Now we know the Gameweek 8 fixtures after the Premier League’s announcement on Monday. Seven games will go ahead this weekend — but Chelsea, Liverpool, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Manchester United are missing out.
This is a vital time of the season as it’s going to be a popular time for Fantasy Premier League managers to use their wildcards and maybe even their free hit chips. Each of us will be in a different position regarding the number of chips remaining and how many players are available for this gameweek.
Here are some strategies to help you deal with all scenarios in a difficult blank gameweek.
Do I need to use my wildcard?
If you still have your first wildcard and you can’t get more than nine players deployed after using your free transfers, then I would play the wildcard. There is not much point in taking hits to field a full 11 when you’re likely to be using the wildcard in the near future.
It must be used by Gameweek 16 or we will get unlimited transfers. There is no benefit to waiting. The value of the first wildcard is lower than it was in previous seasons.
Also, due to fixtures, many managers will be fielding their cheap bench options in their starting 11 — the likes of Harrison Reed (£4.5m), Neco Williams (£4.1m), Nathan Patterson (£4.1m) Danny Ward (£4m)For example,
I would even go as far to say that if you have two of the aforementioned or similar players in your starting team and have 11 players, then I wouldn’t be against hitting the wildcard button in this scenario either.
I am actually in this position myself and can get a full 11 out after using my two free transfers, but I would have Reed and Ward as starters, and at the moment, I’m leaning towards playing my wildcard. It’s important to have a balance of quantity and quality.
Here’s your chance to get in on a gameweek where many people will be handicapped and also to get ready for Gameweek 17.
Do I need to use my hit chip that was given to me?
Although it might seem like a good idea, the free hitchip is best used in a gameweek that has not been scheduled. This one is different because the first wildcard has unlimited transfers after Gameweek 16. There is also an additional wildcard that can be used in the second half.
The only hit we have is the one that’s free, but it’s a powerful chip. The second half of the season will have more blank and double weekweeks.
Leicester’s Danny Ward is a popular back-up goalkeeper in FPL but starting him in Gameweek 8 may not be the best option (Photo: Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Because the FA Cup quarter-finals and semi-finals are blanks, the free hit chip will prove more valuable in later seasons than in pre-pandemic years.
There will be a blank at Gameweek 28 and 29. A double at Gameweek 29. Blanks at Gameweek 32, Gameweek 32, Gameweek 33 and Gameweek 37. These are difficult to navigate without a hit chip.
If you have used your first wildcard, and are able to get seven players out with no hit, then I would not hesitate to give the free hit chip.
What chips should I use for Gameweek 8?
The short answer to this question is no. The ideal scenario is to either use no chips this week or use a wildcard. You should not use the free hit in the circumstances I have mentioned.
What happens if I already have my wildcard or free hit chips?
You can use both your wildcard or free hit if you already have. Now you need to focus on getting as many players in as possible. Make sure you have the best captaincy option this week. It will be either Harry Kane (£11.4m)Or Erling Haaland (£12m).
I also wouldn’t be scared of taking hits to bring in players with high upside and good upcoming fixtures, especially if you are taking out a player who doesn’t play this week.
How should I set my wildcard up?
If you are playing the wildcard then we need to take advantage of the next few games to maximize the game. It is important to be open to playing Liverpool players, as they have a blank and then two difficult fixtures in the next three. They face Arsenal (a), Manchester City (h), and Brighton (h).
However, I highly recommend having a rough idea of what to bring. Mohamed Salah (£12.9m) and/or Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m)Their fixtures will pick up again around Gameweek 12.
I would say it’s worth going without any LiverpoolAssets to maximize your points over the next four games. There are some really great forward options available now, such as Alexander Isak (£7m), Aleksandar Mitrovic (£6.9m) Ivan Toney (£7.2m)They provide great value.
Also, Kevin De Bruyne (£12.2m)It can be used to substitute for Salah.
Take advantage of fixture swings
Wildcarding for Gameweek 8You can also jump on crucial fixture swings, which is a huge advantage. Mitrovic is one example of such a player. Kieran Trippier (£5.3m)Isak and Jarrod Bowen (£8.1m)These are just a few of the players who have had a great run of fixtures in recent years.
It is possible to include players such as James Maddison (£7.9m) Wilfried Zaha (£7.2m)Because they have great fixtures from Gameweek 9 and beyond. The wildcard allows us flexibility and gives us the ability to put them on the bench this week.
Benefits to not using the wildcard
If you don’t need to use a wildcard this week and can get a good starting 11 out, then there is no need to force it.
Having the wildcard over the upcoming international break (Gameweek 9 doesn’t begin until October 1) is also a huge advantage and gives us an extra week of information, too. This gives us ample time to play and allows you to react to injuries.
Wildcarding is also possible in Gameweek 12 and 13, if your team can hold on for that long.
You can also check the FPL General. The Athletic FPL PodcastFor all the latest tips and tricks, he will be available twice per week during this season.
(Top photo: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
