Fantasy Premier League Chips Explained
The FPL and fantasy sports, in general, have never been so popular, with the various games on offer attracting more players than ever before, and even crossing over into the world of sports betting at sites such as those outlined in this Fan Team Review.
Fans clamour for the latest fantasy football news and strategies, seeking out selection hints ahead of the latest fixtures. In recent years one of the hottest topics of discussion has been that of the single-use booster chips. First introduced ahead of the 2015/16 season, these chips have now become an essential part of the Fantasy Football player’s armoury.
Here we take a look at the four types of chips on offer, explaining exactly what they are, and the most advantageous times to use them. The first crucial thing to remember here is that only one chip may be used in a single game week, meaning that a little advanced strategic planning is required in order to maximise the value of the chips at your disposal. Without further ado, the latest batch of chips consists of:
Free Hit
What Is It?
This chip allows you to make unlimited changes to your squad for one game week. However, these changes are only temporary, and your squad will return to its pre-Free Hit state at the end of the game week.
When To Use It?
The Free Hit is best deployed during a game week in which many of your squad don’t have a game. This allows you to take advantage of the fixtures which are being played, without permanently affecting your squad.
Triple Captain
What Is It?
As the name suggests, using this chip will see your captain earn triple, rather than double, the number of points during the game week in question.
When To Use It?
Whilst always tempting to use this ahead of an “easy” fixture for your captain, the best approach is to save the chip for a double game week. You will likely have a few double-game weeks to choose from in the second half of the season. Saving this chip for the most appealing of these is a sensible strategy.
Bench Boost
What Is It?
This powerful chip allows you to earn points, not only from your starting eleven, but also the four players on your bench – effectively giving you a 15-man team when utilised.
When To Use It?
This is again best utilised during a double-game week. If all of your squad are involved in both games during a double-game week, this gives you 30 opportunities to gain points, leading to potentially huge hauls.
Wildcard
What Is It?
Possibly the most valuable chip in the game, the Wildcard allows you to make unlimited changes to your squad – provided you stick within your budget – without incurring a points penalty. In the current season, players are granted two Wildcard chips; the first must be used by Gameweek 16, whilst the second can be played any time between Gameweek 17 and the end of the season.
When To Use It?
The key to this is assessing the fixture list in advance, and noting periods of easier and difficult fixtures. Look to jettison players ahead of a tough spell of games and bring in potential high points scorers from the bigger sides ahead of a more straightforward run of fixtures.
