With the season entering its decisive phase, Fantasy Premier League managers are facing one of the most important decision points of the campaign. Fixtures are arriving rapidly, and in the current gameweek alone, six Premier League teams are scheduled to play twice. That has placed chip strategy firmly at the centre of discussion ahead of gameweek 33.
As the final stretch approaches, FPL experts, including analyst Gianni Buttice and members of the FPL podcast team, have been evaluating whether now is the optimal moment to deploy chips such as the Wildcard, Bench Boost, Free Hit, or Triple Captain.
Is this the key double gameweek?
Buttice believes this period represents the most significant double gameweek of the season, making it a crucial opportunity for managers to maximise points. With multiple teams playing twice, he suggests that using a chip is not just beneficial but almost essential to fully capitalise on the fixture swing.
A large number of managers have already reacted accordingly. Around half a million Wildcards were activated in gameweek 32, with many managers restructuring their squads specifically to prepare for a Bench Boost in gameweek 33. The idea is simple: build a squad of 15 players all capable of playing twice, then unleash maximum points in one explosive week.
However, strategy comes with complexity. Buttice also warns that teams doubling in gameweek 33 will blank in gameweek 34, meaning managers will need to restructure again almost immediately. Because of this, many believe the Wildcard or Free Hit chip should ideally be used either this week or next, since it is difficult to optimise both gameweeks simultaneously without sacrificing points.
He also notes that the Triple Captain chip remains valuable later in the season, with Manchester City forward Erling Haaland likely to feature in another double gameweek around gameweek 36, offering another strong opportunity for explosive returns.
Expert chip strategies
FPL analyst Statman Dave supports a similar approach. He argues that the ideal strategy for managers who still have their Wildcard available was to activate it in gameweek 32, build a full squad of double-gameweek players, and then use Bench Boost immediately in gameweek 33.
However, broadcaster Alistair Bruce-Ball offered a slightly different perspective. Without using his Wildcard earlier, he suggests that the Free Hit chip is the best option for his team. The Free Hit allows managers to temporarily build an ideal XI for one week without changing their long-term squad.
Bruce-Ball also points out a different potential strategy: saving the Bench Boost for a later double gameweek, possibly gameweek 36, when teams like Manchester City and Crystal Palace are expected to double again.
Best budget players to target
Attention then turns to value picks for managers working within tighter budgets. Buttice highlights clubs such as Bournemouth, Brighton, and Leeds United as having favourable double-gameweek fixtures, offering strong budget-friendly options.
Among those, Leeds United stand out due to their upcoming home match against Wolves and recent strong performance at Old Trafford. Several low-cost players from Leeds are being recommended as potential differential picks.
Defensively, Jaka Bijol is identified as a standout option priced at just £3.9m, known for his defensive contributions and reliability. Meanwhile, Jayden Bogle offers attacking potential from full-back, often playing advanced positions and delivering quality crosses into the box.
In attack, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is highlighted as a player who may be due a breakthrough despite a recent goal drought. Even though he has not scored in his last seven league appearances, underlying performance data suggests he is still getting into dangerous positions, making him a strong candidate for a return.
Statman Dave agrees, suggesting that patience with Calvert-Lewin could pay off in a double gameweek where one or two goals could significantly boost fantasy ranks.
Manchester City assets under the spotlight
Much of the discussion also centres around Manchester City’s attacking options. Haaland remains the standout captaincy choice for most managers, particularly given City’s favourable fixtures, including a trip to Burnley.
With the title race potentially coming down to goal difference, there is an expectation that City will continue to play aggressively in attack, further boosting the appeal of their forwards and midfielders.
Alongside Haaland, players such as Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki are being considered by managers looking for differentials. Semenyo is seen as the more consistent goal threat, having completed multiple full 90-minute appearances since joining his current setup.
Cherki, meanwhile, is described as a more creative presence, likely to accumulate assists rather than goals. Analysts note that while he has been one of City’s most influential attacking players in recent months, his tendency to be substituted early may limit his fantasy ceiling.
Statman Dave adds that Cherki could still be a strong differential option, particularly if injuries or rotation open up more consistent playing time.
Concern over Nico O’Reilly’s fitness
Another major talking point is the fitness of Nico O’Reilly, who has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season. The young full-back has contributed nine goals from open play, an unusually high number for a defensive player.
By comparison, established attacking midfielders such as Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka have recorded five and seven goals respectively.
However, O’Reilly is currently flagged after suffering what appeared to be a hamstring issue in a recent match against Chelsea. His availability for upcoming fixtures is uncertain, and managers are waiting for updates from Manchester City’s press conference.
There is speculation that Pep Guardiola may prioritise physical presence in certain matches, particularly against Arsenal, where aerial strength and versatility could be important. O’Reilly’s height and tactical flexibility make him an important part of those plans when fit.
Still, some analysts are pessimistic about his recovery timeline. Former striker Chris Sutton has suggested that a hamstring injury typically requires longer recovery, making it unlikely that O’Reilly will be fully fit for the upcoming high-intensity fixtures.
Final FPL outlook
As the season reaches its climax, managers face a balancing act between immediate rewards and long-term planning. With double gameweeks, fixture congestion, and potential blanks all colliding, chip timing could define season success or failure.
Those who plan carefully—especially around teams like Manchester City and Leeds—could gain a major advantage. But misusing chips at this stage could just as easily derail a season’s progress.
For now, FPL managers wait for team news, press conferences, and final confirmations before making their decisive moves.
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