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

    Bench look right here?

    DDG
    Dawson, Keane, Trent, Cancelo
    Salah, Jota, Bowen, Gray
    CR7, Antonio

    Ramsdale, King, Dalot, Brownhill

    1. Moose™
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Nice team! Gtg

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Who are you captaining? Looks good

  2. evilfish
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Happy New Year!

    Who to play, Dier or King?

    1. Moose™
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Dier ofc. But just

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

    Happy new year FFS

    Is this FH Team G2G

    Pickford

    Cancelo Dawson Regulion

    Bowen (c) Jota Son Gray

    Kane Antonio (vc) Toney

    De Gea Ramsey Mitchell Tsimikas

    2.8 ITB

    Any ideas would be welcomed

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

      Lanzini

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

        My bad, you've got Dawson in

  4. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Advice greatly appreciated! Planning Silva, Lazazette & James -> Gray, Antonio and Keane (-8). Giving me the below:

    DDG
    Cancelo, Reguilon, Keane*
    Foden, Jota, Bowen*, Gray*
    Ronaldo, Dennis, Antonio*

    (Steer, TAA, Saka, Dier)

    Would leave 4.4 ITB to do Saka -> Son for DGW22 or Ronaldo -> Kane and upgrade elsewhere depending on the doubles.

    Sound OK?

    Cheers!

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I’d leave off Keane and play TAA

  5. Bishopool
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    a) Kane
    b) CR7

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

      A

    2. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Ka)ne

    3. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A this week

    4. mrelpea
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A

    5. Moose™
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Kane

  6. HARLEY
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    DCL or Gray?

    1. mrelpea
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Gray. DCL lacking match fitness etc

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

    Two final questions, please:

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

    Dias, Cash, Martinelli

    1. Martinelli to Gray worth a hit?
    2. Playing players and bench correct?

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

      Looks good to go - I think Gray probably outscores Martinelli by 4 this GW

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I agree! I only haven't done yet because of a benching headache. Would probably be Gray starting and Broja first sub, followed by Dias. Thank you, sir.

    2. mrelpea
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Martinelli is worth the hit. Bench order looks good with a Broja as forst sub! I’m in the same boat with the Gray benching headache. Concerned by the Liverpool covid situation, foden covid rumours etc but don’t know who to drop. Good luck!

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        That was most helpful indeed, I really do appreciate it. Let me know if I can help you as well. Happy New Year and good luck!

        1. mrelpea
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          You’re very welcome! I’m going to pull the trigger on Martinelli, but as mentioned the benching dilemma is giving me a headache.

          On paper I’d say Lowton would be the obvious candidate to make way for Gray, but Burnley are playing Leeds and I fancy him getting something. I’m probably way over thinking this.

          Do you see any other candidates to make way for Gray out of this lot:

          Ramsdale
          Cancelo TAA Lowton Reg
          Son Foden Bowen (C) Jota
          Ronnie Watkins

          Martinelli Alonso Scarlett Steele

          1. sirmorbach
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            I'd do it, and bench Lowton!

            P.S. Problem (for us) is, I've read here and there some rumours Gray might not be fit. I still think I'll do it though. You? Fingers crossed, and good luck to us!

            1. mrelpea
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 2 months ago

              You’re a gentleman and a scholar! I’ll have a quick look about the Gray rumours and if they don’t seem too serious, I’ll do it. Thanks again and yes, good luck to us!!

  8. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one:

    A: Bilva
    B: Jota

    1. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A

      1. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Are you sure, Mr Wizard?

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

          Then dont ask

          1. Philosopher's Stones
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Did I ask you? Yeah, right. Shut up, then

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A - underperforming and less % chance to be part of a goal it feels than Jota

      1. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

    3. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A

      1. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

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

    Happy new year ffs.

    Does anyone have any news on Foden? Has he travelled with the squad?

  10. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    1FT and still undecided after recent news/updates:

    A) Save FT
    B) Maddison --> Gray
    C) Livramento --> Keane / Coufal

    --
    DDG
    TAA -- Cancelo -- Reguilón
    Salah -- Son -- Jota -- Maddison -- Bowen
    Antonio -- King

    Bachmann -- Broja -- Livramento -- Lamptey [1FT+ 0.9m ITB]

  11. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Captain Bowen or Antonio?

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

      Bowen’s on fire

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

      there’s a poll for that

    3. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I'm on Antonio

  12. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    need some help guys, got 2 ft and 0.6 itb..

    ddg bach
    taa james cancelo livra johnson
    salah jota esr bernardo foden
    antonio dennis watkins

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Bernardo --> Bowen perhaps

  13. Moose™
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Hi all,

    Any thoughts?

    Sanchez (Ramsdale)

    TAA Cancelo* James* (White Livra*)

    Salah* Son Jota Foden* (Brownhill*)

    Watkins King Dennis*

    1 FT & 0.6 ITB

    WC or FH this team? No Antonio and Bowen.

    Or take -8 to bring Antonio and Bowen in?

  14. FPL_WILDCARD
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Which one player to bench?!

    Coufal, Trent, Cancelo, Reguilon
    Son, Soucek, Bowen, Jota, Bernardo
    Ronaldo, Watkins

    Cheers

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

      Bilva or Regu

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      B. Silva first choice, then Reguilón

  15. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Last season coufal was much better 9 Assists if we put him in comparison with Bowen this season who to win ?

    1. WHUFCSmith23
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Which end of the season did those 9 assists come? All in the second half of the season.

  16. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Who to bench, bilva or dennis?

  17. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Would you do Laca to Antonio for -4?

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

      Sure

  18. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Hey guys, best WHM def? Coufal or Dawson?

    Cheers

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

      Same question

    2. royals forever
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      On FH Dawson but long term Coufal I reckon

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

      I'd like to know too ha

  19. Meme2011
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Any Luke Shaw takers this week or long term?

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

      Long term run out FT stuck with Dalot

  20. bitars
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone tried transfers recently?

    Just done James to Coufals three times in a row but nothings happened??

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I've had a similar issue during periods of high traffic but it is odd that is happening now

      1. bitars
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Yes, what can I do? Cant be only me?

        1. The Count of Monte Cristo
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Just keep retrying and it will work don;'t panic

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

      Maybe it’s a sign

      1. bitars
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Sure but what's the message and how do I transfer?

  21. Jafalad
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Can't help feeling Elfozzie bear is making an awful mistake.

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      He lost me when he said the reason he is picking Gray over Doucoure because of his pace

  22. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    james + esr to keane + bowen/grey??

    got 2 ft and 0.6 itb..

    ddg bach
    taa james cancelo livra johnson
    salah jota esr bernardo foden
    antonio dennis watkins

  23. rrcmc
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Folks, HNY, why does CHE have BGWs in 24 and 25?

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Club world cup

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

      That international competition

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

        Thanks both

  24. Klatrewill
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Hi.
    Want to bring in Bowen, not sure who to transfer. Or transfer out James for DGW player? Any opinions? Thanks

    DDG
    Cancelo/johnson/Reg
    Raphinha/Son/Sterling/Foden/Jota
    Antonio/Watkins

    Bench: TAA/James/4.5/4.0

    News on Foden?

  25. aapoman
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    DDG
    TAA Cancelo Alonso
    Son Foden Rashford Gallagher*
    Antonio Watkins King

    Foster*; James*, Livramento*, Brownhill*

    Worth a -8 to James, Brownhill, Gallagher -> WHU defender, Bowen, Gray? Would captain Bowen and maybe even TC him.

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

    Bench:

    A) Jota (che)
    B) TAA (che)
    C) Cancelo (ars)

    1. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Why would you want to bench players from 2 best teams in the league?

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

      A

  27. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone think Guaita —> Pickford or Fabianski is worth a hit?

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

      No

  28. TheTinman
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Early deadline! Wonder how many drunken revellers will miss it

  29. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Guaita 4.0
    Cancelo Reguilon Alonso James Livra
    Son Bowen Gundogan Odegaard Brownhill
    Ronaldo Wilson Antonio

    1FT, 2.6m itb. What to do???

    I have idea:
    Wilson, James to DCL, Keane (-4)
    or
    Wilson, James, Brownhill to DCL, Keane, Gray (-8)
    ?

  30. Champione
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Saka > Gray -4?