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What is the Fantasy Premier League Wildcard?

Fantasy Football Fix 6 Sept. 2024

What is the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Wildcard?

Our FPL: The Basics page provides all the essential information you need, including guides for complete beginners and tips for managers aiming to gain an edge to win their mini-leagues.


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The Wildcard is the most powerful tool in Fantasy Premier League (FPL). While seasoned players are familiar with its potential gains, newcomers can greatly benefit from understanding how to use it effectively. This guide will help you maximise the potential of the Wildcard.

Fantasy Premier League Wildcard activated

A Wildcard allows you to make unlimited changes to your team without incurring any point hits. Typically, FPL managers receive one free transfer per week, or now up to five if you roll (save) a transfer. You cannot accumulate more than five free transfers. Additional transfers beyond your free ones result in a four-point hit per transfer. For instance, if you have one free transfer but make three transfers, you will incur an eight-point deduction.

However, with a Wildcard, you can make as many changes as you want without losing any points.

How Do I Play My Wildcard in Fantasy Premier League?

To use the Wildcard, you must make your transfers. When you confirm these changes, the option to play the Wildcard will appear. Once activated, you can transfer in as many players as you like before the upcoming deadline. Be cautious, as once you confirm the Wildcard, it cannot be canceled.

How Many Wildcards Are There in Fantasy Premier League?

FPL managers are given two Wildcards each season. One is for the first half of the season, and the other is for the second half.

Price Changes and Your Fantasy Premier League Wildcard

Another advantage of the Wildcard is the ability to capitalise on rising player prices, boosting your team value. This tactic is particularly useful with the first Wildcard early in the season when price changes are more volatile.

Increasing your team value early can give you a slight edge for the second Wildcard, allowing you to buy better players later on. However, if you sell a high-value player, ensure you are certain, as you won't be able to buy them back at the same price if their value has increased.

What is the Difference Between Wildcard and Free Hit in Fantasy Premier League?

The Wildcard permanently changes your team from the point you activate it, while a Free Hit only alters your team for one week, reverting back to your original lineup afterward.

Can I Use Wildcard and Triple Captain Together in Fantasy Premier League?

No, only one chip can be active at a time, so you cannot play both the Wildcard and Triple Captain in the same gameweek.

What's the Best Strategy for the Second Wildcard in Fantasy Premier League?

A common strategy involves using the Bench Boost in a double gameweek, where some players have two fixtures within a gameweek.

Fantasy Premier League bench boost

You can use the second Wildcard to prepare your team with 15 double gameweek players a week or two in advance, maximising your points potential. However, this strategy can limit your options in other gameweeks and might delay the benefits of using the Wildcard earlier in the season.

Conclusion

The Wildcard is the most powerful chip in Fantasy Premier League. It should be viewed as a long-term strategy rather than a quick fix. Plan your Wildcard use carefully, be patient, and avoid using it impulsively. A well-timed Wildcard can define your entire FPL season.


Fantasy Premier League Wildcard planning

Using the Assistant Manager tool, you can utilise FPL artificial intelligence to help pick the optimal Wildcard team and plan your future transfers.

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