Is it Time to Utilize the Free-Hit Chip in Blank Gameweek 26 of Fantasy Premier League?

Is it Time to Utilize the Free-Hit Chip in Blank Gameweek 26 of Fantasy Premier League?

Vitaliy Mykolenko of Everton during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Everton and Luton Town at Goodison Park on January 27, 2024 in Liverpool, England.(Image-Getty)

With several highly-owned players absent this week, managers face crucial decisions regarding when to deploy the Free Hit chip.

Understanding the Free Hit Chip:

The Free Hit chip enables unlimited transfers in a single Gameweek, usable once per season. Managers can revamp their entire squad for that Gameweek, aiming to gain an advantage by selecting players with potential for significant points.

Strategic Considerations:

1. Blank Gameweeks 26 and 29 (BGW26 and BGW29):

These two periods present key opportunities for managers. BGW26 sees Chelsea, Liverpool, Luton Town, and Tottenham Hotspur missing fixtures due to the EFL Cup final. BGW29 has only three confirmed matches due to the FA Cup quarter-finals.

2. Timing the Free Hit Chip:

Waiting until BGW29 allows managers to focus on short-term transfers and deal with the reduced round of matches effectively. By then, they will also know the BGW29 schedule, determined by the FA Cup fifth-round matches preceding Gameweek 27.

Player Absences and Team Strategy:

1. Impact of Recent Investments:

Heavy investment in Liverpool assets during Double Gameweek 25 (DGW25) might influence managers' decisions. Seven Reds players are in at least 10% of squads.

2. Midfield Dilemma:

 The absence of key midfielders like Cole Palmer, Mohamed Salah, and Diogo Jota, along with Son Heung-min and Richarlison, poses challenges for managers. Five of the ten most-owned midfielders are unavailable for BGW26.

Strategic Player Picks:

1. Midfield Solutions:

Managers should consider Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto, and Hwang Hee-chan for their midfield lineup in BGW26. Fernandes' set-pieces offer opportunities against Fulham, while Neto and Hwang have promising fixtures against Sheffield United.

2. Attacking Options:

Rasmus Hojlund, with his recent goal-scoring form, stands out for managers looking to bolster their attack. He presents a compelling alternative to Dominic Solanke against Manchester City.

3. Long-Term Planning: 

Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard and Aston Villa’s Alex Moreno offer consistent performance and favorable fixtures for the next three Gameweeks, with Moreno having additional appeal for BGW29 against West Ham United.

Conclusion:

BGW26 poses challenges but also strategic opportunities for Fantasy Premier League managers. By analyzing player absences, assessing fixture schedules, and targeting key players, managers can optimize their squads for short-term success and long-term performance amidst fixture disruptions.