FPL Discussion: Is Now the Time for a Wildcard?

Premier League Resumes

After a pause of three weeks, the Premier League is set to kick off again this weekend. As teams gear up for a busy schedule leading to the season’s conclusion, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are faced with crucial decisions.

As the league enters its final phase, many clubs have double gameweeks lined up. This raises an important question: Should you activate your wildcard this weekend or hold off for later in the season? FPL insider Prasun Singhal and the podcast panel share their insights ahead of gameweek 32.

Upcoming Gameweeks Overview

The FPL outlook is now more defined. In gameweek 33, six clubs—Manchester City, Chelsea, Brighton, Burnley, Leeds, and Bournemouth—are scheduled to play twice. However, these same teams will not participate in fixtures during gameweek 34.

Additionally, Manchester City’s match against Crystal Palace, postponed due to their involvement in the Carabao Cup final, will need to be rescheduled. The preliminary expectation is that it may take place during gameweek 36, which could also become a double gameweek.

Current Fixtures

• Crystal Palace: Matches against Everton and Manchester City.
• Manchester City: Opener against Brentford before facing Crystal Palace at home.

To effectively manage the weeks ahead, utilizing a wildcard and a free hit will prove beneficial. The bench boost works best when your squad consists of numerous double gameweek players, aiming for around 13 to 15 for maximum points. The triple captaincy chip should be kept for a player with two advantageous fixtures during a double gameweek.

The pressing choice this week remains: Should you use your wildcard now to prepare for a bench boost in GW33, or wait for later opportunities?

Alistair Bruce-Ball’s Insight:
“My squad looks solid for 32 and 34. I plan to free hit in 33 and then use my wildcard in 35. You have to take chances.”

Wildcard in Gameweek 32: Pros and Cons

Advantages:

• Activating the wildcard allows for a bench boost in gameweek 33, as both cannot be used simultaneously. This strategy can enable a significant bench boost, potentially giving up to 15 players with double games.
• It capitalizes on Manchester City’s upcoming double fixtures in gameweek 33, as well as the postponed match against Crystal Palace.
• Consider teams’ upcoming fixtures; for example, Brighton faces Burnley in gameweek 32—a promising match.

Disadvantages:

• If a wildcard is utilized to enable a bench boost, a free hit will become necessary in gameweek 34 since many targeted teams will not play that week.
• Teams like Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Liverpool should be avoided to maximize the bench boost in gameweek 33 but they have favorable games mapped out after that.

Holding Off on Wildcards

Benefits:

• If your team appears strong going into gameweek 32, the adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” applies.
• Retaining players from top clubs like Arsenal can be beneficial until season’s end.
• Keeping the wildcard allows you to respond to league developments, such as identifying teams still in contention during the final weeks.

Drawbacks:

• Limiting yourself to just four gameweeks for a wildcard isn’t ideal. Moreover, the impact of a bench boost would be diminished as fewer players will have double matches.

In essence, if you’re struggling this week and a centerpiece of your squad will not play in gameweek 34, it’s wise to play the wildcard now. If not, keep an eye on upcoming fixtures to inform your strategy moving forward.

Statman Dave’s Advice:
“If you have a wildcard and bench boost, attack gameweek 33, use the wildcard in 32, and bench boost in 33. If only a wildcard is left, hold it for 33. If you possess a triple captain or bench boost without a wildcard, play that in 33. If none are available but you still have a free hit, deploy it in 33.”

Proposed Wildcard Team Strategy

Stay tuned for the outlined wildcard squad recommendations and what to consider in these pivotal weeks ahead.