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. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Captain Bowen or Antonio was such a 50-50 call. Bowen was my captain all the time but changed to Antonio at the end.

    1. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I think both will do great. Antonio was not possible for me so Bowen C here. Good luck!

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

        GL

    2. Gleys11
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Same here

  2. MagicMessi
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Kane or Tony ?

    1. Podge
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Too late

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

        Or too early

    2. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Too late but Kane

  3. Lord of Ings
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Will cancelo start?

    1. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      There's nothing you can do now

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

      Apparently he’s declared himself fit and able to play.

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

        Okay cool, thanks bud!

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

      Zinchenko is apparently out so most likely.

    4. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Up to Pep

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

    Scenes … if the Chelsea v Liverpool match now gets postponed.

    How is everyone covered if that does indeed come to fruition?

    1. It’s A Joke
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Saka and Dennis come in

      1. camarozz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Martinelli/Dalot lol

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

        That’s not terrible at all tbf

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

      I'd get 10 out if ESR and Gelhardt get minutes. Fingers crossed for chaos!

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Duffy Coady and Bissouma in for Trent Salah and Jota.
      So like for like. Lol.

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

        Lol lovely … I’m just surprised you didn’t start those three lol

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

      Livra White and Brownhill to come in lol

    5. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Fully covered.

    6. Boberella
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Bernardo Pukki Livra on bench

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

      King and Bilva come in for me.

    8. threeputt
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      2 players out both defenders if so, not too bad in comparison to most

      1. threeputt
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        ah actually 3 forgot mount

        1. threeputt
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          king and 2 arse defenders on bench

    9. thomashl
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Not covered. Not at all. King 1st sub, the rest is bare bones

    10. HD7
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Livra and Saka

    11. JabbaWookiee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Martinelli, Dias and Livra on my bench

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

        Very nice indeed.

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

      White, Sissoko and Williams come in.

    13. vova
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      pretty well, King/Saka off the bench. Woudln't mind it to shake things up actually (and as a Chelsea fan too since we need a bit of time to recover from all the injuries).

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

      Why?

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

      King (TOT) & Livramento (BRE) come in. Alonso already third on bench!

      Not the worst in all honesty. May even work out better for me if it happens.

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

        Yup Alonso third on mine too. He’s gonna do something special to punish everyone’s lack of faith lol

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

      Purely from an FPL perspective … I wouldn’t be do perturbed if it did get called off. I don’t think it would hurt me as much as it would hurt some of my rivals.

    17. Maddamotha
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Seriously?

    18. Cantonesque
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Livra Martinelli

    19. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Assumin Foden is out i have Livra and White. Livra is ok if he plays, White Vs City is as good as non playing player.

  5. ‘Tis the Season
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    sold foden for gray last 10 seconds.....lets hope it pays off

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      ballsy …

    2. thomashl
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Good call, he's out with covid so

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

        Confirmed?

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

          Fantasyfootballfix has him flagged with covid … must have some decent info to update their site prior to deadline

      2. Murder on Zidane's Flo…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Fact or fiction...that is the question

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

          That is the question indeed... lots of credible Twitter ITKs saying he won't start at least. Not offically confirmed, no, but no club outs the covid players (almost)

    3. AWOL-Ekotto
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Same

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

      Brought in Gray for Brownhill. James -> Coufal -4.

    5. Cantonesque
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yep did exact same with seconds to spare ... wishing us luck

  6. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Last second went Silva to son for a hit.
    Watch Bernardo get a haul today.

  7. james 101
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    GTG? Bench right?

    The Gear
    TAA Cancelo Dier
    Son (vc) Bowen(c) Mount Jota Martinelli
    Dennis Watkins.

    Steel Alonso James Wilson

    0FT. £4.3m itb

  8. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Punted on Doucoure over Gray hope it pays off

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

      Isn’t he one booking away?

  9. threeputt
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    transferred out Silva to Gray with 15 second to spare for a -4, what fool am I to think that Silva will get rested ?

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

      I did the same. Only Foden

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

      Did you really do it because you thought he’d be rested or was it the dgw fever?

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

    -8 here. Johnson/Antonio/Gray in.

    Bowen capt

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

      similar moves

      but Big ANT Cappo

  11. lifes a pitch
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Do we know of any more upcoming dgw's?

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

      Likely in 2 calendar weeks, announced after the FA Cup games next weekend.

      Gw22.

      1. lifes a pitch
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks

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

    If you were Kieron Trippier would you swap Madrid to team up with Eddie Howe again at Newcastle?

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I would if i was going to be paid 200k+ a week...

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

        Fair play.

        Guess he's fairly well paid anyhow but yeah, money talks.

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

      only if they double my salary

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

      Wont get an England call up

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

        with the quality and number of RBs now in England its time up for him anyway wherever he plays

    4. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Last big payday & being closer to family is apparently a main reason for him, so why not?

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

        It's a sign of intent so the better the first or second signing the better chances of others following.

    5. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      If I had a get out clause in the contract in the event of relegation, yes. It looks like he wants to come back to the UK. I'm surprised that Man Utd or Spurs aren't interested in signing him.

    6. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Absolutely, back in the country with a team on a big improvement curve. It should be a really positive environment

  13. Walter White (WW)
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Scenes when West ham Norwich gets postponed

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Could happen easily.

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      That's why I didn't use my FH even though I was really tempted

      1. Walter White (WW)
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        🙁 now I wanna cry because I feel like I should’ve captained one of the Spurs lads

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

      Saddo

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

      Perfectly possible but no point in concerning ourselves yet

  14. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Bowen (c) & Coufal in for - 8. Bye bye Galla and Livra, you were amazing.

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

    Set up my team so that I’ll get a good 11 if Chelsea and Liverpool is off

    Really hope it is!

    1. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      That's the spirit!

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

        Nothing like postponing one of the best games of the weekend / year.

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

      Yup same … king and Bilva would come in and Alonso third on bench anyway

  16. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Happy, healthy and successful 2022 to all of you! 🙂

    1. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      And to you

  17. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Fh played
    Antonio over Bowen last min captaincy change
    DCL punt

    Fortune favours the brave

  18. FPL Brains
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Antonio captained. Let's go.

  19. Well you know, Triffic
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Not sure why i bought Keane in over a West Ham defender, but oh well!

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Hilarious done the opposite and regretring it now

    2. Davros
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      To not have 3 WHM players?

    3. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I’ve done the same. Makes good sense I think…

      1. Everton have better mid-term fixtures
      2. Keane’s goal threat is quite decent and he’s nailed
      3. Everton have more fixtures to be rearranged
      4. Double/triple ups kill you if a game gets postponed - assuming you have Bowen/Antonio, it’s worth spreading the risk.

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

        Lovely summary McFly

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

      Did the same … tell yourself it’s for future doubles …. And that it’s his time for an attacking return.

  20. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Probably should point out every double gameweek last season disappointed for most on here and the Utd triple gameweek was a car crash.

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

      Fair point. Triple GW was always gonna be a disappointment tbf, never understood the excitement... no one playing thrice

    2. EffPeeEll
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Has no bearing on this GW though?

    3. Gubby-Allen
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      When was the United triple GW?

  21. F0oTBall GuRu
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Aaww !!
    Hungover Just missed the deadline.... 😉
    Anyways Happy New Year Guys and Gals
    May this year bring lots of green arrows...

    1. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Haha same! Set my alarm for 11am in a dunked haze (ie exactly on the deadline).

      Still on Salah(C) I think!

  22. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Dawson is nailed isn't he ? Regretting getting him...

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah. They've no one else.

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

      Whilst ogbona and zouma are out he’s nailed, calm down

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

      Yes for the short term atleast.

    4. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Haha thanks all 🙂

  23. Matjes_taet
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Pens down.

    A) How many DGW-Players doy you have?
    B) Who is your Captain?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      4 and bowen

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

      A) 7
      B) Bowen

      on WC

    3. Gubby-Allen
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      2 and Bowen.

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

      3 (Johnson, Bowen and Antonio)
      Bowen

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

      Coufal and Bowen c

  24. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Man City ‘3 hours to go’ tweet …. a big image of Foden & Bernado 😉

    1. Walter White (WW)
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Haha. That’s Pep

  25. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Is this a double game week??

    1. Davros
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Lol

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Rip my season then I didn’t know it was a double lol. Who has a double?

        1. badgerboy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Everton, Brentford and WHam.

          1. have you seen cyan
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Ok thanks I have DCL at least and Bowen

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

              You’re not in bad shape then

  26. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Just woke up. Missed the deadline by 5 mins!!!!!

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Go back to sleep.

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

      could be a blessing

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      probably a lucky move otherwise you would be sitting on Gray, Dawson and some other dross

      1. badgerboy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        This.

    4. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      😉

  27. Lord of Ings
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Gray is fit I hope?
    Why are some people on here telling he’s injured? Am I missing something?

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

      Depends who u ask

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

      Had covid apparently.

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      missed the last game they played and has been ‘missing’ I believe … think he is ok now

  28. vova
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Let's start the new year with a great gameweek. Best of luck everybody!

  29. Ruudy Van
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Bought gray for brownhill and left 3rd on my bench

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

      Ouch

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

    James > Dawson
    Foden > Bowen©
    King > Antonio

    -8

    Thoughts?

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      too late

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

      Did similar