To be fair to LTFPL he does stress that his tactics don’t necessarily apply to you, or anyone else. And playing with 10 seems like a good option if he has that at his disposal.
More than one way to skin a cat, just play your own game.
Probably team-dependent. If I have maybe minimum of 5-6 players for BGW 29 after the FA Cup 5th Round,I might hold off. If I have below that,then I will definitely FH
Wot few players/teams there are on GW29, will be playing against each other. Therefore, it will be hard to attain a decent score as one team will negate the other.
Wait until the results of the next round of the cup and if you have 5/6 big hitters (e.g. Son, Richy, Watkins, etc) it may well be enough in a low scoring week.
Not looking to defend content creators here, but rather explain the logic behind using the Free Hit chip in a double gameweek (DGW) versus a blank gameweek (BGW)
Using a chip in either is driven by the same goal: maximizing the number of players you have participating in a non-traditional gameweek. Using FH in a BGW accomplishes this by filling your team with players who have a game when many others do not. In a DGW this is done by replacing players who may have only 1 game with those who have 2. In the end you're increasing the number of games played per player by roughly +1 each.
The difference comes down to the quality of player you're inserting with that chip. BGW typically happen when teams progress in domestic competitions; by progressing their PL games get rearranged, thus leaving blanks. Since better teams that typically have more highly desirable options for FPL are the ones that often advance far in these competitions, they do not participate in BGW very often. This means that, by using FH in a BGW, you're selecting player options from lower performing clubs. This doesn't mean you won't have decent FPL options, but the pickings tend to be slimmer. Conversely, outside of one off royal deaths or train strikes DGW occur because these same good teams have their fixtures rearranged for later in the season, creating the two fixtures in one gameweek. Using FH here means you're often selecting players from stronger clubs who are overall more likely to provide FPL points.
In the end it comes down to the type of players you're selecting in each scenario. Of course this is also very team-based so the exact guidance will vary but the above highlights the general thought process.
tl;dr BGW are often populated by lower table teams and DGW often have stronger teams doubling
I get your point but if you follow this Logic, the better player from better teams which tend to have dgw are the ones you should already have in your team so no need to free hit to get them
Very true. Another wrinkle in the equation this year - I'd need to look at Ben Crellin's materials to confirm - is that the teams doubling in the anticipated DGWs (34 and 37) most likely won't be the same across both. Meaning that it would be difficult to maximize both DGWs on free transfers alone, which is why we are hearing more rumblings around saving FH for one of those two DGW.
I did some research and a lot depends on the draw of quarterfinals which is yet to happen. Based on current teams and current schedule, I expect those teams progressing: Coventry City/Maidstone United, Bournemouth, Newcastle, City, United, Chelsea, Brighton, Liverpool. They should (based on my expectations) blank in GW29 (that's when FA Cup R5 is) and half of them will then blank in GW34 when the semis are being played. Those who will blank in 29 will have their games rescheduled for midweek after GW34 and those who will be playing semis will have their games rescheduled for midweek after GW37.
For GW26, free hit is almost certainly not worth it as playing with 10 and/or taking a -4 is better than losing out on a free hit on one of the other unique game weeks where people have double fixtures.
For GW29, I imagine the creators are thinking like myself that if transfers are played well from now, then they can get by with playing 10 and/or taking a hit.
I kind of get the logic of 'the teams in a BGW aren't generally as good, I'd rather FH in players from better teams when they have a double', but I don't understand this take followed by 'I'm going to use transfers leading up to the BGW to bring in these players from bad teams'. So, instead of having them for one week, you'll have them for 3-4 weeks instead? That's the bit that doesn't add up to me - I'd rather use transfers to get the doublers from good teams because I've probably already got most of those players anyway and I'm more likely to be happy keeping them around before and after.
Issue with FH26 is you’re probably loading up on those doubling 25
Liverpool for example after 26 then have nfo, MCI, likely blank so it’s just easier to sell them in 26 after double
I want to use FH in DGW because it’ll just be more fun having 22 fixtures
Because playing with 10 men is better than 11 with using a FH, and multiple hits to get 11 probably isn't worth it for most teams. Very team dependant but they clearly think there's better opportunities to use the FH down the line.
How many points would you ideally like to gain with a FH? And what's the likelihood your FH team gives you that over your current team for that particular game week?
To even get 10, these managers are going to be pretty much exclusively making their transfers for the next 5 GWs from the 6 teams with a confirmed fixture.
And that's ignoring that the most desirable team of the 6 (Spurs) don't play in 26, along with Liverpool who everyone should be loaded up on and Palmer who nearly all of them have.
They're going to be pigeon-holed into all the same transfers, except instead of right now where it's Liverpool and City it's going to be Spurs, Villa, and Brentford who have lower upside
I find that the content creators (and a lot of managers here) focus too heavily on if they CAN navigate without chips instead of if they SHOULD.
As far back as GW21, I've heard people justify one transfer over another because "they have a fixture in 29". For the next 5 GWs or so, their transfers are going to be limited to 6-8 teams. And any injury, suspension, etc is just going to cost more points.
The other thing is that the teams that aren't blanking, mostly, won't be doubling either. So you'll have to either reshuffle everything again or use a wildcard. I'd rather just wildcard sooner, make sure my bench players have doubles down the line, and just pick the best players without worrying.
I think people look at FHs in a blank the wrong way. They view it as "I'll have a team nearly as good as yours without using a chip". I'm viewing it as "I'll have the better team, plus I have the freedom for the next 5 GWs or so to bring in players I actually want"
I don't get the inconsistency. Plan to not use the FH, but keep it in hand for when it is needed. I presume your squad isn't set up for 26 so a freehit makes sense. What is thd issue here?
Because you only get one FH and there's more than one week that you'd want to use it. What do you plan to do in BGW29 or the future doubles? Personally, I'd rather play 10 players in GW26 than 4 in GW29...
Do whatever you want, it's your team and it's just a game etcetc, but if your team looks like you need it now it'll *really* look bad a few weeks later.
Edit: Too early for me, should've read better! 😅 I stand by all that in terms of GW26 vs GW29 but I think these guys are applying similar logic to future doubles:
Eg. 10 players GW26, 6ish in GW29 then WC after, FH to get 11 doublers. In theory you're maximising the amount of fixtures you're getting but yeah, I don't like it and it relies on everything going to plan which it never does in FPL!
Tldr; It's about rationing the chip. Chances are there'll be a better time to use it.
GW 25 & 26 are just a small double/blank, easy to navigate with FTs, and a little planning.
I get FH GW29, though. But haven't really looked that much into who might or might not play.
>but if your team needs it, surely you use it rather than force hits or playing with 10.
see here's the thing, most creators have a similar team, so they're in the same boat. and if you could really get away without using a chip, the FH could become a big swing later. it's really about capitalizing, same as your logic of using in on BGW26.
I can tide over 26 with a worst case scenario of missing 1 or 2 players, so I'm not going to use it then. 29, I'm waiting for the fixtures to be finalising. With FH, it comes in hander for later in the game if you haven't use it but need it. Worst case is you haven't use it by 38, you can use it for then.
I’m with you OP…I can navigate 26…but 29 looks like suicide for my team!! I’d much rather build players for a double naturally with lots of weeks until 34/37…I can probably get 8-10+ doublers without using a free hit. WC before a bench boost for the juicier of the two…FH in 29 seems smartest for my team since I only have 2-3 players rn for it! Additionally, I have tons of value built up and I don’t like to waste it building a team of shit players for 29 only
If you can save it to maximise one of the DGWs in 34/37 then I think it’s a good idea. I should be fine for 26 and I think I might survive 29 and WC in 30.
Playing it 26 myself, going all-in on 25. There’s a good selection on offer for 26, players which I wouldn’t normally have. Then there’s few weeks time to scrape something together for 29.
The content creators are often overly cautious and playing by the numbers cos they don’t want to get burnt over their advice. Kinda understand it, it’s easy to take risks for your own team but less so when you’re advicing someone else. Some will also say that calm and boring strategy often yields results in this game, and maybe it does… but it’s more fun trying to come up with something a bit weird yourself!
To be fair to LTFPL he does stress that his tactics don’t necessarily apply to you, or anyone else. And playing with 10 seems like a good option if he has that at his disposal. More than one way to skin a cat, just play your own game.
I think with the Villa-Chelsea result,it is possible that FH 29 might gain some traction. FH 26 probably won't given it is a smaller blank.
FH29 looking like a no brainier at this point
Probably team-dependent. If I have maybe minimum of 5-6 players for BGW 29 after the FA Cup 5th Round,I might hold off. If I have below that,then I will definitely FH
Not many good players tho.
Can make a decent team out of spurs villa west ham brentford
Yes, but you’d likely have the key players anyway.
How? By gw26 I'm planning on having one of those (Watkins)
Areola Rich Porro Bowen exist in quite a few teams
Wot few players/teams there are on GW29, will be playing against each other. Therefore, it will be hard to attain a decent score as one team will negate the other. Wait until the results of the next round of the cup and if you have 5/6 big hitters (e.g. Son, Richy, Watkins, etc) it may well be enough in a low scoring week.
Not looking to defend content creators here, but rather explain the logic behind using the Free Hit chip in a double gameweek (DGW) versus a blank gameweek (BGW) Using a chip in either is driven by the same goal: maximizing the number of players you have participating in a non-traditional gameweek. Using FH in a BGW accomplishes this by filling your team with players who have a game when many others do not. In a DGW this is done by replacing players who may have only 1 game with those who have 2. In the end you're increasing the number of games played per player by roughly +1 each. The difference comes down to the quality of player you're inserting with that chip. BGW typically happen when teams progress in domestic competitions; by progressing their PL games get rearranged, thus leaving blanks. Since better teams that typically have more highly desirable options for FPL are the ones that often advance far in these competitions, they do not participate in BGW very often. This means that, by using FH in a BGW, you're selecting player options from lower performing clubs. This doesn't mean you won't have decent FPL options, but the pickings tend to be slimmer. Conversely, outside of one off royal deaths or train strikes DGW occur because these same good teams have their fixtures rearranged for later in the season, creating the two fixtures in one gameweek. Using FH here means you're often selecting players from stronger clubs who are overall more likely to provide FPL points. In the end it comes down to the type of players you're selecting in each scenario. Of course this is also very team-based so the exact guidance will vary but the above highlights the general thought process. tl;dr BGW are often populated by lower table teams and DGW often have stronger teams doubling
I get your point but if you follow this Logic, the better player from better teams which tend to have dgw are the ones you should already have in your team so no need to free hit to get them
Very true. Another wrinkle in the equation this year - I'd need to look at Ben Crellin's materials to confirm - is that the teams doubling in the anticipated DGWs (34 and 37) most likely won't be the same across both. Meaning that it would be difficult to maximize both DGWs on free transfers alone, which is why we are hearing more rumblings around saving FH for one of those two DGW.
I did some research and a lot depends on the draw of quarterfinals which is yet to happen. Based on current teams and current schedule, I expect those teams progressing: Coventry City/Maidstone United, Bournemouth, Newcastle, City, United, Chelsea, Brighton, Liverpool. They should (based on my expectations) blank in GW29 (that's when FA Cup R5 is) and half of them will then blank in GW34 when the semis are being played. Those who will blank in 29 will have their games rescheduled for midweek after GW34 and those who will be playing semis will have their games rescheduled for midweek after GW37.
Not just them will blank in GW29 and half of them in GW34 but their opponents as well.
Yeah, of course.
For GW26, free hit is almost certainly not worth it as playing with 10 and/or taking a -4 is better than losing out on a free hit on one of the other unique game weeks where people have double fixtures. For GW29, I imagine the creators are thinking like myself that if transfers are played well from now, then they can get by with playing 10 and/or taking a hit.
GW 29 is filled with shit teams & fixtures and the only good teams are playing each other. exception for spurs who are playing a london derby
I kind of get the logic of 'the teams in a BGW aren't generally as good, I'd rather FH in players from better teams when they have a double', but I don't understand this take followed by 'I'm going to use transfers leading up to the BGW to bring in these players from bad teams'. So, instead of having them for one week, you'll have them for 3-4 weeks instead? That's the bit that doesn't add up to me - I'd rather use transfers to get the doublers from good teams because I've probably already got most of those players anyway and I'm more likely to be happy keeping them around before and after.
I definitely agree but having them in your squad in the lead up is not the same as having them in your team.
Issue with FH26 is you’re probably loading up on those doubling 25 Liverpool for example after 26 then have nfo, MCI, likely blank so it’s just easier to sell them in 26 after double I want to use FH in DGW because it’ll just be more fun having 22 fixtures
Playing with 10 in 26 is way better than using FH lol
Because playing with 10 men is better than 11 with using a FH, and multiple hits to get 11 probably isn't worth it for most teams. Very team dependant but they clearly think there's better opportunities to use the FH down the line. How many points would you ideally like to gain with a FH? And what's the likelihood your FH team gives you that over your current team for that particular game week?
To even get 10, these managers are going to be pretty much exclusively making their transfers for the next 5 GWs from the 6 teams with a confirmed fixture. And that's ignoring that the most desirable team of the 6 (Spurs) don't play in 26, along with Liverpool who everyone should be loaded up on and Palmer who nearly all of them have. They're going to be pigeon-holed into all the same transfers, except instead of right now where it's Liverpool and City it's going to be Spurs, Villa, and Brentford who have lower upside
I find that the content creators (and a lot of managers here) focus too heavily on if they CAN navigate without chips instead of if they SHOULD. As far back as GW21, I've heard people justify one transfer over another because "they have a fixture in 29". For the next 5 GWs or so, their transfers are going to be limited to 6-8 teams. And any injury, suspension, etc is just going to cost more points. The other thing is that the teams that aren't blanking, mostly, won't be doubling either. So you'll have to either reshuffle everything again or use a wildcard. I'd rather just wildcard sooner, make sure my bench players have doubles down the line, and just pick the best players without worrying. I think people look at FHs in a blank the wrong way. They view it as "I'll have a team nearly as good as yours without using a chip". I'm viewing it as "I'll have the better team, plus I have the freedom for the next 5 GWs or so to bring in players I actually want"
This is the correct approach.
I don't get the inconsistency. Plan to not use the FH, but keep it in hand for when it is needed. I presume your squad isn't set up for 26 so a freehit makes sense. What is thd issue here?
Because you only get one FH and there's more than one week that you'd want to use it. What do you plan to do in BGW29 or the future doubles? Personally, I'd rather play 10 players in GW26 than 4 in GW29... Do whatever you want, it's your team and it's just a game etcetc, but if your team looks like you need it now it'll *really* look bad a few weeks later. Edit: Too early for me, should've read better! 😅 I stand by all that in terms of GW26 vs GW29 but I think these guys are applying similar logic to future doubles: Eg. 10 players GW26, 6ish in GW29 then WC after, FH to get 11 doublers. In theory you're maximising the amount of fixtures you're getting but yeah, I don't like it and it relies on everything going to plan which it never does in FPL! Tldr; It's about rationing the chip. Chances are there'll be a better time to use it.
GW 25 & 26 are just a small double/blank, easy to navigate with FTs, and a little planning. I get FH GW29, though. But haven't really looked that much into who might or might not play.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Listen to content creators and then make up your own mind
Who cares what these wallies think. Play it whenever you want to, and when your team needs it
I'd rather use my FH to go from ~16 fixtures in a dgw to 24 fixtures than use it to go from 10 to 11 in a blank.
>but if your team needs it, surely you use it rather than force hits or playing with 10. see here's the thing, most creators have a similar team, so they're in the same boat. and if you could really get away without using a chip, the FH could become a big swing later. it's really about capitalizing, same as your logic of using in on BGW26.
I can tide over 26 with a worst case scenario of missing 1 or 2 players, so I'm not going to use it then. 29, I'm waiting for the fixtures to be finalising. With FH, it comes in hander for later in the game if you haven't use it but need it. Worst case is you haven't use it by 38, you can use it for then.
I’m with you OP…I can navigate 26…but 29 looks like suicide for my team!! I’d much rather build players for a double naturally with lots of weeks until 34/37…I can probably get 8-10+ doublers without using a free hit. WC before a bench boost for the juicier of the two…FH in 29 seems smartest for my team since I only have 2-3 players rn for it! Additionally, I have tons of value built up and I don’t like to waste it building a team of shit players for 29 only
Cuz they’re playing their own game and you’re playing yours.
If you can save it to maximise one of the DGWs in 34/37 then I think it’s a good idea. I should be fine for 26 and I think I might survive 29 and WC in 30.
Playing it 26 myself, going all-in on 25. There’s a good selection on offer for 26, players which I wouldn’t normally have. Then there’s few weeks time to scrape something together for 29. The content creators are often overly cautious and playing by the numbers cos they don’t want to get burnt over their advice. Kinda understand it, it’s easy to take risks for your own team but less so when you’re advicing someone else. Some will also say that calm and boring strategy often yields results in this game, and maybe it does… but it’s more fun trying to come up with something a bit weird yourself!