If you’re playing Fantasy Premier League (FPL), understanding how to effectively use your wildcard chip can be the difference between a good season and a great one. The wildcard is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal, allowing you to completely overhaul your team without incurring any transfer penalties.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what the wildcard is, how it works, and when the best time to use it is, ensuring you can maximize your FPL points and climb those all-important league tables.
What is a Wildcard in FPL?
The wildcard chip in FPL is a special feature that allows you to make unlimited transfers within a gameweek, essentially giving your team a complete makeover. Unlike regular transfers, which typically cost you four points per additional transfer after your free transfer(s), the wildcard lets you make as many changes as you like without any point deductions.
It’s like hitting the reset button on your squad, allowing you to adapt to new strategies, react to player injuries, or take advantage of favourable upcoming fixtures.
You get two wildcards per season—one in the first half (before Gameweek 20) and one in the second half (from Gameweek 21 onwards). Once activated, the wildcard cannot be reversed, and the changes you make will carry over into subsequent gameweeks.
FPL Wildcard Rules: How Does It Work?
Unlimited Transfers
When you activate your wildcard, you’re granted unlimited transfers for that particular gameweek. This means you can transfer in and out as many players as you want without being penalised by the usual four-point deduction per extra transfer.
It’s the perfect opportunity to restructure your team and bring in new players who you believe will perform better over the coming weeks.
Permanent Changes
One key thing to remember is that all the transfers you make during your wildcard week are permanent. Unlike the Free Hit chip, which resets your team back to its original state after one gameweek, the wildcard changes stick, so make sure you’re confident in your selections.
Wildcard Limits
You’re only allowed two wildcards per season. The first wildcard must be used before Gameweek 20, and the second wildcard is available from Gameweek 21 onwards. If you don’t use your first wildcard by the halfway point of the season, it expires—you can’t carry it over to the second half of the season. This makes it crucial to plan your wildcard usage carefully.
Deadline Awareness
It’s important to activate your wildcard before the gameweek deadline if you want the transfers to count. FPL deadlines are usually 90 minutes before the first match of the gameweek, so make sure you finalize your wildcard team before then to avoid any mishaps.
When to Use a Wildcard in FPL?
Strategic Gameweeks
The timing of your wildcard can make or break your FPL season. Many experienced managers choose to activate their wildcard during key strategic moments. One popular time is right after the first international break, typically around Gameweek 4, when you’ve had a chance to assess new signings and see which players are in form.
Another optimal time is before double gameweeks, where certain teams play more than once in a single gameweek, allowing you to maximize your points haul.
Team Overhaul
Sometimes, your team needs a complete overhaul—perhaps due to injuries, suspensions, or simply poor performance. If you find yourself with several underperforming players and need to make more than a few transfers, it’s often better to use your wildcard rather than take multiple point hits.
Budget Management
The wildcard is also a great tool for managing your budget. Throughout the season, player prices fluctuate based on demand. By using your wildcard, you can transfer out overpriced or underperforming players and bring in rising stars who offer better value, helping you get the most out of your £100m budget.
Fixture Swings
Keeping an eye on fixture swings is another smart use of the wildcard. If you notice that certain teams have a run of easy fixtures coming up, it could be a great time to activate your wildcard and load up on players from those teams. Conversely, if your current squad faces a tough run of fixtures, a wildcard can help you avoid a potential points drought.
Wildcard Activation: Key Considerations
Planning Ahead
Before you activate your wildcard, it’s crucial to plan ahead. Consider the upcoming gameweeks and how your new team will perform not just in the immediate future but over several weeks. Look at fixture difficulty, player form, and potential rotation risks. A well-planned wildcard can set you up for success over the long term.
Player Price Changes
Player prices fluctuate based on how many managers are buying or selling them. During your wildcard week, keep an eye on these price changes. If you can predict price rises, you might be able to increase your team’s overall value by bringing in players before their prices go up, giving you more budget to play with.
Fixtures Analysis
Carefully analyze the fixture list when planning your wildcard. Target teams with a favourable run of fixtures and avoid those with tough upcoming matches. This analysis should be a key part of your strategy, helping you maximize points potential.
Avoiding Panic Wildcards
It’s easy to panic after a bad gameweek and activate your wildcard impulsively. However, this can often lead to regret, especially if your decisions are rushed. Take the time to assess your options, and only use the wildcard when you’re confident it’s the best move for your team.
Wildcard vs Free Hit: Understanding the Difference
It’s important to understand the difference between the wildcard and the Free Hit chip, as they serve different purposes. The Free Hit allows you to make unlimited transfers for one gameweek only, after which your team reverts back to its original state. This is ideal for dealing with short-term issues, such as a gameweek where many of your players are unavailable.
The wildcard, on the other hand, permanently changes your team. Use it when you want to make long-term changes, such as when your squad needs a full overhaul or to capitalise on favourable fixtures over several weeks. Understanding when to use each chip is crucial to mastering FPL strategy.
Wildcard Tips and Strategies
Maximizing Team Value
During your wildcard week, aim to increase your team’s value by bringing in players whose prices are likely to rise. This will give you more flexibility in future gameweeks, allowing you to afford more premium players.
Double Gameweeks
Double gameweeks, where teams play twice in one gameweek, are prime opportunities for using your wildcard. By loading up on players who have two matches, you can significantly boost your points potential. Plan your wildcard around these gameweeks if possible.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
One common mistake is overhauling your team too drastically. While the wildcard allows you to make unlimited changes, it’s still important to maintain a balanced squad. Don’t sacrifice team structure or long-term planning for the sake of short-term gains.
Differentials
When using your wildcard, consider bringing in a few differential players—those with low ownership but high potential. If these players perform well, they can give you an edge over your rivals who have more template teams.
Conclusion
The wildcard is one of the most powerful tools in your FPL arsenal, allowing you to reset your team and adapt to new strategies. By understanding the rules and timing your wildcard activation carefully, you can set yourself up for a successful FPL season.
Remember to plan ahead, keep an eye on player prices, and make the most of fixture swings. With these strategies in mind, you’ll be well on your way to climbing the FPL ranks.
FPL Wildcard FAQs
Can I reverse my wildcard once activated?
No, once you activate your wildcard, it cannot be undone. Make sure you’re happy with your decisions before confirming.
How many wildcards do I get in a season?
You get two wildcards per season—one in the first half and one in the second half.
Does the wildcard affect team value?
The wildcard doesn’t directly affect team value, but by making strategic transfers during the wildcard week, you can increase your squad’s overall value.
What happens if I don’t use my wildcard in the first half of the season?
If you don’t use your first wildcard before Gameweek 20, it expires and cannot be carried over to the second half of the season.
