Playing chips is a crucial part of FPL. The wildcard and free hit are 2 of the most important chips, but sometimes the difference between them can be confusing or unclear.
In this article, I will describe the difference between the wildcard and free hit, and discuss strategy and thinking that should be behind when to play each one.
Key Differences of Wilcard and Free Hit
At the core of the Wildcard vs Free Hit discussion is the nature and impact of these chips on your FPL team.
Wildcard:
- A Wildcard allows for unlimited free transfers for an entire gameweek.
- Changes made using a Wildcard are permanent.
- There are two Wildcards available per season – one in the first half and the other in the second half.
Free Hit:
- A Free Hit permits unlimited free transfers for a single gameweek.
- After the gameweek ends, your team reverts back to its original state before the Free Hit was activated.
- Only one Free Hit is available per season.
The primary difference between Wildcard and Free Hit lies in their duration and permanence. A Wildcard facilitates a long-term strategy, allowing for a complete overhaul of the team, which stays altered beyond the gameweek. In contrast, a Free Hit is a short-term solution, ideal for navigating a particularly challenging gameweek, or taking advantage of a double gameweek, after which the team returns to its former composition.
Strategy for Wildcard
When considering Wildcard vs Free Hit, the Wildcard is a strategic tool for long-term team restructuring. It’s best used in two scenarios:
- To Overhaul the Team: When multiple players are underperforming, injured, or facing tough upcoming fixtures, a Wildcard can reset your team.
- Preparing for Double Gameweeks: A Wildcard is ideal for preparing your squad for upcoming double gameweeks, ensuring maximum potential points.
The strategic use of a Wildcard requires foresight and planning. It’s not just about the immediate next gameweek, but about several future matches. The Wildcard’s impact is lasting, so decisions made need to account for player form, fixture difficulty, and potential point returns over a prolonged period.
Strategy for Free Hit
On the other side of the Wildcard vs Free Hit debate, the Free Hit chip is perfect for a tactical response to a specific set of circumstances in a single gameweek. It’s most effective in the following situations:
- Blank Gameweeks: When many teams don’t have a fixture in a particular gameweek, the Free Hit can temporarily adjust your team to field a full squad of active players.
- Injury Crises: If your team is suddenly hit with multiple injuries or suspensions, a Free Hit can navigate this without long-term changes to your team structure.
- Taking Advantage of a Particluar Gameweek: If a particular gameweek presents unusual opportunities for high points (like an easy run of fixtures for certain teams, or a double game week for some teams), a Free Hit can exploit this without altering your team for the future.
The difference between Wildcard and Free Hit in terms of strategy is that the Free Hit is about immediate, short-term gains without affecting your team’s long-term structure.
Conclusion of Wildcard vs Free Hit
In the debate of Wildcard vs Free Hit, both have their unique advantages and strategic uses. The Wildcard is a powerful tool for comprehensive, long-term team changes, while the Free Hit is a tactical chip for short-term gains or navigating a tricky gameweek. Understanding this key difference between Wildcard and Free Hit is crucial for FPL managers aiming to maximize their points and improve their overall rank. Effective use of these chips can often be the difference between a good and a great season in FPL.
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