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Let’s dive straight into one of the most crucial chips in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) management – the WILDCARD. Today, we’re going to dissect the ideal moments to unleash this powerful chip in the second half of 2023/24 season. While the options are flexible, I’ll walk you through some popular choices and their implications for your team’s success.

Wildcard 24: The Early Bird Approach

For FPL managers seeking to address deficiencies in Liverpool and Manchester City assets, Gameweek 24 presents an enticing opportunity. With the wildcard in hand, you can strategically overhaul your squad to include key players from these powerhouse teams that also have a double in 25. This early activation of the wildcard not only allows for immediate reinforcements but also sets the stage for subsequent gameweeks.

By utilizing the wildcard in Gameweek 24, managers can address any pressing issues within their squads while also capitalizing on potential price rises or falls among players. This proactive approach is especially beneficial for those facing constraints, such as having only one free transfer available. Additionally, pairing the wildcard with a bench boost in Gameweek 25 can maximize the effectiveness of both chips, ensuring a roster filled with active players.

However, it’s essential to tread cautiously, considering the looming Gameweek 29 blank. You could use the free hit chip in 29, but what if you plan to use it in double gameweek 34 instead. Managing blanks in 29 without a free hit chip can pose challenges, particularly if you’ve heavily invested in players from teams affected by the blank. Therefore, while Gameweek 24 offers an early opportunity to revamp your squad, it’s crucial to weigh the long-term implications and plan accordingly for the upcoming blanks and doubles.

Wildcard 26: The Risky Bet

Gameweek 26 presents an intriguing opportunity for wildcard deployment, but it’s not without risks. By activating your wildcard in 26, you gain the advantage of going all in on players doubling in 25 while ignoring the blanks in 26. it can also set you up very well for double gameweek 28 with the advantage of also managing 29 without a free hit.

However, the gamble lies in the uncertainty of the FA cup fifth round outcomes. While you might be banking on certain teams progressing, there’s always the possibility of upsets. For instance, imagine a scenario where a key team like Liverpool unexpectedly exits the competition. Suddenly, they’re slated to play in Gameweek 29, altering your plans significantly.

This unpredictability underscores the challenge of strategizing around games that are not yet set in stone. While you can plan around the fixtures that are confirmed, the potential curveballs thrown by the FA Cup results add a layer of complexity to your wildcard strategy.

Therefore, while Gameweek 26 offers the allure of informed decision-making, it also demands a calculated risk assessment. Managers considering this option must weigh the benefits of having unclarity on FA cup fifth round results against the potential consequences of unfavorable outcomes. Ultimately, it’s a high-stakes game of prediction and adaptability, where success hinges on careful planning and a dash of luck.

Wildcard 27: Calculated Planning

For those seeking a more calculated approach, Gameweek 27 offers a balanced option. By then, you’ll have the FA Cup results in hand, allowing for more precise planning. This timing enables strategic management of the double in Gameweek 28 and the subsequent blank in Gameweek 29.

Here’s why Gameweek 27 might be the sweet spot for your wildcard:

FA Cup Insights: With the FA Cup fifth round results available, you gain crucial insights into potential fixture changes. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about player selections, considering both immediate and future matchups.

Double Gameweek Preparation: Armed with a clearer picture of double gameweek fixtures, you can tailor your wildcard strategy to capitalize on favorable matchups. Planning ahead for Gameweek 28’s double fixtures becomes more straightforward, maximizing your team’s point potential.

Blank Gameweek Management: Anticipating the blank in Gameweek 29 becomes more manageable with a well-executed wildcard in Gameweek 27. By strategically maneuvering your squad, you can mitigate the impact of missing fixtures and maintain momentum through this challenging period.

However, it’s essential to consider the challenges of delaying your wildcard until Gameweek 27. Navigating Gameweek 26 without the wildcard buffer, you’ll need to carefully manage your team through Gameweek 26’s blanks.

Wildcard 30/31: The Safe Bet

Choosing to play your wildcard in Gameweek 30 allows for a swift exit from any predicaments that may have arisen from managing the prior gameweeks’ chaos. By this point, the landscape of the league becomes clearer, and teams with additional fixtures start to emerge. While the exact scheduling may still be uncertain, you’ll have a better understanding of which teams are likely to have doubles and when those fixtures might occur.

Alternatively, Gameweek 31 offers a similar opportunity but with a nuanced advantage. By delaying your wildcard until this point, you gain the flexibility to assess your squad’s needs based on the preceding fixtures. For instance, if Gameweek 30 features favorable matchups for certain players in your team, such as a triple-up on Spurs facing Luton, you might opt to hold off on the wildcard. Additionally, teams like Aston Villa, guaranteed to play in Gameweek 29, may hold value for this period, influencing your wildcard decisions.

Both Gameweeks 30 and 31 present strategic advantages, allowing managers to recalibrate their squads for the final stretch of the season. With the potential for additional fixtures becoming clearer and the threat of blanks diminishing, these gameweeks offer a balanced approach that minimizes risks while maximizing opportunities for success.

Late Wildcard Strategies: A Cautionary Tale

Some managers might consider holding out until Gameweek 35 or 36 to setup for a bench boost in double gameweek 37, this strategy comes with significant risks.

By the time Gameweek 35 or 36 rolls around, you may have already missed out on crucial double gameweeks and struggled through blank gameweeks, leaving your team trailing behind in the overall rankings. The accumulation of missed points from these periods could prove challenging to recover, even with a well-timed bench boost in Gameweek 37.

Furthermore, delaying your wildcard until this late stage limits your flexibility in responding to evolving player form, injuries, and price rising.

While the allure of maximizing bench boost potential in Gameweek 37 is tempting, it’s essential to weigh the immediate gains against the potential losses incurred earlier in the season. With numerous doubles and blanks preceding Gameweek 37, delaying your wildcard might prove detrimental in the long run.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision of when to play your wildcard hinges on your team’s current state and your long-term objectives. Each option presents its own set of risks and rewards, shaping the trajectory of our season. Whether you opt for an early wildcard to capitalize on immediate needs or a calculated approach to maximize long-term gains, the key is to remain flexible and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the game.

In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Trust your instincts, stay informed, and be prepared to pivot when necessary. With careful planning and strategic foresight, your wildcard can be the secret weapon that propels your team to the top of the FPL leaderboard.

As you plan your next transfers, consider leveraging our We Play FPL app. It’s your all-in-one companion for making transfer plans, chip strategy, comparing players, predicting points, and optimizing your team for success.Download the app now and take your FPL journey to new heights!

May your arrows be green, and your captaincy choices bring you glory. Until next time, happy managing!