Optimizing Chip Strategy for Blank Gameweek 26 and Beyond in Fantasy Premier League

The upcoming Gameweek 26 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) presents an interesting period for managers as it marks the first blank gameweek of the season. Planning your chip strategy is crucial at this stage, as it will determine how you approach Blank Gameweek 26 and the subsequent weeks ahead.

Should you Free Hit or Wildcard?

For most FPL managers, using the Free Hit or Wildcard chips in Gameweek 26 is not necessary unless it was previously planned. It is advisable to save these chips for the bigger blank in Gameweek 29 and the upcoming double gameweeks. However, if you find yourself with fewer than eight players for Gameweek 26 after using your free transfers, it may be worth considering.

Strategy 1: Using Free Hit in GW29 or Wildcard before GW29

Blank Gameweek 29 is expected to be a popular time to use the Free Hit chip. Currently, only three fixtures have been confirmed, and it is unlikely that there will be more than five. It is recommended to refer to Ben Crellin's fixture spreadsheet for updates on the Gameweek 29 Blank percentages. Wolves and Manchester United have appealing fixtures leading up to Blank Gameweek 29, making their players attractive options. Investing in the Wolves defense, particularly Max Kilman, could be beneficial. Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho are also worth considering. Pascal Gross from Brighton is another player to watch, as they have a favorable run of games coming up.

Strategy 2: Not using Free Hit in GW29 or Wildcard before GW29

For managers who choose not to use the Free Hit or Wildcard chips in Gameweek 29, the focus should be on players who have fixtures in both Blank Gameweek 26 and Blank Gameweek 29. West Ham, Aston Villa, Fulham, Burnley, and Brentford are the only teams with fixtures in both gameweeks. Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, as well as Douglas Luiz, Leon Bailey, and Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, are recommended transfer targets.

Choosing the Right Strategy

The decision between the two strategies depends on your team setup and risk appetite. Strategy one allows you to take advantage of the upcoming favorable fixtures and potentially benefit from any upsets in the FA Cup fifth round. Strategy two provides more flexibility with chip plans and does not require an immediate decision.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer, and it is important to assess your team's needs and consider the potential outcomes before making a decision.

Remember to stay updated with the latest news and fixtures to make informed choices for your FPL team.