Fantasy Premier League (FPL) has become a popular pastime for millions of football enthusiasts worldwide. The game allows players to build their own fantasy football team, manage it throughout the season, and compete against other managers based on the real-life performance of players in the Premier League. One of the key aspects of the FPL game is the use of chips, which are special tools that managers can use to enhance their team’s performance during the season. Among these chips, the Free Hit is one of the most strategic and useful options available. This article will explain what a Free Hit is in FPL, how it works, and how you can effectively use it to gain an advantage over your competition.
Understanding the Free Hit Chip
A Free Hit is a one-time-use chip that allows Fantasy Premier League managers to make unlimited changes to their team for a single Gameweek. This is different from a standard transfer, which is limited by the number of free transfers a manager has each week. When you use a Free Hit, you can make as many changes as you want without any penalty, and you can return to your original team after the Gameweek ends. Essentially, the Free Hit allows you to temporarily overhaul your squad to better suit the upcoming fixtures, without impacting your overall team for the following Gameweeks.
It’s important to note that the Free Hit chip can only be used once during a season, so careful consideration is required when deciding the right time to deploy it. Unlike other chips, such as the Wildcard, which allows unlimited transfers for a longer period, the Free Hit is limited to just one Gameweek.
How Does the Free Hit Chip Work
When you activate the Free Hit chip, the process is straightforward. You can make as many transfers as needed for that particular Gameweek, selecting players based on form, upcoming fixtures, injuries, or suspensions. Once you make the changes, your team for that week will be completely different from the one you had in the previous Gameweek.
However, the key feature of the Free Hit is that it only lasts for one Gameweek. At the end of the Gameweek, all the changes made will be reversed, and your team will return to the previous state before the chip was activated. For instance, if you had made transfers to bring in players with a favorable fixture, but those players didn’t perform well or sustained injuries, your original team will be restored for the next Gameweek without any harm done to your overall squad.
It’s also important to remember that the Free Hit chip does not affect your overall budget. So, you won’t have to worry about going over your allocated budget for your team when making these temporary changes.
Why Should You Use a Free Hit in FPL
There are several strategic reasons why you might choose to use the Free Hit chip during the FPL season. Here are some key situations where deploying a Free Hit could be beneficial:
Blank Gameweeks
Blank Gameweeks occur when a set of Premier League fixtures are postponed, often due to cup commitments or other external factors. In these situations, many teams may have fewer players available for selection, as some teams might not have any matches in that particular Gameweek. The Free Hit chip allows you to make unlimited transfers and field a full squad even during these blank weeks.
For example, if your regular squad is missing several players due to blank fixtures, the Free Hit chip enables you to select players from teams that are still playing that week, giving you the chance to field a competitive team without suffering from missing fixtures.
Double Gameweeks
Double Gameweeks are another situation where a Free Hit chip can prove to be incredibly useful. Double Gameweeks occur when some teams have two fixtures scheduled in a single Gameweek. Managers often look to capitalize on the increased potential for points, especially from key players who will play more than once.
The Free Hit chip can help you maximize the number of players from teams with two matches. Instead of holding onto your original squad, which may not have players scheduled for double fixtures, you can temporarily bring in players with favorable double Gameweek matches and reap the rewards of their extra points.
Injury Crisis or Suspensions
During the course of a season, injuries or suspensions can significantly affect a manager’s squad. In certain weeks, your team might be decimated by a combination of injuries, suspensions, or even international duty. The Free Hit chip can come to the rescue in such cases, enabling you to completely rebuild your squad without penalty for a single Gameweek.
For example, if several of your key players are injured or unavailable, you can use the Free Hit to bring in fit and informed players, ensuring that you can still field a strong team, even if your regular squad is missing multiple players.
Tactical Shifts
There are times when, based on form or fixture difficulty, managers may want to take advantage of specific players who are in excellent form. Rather than waiting for a Wildcard or making multiple transfers, the Free Hit allows you to temporarily capitalize on specific players that you would not normally have in your team.
For instance, if a team has a particularly favorable set of fixtures over the next few weeks, but you don’t want to transfer in those players for the long-term, you can use the Free Hit to select those players for one Gameweek. Afterward, you can return to your original squad.
Best Strategies for Using the Free Hit Chip
Knowing when to deploy the Free Hit chip is key to maximizing its benefits. Here are some strategies to help you use it effectively:
Plan Around Blank and Double Gameweeks
Blank and Double Gameweeks are among the most common situations where the Free Hit chip is essential. Ensure that you keep an eye on the Premier League fixture schedule, especially in the latter stages of the season. This will help you predict when these Gameweeks are likely to occur, allowing you to use your Free Hit at the optimal time.
Monitor Player Form
It’s also wise to pay attention to player form when deciding to use the Free Hit chip. If a particular player is on an extraordinary run of form, or if a team has an outstanding run of fixtures, the Free Hit chip allows you to bring in these players for a short burst, taking advantage of their form.
Maximize Your Team’s Points Potential
When using the Free Hit chip, think about which players will offer the most points potential. Look at factors like fixture difficulty, player injuries, and matchups to build the most effective team for the week. This is an opportunity to optimize your team for one Gameweek, so make the most of it.
FAQs
When Should I Use the Free Hit Chip?
The Free Hit is especially useful during Blank Gameweeks, when many teams are not playing due to postponed fixtures. It’s also beneficial during Double Gameweeks, when certain teams play two matches, allowing you to maximize your points potential by bringing in players who have more opportunities to score.
Can I Use the Free Hit Chip More Than Once?
No, you can only use the Free Hit chip once per season. Since it’s a powerful tool, it’s important to choose the right moment to use it, such as during blank weeks or double weeks when you want to optimize your team.
Do I Need to Worry About My Budget When Using the Free Hit?
No, using the Free Hit chip does not affect your overall budget. You can make as many transfers as you want within the Gameweek without worrying about exceeding your allocated funds. Once the chip expires, your team will return to its original state, including the budget.
Can I Make Changes After Using the Free Hit?
Once the Free Hit is active, you can make as many changes as you like until the Gameweek deadline. However, once the Gameweek is over, the changes will be reversed, and your team will be restored to how it was before using the Free Hit chip.
To Conclude
The Free Hit chip is one of the most powerful tools available to FPL managers. It offers a unique opportunity to make unlimited transfers for a single Gameweek, without any long-term consequences. By strategically using the Free Hit during key moments such as Blank Gameweeks, Double Gameweeks, or when dealing with injuries and suspensions, you can ensure that your team remains competitive throughout the season.
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