gained

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

    Flappy and triple arsenal worth a bench boost?

    Holding, Smith Rowe, laca

    Or can use 1FT to transfer any of them

    Rest of the players all have a dgw

    1. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn't, still think WC GW25 and BB in DGW26 is a better option than that whole bench depends on a SGW from one team.

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

        Just wc’d haha

        1. aleksaa2
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Didn't know that haha then I'd surely use a FT or maybe even a take a hit. I don't think there will be a much better opportunity to BB again other than DGW19 and 26.

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

        Very risky planning for this with the possible rather dull big BGW29 coming up.
        Lets say the BGW29 fixtures are (those that looks more likely):

        Palace - Man U
        Brighton - Newcastle
        Leeds - Fulham
        West Brom - Everton

        I actually think those without FH, but WC should consider WC in GW28
        Would make you able to remove all Man U players before DGW26 where United might only play Chelsea (A) and go into GW27 without United players against City (A).
        Then bring them back on WC at home against West Ham.
        You could also bring in DCL/Richarlison, Digne, 3 Leeds players, and you'll suddenly be able to survive BGW29 with 8 players with Salah, KDB, Son and so on on the bench

        1. aleksaa2
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          If that was even a reply to me, I still have a FH chip and my plan is to use it in BGW29. I get what you are saying and it's totally valid, but it doesn't count for me.

    2. F_Ivanovic
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, looks good. Might be a better time but you never know.

  9. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Gundogan is my epic differential this week does anyone else own him?

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

      Just you.

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

        You went for Saka & Dias and I went for Shaw & Gundogan. Thats the only difference between our sides. We must have been on the same mental frequency this week.

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

          You can see my FH transfers. Plenty of players are common on FH.

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

            Yeah true we both fell for the Wilson trap!

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yep. Feel half excited and half sick about it!

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

        Why sick? He will start for sure!

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Just think he may not do much. Would be my luck this week on FH! 3 from 2 so far he he

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

            Yeah could be chasing points

            1. Don Kloppeone
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              He’s got the stats to back him up though tbf. Just depends on his pitch positioning

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

                yeah fax

    3. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      BHA will keep City to 1 goal. Jesus goal Ederson assist.

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

        I think City score a bunch of goals! :mrgreen:

      2. The Ilfordian
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Two City defenders and KDB at EO 122%, that’s fine by me

  10. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Ugh. Just looked at my team in it’s current form for GW19 and remembered I have Martinez, triple Leeds and only Dias from MCI.... and I had planned on BB!

    Too much thinking to be done!

    1. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Exactly the same for me.

  11. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What to do with Balbuena?

    4.5 max...

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

      Wait for more info. Either way he's unlikely to start.

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

        If no postponements I’m thinking Holding or Taylor

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

          Times are tough especially if BB.

        2. Here's Tom with the We…
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Holding or Alioski of Leeds keep the double

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

      Dawson

    3. FPL Bargain
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm going for Dawson his replacement long term I think now as well. Balbuena dropping soon. Maybe not tonight though.

  12. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Think I will keep TC for now. KDB Bruno or Salah... all have various reasons not to TC. Thoughts?

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If it's clear that City v Villa will go ahead I'll probably TC De Bruyne. If not I'll save it.

      1. HD7
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        True. Lets see first how he plays tomorrow. Something tells me if he doesnt haul, people will quickly abandon him as TC 😀

  13. Sterling Archer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bruno captaincy fail! Luckily have all the rest of the main picks so damage will b limited

  14. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Triple captain Salah, KDB or Bruno?
    (I support United!)

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

      Bruno is a bit risky given 4 ycs.

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

        I’ve always had it planned for Salah but may switch it to KDB

    2. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      TC-ing Bruno and him getting a YC against LIV will surely be a pleasure.

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Vardy may be the answer

  15. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Triple Captain Soucek?

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

      No brainer.

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

      Chicken if you don't.

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

      Someone like Cresswell might get you 20 points over 2 games

    4. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Better than Dunk and Duffy

  16. baines is god
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    assuming Lee Soton and Villa double off
    I've gone

    Johnstone
    Stones Dias Dawson (mitchell douglas)
    Salah KDB Rashford Soucek (burke)
    Werner Vardy Antonio

    played around for a while and I think that's the best team I've stumbled on. Any thoughts appreciated.

    1. F_Ivanovic
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      what are you doing? FH? WC? This just your normal team now?

      1. baines is god
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        FH

        1. F_Ivanovic
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          ok. i'm not sure... bench is really weak which isn't necessarily bad but I'd prefer at least one decent player - smith rowe is much better pick than burke for instance. And i don't like the pick of Werner or Dawson. Otherwise looks OK

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

    Huge win for Sheffield United and a great cs.

  18. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    LMS stats (Top 5)

    Captaincy - KDB 72, Kane 13, Bruno 7, Son 4, Sterling 1.5

    EOs - KDB 166, Bruno 106, Kane 100, Son 94, Cancelo 66

  19. Naby K8a
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Matip unlikely to be back for Utd on Sunday.

  20. TRIPOS TOPPER
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    peeps with multiple Leeds and Soton players are you still BB next GW or save for later?

    I have Adams, KWP, Harrison and Mez (plus Martinez and Konsa who may blank) and thinking save makes more sense

    1. Here's Tom with the We…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have four, and was planning on getting a fifth and bb.

      Think I’ll save bb now.

      1. TRIPOS TOPPER
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        yeah think so with so many postponements as well

        BB may just become normal bench contingency !

    2. andymck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm in a similar boat and will probably save it

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I was likely to save it anyway but with 5 in that match, well the decision will be made for me.

  21. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Nuno has destroyed Wolves this season at least in the short run, lets how they do in the long run

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      lets see*

    2. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bit harsh, losing Jimenez was a huge blow.

      1. R.C
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Nah even with him, they don't look like the same side as before

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

          Jota Doherty Johnny Jimenez ...

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

      Jota and the better wing backs going or injured have done for them

  22. Begbie.
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez
    Coufal Dias Justin Dallas
    KDB Salah Grealish Bruno Harrison
    Bamford Kane

    Who do I drop from this to make it 11? Kane as he's the only single gw player or is that too risky with his fixture?

    1. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Villa and Leeds probably won't have a DGW too.

  23. ZAMUNDA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I have 14 players with double fixtures in GW19 + Son. Doubts as some fixtures to be postponed including Leeds and Villa which would literally destroy weeks of planning to play bench boost at this point.

    What would you do, continue with BB even with 6 players (having single fixture)?
    Also, any updates on Charlie Taylor: should he be available for dgw19?

    1. TRIPOS TOPPER
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I would hold mate

      I have 13 DG + Son/Kane

      but 2 Leeds, 2 Soton, 2 Villa all at risk

      1. baines is god
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        how likely is it that the games are postponed?

        I saw Ben Crellin say 'likely' and he's usually right about these things

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

          Which game/s are likely? SOU/LEE or AVL?

    2. baines is god
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      feel your pain, weeks of planning for gw18 amongst things for me was ruined by these stupid cancellations. It's actually ruined my enjoyment of this FPL season largely

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

    Think Arsenal players could do well next GW despite not having a double. Newcastle conceded 13 goal attempts in the box vs. Sheff Utd today.

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

      Holding ESR Lacazette for my BB!

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

      Newcastle were woeful - agree if arsenal play well could be a field day

  25. 9I6
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    15.2m to replace DCL and Bissouma... already have Antonio, Bamford & Soucek.

    Was planning on using bench boost but unsure now with fixture changes.

    1. Here's Tom with the We…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Vardy and Smith Rowe?

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

    Ancelotti making DCL, Michael Keane and Iwobi into actually decent players is some achievement

  27. Bennyboy1907
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who are the most important DGW 19 players?
    Apart from Bruno KDB and Salah

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

      City defenders

    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      City defence

  28. waldo666
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Ramsdale on the bench and Darlow on the pitch hurts.

  29. 824545201
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Ramsdale and Ampadu both with 9 points laughing at me from the bench.

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

      Ouch. You never know

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

    Magpies on the ropes