Strategic Insights: Free-Hit Chip Analysis for FPL Gameweek 26

 Strategic Insights: Free-Hit Chip Analysis for FPL Gameweek 26

Gabriel Osho of Luton Town is challenged by Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Luton Town and Manchester United at Kenilworth Road on February 18, 2024 in Luton, England.(Image-Getty)

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

Rasmus Hojlund's remarkable performance for Manchester United highlights the latest Premier League action. His quickfire brace against Luton Town secured a historic achievement, making him the youngest player in Premier League history to score in six consecutive matches.

Team of the Week:

1. Ederson (Man City):

Made crucial saves to keep Man City in the match.

2. Axel Disasi (Chelsea):

Impressive defensive display against Erling Haaland.

3. Pau Torres (Aston Villa):

Commanding performance in Villa's win at Fulham.

4. Jakub Kiwior (Arsenal):

 Outstanding display at left-back.

5. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal):

 Unstoppable with another brace.

6. Martin Odegaard (Arsenal):

 Outstanding contribution with an excellent finish.

7. Joao Gomes (Wolves):

Scored two brilliant goals.

8. Simon Adingra (Brighton): 

Two goals against Sheffield United.

9. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool):

Impressive return with a goal and an assist.

10. Rasmus Hojlund (Man Utd):

 Two goals and a stellar performance.

11. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa):

Continued goal-scoring form.

Manager: Mikel Arteta (Arsenal):

 Arsenal's stunning performance away from home.

Strategic Insights: Utilizing the Free-Hit Chip

With several highly-owned players absent this week, managers face crucial decisions regarding when to deploy the Free Hit chip. The chip allows unlimited transfers in a single Gameweek and can be used once per season. Managers can revamp their squads, aiming to gain an advantage by selecting players with significant point potential.

Strategic Considerations:

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

These 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 effectively. By then, they will know the BGW29 schedule, determined by the FA Cup fifth-round matches preceding Gameweek 27.

3. Player Absences and Team Strategy:

 Absences of key midfielders like Cole Palmer, Mohamed Salah, and Diogo Jota pose challenges for managers. Five of the ten most-owned midfielders are unavailable for BGW26.

Strategic Player Picks:

1. Midfield Solutions:

 Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto, and Hwang Hee-chan offer promising midfield solutions in BGW26.

2. Attacking Options:

Rasmus Hojlund presents a compelling option for managers looking to bolster their attack.

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.

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.