In Fantasy Premier League (FPL), the use of chips such as the Wildcard, Free Hit, Triple Captain, and Bench Boost can significantly impact your team’s performance. This detailed guide will help you understand each chip’s function and offer strategies for their optimal use throughout the FPL season.
What is the Wildcard?
The Wildcard allows you to make unlimited free transfers within a single gameweek without incurring any point penalties. It’s a pivotal tool for FPL managers, allowing significant squad restructuring, whether to address injury crises, take advantage of in-form players, or adapt to fixture changes.
When is the best time to use the Wildcard?
First Half of the Season: The initial Wildcard is often used once the season’s pattern becomes clearer, allowing managers to correct early mistakes or capitalise on emerging player trends.
Second Half of the Season: The second Wildcard is especially valuable ahead of Double Gameweeks or to navigate fixture congestion in the season’s closing stages. It’s also a lifesaver for Blank Gameweeks when several key players might be out of action.
What is the Free Hit Chip?
The Free Hit chip allows a complete overhaul of your FPL team for one gameweek, with your squad reverting to its original state afterwards. It’s a temporary yet powerful chip that can significantly alter your team to exploit a particularly advantageous gameweek or mitigate the impact of a challenging one.
When is the best time to use the Free Hit?
Blank Gameweeks: Utilise the Free Hit during Blank Gameweeks when several of your regular starters don’t have fixtures. This chip lets you field a full team without long-term squad disruptions.
Unexpected Circumstances: The Free Hit is also useful in gameweeks marred by unexpected player injuries or suspensions, helping you maintain a competitive team without permanent transfers.
What is the Triple Captain Chip?
The Triple Captain chip enhances your chosen captain’s scoring potential, tripling their points for one gameweek instead of the standard double. This chip can significantly boost your overall score, making it an essential aspect of FPL strategy.
When is the best time to use the Triple Captain?
Double Gameweeks: Deploy the Triple Captain during Double Gameweeks, where your chosen captain’s team plays twice, offering potential for high points returns.
Favourable Matchups: Another optimal use is when a consistently high-scoring player faces weaker opposition or has a run of favourable fixtures, increasing the likelihood of a high points haul.
What is the Bench Boost Chip?
The Bench Boost chip adds the points scored by your bench players to your overall score for that gameweek. It extends the influence of your squad beyond the starting eleven, turning your substitutes into potential point-earners.
When is the best time to use the Bench Boost?
Double Gameweeks: The Bench Boost is particularly effective during Double Gameweeks, where more players have two matches to accumulate points.
Strong Bench: Ideal for gameweeks where your bench is filled with players who have favourable fixtures, ensuring that every player in your squad has the potential to contribute significantly to your score. Pick a week when your benched defenders and goalkeepers are have good clean sheet odds to maximise your chances of a high score
FPL Chips FAQ:
Can I use two chips in one gameweek?
No, you can only use one chip per gameweek. Plan accordingly, especially around Double and Blank Gameweeks.
Should I use my chips early in the season?
It’s generally advisable to save your chips for the latter part of the season, particularly for Double and Blank Gameweeks, although early use can be beneficial if it aligns with your strategy.
How do I decide when to use my Wildcard?
Consider using your Wildcard when your team requires significant changes that can’t be covered by regular transfers or to address a series of poor-performing players.
Can the Free Hit chip save me from a Blank Gameweek?
Yes, the Free Hit chip is particularly effective in Blank Gameweeks to field a full team when many of your regular players don’t have fixtures.
Is the Triple Captain chip worth the risk?
The Triple Captain chip can significantly boost your score in a particular gameweek, but it comes with a risk. It’s worth it if you choose a reliable player with a strong track record in favorable conditions.
When should I avoid using the Bench Boost?
Avoid using the Bench Boost when your bench players face tough fixtures or are unlikely to play. It’s best used when all your players, including bench players, are expected to contribute positively.
What is the difference between the Wildcard and Free Hit?
The Wildcard allows for unlimited transfers within a single gameweek and the changes made are permanent, affecting your team for the rest of the season. Free Hit also permits unlimited transfers but only for one gameweek, after which your team reverts to its original setup.