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. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pick one
    A Play Dier
    B Bench Dier and get Cresswell for a -4

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

      For dgw19 I assume.
      Would do B good 2 games and has attacking returns potential

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers mate.

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A because Moyes loves to rotate

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

    Who are must haves for the DGW19 on FH?
    Other than:
    Kdb salah Bruno

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A Hammers defender perhaps? City defender.

    2. tuturututu
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Rashford, Robbo for me

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Soucek

    4. Gabriel Agbonlahor
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Douglas and one of Brewster/Burke

      1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I see what you did there

      2. Lucky Z
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Rather Davis. On double

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

        Prob will need both to enable big hitters. Thanks mate

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

      Soucek & Antonio?

    6. FantasyHero
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers everyone. Thinking of trippling up on hammers for sure!

  3. tuturututu
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you rather have Son or Rashford for GW19?

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Rashford.

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

      Rashford by far

  4. tuturututu
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you do Button to Fabianski and Dier to Stones for -4?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah probably

  5. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pick one for Dgw and Beyond

    A Son Cresswell +4
    B Pulisic Ings
    C Bowen Vardy

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn't go near Pulisic

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

    Can you wildcard and bench boost at the same time

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not in real life.

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

      no

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You like doing a lot of things at the same time don’t you? Like typing out Mane 3 times...

    4. BOATIES FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No unfortunately you cannot

  7. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    4 YCs for Bruno means he’s not a captain option for the DGW...

    Easy decision to throw it on KDB now

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes.

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

    Ampadu monster haul on the bench

  9. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What are you doing with Villa assets if they dont have the double?

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

      FHing them out for 19 and keeping for their decent 20-25 run.

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Wud have FH myself but only players that I would replace Martinez, Grealish, Kane and Son which looks like a waste of FH

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

          Fair enough, agreed. I will overhaul the team myself.

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Keeping.

      Will start Martinez and bench Grealish.

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Prefer this

    3. PapaWengzz
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Sold Grealish before GW18, for Rashford. I will probably get him back after a price drop or two, once Villas first DGW is announced

    4. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Have only Martinez, so keeping for sure

    5. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Keep the cheap ones, unless you are FH, then keep none

  10. Salah(c)
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Lloris
    Coufal robbo stones
    Neto son salah kdb
    Kane bamford Wilson
    Forster holding mitchell burke

    Where would you use the 2ft’s?
    Wilson and ? To ? And ?

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

      How much in bank?

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

      Wilson to Antonio will be a popular choice.

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

      Wilson to Antonio + Stones to Dias? Considering the same moves

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

    I can't trust that liar Ole to give me a decent update on Martial can I, would have liked Cavani for the DGW.

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

    I should have this team for DGW19, hitting the BB button.

    Meslier, Fabianski
    Robbo, Stones, Coufal, Justin, Alioski
    Salah, Bruno, Rashford, Maddison, Soucek
    Firmino, Bamford, Giroud

    What do you think?

  13. Areyouthereyet
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bottomed

    Hello lads. Would you BB this team?

    Martinez Leno
    Mitchell Dias Stones Dallas Coufal
    Saka KDB Fernandes Son Souchek
    Kane Lacazette Bamford

    1) Planning on Lacazette+Saka to Antonio & Grealish (-4)

    2) Only worry is not having Salah. I could do Kane+Saka to Davis+Salah and drop the BB plan.

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn't BB that if Soton Vs Leeds is postponed. Otherwise I would. Also monitor the postponement for Villa Vs Everton before you get Grealish.

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

      Good shout. Just read the news on Villa Everton. Will keep an eye and wait close to deadline before making the move. Leaning towards option 2 now.

      Thanks!

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

    Double united defence went well instead of double united attack. Hope double city defence decision goes well too

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

      No difference with double united defence+bruno as compared to single+bruno+rashford

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

        There's about 4 million difference

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

          This

  15. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    7 from 4 yesterday. Fantastic start

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

      Congrats!

  16. -GK22-
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Are many thinking of TC in GW19? Or too much or a risk with rotation?

    Hoping for 11 DGW and TC

    Salah/KDB?

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

      Not sure yet if BB with -8/-12 or TC

      KDB if TC

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not many. Some.

  17. Farke in hell
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How does this team look for a free hit for DGW 19

    Meslier

    Robertson, Dallas, Cresswell

    Salah, de Bruyne, Sterling, Soucek, ward-prowse

    Bamford, Ings

    1. Tambling5
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Very good. Only drawback is three Leeds a bit much long term, and a City defender will have a run of four very easy games after the DGW so might be worth thinking about rejigging defence.

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

        And Leeds might not have a double

  18. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Everton with Newcastle, Leeds, Fulham b/w GW21-24 and Digne/Rodriguez returning - time to get DCL back.

  19. Tambling5
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Used first wild-card in 16, with planned FH 18 and BB19. Had no City then, as was only one game for them in GW 19. Had 12 players with DGW and three Spurs to catch their 16, 17 fixtures.
    Now can just do Kane, Son, and Dier to KDB, Jesus and Stones for -8 But likely priced out after today!
    Having this change of personnel also very valuable for GW 20 onwards when City good fixtures (WBA, Sh U, Burnley) and Spurs poor (Liverpool, Chelsea, and City three of next five).
    Is it worth it?

    1. Vlekz
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Instead of Jesus go some cheaper striker like Antonio or Bamford or someone. You won't have to make your transfers today and Jesus might not play both matches with Aguero fit

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

          Aguero Jan 10: "Unfortunately, he was in contact with a person who is positive. So he isolates for a few days." ERD Jan 20th

    2. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Open Question:

      Did the FH basically fail this week?

      (A) Yes
      (B) No
      (C) Too Soon

      From my perspective, If you already had 5 or 6 MCI and Spurs and (1) Bruno....you have 75% of the expected returns for the week....So it looks like a FAIL this week. The Rashford 6 points were pretty nice for the FH'ers. But that is kind of weak for this power chip.

      Just me

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

        C

        but the decision to play it was very team dependant anyway

      2. Tambling5
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        C. But could well turn out to be A!

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

        Could say Man Utd defence helps some FHers.
        Easily C, all about the differentials mainly.
        Arsenal the wild card and probably the best way to gauge success/failure.

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

          Yeah it seems that folks piled into some Arsenal players

          Saka
          Thierny
          Holding
          Laca

          For this week. If they romp, then it's a pretty good FH for many kids. But I think the FH was heavier on MU and MCI defense.

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

            I only had Bruno from those 3 teams in 17.
            Wish I covered United defence but it wasn't a big 15 pointer at least.

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

        C

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

      Anyone else considering going with out pool in 19?

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

        I Don't have any right now....but I prolly need Salad if I can

        The kid is just so explosive - he can't blank for five straight games can he? He's on 3 straight blanks.

      2. Tambling5
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Just have Salah atm

      3. AC Yew
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Moi.
        Currently got none as got rid of Pool defence due to all the injuries. Also switched out Salah to KDB this week.

      4. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Can't get salah without a hit so I am not sure. I am going to bench boost and have to lose son and Kane to get salah and that too with a hit so don't know if it's a good idea

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

          Especially with Sheffield on the schedule for the Spurs, its tough

          Nobody is worried about the wrath of the Brewdogs

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

        I am

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

        Switched Salah to KDB this week and will hold for City good run. Still have Robertson.

    4. akhilrajau
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Martinez, Johnstone
      Robortson, Coufal, Dallas, Maguire, Mitchell
      Bruno, Son, Salah, Soucek, Podence
      Adams, Kane, Bamford
      bank: 1.1m, FT: 1

      My initiy thought was to play bench boost. but i assume that we have another good dgw . what your opinion ?

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

        it will be difficult to BB26 if you don't have FH for 29

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

          Oh k i used FH on last gw so you suggest btontake bb now utself crct. So my plan like Son, Podence, Kane, Adams -> KDB, Grealish, Antonio, Watkins
          So Mitchell nonly.have 1 game. Please suggy any better

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

          This - and you have to keep funds spread through the squad more than you might like to, use free transfers over several weeks targeting that one dgw/ some fringe players, end up with poor gw 29. The cost and opportunity cost of getting a few bench players out in 26 outweighs the potential upside

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

      Looks like FH is a fail so far

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

        Who are the FH darlings for tomorrow?

        - KDB
        - Cancelo
        - Dias
        - Stereo
        - Kane
        - Son
        - Spur Defender

        The MU defenders and Rashford did provide some points today, but not as good as the value of the chip

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

          Arsenal boys

        2. Phil's Stamps
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I think many none-FHers will have KDB, one of Dias or Cancelo and one of Kane or Son.

          The FH darlings are:

          Wilson
          Spurs defence
          Rashford
          Arsenal
          Perhaps Newcastle defence.

          Which is why I didn't want to FH this week.

          1. Phil's Stamps
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Oh yeah, Saiss too.

      2. ivantys
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Not a fail if you owned Bruno before FH. Fail if you punt on wolves defence

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

      Who wins?

      1. Son (C) + 9 points
      2. KDB (C) + Kane + Lacazette + Stones + Mitchell + Holding

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

        2

      2. Chandler Bing
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Easy 2

      3. Tambling5
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        2 is a very strong favourite. The five other players should get 9 points just for starting.

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

        Thanks, guess I'll be through

    7. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      GW19 team
      Johnstone
      Wan Bissaka Coufal Stones Cancelo
      KDB Bruno Soucek Raphina Son*
      Bamford

      McCarthy Kane* Dier* Adams

      * Single GWers.
      Would you BB the above? Not sure if McCarthy or Adams are back

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

        I think I would

        even if LEE - SOU postponed

        1. AC Yew
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          If this is the case i may have to rethink but i'd still have a benching nightmare

      2. Chandler Bing
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I have almost the same team as you and I'm BBing. Thinking Antonio in for Adams for a hit though.

        1. AC Yew
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Good luck! Can only stretch to Rodrigo which isn't great if he ends up with just the one match!

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

        I would

    8. Jamb0
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Any news on McCarthy? Do have Forster as backup but would like 2 games from either of them!

      1. The Tinkerman
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Can’t find anything, my BB depends on Sou v Leeds going ahead, fingers crossed it does and McC is fit

    9. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Pogba and Bruno Question - Maybe captain obvious question

      Pogba Ruins the Bruno Upside

      (A) Yes, messes Bruno up
      (B) No, does not mess Bruno up
      (C) Has no effect on Bruno

      1. Bielsa Murderball
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        A

      2. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        B)

        Bruno just wasn’t at it. Played some decent crosses into the box. Some efforts on goal. Just wasn’t his day

    10. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Can this move work out?

      Rashford, Kane -> Sterling, Vardy

      1. Tambling5
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Sterling great fixtures cf to Kane, so yes.

      2. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Somewhere in the multiverse it will.

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

          Exactly. Somewhere else it will backfire

    11. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Title 21 in 21 is coming.

    12. Tambling5
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      When will the FA and Prem League decide if Leeds Southampton being played next week!? Makes all these decisions about team for DGW so fraught with risk! Last thing I read said FA 'game board' would have to meet to decide! Doesn't sound a very dynamic group...

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

        Hold transfers till Friday. You need to see if injuries etc from today and tomorrow yet anyway so keep your trigger finger away from the keyboard