Chip Strategy

Why I’m playing the Wildcard ahead of Double Gameweek 21

Whilst most managers would consider it way too early to Wildcard, especially with all the uncertainty around fixtures and Covid cancellations, there is some method to the madness.

For starters, we now know (coronavirus permitting) that Everton, Brentford and West Ham have Double Gameweeks in 21, plus there are further doubles almost certainly coming for a host of teams in Gameweek 22. We also know that a number of players who’ve been fixtures in the template will need moving on, something I’m certainly feeling. For instance, Chelsea players are far less desirable in the short-term with blanks, tough fixtures and erratic form all playing a part even before the Reece James injury, Arsenal’s fixtures aren’t much better, whilst AFCON meant we had to get rid of the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Said Benrahma, Romain Saiss, Riyad Mahrez and, until this morning, Emmanuel Dennis!

Add to this general underperformance of players in my squad like Bernardo Silva and Tino Livramento, unknown return dates for Conor Gallagher and Ben Foster and a feeling that I’m just a bit ‘out of sync’ from the high performers and suddenly the case for a Wildcard doesn’t seem so hard to make.

There is also a potential nuanced chip strategy on offer, with the potential of using a Wildcard in Gameweek 21 to lead into a Bench Boost in Gameweek 22, taking advantage of doubles and prime fixtures, although the lack of data on the 22 doubles makes this less likely.

Key Considerations

Obviously, when you’re going to wildcard rather than simply free hit you’re looking for a longer-term strategic decision that takes into account a number of factors:

  • i) Maximising DGW21 (West Ham, Everton, Brentford)
  • ii) Well placed for DGW22 (Everton, Spurs, Brighton, Leicester, United, Burnley)
  • iii) Still setup for favourable fixtures, blanks and possible doubles in the next four or 5 (Everton, Liverpool, Watford, United, City)
  • iv) The Covid-factor – clubs struggling or looking likely to have outbreaks (Newcastle, Norwich, Chelsea, Liverpool)

On top of all this. we also ideally want some flexibility to change when it all goes wrong, hence the desire to leave a little cash in the bank for maneuvering.

I’ve tried to connect all of the above in my thoughts, although the Double Gameweeks are the prime consideration, which has led to a balanced approach with Everton and West Ham for Gameweek 21 and decent fixtures, plus Liverpool, Spurs, United and Brighton for fixtures and potential Gameweek 22 doubles. I’ve also kept a hand in City, but have abandoned Chelsea and Arsenal totally. I will definitely want to bring Dennis back in (now he’s NOT at the AFCON), but I can do that in Gameweek 22 if I feel the need.

The Squad…so far

  • De Gea – One of the few survivors from the existing side, I think there’s a good chance of a clean sheet against Wolves and a likely double in GW22
  • Sanchez – Brighton have decent fixtures and a likely double in GW22, so I need a playing keeper to keep my bench boost option alive. I did consider Pickford…very briefly!
  • Emerson Royal – If I knew Reguillon would play each match he’d be first choice, but the attacking potential and more guaranteed start down the other flank gets the nod. Ben Davies and Dier were also in consideration.
  • TAA – I think he’s in the ‘unsellable’ category and could have a double in GW22
  • Cancelo – The only player that definitely won’t have a double either week, but a protective manouevre
  • Keane – One of the Everton trio for the double GW21 and ongoing fixtures, and capable of getting involved from goals at set-pieces.
  • Johnson – In some respects the least ‘fixed’ of my defensive line, but at £4.0m I needed a makeweight this week
  • Bowen – I’ve coveted the West Ham attacker for some time and right now he’s an essential
  • Gray – Another entry to Everton midfield, with Townsend out it’s Gray or Doucoure most likely to get forward and cause trouble an I favour Demarai’s pace.
  • Jota – Will be interesting to see how Liverpool hold up as an attacking force without Salah or Mane, but Jota will surely get even more game time and be more of a focus for the attack
  • Son – I’m big on Spurs based on form, likely doubles and fixtures and the only question is Son alone or go for the double-up
  • McTominay – A value pick to get some extra United coverage, I’m not expecting a lot though and he could easily be replaced pre-deadline. He is getting forward more under Ralf Rangnick, however, with more shots in his last four matches than in his previous 12 combined.
  • Calvert-Lewin – A definite punt here, but if we’re trying to make the most of the GW21 double then the best Everton striker has to feature. Could easily be too soon
  • Antonio – Third West Ham asset and I player I’ve owned off and on all season, IF the Norwich game goes ahead I feel there could be the return we’ve all waited for.
  • Kane – I’ve gone for Harry as I think he’s starting to show signs of getting back into the groove and with the fixtures ahead of him I narrowly prefer him over United. That said I have oscillated between Ronaldo and Kane (and likely will till deadline)

Naturally, like any Wildcard, this is a work in progress and will likely change multiple times before the New Year deadline!

2,522 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Al Pacho
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    De Gea
    TAA cancelo james*guehi
    Salah Jota Bowen Bernardo
    Broja Ronaldo

    Bench: steer cash Gallagher* Scarlett

    Thinking of doing a -8 of
    James, Bernardo, Scarlett out
    Coufal, Gray, Antonio in

    G2G?

    Appreciate any comments
    Thanks

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

    Have done Salah/Bilva to Son/Bowen for free
    Is Livra (yellow flag) enough cover for James who’s obviously out or would you recommend James to Keane -4? Plan to FH22
    ESR would come on for Foden if needed. Don’t want to do -8 for Gray

    DDG
    Trent Cancelo James*
    Son Bowen Jota Foden*
    Antonio Watkins Dennis
    Steer Livra ESR White

    1. abcdef3
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Keane for -4 is the move

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thought that would be the answer aka confirmation bias

  3. Kodap
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who do you replace James with?

    1. Coufal
    2. Emerson

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      1

    2. Definitely not sleeping
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      2

    3. Original Sin
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      1

    4. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      2

    5. Kodap
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Unanimous hahaha

      1. Snoop Udogie Dogg
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        3

  4. Weilong7
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    happy new year all..

    1) rudi and gallagher to coufal and bowen for -4
    2) rudi, gallagher, watkins to coufal, bowen, antonio for -8

    not enough $$ for gallagher to bowen direct or watkins, gallagher to bowen, antonio.

    ddg
    taa cancelo dias rudi
    salah gallagher* jota martinelli
    watkins cr7

    foster williams brownhill* davis

    thanks

  5. Evasivo
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Maddison>Bowen for free?

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

    2. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Shouldn't even need to ask that question 🙂

      1. Evasivo
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Lol Bilva>Bowen or Livra>Coufal the other options

        1. ILOVEBAPS
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Bilva to Bowen is better

        2. Eh, just one more thing ...
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Oh … I’d keep madders then and sell Bilva

    3. Evasivo
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Thank you all

  6. GoonerGirl
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Do I need to do Salah to Son? Worried the game will be called off.

    1. Original Sin
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Pool game to be called off?

      1. GoonerGirl
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Reports of some Covid cases in the Liv squad.

  7. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Locked & loaded etc

    Ramsdale
    Trent Cancelo Alonso
    Salah Son Bowen Martinelli Sterlo
    Antonio Dennis

    Steele* Livramento Semedo Scarlet*

    1. mdm
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not tempted by Martinelli -> Gray?

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Martensite to Lanzini

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Autocorrected

  8. Junglist95
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I've just noticed the DGW second matches are in 10 days!

    That's no fun!

    Also doesn't that seem a little silly given all the fixtures that need making up?

    1. lilmessipran
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      fa cup in between

      1. Junglist95
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Got it thanks

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      GW22 will be a much bigger DGW.

    3. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Gives us something to make this dreary FA Cup break drag a little less, I suppose.

  9. jaywills
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bottomed

    A) Saka to Gray (-4)
    B) Reece James to Coufal (-4)
    C) both -8

  10. Lionac
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    What are chances either CHE - LIV or MUN - WOL getting postponed due Covid?

    1. acidicleo
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Less likely due to squad depths of 3 of them and wolves back to training..

  11. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Just done Salah > Mane, in preparation for Mo heading off to AFCON 😎

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Template move.

    2. lilmessipran
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Considering the same for a hit, great minds think alike?

    3. Ginkapo FPL
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Tekkers

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

      Considerind TC Mane next GW also?

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

      Is this a serious post or meant as a joke.

      As far as I know Mane will go to AFCON also.

    6. acidicleo
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Did pools not receive email re: Mane on time?

  12. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Surprised at this article. General advice to save WC and BB for later in the season correct? Assuming most will have 4-5 DGW this week with a hit or two?

    Cheers

    1. tokara
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Dont trust them

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        The article writers or this week's DGWers? 😀

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Many ways to skin a cat. The question mark however is much more limited in application?

    3. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Team dependent really. Some will WC this week and do well, others will regret it

  13. Il Capitano
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    1FT 3.3m ITB

    Guaita
    TAA Cancelo Livra*
    Son Foden Jota Bernardo
    Watkins Antonio King

    Foster* - ESR White James*

    Lose Bernardo or ESR for Bowen? Will probably ship James for Dawson too.

  14. Miguel Sanchez
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Coufal or Dawson for the DGW?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Dawsy

    2. Il Capitano
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Going Dawson

    3. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Keane might be a better longer term option with more doubles to come post GW23.

    4. GoonerGirl
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      What is the reason for people choosing Dawson, other than the fact he has double Gamewek? Thinking of bringing him in because everyone talking about him but not quite sure why lol.

      1. ZimZalabim
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        goal threat at set pieces

        1. GoonerGirl
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I saw this as a reason as well but he's barely done anything recently.

  15. abcdef3
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Dalot > Coufal for a -4 worth it? Can't afford Dalot > Keane or Dawson unfortunately

    1. The Tinkerman
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Don’t think so in the long run. United have two doubles to come, WH don’t have any more

    2. acidicleo
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

  16. The Tinkerman
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Correct to bench Alonso here?

    DDG
    Cancelo, TAA, Reguilon
    Salah, Jota, Son (V), Bowen (C), Raph
    Antonio, King

    Bachman; Alonso, Livra, 4.4ST

    1. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah I think so, I'm benching him for TAA/Cancelo & Coufal. I don't see a CS for Chelsea and worry he could easily pick up a card against Salah & Trent.

  17. sirmorbach
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Need some final thoughts here, please:

    Lloris
    TAA, Dias, Cancelo
    Salah, Jota, Foden, Bowen
    Watkins, Antonio, Broja

    Cash, Martinelli, James*

    A. James to Coufal
    B. Martinelli to Gray
    C. Both for a hit
    D. James to Keane, Martinelli to Soucek (- 4)
    E. Save FT

    Cheers! Happy New Year!

    1. Bruno Commando
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

      1. sirmorbach
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers, Bruno! Gray not worth the hit you reckon? Happy New Year!

        1. Bruno Commando
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Actually it should be worth it since it's fine to sell Arsenal players now.

    2. The Tinkerman
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably C

      1. sirmorbach
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I've been thinking of it, yeah... Everton feels kinda meh, but then again, it's a double GW (probably four points) + good fixtures ahead

  18. FPL Doctor
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Current team

    DDG
    TAA Cancelo Lamptey
    Bowen Foden Bilva Jota
    Ronaldo Watkins King

    Ramsdale Saka James* Livra*

    FH team

    Pickford
    Keane Regs Coufal
    Salah Son Bowen Gray
    Kane Antonio Toney

    Fernandez Raphina Pinnock Target

    Would at least -4 my current team with Watkins + James --> Keane + Antonio. Wouldn't have Son and would still have the 2 city midfielders.

    Worth the upside to FH?

  19. GE
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Worth doing Mount -> Gray (-4)
    (bench Jota)

    (0FT, 0.5 itb)

    Ramsdale
    TAA/Cancelo/Dias/Reguilon/Dawson
    Son/Jota/Bowen
    Ronaldo/Antonio

    Bench: Bachmann, Mount, Broja, Brownhill*

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah

    2. acidicleo
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I would still play Jota

  20. Pukki Party
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play

    A) Guaita WHU
    B) Ramsdale MCI

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

  21. Caleb's Kitties
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    King to antonio -4 and bench dalot, yes or no?

    Sanchez
    TAA cancelo reguilon dalot
    Son jota bowen gray
    CR7 watkins
    Ramsdale king james luiz

    1. Pukki Party
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

    2. Il Capitano
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yep

  22. Bishopool
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Has Dalot lost his position and his time is up?

    1. acidicleo
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Rotation

  23. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Silva to gray for a hit? I'd be on -8

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      PPL said Gray may injured

      1. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Who is PPL?

        1. OptimusBlack
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I Saw it first page
          According to premierinjuries.com:

          Demarai Gray
          Reason
          Illness
          Further Detail
          Unspecified
          Potential Return
          02/01/2022
          Condition
          Late Fitness Test
          Status
          50%

        2. Philosopher's Stones
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Painful Premier League

      2. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Saw him in training pics

    2. Philosopher's Stones
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Exact same issue for me too. People on my post previous page saying don't do it though 😀

      1. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers, thanks, will hold off i guess

  24. OptimusBlack
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    James & Allan >
    Dawson & Bowen for -4 pts
    Yaaaaay
    Yes
    Nope

    1. Il Capitano
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yeeees

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yaaaaay

    3. The Tinkerman
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yep

    4. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Cheeers

  25. tabby98
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Right starting 11 and bench order?

    DDG
    TAA, Keane, Cancelo, Reguilon
    Salah, Bowen (C), Son, Jota, Gray
    Antonio

    Sanchez | Broja, King, Tierney

  26. Bishopool
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Somewhere saw Foden is not starting. True?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      May have COVID. Im waiting to see if he has travelled today with squad.

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Covid rumour

    3. acidicleo
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Is there any chance of confirmation pre deadline?

    4. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Rumours he has covid

  27. adr3nalin
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    How nailed is Ben Johnson? Best west Ham defensive option for the double? Prefer Johnson if I can to enable me to bring in Son next week

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      For now Id say he is.

    2. acidicleo
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Should play both this dgw

      1. adr3nalin
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks all

  28. circusmonkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Should I get a West Ham defender or a Tottenham defender? Got two West Ham players already, zero Tottenham.

  29. Weasel51
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    James > Keane/Coufal worth a -4 if I could be playing with 10? (Own Livra and Williams)

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Hit

      James needs to go anyway, may as well do it for a double

    2. acidicleo
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Hit.
      WH has better fixtures this dgw

  30. Al Pacho
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    De Gea
    TAA cancelo james*guehi
    Salah Jota Bowen Bernardo
    Broja Ronaldo

    Bench: steer cash Gallagher* Scarlett

    Thinking of doing a -8 of
    James, Bernardo, Scarlett out
    Coufal, Gray, Antonio in

    G2G?

    Appreciate any comments
    Thanks!