The journey through an FPL season is rarely smooth, and this year’s run-in promises to be one of the most treacherous yet, *writes Fantasy Premier League expert Blake Hurst*. With the EFL Cup, FA Cup, and European competitions all vying for attention, the Premier League schedule is transforming into a gauntlet of blank and double gameweeks. But for astute strategists, this disruption isn’t a hurdle – it’s a golden opportunity.
Mastering your chip strategy can transform fixture anomalies into your greatest advantage. Here, we dissect the optimal approach for each chip and how the evolving fixture list will shape those crucial decisions.
The Fixture Landscape: Blanks, Doubles, and Strategic Shifts
Before we delve into chip deployment, let’s chart the course. While cup results will add layers of complexity, certain patterns are already emerging:
Key Gameweeks to Watch
- Gameweek 31: Anticipate *at least four teams sitting out* due to the EFL Cup final. Should Arsenal and Manchester City reach the showdown, their scheduled clashes against Wolves and Crystal Palace, respectively, would be *postponed*.
- Gameweek 26 – The Early Double Opportunity: If Arsenal makes the EFL Cup final, their deferred GW31 fixture could be brought forward to GW26. This would deliver our first significant Double Gameweek (DGW) of the campaign, featuring:
- Arsenal: Facing Brentford & Wolves
- Wolves: Taking on Nottingham Forest & Arsenal
- Gameweek 34 – The FA Cup Blackout: This gameweek could witness a *major blank*, with up to eight Premier League clubs missing fixtures if they progress to the FA Cup semi-finals.
- Gameweek 33 – The Mega Double-Up: Positioned perfectly to host the *largest Double Gameweek* (expecting 6-8 teams) as fixtures postponed from GW34 are slotted in.
- Gameweek 36 – Late Season Boost Potential: Another potential double gameweek could emerge here, particularly for Manchester City, whose deep cup runs often necessitate fixture rescheduling. An attractive double header against Brentford & Burnley is a distinct possibility for the champions.
So, armed with this foresight, how do we wield our FPL chips? Let’s break down each one.
Unleashing Your Arsenal: Mastering FPL Chips
Wildcard: Your Season-Defining Reset
The Wildcard has the power to make or break your final push. Here are the three most impactful timings, tailored to different chip strategies:
The Strategic Play: Gameweek 32 (Strong Recommendation)
This is the go-to strategy for most astute managers.
- You’ll possess *unrivalled clarity* on all FA Cup outcomes, thus finalizing the schedules for Gameweek 33 and 34.
- You can meticulously craft your squad to *target the colossal DGW33* for a potential Bench Boost.
- Following this, you can *deploy your Free Hit in GW34*, precisely when many of your DGW33 assets will be blanking.
It’s a logical, potent approach that empowers you to attack the season’s climax with maximum information.
The Bold Move: Gameweek 24
For the boldest among us. GW24 ushers in favorable fixture swings for Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Bournemouth, and Crystal Palace – ripe for differential picks.
If the anticipated DGW26 for Arsenal materializes, this early Wildcard perfectly positions you to capitalize on it.
It also serves as a catalyst for *strategic fund reallocation*, allowing you to back high-upside attackers like Mo Salah in his promising fixtures.
The Late Game Changer: Gameweek 34
For those who thrive amidst the storm. Use your free transfers to prepare for the DGW33 bonanza, then execute a tactical pivot in GW34 by Wildcarding out the ensuing fixture mess. This allows you to sculpt a squad perfectly tuned for the final four Gameweeks (especially potential DGWs in GW36/37).
Free Hit: Your One-Week Dream Team
This chip is designed to exploit *fleeting fixture anomalies* or to navigate a significant blank without compromising your long-term squad structure.
Prime Free Hit Opportunities:
- Gameweek 34: Likely the *epicentre of blank gameweeks*. This is the ideal time if you’ve Wildcarded in GW32.
- Gameweek 31: A smaller blank, but incredibly useful if, as predicted, Manchester City and Arsenal both sit out, leaving your squad exposed.
- Gameweek 36: A substantial Double Gameweek, perfect for assembling a temporary “super team” brimming with players enjoying two fixtures.
Bench Boost: Maximizing Every Squad Slot
Few chips can instigate such a seismic shift in mini-leagues. The true power of this chip *ignites* when you can field a full squad of 15 players, all with fixtures – and ideally, all playing twice.
Optimal Bench Boost Windows:
- Gameweek 33: The super Double Gameweek – more teams, more fixtures, more points. This is the prime target if you’ve Wildcarded in GW32.
- Gameweek 36: The second-largest predicted DGW, with major teams like City, Liverpool, or others potentially doubling.
- Gameweek 26: A smaller scale, but still viable if Arsenal’s and Wolves’ doubles materialize and you wish to back Wolves’ favorable fixtures.
Bonus Tip: If Martin Dubravka serves as your budget second goalkeeper, his GW33 fixture (Nottingham Forest) offers a shrewd differential for clean sheet potential.
Triple Captain: The Ultimate Multiplier
The art of the Triple Captain lies in *identifying a player with unparalleled form and a supremely favourable double gameweek* to maximize your points return.
Identifying Your TC Goldmine:
- Gameweek 36: The dream scenario – Erling Haaland potentially facing Brentford and Burnley in a double gameweek.
- Gameweek 33: Another strong contender for Haaland, should Manchester City’s fixtures be rescheduled here instead.
- Gameweek 26: If Arsenal secures a double, a Triple Captaincy on Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, or Gabriel could yield handsome rewards – though you’ll need to weigh this against saving it for a later Haaland DGW.
The Optimal Playbook: Blake Hurst’s Recommended Strategy
Based on current information, fixture probabilities, and expert predictions, here is my personal opinion for the optimal chip deployment for the remainder of the season:
A Cohesive Chip Deployment Plan:
- GW32 Wildcard: This allows you to precisely configure your team for a Bench Boost in GW33, then seamlessly transition to a Free Hit in GW34.
- GW33 Bench Boost: The perfect moment to capitalize on the season’s largest double gameweek, maximizing returns from your entire 15-man squad.
- GW34 Free Hit: The ideal solution for navigating the most significant blank week without dismantling your carefully constructed team.
- Triple Captain: Deploy in either GW26 or GW36 – either backing Arsenal’s potential early double or holding out for Haaland’s highly anticipated late-season opportunity.
Final Whistle: Adaptability and Victory
Remember, the FPL landscape is *constantly evolving* with cup results and fixture rearrangements. But truly smart FPL managers plan proactively, stay nimble, and understand probabilities as much as player form.
As more concrete information emerges, we’ll continue to provide weekly updates. A meticulously timed chip strategy is what separates a commendable finish from a *trophy-winning campaign*, and the groundwork for that begins right now.
This is where the season can truly be won.