What is wildcard in FPL?

The wildcard in FPL is a chip that allows managers to make unlimited transfers to their team in a single gameweek without incurring any point deductions.

How many wildcard chips do you get per season in FPL?

FPL managers are provided with two wildcard chips per season.

When can I use the wildcard in FPL?

The two wildcard chips are split across the season: one must be used before the Gameweek 20 deadline, and the other after the Gameweek 20 deadline.

Different strategies for using a wildcard in FPL

  1. Fixture-Driven Approach: Utilise the wildcard when teams have a favourable run of fixtures to bring in form players from those teams.
  2. Double Gameweek Strategy: Use the second wildcard to load up on players who have two fixtures in a single gameweek, maximising point-scoring potential.
  3. Injury-Driven Strategy: Activate the wildcard in response to numerous injuries in your team.
  4. Team Value Boost: Deploy the wildcard to capture players whose prices are rising quickly, increasing the overall value of your team.

Price changes and FPL wildcards explained:

Using a wildcard allows managers to bring in players who are increasing in price without being affected by point hits. It’s especially effective early in the season when price changes are volatile, giving managers a potential team value advantage for future gameweeks.

How to activate your wildcard in FPL (step-by-step)

  1. Log in to your FPL account.
  2. Go to the Transfers page, which is where you typically make changes to your squad.
  3. Make your transfers. Add and remove players from your squad as you wish. Remember, when using the Wildcard, you can make as many transfers as you want without incurring any points penalty.
  4. Once you’ve made your desired transfers and before confirming them, look for the “Play Wildcard” option. This option is usually available at the bottom or side of the Transfers page.
  5. Click “Play Wildcard”. Make sure you click this BEFORE confirming the transfers. When the Wildcard is active, you’ll notice that any points deductions for extra transfers are reset to zero.
  6. After you’ve activated the Wildcard, confirm your transfers.
  7. The transfers will then be made without any points deductions, and your Wildcard will be considered as played for that half of the season.

Is it possible to use a wildcard and triple captain chip together?

No, only one chip can be active at a time, meaning you cannot play both the wildcard and the triple captain in the same gameweek.

Wildcard Tips from FPL players

  1. Wildcards and Point Hits: Some managers have a set threshold for using a wildcard, like if they’d need to take more than a -8 hit to fix their team’s problems. It can be seen as a soft wildcard cap. (Shared by Reddit User)
  2. Fielding a Full Team: Managers value the ability to field a full 11 every week. If they face significant injury problems or have players underperforming, they might decide to activate the wildcard. (Tip from ConcealedPendent853)
  3. Intuitive Play: There’s no set strategy. Some players use their wildcard when they feel their team needs it instead of waiting around. (Advice from SlickMongoose)
  4. Price Rises and Team Selection: Early season price volatility can be beneficial, but team value might not always be the priority. Evaluate underperformers based on underlying stats and not just point returns. It’s essential to differentiate between players having a temporary dip in form versus genuinely underperforming. (Insights from roymondous)
  5. Timing with Game Weeks: Some managers look at specific game weeks post-international breaks as optimal times to play a wildcard, especially when certain teams have a favourable run of fixtures. For example, considering to offload or take in players based on the upcoming fixtures post GW9. (Strategy by officiallyjax)
  6. Chips Coordination: When planning for a wildcard, it might also be worth considering the coordination with other chips like the bench boost, especially in relation to double gameweeks. (Thought from Bobrantuala)
  7. Patience is Key: Some managers prefer to hold onto their wildcard for as long as possible, even if it means taking point hits. This is because the next wildcard won’t be available until much later in the season. (Tip from jpsc949)
  8. International Break Considerations: Waiting until the end of the international break before making significant team changes can be wise. International breaks might result in injuries, or players might come back in different forms. (Advice from vjukezzzn and TheEvilHypnotist)

Remember, these are insights and strategies shared by individual FPL players, and the best approach always depends on your unique team situation and your style as an FPL manager.