Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is one of the most popular fantasy sports games, allowing football fans to create their dream team of Premier League players while competing against others based on real-world performances. One of the most powerful tools available in FPL is the wildcard, a feature that enables managers to make unlimited transfers without incurring points penalties. Understanding how many wildcards you get and when to use them is crucial for a successful FPL season. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of wildcards in FPL, including how many you get and the best times to use them.

What is a Wildcard in FPL

A wildcard is a special type of transfer in Fantasy Premier League that allows you to make unlimited changes to your team for a specific period, without any point deductions for exceeding the normal transfer limit. Normally, FPL managers are allowed one free transfer per gameweek, with additional transfers costing a deduction of points. However, when you use a wildcard, you can make as many changes as you like without penalty. This flexibility is essential for adjusting your squad according to player form, injuries, and upcoming fixtures.

How Many Wildcards Do You Get in FPL

In Fantasy Premier League, managers are given two wildcards for the season—one for the first half of the campaign and another for the second half. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

First Wildcard – Available until the end of Gameweek 19

The first wildcard is available to use at any time before the end of Gameweek 19. This is a popular time for managers to overhaul their teams as it allows them to make big changes following the first half of the season, typically after the busy Christmas period.

Second Wildcard – Available from Gameweek 20 onwards

The second wildcard becomes available for use after Gameweek 19, and it can be used until the end of the season. This is particularly useful for managers looking to optimize their teams for the final stretch of the campaign, whether to secure a top position in mini-leagues or prepare for the double gameweeks that often occur in the latter stages of the season.

Both wildcards are invaluable in helping to adjust your squad to changes in form, injuries, and fixture congestion, especially when there are plenty of changes and surprises in the Premier League season.

When Should You Use Your Wildcard

The strategic use of a wildcard can make or break your FPL season. While the decision is up to individual managers, there are a few key moments when using your wildcard is highly beneficial:

After a Bad Run of Results

If your team has suffered from injuries or poor form, using the wildcard to completely overhaul your squad can help get your season back on track. A wildcard allows you to make multiple changes without penalty, meaning you can react quickly to poor player performances or new opportunities.

During International Breaks or Transfer Windows

International breaks and the winter transfer window are often the perfect time to use your wildcard. These periods allow you to refresh your team by bringing in players who have recently moved to the Premier League or adjusting your squad in anticipation of changes in player form.

Ahead of Double Gameweeks

Double gameweeks, where teams play twice in a single week, are crucial for FPL success. Using a wildcard ahead of these gameweeks can help you maximize your points potential by loading up on players who are playing twice. These gameweeks often happen later in the season, so it’s wise to plan your wildcard use in advance to take full advantage.

In Response to Fixture Shifts

The fixture schedule can change due to cup runs, postponements, or rescheduling, which often leaves managers needing to adjust their teams. Using a wildcard allows you to make adjustments to your squad for an upcoming run of fixtures, potentially bringing in players with favorable upcoming matches.

Other Key Considerations for Wildcards

While the wildcard is an incredibly powerful tool, there are a few important factors to consider before using it:

Don’t Waste It Too Early

While it might be tempting to use your wildcard at the start of the season to quickly pick a dream team, this can often be a mistake. Players’ forms are still settling, and injuries are less predictable, meaning a wildcard in the early weeks could result in unnecessary changes. It’s generally best to wait for at least a few gameweeks to make a more informed decision.

Strategic Planning

Planning ahead is essential when using your wildcard. Consider how upcoming fixtures, injuries, and form changes will affect your squad. Using a wildcard with foresight—rather than as a reactionary move—will often yield better results.

Balance Short-Term and Long-Term Needs

When making changes, remember that while immediate fixes may be necessary, long-term planning is crucial for overall success. Make sure that the players you bring in fit well with your overall strategy for the season.

FAQs

Can I Save My Wildcard?

No, you cannot save wildcards from one season to the next. If you don’t use your wildcard during the period it’s available, it will expire at the end of that period. However, you can carry forward your wildcard if you don’t use it in the first half of the season, but it must be used by Gameweek 16.

When Should I Use My Wildcard?

Using a wildcard should be a strategic decision. It’s ideal for when you need to make multiple changes to your team, such as when a series of injuries, suspensions, or underperforming players leave you with no viable options. It’s also wise to use your wildcard when there are fixture swings or double gameweeks that could benefit your team.

Does Using a Wildcard Affect My Overall Points?

Using a wildcard doesn’t directly impact your overall points score. You will still earn points based on the performance of the players you select, but the transfer changes you make using a wildcard won’t result in point deductions, unlike regular transfers.

Can I Use a Wildcard and a Free Transfer in the Same Gameweek?

Yes, you can use a wildcard and a free transfer in the same Gameweek. However, the wildcard will allow you to make as many changes as you need, while the free transfer is limited to one. If you use both, you’ll still only get one free transfer, and any additional transfers will cost points.

To Conclude

In Fantasy Premier League, the wildcard is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. By understanding how many wildcards you get—two per season—and strategically using them at the right times, you can maximize your chances of success. Whether you’re using your first wildcard to overhaul your team mid-season or planning your second wildcard around key fixtures, effective wildcard usage can be the key to achieving your FPL goals. 

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