Chip Strategy

The pros and cons of a Gameweek 8 Wildcard

With three matches postponed due to events surrounding The Queen’s funeral, Gameweek 8 presents an opportunity for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers to Wildcard.

A quick read through the site comments reveals that a number of us are contemplating activating the chip this week.

In this article, we’ll weigh up the pros and cons of playing a Wildcard in Gameweek 8.

As ever, whether Gameweek 8 is the ‘right’ moment to Wildcard will depend much on the make-up of your FPL squad, but we’ll try and outline a few of the more general advantages and disadvantages here.

GAMEWEEK 8 WILDCARD: THE PROS

Bowen marks return with seventh FPL double-digit haul of 2021/22
  • If you are down to five or six starters in Gameweek 8 following Monday’s announcement, a Wildcard is probably quite appealing. Even more so if you are having to turn to players like Danny Ward (£4.0m) and Cameron Archer (£4.4m) in your starting XI. By activating the chip now, you can ensure you have at least XI Gameweek 8 players without needing to take hits.
  • A Gameweek 8 Wildcard means that you can jump on key fixture swings for players like Aleksandar Mitrovic (£6.9m), Jarrod Bowen (£8.1m) and Kieran Trippier (£5.3m), arguably at the optimal time. Knowing that their fixtures improve soon, you could also bench someone like James Maddison (£7.9m) or Wilfried Zaha (£7.2m). This could allow you to get ahead of the curve and take advantage of some particular tasty fixtures, potentially before the masses bring the same players in ahead of Gameweek 9.

Above: Gameweek 8-16 fixtures, sorted by difficulty

  • Teams like Brighton and Hove Albion, Liverpool and Arsenal all feature at the wrong end of the above table for fixture difficulty from Gameweeks 8-16, which does suggest now might be a good time to move on from their assets. For example, losing Mohamed Salah (£12.9m) for Kevin De Bruyne (£12.2m) or Son Heung-min (£11.7m) this week, then bringing the Egyptian back in Gameweek 12 for West Ham United (h), is something you might consider on a Wildcard.
  • If you were planning a Gameweek 9 Wildcard, it might make sense to press the button now, especially if the team you are building is similar. If it is largely the same, why not go a week early and avoid taking any hits?
  • We have unlimited transfers during the World Cup, so using a Wildcard now feels fine, given that the latest you can use it is Gameweek 16 anyway.
The pros and cons of a Gameweek 8 Wildcard 2

Above: A potential Gameweek 8 Wildcard squad


GAMEWEEK 8 WILDCARD: THE CONS

FPL pre-season: Jesus hat-trick and Saka on pens
  • If you can field at least 10 players in Gameweek 8, perhaps with just one -4 hit, it might be better to use transfers and save the Wildcard chip, especially if you can easily get to highly-owned assets like Erling Haaland (£12.0m), Joao Cancelo (£7.1m), Mitrovic and Trippier. Given that cheap bench options like Andreas Pereira (£4.6m) and Neco Williams (£4.1m) are also playable in Gameweek 8, this scenario will be possible for some managers.
  • If you Wildcard in Gameweek 8, you essentially have to build a squad with only three players from Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Leeds United, Brighton and Crystal Palace. That might mean assets like Marcus Rashford (£6.3m) and Pascal Gross (£6.0m) need to be sold, despite starting the season strongly, as well as players like Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m), Reece James (£6.0m) and Salah.
  • By saving your Wildcard for the international break (Gameweek 9), you can include some of those players listed above, whilst also reacting to any injuries that may occur. You also have additional time to tinker, given the two-week break. Gameweeks 12/13 are other potential times to use the Wildcard.

Above: Gameweek 12-16 fixtures, sorted by difficulty

  • This isn’t a huge issue in the grand scheme of things, but it is worth mentioning. If you already have two free transfers banked, you will obviously lose one if you play your Wildcard this week, as you can’t roll one over to Gameweek 9.

COMMUNITY THOUGHTS


Let us know your own thoughts on the pros and cons of a Gameweek 8 Wildcard in the comments section below.



630 Comments Post a Comment
  1. boombaba
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Whats that Paqueta been playing like for West Ham, any good?

    1. DavvaMC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      I was looking at him, I was wondering the same, any West Ham fans shed some light on him?

    2. Valar(Keith)
      • 15 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      Looked good on his debut. Though he had to defend more than attack even though he played quite forward. Helped keep Chelsea's mid quiet. He has an eye for a pass and a good shot on him. His through balls are quality. Can see him being their main attacking threat and a payer type influence. Would give him a few more games though before considering

      1. Crunchie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 1 month ago

        Looks like how Gallagher played for Palace last year is the best comparison i could give), but is a better player

      2. Crunchie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 1 month ago

        Is Emerson nailed as a 4.0? or just holding Cresswell position)

  2. b91jh
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Gonna be frustrated to drop Toney on WC.
    Hot form, well-organized team, not the worst fixtures, motivation to fight for a spot in World Cup...

    Somehow Mitrovic-Isak-Haaland looks a really brilliant trio.
    Would anyone go Toney instead of Isak?

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

      Yes, do we know Isak is brilliant yet?

      He may have shot accuracy but could easily blow hot and cold.

    2. AzzaroMax99
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      Why would you sell Toney? I have Haaland jesus and Toney, probably would sell Jesus to get Mitrovic. Isak not yet proven asset.

  3. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Have 10 Players so doing WC next week

    Who to punt on in Midfield
    A) KDB
    B) Son
    C) Someone else

    Have Gross, Martinelli and Salah as the main Mids + fodder

    1. Sterling Archer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      I think Son for one week

      1. WATERMELONS
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 1 month ago

        Why not Kulu over Son?

        1. Philosopher's Stones
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 1 month ago

          More rotation risk than Son. Check their CL XI tonight, mighr give an idea.

    2. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      B as it’s Leicester

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

        KDB scored 4 at Wolves recently.

        1. The Polymath
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 1 month ago

          How could I forget that. 😀

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

            brilliant goals mind!

        2. PascalCygan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 1 month ago

          Ha, true! But Wolves have been better than Leicester this season. Both good options

  4. Little Frank
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Best WC combo:
    A. Kane, Martinelli, Bailey
    B. Isak, Bowen, Zaha

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      B (Just). I love Kane though.

      But A if you want to keep an Arsenal player

    3. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      B

    4. marcos11
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      A

  5. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Hi guys, getting my head back around this FPL lark after a few days away.

    Think I might hold my wildcard until GW9 but I’m not sure. Can see the benefits of this week too. Got 2FTs and 1.8ITB. Would you?

    A) James + Salah > Trippier + Son/KdB (WC9)
    B) Wildcard now
    C) Something else

    2FT 1.8ITB
    Ward
    James** Walker* Neco Saliba
    Salah** Martinelli Andreas
    Haaland Jesus Isak

    Sanchez** TAA** Diaz** Dasilva

    Thanks!

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      Really depends if Walker is out and how many Liverpool you want to keep.

      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. If Walker’s out, Dasilva plays for 1 or 2 points. Ward will likely get no more than that. Might bring Salah back on WC, might not. Enough to tip me over the edge and pull the trigger? Hard to decide either way

        1. Crunchie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 1 month ago

          I am selling Salah for 3/4 weeks. Then i will decide whether it is Diaz or Salah i bring back, as I doubt i will Capt him unless Haaland gets injured

          1. PascalCygan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 1 month ago

            Nice one, cheers mate

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

      A

      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks

  6. Crunchie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    A. ASM/Kane
    B. Son/Isak

    B has an easier option to get Salah back in GW12/13 if I want to do that, but this is for the next 4 GW's

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      A

      1. Crunchie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks

    2. marcos11
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      A

      1. Crunchie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks

  7. Yordan Letchkov
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Right move here? 2FT; 0.0itb

    Robbo/Aaronson to Emerson/Bowen, would give me the following 11:

    Ward
    Cancelo, Trippier, Neco, Emerson
    Bowen, Martinelli, Andreas
    Haaland, Jesus, Toney

    Iversen, Salah, TAA, Gross

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      How nailed is Emerson (I would love to know)?

      1. Gizzachance
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 1 month ago

        played a 45, 5, & 90 minutes so far
        sooner have patterson who does play if you have neco

        1. You've got red on you.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 1 month ago

          Patterson is 4.1 I think

  8. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Best combo of bench fodder:

    a) Ward (will never play) - N. Williams - DaSilva/4.5mid

    b) Iversen (will never play) - 4m def - Bailey

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      B if Emerson is nailed?

  9. Miguel Sanchez
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Hmmm any thoughts on who to go for between KDB and Son?

    1. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      I think I prefer KDB because Son hasn't set the world alight... unsure if his stats say otherwise though!

      1. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 1 month ago

        This GW then WC - Son, Longer term, KDB.

    2. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      Part of me tells me to go with KDB having had four miserable weeks with Son at the start of the season, but it is Leicester…

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

      Undecided between KDB, Maddison and Son. I'll only consider Son if he looks better tonight, he's been quite poor and opposition teams seem to have caught onto his poor ball carrying so he's been pushed back to closer to the halfway line on the ball a lot more. Maddison is a risk too with Leicester's poor form and he wasn't great against Brighton, but the fixtures are there and may be a new manager there soon too.

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

        I think it's definitely KDB, unless Son's been poor since gw1 because of fixtures which I rather doubt.

        Maddison and Barnes will tick along but Leicester need to sort out the defence.

        1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 1 month ago

          My only worry about KDB is where he seems to be playing, he's looked like he's sitting deeper into midfield looking to cover ground and thread balls through to Haaland and the wingers while Gundogan/Bernardo sit further ahead. He'll still get points of course but I feel like for 12m I could use the money better as he'll be mostly getting assists if he keeps doing that

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

            His season heat map is still hot left and right about 25 yards out in KDB shooting zone.

            Almost 3 shots per league game, just the 1 goal but 3 big chances missed.

            4 assists in 5 starts.

            He'll be fine.

            1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 1 month ago

              That's true actually, I only caught a bit of the Villa game but he missed 2 decent chances there. Regretting not putting that bet for Haaland to score 30+ goals and KDB to get 20+ assists on now!

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

            I've just compared it on SofaScore.com to his last 3 seasons heat maps, the coverage and intensity builds across the season but no discernable difference until you get to 2020.

            He's effectively offering more on the left hand side in the last 3 seasons, but consistently does lots of his best work outside of the box.

  10. Holteenderinthesky
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Current Wildcard how are we looking?
    Pope
    Cancelo, Trippier, Digne
    KDB, Bowen, Martinelli, Bailey
    Haaland, Mitro, Isak
    Ward, Patterson, James, Zaha

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      Too much Villa for me, having started the season with Cash and Bailey!

      1. Holteenderinthesky
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 1 month ago

        That's the villa fan in me. Although they're cheap and fixtures change massively for them

    2. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      If Bailey plays the next two before Zaha, looks good (although i to do not like Digne)

      1. Holteenderinthesky
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 1 month ago

        Digne is FPL gold, you've got to own him at least once during the season ha

  11. Viper
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Would you do

    A. Wildcard
    - Cucerella -> Emerson
    - Gross -> Bowen
    - Salah -> Maddison
    - Kulusevski -> KDB
    - Jesus -> Isak

    B. Salah -> Son (-4). Start 11

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      B comfortably.

    2. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      If those are the only 5 transfers you'd make on WC, then B

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 1 month ago

        Kulusevski is actually the one stopping me. He's a better shout than Maddison this week but I definitely want to do it long term

    3. Taegugk Warrior
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      B

  12. ryacoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone ditching Marti on WC?

    1. marcos11
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      No, performing better than the alternatives at his price point so far

      1. ryacoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah but will you want to start him vs Spurs, Liverpool and Man City?

        1. The Mentaculus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 1 month ago

          I absolutely will. None of those defences are quite as solid at the moment as they are at their best, and I expect Arsenal to be very competitive, especially at home.

  13. Fernandito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Fabianski Ward
    James Cancelo Trppier Emerson Williams
    Martinelli Bowen Maddison Diaz Andreas
    Mitrovic Kane Haaland

    Thoughts on this WC team??

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      Nice.

  14. Gizzachance
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    A kane & martinelli
    B sterling & toney

    1. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      a

    2. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      cheers

  15. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Ward
    Cancelo Trippier Neco
    Martinelli Andreas
    Jesus Haaland

    Sanchez TAA James Salah Diaz Groß Archer

    Best option here please:

    1. WC
    2. Salah TAA Archer >> KDB Perisic Mitrovic (-8) [play with 11]

    Thanks guys!!

    1. Bucket Man
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      1. -8 too much or if you really want to hold WC just take a -4

  16. Andy_Social
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Lorus Karius. 'Ow much?

    😉

  17. focaccia
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on this team? Am keen to get rid of Salah and Trent although was hoping to get Sterling or Rashford as a replacement. Also keen on Jesus to Kane.

    2FTs & £1.8itb

    Ward
    Cancelo / Trippier / Gabriel
    Salah / Martinelli / Kulu / Dasilva / Andreas
    Haaland / Jesus

    Sanchez / Taylor / Cucurella / TAA

    1. Bucket Man
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      TAA to Perisic depending on minutes. Salah to KDB?

  18. ryacoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on this WC draft if ASM is fit?

    Pope
    Neco Cancelo Trippier
    Andreas ASM Bowen Maddison
    Kane Mitrovic Haaland

    Ward Patterson Zaha James

  19. Float
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Can get this team after 2FTs this week, then WC next week I think:

    Ederson
    Cancelo / Walker / Trippier / Neco
    Martinelli / Andreas / (midfielder, haven't decided yet)
    Jesus / Isak / Mitro

  20. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Isak or Mitro?

    1. Bucket Man
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      Mitro

  21. Fernandito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    a -4 gets me this team for GW 8 with no subs

    Ward
    Perisic Cancelo Trippier Williams
    Martinelli KDB Andreas
    Jesus Haaland Mitrovic

    Sanchez Gross James Diaz

    worth saving the Wildcard?

    1. marcos11
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

  22. marcos11
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Which option?

    a) Take a -4, postpone WC until next week.

    Ward
    Cancelo Perisic Trippier Walker
    Son Martinelli Andreas
    Haaland Jesus Mitro
    (Neco)

    b) Activate WC, fielding this team for gw8.

    Raya
    Cancelo Trippier Neco
    Maddison Martinelli ASM Andreas
    Haaland Kane Mitro
    (Emerson Sterling James)

  23. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Pretty sure I will save my WC till next week, although not a fan of playing Ward against Spurs.

    Already did TAA -> Trippier before price rise, still have 1FT and 3.6 ITB.

    Salah -> Son and no hits required? Not seeing anyone who could be worth a hit. Playing Walker, Dasilva autosub in case no show.

    Ward
    Cancelo, Trippier, Walker (injury), Neco
    Martinelli, Andreas, Son
    Haaland, Jesus, Toney

    Sanchez, Dasilva, James, Gross

  24. Bucket Man
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Had a great start unusually do I take a -4 or WC? Thanks very much. 1FT used 1 on TAA to Trippier.

    Salah and Stansfield to Son and Mitrovic

    Pope
    Cancelo, Trippier, Neco, Saliba
    Martinelli, Pereira, Salah*
    Jesus, Haaland, Stansfield*
    Ward, Gross, Diaz, James

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

      just a hit is OK.

      1. Bucket Man
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks very much

  25. Tabasco
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Bailey or Gordon? Or anyone else around that price?

    1. Bucket Man
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      Gordon. Nailed on worth the price over Bailey for me

  26. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Advice appreciated - 2 FT and 1.4 ITB.

    Ward
    Cancelo, Gabriel, Walker*
    Martinelli, Andreas, Dasilva
    Haaland, Jesus

    (Sanchez*, TAA*, Cucurella*, Salah*, Diaz*, Plange*)

    A) Cucurella & Plange -> Williams & Mitrovic (will only have 10 if Walker doesn't play)
    B) Salah, Plange & Walker -> KDB, Mitrovic & Schar (-4)
    C) Salah & Plange -> Son & Mitrovic (will only have 10 if Walker doesn't play)
    D) Salah, Plange & Cucurella -> Son, Mitrovic & Trippier (-4)

    Cheers

    1. Bucket Man
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      Would do C if Walker fit D if not

  27. Junks
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Currently 9 starters with 2FT and 1.8ITB

    Ward
    Cancelo Trippier Perisic Neco
    Martinelli Andreas
    Kane Jesus

    Sanchez / Archer / James / Salah / Diaz / Gros

    A. WC
    B. Use FTs

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

      B

    2. Bucket Man
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      Salah to Son/Bowen and Archer to Mitro

  28. Goat
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Best one week punt?
    A. JWP
    B. Lingard
    C. Other (up to 6.9m)

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

      A

      He's very good away from home.

  29. CYN
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Need a little advice

    A. Salah, Diaz and Devisoglu to Son, Odegaard and Mitrovice for -4 to get 11 players out for GW8
    B. WC G8

    Thanks in advance

    1. Bucket Man
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      Similar dilemma to me. Consensus seems to be A

  30. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 1 month ago

    Son, KDB, Maddison, Zaha, Bowen, Toney, Mitro, ASM, Perisic, Isak.

    Good to see a few variations of the WC 'template'

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 month ago

      and Kane 🙂