Pro Pundits

Planning future FPL chip usage around upcoming Cup postponements

Now we have reached the half-way stage of the season, the number of ‘dead teams’ is growing and it is left to the committed Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers to fight it out for overall rank as well as those all-important mini-league positions.

This season, things are slightly different, in that we have multiple teams already with games in hand as a result of postponements. This gives active FPL managers added complications when it comes to planning.

We have a better (although still not yet fully formed) indication of which teams are likely to encounter further Blank Gameweeks due to FA Cup progression.

We also have Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, who will miss Gameweek 33 as a result of the League Cup final, and Fulham and Southampton, who were due to play them that week.

Keeping abreast of the Blank and Double Gameweek developments will be vital for success during the remainder of the season. Many FPL managers will have already deployed at least some of the chips available (second Wildcard, Bench Boost, Free Hit, Triple Captain). If you haven’t, then that could give you a huge advantage over the opposition if used to their full potential.

I have three of my four chips left in play for this last part of the season – the Bench Boost, Triple Captain and the second Wildcard. In normal seasons the chips feel important, but this year they feel like tiny FPL rockets which can either skyrocket your season, or blow up before takeoff, leaving you reeling.

Bench Boost

When Double Gameweek 19 was announced, my original thought was to play the Bench Boost chip. However, as we entered the run of fixtures preceding the Double, we saw multiple matches postponed and players forced to isolate.

This uncertainty of players and fixtures put me off playing the chip. When a Gameweek lasts for a week it is impossible to account for the week that follows the Gameweek deadline and thus I held onto it.

Now comes the big decision as to when to deploy the chip.

So far this season I have benched 167 FPL points, where the player wasn’t substituted in to the team. This includes seven Gameweeks where my bench has scored more than 11 points (11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 18 again and 19 points). Given that I am 190 points behind the current leader at an overall rank of 44,000, those points are definitely missed opportunities.

Three of my benches so far this season

The success of my benches this season has made me consider playing my Bench Boost chip in a single Gameweek rather than a Double. My team structure this season has been to ensure I’m never struggling to get a full team out if games are postponed after the deadline or players are out on short notice.

The ramifications are there are always benching headaches and most of the time there are multiple FPL points sat on my bench. There are a number of Gameweeks coming up over the rest of the season where my whole squad looks to have the potential to return and a single Gameweek could provide me with an even better set of fixtures than for a squad I could build for a Double Gameweek .

Triple Captain

For the last couple of weeks leading up to the Double Gameweek I was planning to trust Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) with my Triple Captain chip. Most seasons my Triple Captain ends up being someone from the red side of Liverpool. They have been consistent in both their form and starts and always seem to provide a safe bet for the armband. Last season Roberto Firmino (£9.3m) had the privilege of wearing my Triple Captain armband and that was a success.

Why FPL managers should focus on the short-term this season

However, Salah blanked against West Brom in Gameweek 15, blanked against Newcastle in Gameweek 16 and again at Southampton in Gameweek 17. And he is now on a run of five Premier League matches without an attacking return. That suggests holding the Triple Captain was probably a wise idea for my team.

Unlike the Bench Boost, which could do well for me in a Single Gameweek, I will be looking for a Double Gameweek to play the Triple Captain chip. However, it’s not just about the Gameweek or even the fixtures, the form of the player going in to the week is vital as we are seeing right now with Salah.

While I wouldn’t be opposed to giving Salah the Triple Captain armband in a later Double Gameweek should Liverpool get one, his form would have to improve.

Kane and Son both return in new formation as Spurs breeze past Sheffield United 3

I think, unsurprisingly I know, I’ll look to Triple Captain Harry Kane (£11.1m) this season. Spurs already have a game in hand against Aston Villa which should have been played in Gameweek 17, and they will have to play their Gameweek 33 fixture against Fulham at another time, due to appearing in the League Cup final. Therefore, there will almost certainly be at least one Gameweek between now and the end of the season where Kane and Spurs will play twice.

Given Kane’s form so far this season in terms of goals, assists and bonus points I struggle to see myself triple captaining anyone other than him.

Second Wildcard

This chip has the potential to be the most important left in my arsenal. Playing the second Wildcard at the right moment is key not only for the immediate boost to points it can provide but also in terms of long-term strategy and planning.

The second half of this season will likely throw up some unpredictable moments due to the pandemic. It will also throw up changes to the fixture schedule as a result of the FA Cup which we as FPL managers will have to keep track of, especially as draws for the fourth and fifth rounds are happening at the same time.

My current squad feels solid for the next few Gameweeks at least without the need for any immediate surgery so the second Wildcard will remain safely in my back pocket until it is needed.

There is the possibility that we have a Blank Gameweek later on this season containing very few players we would want to own them long term. Having already used my Free Hit chip, I will likely look to dead-end my team in the build-up to that Gameweek, ensuring that I have a decent side for the week, and then hit the Wildcard to rebuild for the back end of the season.

At this stage my team value is up at £104.6m allowing me to access more of the highly valued players as well as keeping a solid bench. I had for a brief moment thought of Wildcarding around Blank Gameweek 18, however many of the players in my current team would have had to be sold and the value in them would have been lost too. While this may not seem important, it is if you want to buy the player back again as they cost more to own than what you sold them for.

Subsequently, it seems sensible to do this towards the end of the season where hopefully the situation with the pandemic is clearer and there will be less chance of postponements. This means I’ll be able to invest less in my bench due to team value being less important by that stage.

Legomane graphic showing fixtures through FPL Gameweek 25 including European commitments and Domestic Cups

I’ll be eagerly awaiting the FA Cup results in Gameweeks 19 and 20 and their impact on FPL Gameweeks to pick the perfect moment to play the Wildcard chip.

Final thoughts

We are coming to the most important part of the FPL season. This is the time where casual players often fail to prepare for the Blank and Double Gameweeks, or have already used their chips.

We also have half a season’s worth of knowledge and understanding on teams and players, meaning we can make more informed decisions. Early moves now for players who have the form and fixtures to last until the end of the season, or even better form, fixtures and something to play for can give FPL managers an edge on opponents.

Hold on to those transfers, don’t knee-jerk in players, and hold it out as close to the deadline as your nerves can stand to have the best knowledge of any changes to the Gameweek or the players clubs have available to them.

Most importantly, plan for those chips, but be flexible. The game is changing week-on-week and so too should our FPL strategies. I’ve stopped planning for the long term. I look at it and make decisions that suit both the short and long-term, because it’s less frustrating if matches are moved or players are unavailable.

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Sam FPLFamily <p>Fantasy Football Scout's General Manager. Half of the FPLFamily. Pundit on the FPL Pod, Fantasy Show and Sky Sports News&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

1,310 Comments Post a Comment
  1. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Talk me out of this -8, I’ve got no City (other than KDB) and no Spurs:

    TAA>Cancelo, KDB>Gundog, Soucek> Foden........next week’s FT pencilled in as Antonio>Kane

    Martinez Forster
    TAA Robbo Dallas Coufal Mitchell
    Salah KDB Bruno Grealish Soucek
    Bamford Antonio Watkins
    0.0 ITB 1 FT

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

      I'd do first 2 for - 4

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

        Cheers, I’ll wait to make the Foden transfer to see if he’s rested for the FA cup....

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

    Why on earth are so many people looking at rashford. Ive had him for a while and hes an awful player and FPL pick

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

      He always looks like this and then will put in a haul

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure

      United look better with cavani. He may stay on the bench for now

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

        Greenwood was god awful last game. He wont start ahead of Rashford even if Cavani starts

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

          Yeah this. Rashford looked knackered for a long time now but has still been getting great chances. Now with a rest he should put some of those away. I think he is a good choice personally.

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

        I don't see how Cavani starting is relevant, they play different positons.

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

      He does blaze it wildly often, doesn't seem to have much control of his shooting. But still could haul vs Sheffield.

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

    Rashford worth a shout for captain ?

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

      Hilarious correlation to above comment

  4. RUUD!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you agree I need to Wildcard this team? KDB and Vardy confirmed out.

    Mendy Fabri
    Robbo Coufal Justin Konsa Branthwaite
    Salah KDB Bruno Grealish Bissouma
    Vardy Bamford 4.3

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Id hold it just deal with the two injuries imo

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

        I was kinda wanting someone to say that

    2. Couch Potato
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No

      Just do KDB > Gundo and Vardy > Kane for -4.

    3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nah deal with the injuries and then maybe change Branthwaite to a playing def for your bench

  5. nico05
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who is the best KDB replacement? Would ideally like a city midfielder
    Which other transfer is most pressing
    Neto out possible for Smith Rowe or do i replace Wilson for Cavani?
    Thanks

    1. Couch Potato
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Gundo

      1. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers, deffo not Sterling as a KDB placeholder? Have you any idea on how best to replace Neto?

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

        Yeah then Bamford to Kane next week.

    2. Couch Potato
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I don't trust Sterling, but he could flourish withy KDB and Aguero out for a while.

      ESR to replace Neto could pay off nicely, if not at least you will have banked 1M+!

      I have Wilson and will keep him for this week v Leeds

  6. Threat Level Midnight
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Very tempted by Rashford against SHU. They struggle against pace and he is very, very due after his rest

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

      Think United will put 3-4 past Sheff Utd so he's a good shout

      1. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Agree with this

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He's not really due, playing on the right these last few games he's barely had a kick.

      1. Threat Level Midnight
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        You havent been watching then and just going off what you have read?

        1. F4L
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          watched every United game since Wolves when he started playing RW to accommodate Pogba and Cavani. Goes line every time instead of inside now, so he doesn't get in the box often enough.

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

      No Egan too, arguably their best defender
      Imagine him vs. 38 year old Jagielka!

  7. The Head-Ake
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    McCarthy | Johnstone
    Cancelo | Stones | Taylor | KWP | Dier
    Raphina | Bruno | Salah | KDB* | Soucek
    Bamford | Davis | Kane

    0FT and 0.7 ITB. Don't like the team as much. Would you WC or are there simple moves that I can work on?

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

      KDB to Son. Rest looks good.
      Upgrade Raphinha or Soucek with the cash next week.

  8. Kun Tozser
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best Vardy replacement? Not Kane or Bamford

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cavani/DCL

      1. Kun Tozser
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Have the fixtures

    2. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Favouring Ings / Antonio

      1. Pulisic 4 President
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Antonio is a monster. Fixtures don't even matter, he already scored against Man City, Arsenal, and Leicester this season.

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Antonio, DCL or Ings (if fit)

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Oh didn’t see this question before so best Vardy replacement either Antonio , DCL or ings?

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

    Martinez
    Cresswell Cancelo Dias
    Salah KDB Bruno Grealish Raphinha
    Antonio Bamford

    (Steer Robbo Mitchell Brewster)
    1 FT & 0.3m

    A) KDB & Brewster ➡️ Gündo & Kane -4
    (Exact cash so will have take the hit and bench Raphinha this week)

    B) KDB ➡️ Son
    (Raphinha to Barnes in GW21)

    Thoughts?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm still undecided with Gundogan. Not sure how his role will change without KDB. It may change for him playing deeper and linking the play

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

        I'm just considering Gundo as enabler for Kane. For that price I'd be happy with 15-20 points over the next 3 games.

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Fair enough and good option for enabler.

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

            Although I'm not convinced if they are better than Son & Barnes.

            1. Tonyawesome69
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              With Vardy out, I expect there will be more responsibility on Barnes to score so will come through the middle/ inside and have more touches and shots in the box

  10. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Undecided with KDB to either Son or City mid.

    Would you bench Vardy or take him out for a hit? Most likely Kane

    1FT 0.4itb
    Martinez
    Stones Cancelo Coufal Cresswell
    Salah Bruno Raphinha KDB*
    Bamford Vardy*
    (Johnstone Soucek Holding Rodrigo)

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

      Not the best week to get Kane & Son. But those two would be the ideal replacements.

      Will give you some money to upgrade Raphinha or Soucek too.

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I don't necessarily agree with Son and Kane comment. Liverpool in poor form, Son can exploit TAA weakness and Mourinho doing one over a big team are good enough reasons to bring them in

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

          I don't disagree with you it's just that it's an unpredictable game and I'm not expecting hauls from Kane & Son but I do think they could get an attacking return each atleast.

          1. Tonyawesome69
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I can see Liverpool trying too hard to chase the win and leaving gaps for Spurs to exploit on the counter. I think +70% of spurs goals involve both Son and Kane

            1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              I'm actually of this opinion too. Klopp will be wary of the Spurs threat but Liverpool need a goal soon, it's one thing drawing games but losing and to Burnley at home will hurt them and they'll want to put it right even considering it'll play into Spurs' hands. They've outscored other teams before even knowing they'll have gaps at the back exploited and I think they'll be desperate for a result

  11. nico05
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1. KDB to
    A. Sterling
    B. Gung

    2. Neto to
    a. Smith Rowe
    b. Saka

    Thanks

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

      BB

      1. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Why no one fancying Sterling is Gung nailed?

  12. Athletico Underachieving
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Still got free hit here. Could really do with some FA cup shocks to make sure there’s games in GW29!

  13. King Kun Ta
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    KDB to

    A Mads
    B Son
    C Sterling
    D Rashford
    E Gündogan

    Already have Foden. Ta!

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Was swaying towards C but everyone seems keen on E so that maybe the way to go

      1. King Kun Ta
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Goal goals and taking pens

  14. ctulhu
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is it too risky to triple up on Man City defence? They'll play the 3 worst attackers in the league in the next 3.

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not too risky given their form and fixtures but one goal leaves you in a bit of a hole

  15. FootballDog
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Choose one...

    A. Maddison
    B. Barnes
    C. Rashford

  16. fplking14
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Foden nailed with KDB out?

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

      I would say not knowing Pep

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

      Nope. Got Mahrez and B Silva in the mix now.

  17. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Will I be able to go through another Salah blank?

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wait it out mate he'll come good

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

      It's a lot more likely this week than four of the previous five blanks

  18. nico05
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone considering Cavani before his price rise?

  19. Sterling Malory
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So after an awful 56 this GW I took a hit to bring in Bruno and Stones. I've got Vardy and KDB, thinking of using my WC, bad idea? Pretty stuck, TIA.

    Martinez
    Chilwell Cresswell Dallas Stones Mitchell
    Bruno Son Rashford Soucek
    Bamford
    PeacockFarrell Vardy KDB Davis

  20. tbos83
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I've currently got Soucek on the bench for gw20 - should I just swap him in for KDB and roll the FT? Or sub in Gundo now

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Use the FT

  21. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Does anyone know if we'll have pressers before the GW starts on Tuesday? Thanks

  22. Le _ Professeur
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    My KDB selling price is 11.7 and his current is 11.9 , Will I be affected by the first price fall whether it happens tonight or tomorrow ?

    Sorry for the stupid question I just get confused always about price falls :/

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wondering the same as I have 11.7 in him too

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

      Depends on your purchase price

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

        What was it?

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

      What price did you buy him at?

    4. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If you bought for 11.7 and his value is 11.9 then your selling price is 11.8, so yeah you'll lose value. Basically with any player you have for every 0.2 rise you'll gain 0.1 rise in selling value, so he'll go down to 11.8 buying price and your sell price will go down to 11.7.

    5. mojoindojo
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If the difference between your purchase price and current price is odd then you can afford one price fall. If its even then you will lose 0.1 on your selling price.

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

      If you bought him at 11.5, yes your selling price would drop to 11.6 when his price falls to 11.8 soon.

      If you had him at 11.6, your selling price would still remain at 11.7 as his price falls to 11.8, but would drop to your 11.6 bought price when his price falls further to 11.7.

    7. Le _ Professeur
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks alot guys I get the concept now .. I bought him for 11.6 so I'm good to take the first fall then .. Thanks alot cheers

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

    Anyone considering Zaha or avoid?

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hold

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

        Hold? Lolwut

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

          Hold your guns...

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Definitely for GW22 onwards

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

    Does anyone know if voodoo has long term effects? The curse is over but there could be some hangover

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

      Opposite, hauls come in immediately after curse has lapsed

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

      Yep, those who did the curse will get payback

  25. MGD
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kdb out for long?

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

      6 weeks

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

      4-6 weeks

  26. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    From going to -12 to saving an FT. Certainly my best ever hits though :). Top 100k finally in sight... mini wc next week I guess

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

    Which option?

    A:
    Barnes from this gw and Cancelo from gw21

    B:
    Gundogan from this gw and Digne from gw21

    1. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  28. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    expert advise needed please which best Vardy replacement - a) Antonio b) DCL c) cavani d) Jesus e) someone else?

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Definitely not Jesus

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

      Richarlison.

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers over DCL?

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

    Will City play with a double pivot of Rodrigo and Fenandinho in the absence of KDB or just Rodri?

    Who do you think will play alongside Gundo?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      We don’t know really and Cup game probably won’t help

  30. Andy Mac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Final piece of my WC jigsaw! Would you rather have:

    A) Cancelo & Barnes
    B) Stones & Grealish

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A