Premier League Fantasy: Optimal Moments to Use Transfer, Wildcard, and Bench Boost
In the exciting world of Fantasy Premier League (FPL), chips play a crucial role in helping managers maximize their points and stay competitive. Here's a breakdown of each chip and its best strategies for use:
1. Bench Boost
The Bench Boost chip is most effective when used during a major Double Gameweek, particularly when several key players have two fixtures. This allows you to maximize your points by playing a stronger team across both games. For example, Gameweek 33 in past seasons was a prime example where top managers used Bench Boost to capitalize on double fixtures.
2. Free Hit
The Free Hit chip is best deployed during a Blank Gameweek when multiple teams do not have fixtures. This chip allows you to temporarily overhaul your squad and avoid the risk of player blanks. Using the Free Hit in Gameweek 34 was highly effective in the past, as it allowed managers to reset their teams after several key players had blanked following a double the previous week.
3. Triple Captain
The Triple Captain chip should be used when a top player is in a "purple patch" or has a particularly favorable fixture, ideally in a Double Gameweek. This can significantly boost your points. Look for players with strong recent form and a favorable upcoming schedule, such as a home game against a weaker team.
4. Wildcard
The Wildcard chip should be used when you want to make significant changes to your team, such as after an early season misstep or to prepare for a series of strong fixtures. It’s also beneficial to save it for a later gameweek when form and team dynamics are clearer. Some managers prefer to use their Wildcard around Gameweek 13, when early season trends are clear and they can solidify their team for the long term.
General Tips:
- Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust your chip strategy based on the evolving schedule and team performances throughout the season.
- Planning: Monitor upcoming Blank and Double Gameweeks to plan chip usage effectively.
- Adaptability: Be ready to change your strategy if unexpected opportunities arise or if your team's performance dictates a different approach.
Managers can stack up to five free transfers ahead of Gameweek 15 and then will be given five new ones ahead of Gameweek 16, providing a total of 10 free transfers over the course of two Gameweeks. Triple Captain can be used to make the chosen captain for that Gameweek score triple points instead of double points. Another good time to use Free Hit is when a number of high-performing players have easier fixtures for that Gameweek.
Bench Boost can be used to score points for players sitting on the bench in a Gameweek as well as the usual starting XI. Stacking transfers can be useful to bring in a desired player and make other tweaks without facing a points penalty. The Wildcard chip can also be used to target a certain set of fixtures if higher performing players have an easier run coming up.
The eight chips in FPL are: 2x Bench Boost, 2x Free Hit, 2x Triple Captain, and 2x Wildcard. The first Wildcard chip of the season is usually played within the first few Gameweeks, allowing players to quickly cash in on those who start the season strongly. Another strategy for using Bench Boost is when a squad has favorable fixtures across the board. The five free transfers that become available to all in Gameweek 16 can be used as an unofficial Wildcard, especially if planned accordingly.
In the midst of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) strategies, the Bench Boost chip can also score points for players on the bench during a gameweek, not just the starting XI. With key football matches approaching, managers might consider stacking transfers to bring in their desired players and make strategic adjustments without incurring any points penalty.
Finally, when several high-performing players have easier fixtures, another opportune time to use the Free Hit chip could be advantageous.
