FPL Wildcard: how to use the Fantasy Premier League chip, what it does and when you should use it

The use of the Wildcard chip can rescue a disastrous start to the Fantasy Premier League season
Channel your inner Pep Guardiola and make whosale changes to your starting 11 with the Wildcard chip (Getty Images)Channel your inner Pep Guardiola and make whosale changes to your starting 11 with the Wildcard chip (Getty Images)
Channel your inner Pep Guardiola and make whosale changes to your starting 11 with the Wildcard chip (Getty Images)

What’s that? You detest your Fantasy Premier League squad and want to dismantle it already?

Well fret not, there is a get out of jail free card of sorts which can offer you an escape from the foot of your mini-league table.

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Known as the wildcard chip, the feature allows FPL managers to revamp their squads without incurring pesky transfer point deductions.

With the league more unpredictable than ever it can be tricky to know when best to utilise the wildcard, but we’re here to help.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is a wildcard?

Managers are allowed to make one free transfer every gameweek. Every transfer made beyond this limit incurs a penalty of four points.

If injuries stack up, or if players simply aren’t up to scratch, managers may wish to perform a complete overhaul of their side.

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The wildcard allows managers to make unlimited changes in one Gameweek without incurring a penalty, potentially allowing them to turn around their season.

These transfers are permanent and, unlike the free hit chip, don’t revert to your original squad after one Gameweek.

How do I use my wildcard?

Start by making transfers in your squad and then select “Play Wildcard” at the bottom of the app screen.

Once you have played your wildcard you are allowed to make as many transfers as you wish until the Gameweek deadline.

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If you are using a desktop the “Play Wildcard” function is located above the transfer screen.

How many wildcards can I use?

This function can be used twice in a season – once before Gameweek 17 and once after.

It is not possible to carry over your first wildcard to the second half of the season and have two reshuffles in the final Gameweeks.

When should I use it?

There’s no right or wrong answer to this question, and it all depends on the shape of your squad.

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You may feel like you’ve filled your initial squad with so-called frauds and want to pull the trigger early on, like so many already have this season.

We recommend biding your time and only using the function when absolutely necessary – if for instance your team is plagued with injuries and suspensions.

The key is not to panic. If your team has one bad Gameweek it can be all too tempting to press the restart button, but these things can easily smooth out after a week or two if your team is in relatively good shape.

Players might want to consider playing the chip before a double Gameweek featuring a high-flying side such as Liverpool or Manchester City. This would allow the manager to stack their team with premium talent without incurring large penalties.

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