FPL Chip Strategy 2025/26: When to Play Wildcard, Triple Captain & More

When it comes to planning ahead in Fantasy Premier League, chip usage is often the difference between a strong season and a disappointing one. FPL Chip Strategy 2025/26: When to Play Wildcard, Triple Captain & More takes a closer look at the key moments to activate each chip, helping you maximise points when it matters most.

In this article, we’ll break down the best rounds to target, the risks to avoid, and how to shape a strategy that keeps you climbing the ranks.

Wildcard

There are plenty of great opportunities to use the Wildcard, so let’s take a look at some of the most popular times to use it:

Gameweek 8 – Right now! International breaks can be very popular times to trigger a wildcard. As well being ideal to navigate any potential injuries, it also gives managers time to look back at the data, plan ahead and target fixture swings. Wildcarding ahead of Gameweek 8 could also help set up for a Bench Boost (when Burnley play against Leeds).

Gameweek 9 – Wildcarding in Gameweek 9 has very similar benefits to wildcarding in Gameweek 9. As well as investing in teams like Newcastle, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and West Ham, Burnley and Leeds have good fixtures for those that want to prepare for a Bench Boost.

Gameweek 12 – With five free AFCON transfers ahead of Gameweek 16, Gameweek 12 could be the last best opportunity to use the Wildcard. FPL managers could activate the chip to attack good runs for Liverpool, Manchester City and Bournemouth who rank near the top of the Fantasy Football Scout Fixture ticker during that time. It’s also during an international break which adds overall appeal.

We have to remember though, most teams are different, and using the Wildcard is team specific. So if you feel like you have too many issues within your squad (injuries, out of form players etc), then using the Wildcard when it’s needed is also viable.

Bench Boost

FPL managers generally use Bench Boost when their cheap budget players on the bench have good fixtures. With that in mind let’s take look at some rounds we could use it in:

Gameweek 8 – Those that used the Wildcard in Gameweek 6/7 may have already planned for this. Newly promoted sides Leeds and Burnley face-off, whilst fellow former Championship side Sunderland also have an excellent fixture against Wolves.

Gameweek 9 – For those who can’t play Bench Boost in Gameweek 8, Gameweek 9 could be a another good opening. Burnley clash with Wolves, whilst Leeds meet with West Ham who have had a ropey start to the campaign.

Gameweek 11 – Gameweek 11 also sees the likes of Burnley and Leeds with good fixtures. Burnley meet with West Ham, whilst Leeds have a game against Nottingham Forest.

After a Wildcard – Most Gameweeks are usually a good time to use Bench Boost if your side has been prepared with a Wildcard in the round prior.

Any given Gameweek – Again, most teams are different, so using the Bench Boost when you believe every player in your side has an average to good fixture could be beneficial.

Plan for the new rounds ahead, and check out teams with the best fixtures after the international break.

Free Hit

Without Double or Blank Gameweeks in the first half of the season, using the Free Hit to target and avoid fixtures could be a wise play. Let’s take a look at when using it could be rewarding:

Gameweek 10 – Avoiding clashes between Manchester City and Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Liverpool, and Tottenham and Chelsea could be helpful.

Gameweek 12 – FPL managers could look to avoid clashes between Tottenham and Arsenal, and Manchester City and Newcastle. We could also stock up on Chelsea assets v Burnley, and Aston Villa assets v Leeds if the former improve.

Gameweek 15 – Manchester City face Sunderland, Liverpool meet with Leeds, and Newcastle play Burnley, so FPL managers could look to stock up on their assets before the AFCON transfers come in.

Whenever you need to – Injuries could play a part in when you use the Free Hit. Using it when you have multiple issues could be good play.

Triple Captain

Taking into account Mohamed Salah’ major dip in form, and Erling Haaland’ fantastic start to the campaign, finding the Norwegian’ best upcoming fixtures could dictate as to when we play the triple captain chip:

Gameweek 13 – Manchester City come up against newly Leeds this week. What is even more appealing is that Erling Haaland will face them at home.

Gameweek 15 – For those uninterested by Gameweek 13, then Gameweek 15 could be another prime opportunity to put the triple captain on Haaland. Manchester City play newly promoted team Sunderland at home, which could see him succeed.

Gameweek 18 – If Ange Postecoglu is still in charge of Nottingham Forest at this point, then it could be a fantastic fixture. Since taking over Forest are struggling to convince from a defensive perspective.