Fantasy Premier League: Navigating Blank Gameweek 29 with the Free Hit Chip

Blank Gameweek 29 (BGW29) in Fantasy Premier league (FPL) presents a strategic crossroads for managers. With Liverpool, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United having no matches, the Free Hit chip becomes a tempting option. But is it the right move?

Understanding Blank Gameweek 29

BGW29’s reduced schedule necessitates careful planning. Four teams are sidelined, creating potential squad depth issues. The Free Hit chip allows managers to field a wholly new team for one gameweek, circumventing the limitations imposed by having players from the blank teams.

Key Players and Ownership Data

Ownership percentages can heavily influence decisions. Here’s a snapshot of player ownership that highlights potentially troublesome players to own during BGW29:

Player	Position	Ownership
Salah	MID	22.1%
Watkins	FWD	19.6%
Rogers	MID	18.8%

The Case for Using the Free Hit in BGW29

One major advantage of deploying the Free Hit chip is the chance to bring in high-value players like Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (£14.7m) for his home match against Brighton & Hove Albion. According to recent reports, “Manchester City’s Norwegian striker is in his most consistent form of the campaign at present, with only two blanks in his last nine league outings.” With a relatively low ownership of 27%, Haaland could be a differential captaincy pick.

Using the Free Hit can also exploit strategies of rival managers who are “dead-ending” their squads: “bringing in players with kind short-term schedules – ahead of playing their Wildcard chip in Gameweek 30 or 31.” This allows investment in premium players by temporarily selling assets like Salah and Isak.

Potential Pitfalls: Blank Gameweek 34

The primary reason for caution is the looming Blank Gameweek 34 (BGW34). it’s essential to note that “there will be MORE clubs who are without a Premier League fixture than there are in BGW29.” BGW34’s schedule depends on the FA Cup quarter-finals, adding uncertainty. Currently,only four Premier League matches are confirmed for BGW34.

here are the confirmed matches for BGW34:

• Chelsea v Everton
• Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur
• Wolves v Leicester City
• Newcastle v Ipswich Town

However, the FA Cup quarter-final results will determine additional postponements. The following table outlines potential postponements:

GW34 fixture	Postponed if…
Arsenal v Crystal Palace	Palace win in QF
Bournemouth v Man Utd	Bournemouth win in QF
Brighton v West Ham	Brighton win in QF
Man City v Aston Villa	Man City or Villa win in QF
Nott’m Forest v Brentford	Forest win in QF
Southampton v Fulham	Fulham win in QF

The FA Cup quarter-final draw adds another layer of complexity:

• Preston v Aston Villa
• AFC Bournemouth v Manchester City
• Fulham v Crystal Palace
• Brighton v Nottingham Forest

As the article notes, “This is why so many managers have tended to be patient when using their Free hit chip in previous campaigns.” Waiting provides more data crucial for chip strategy.

Navigating BGW34 Without a Free Hit

With Liverpool and Newcastle eliminated from the FA Cup, they are confirmed to play in BGW34. “Both have favorable home matches in BGW34 – Liverpool face Spurs, while Newcastle entertain ipswich.” This allows for planning around key assets like Salah and Alexander-Arnold.

Newcastle also have a Double Gameweek 32 (DGW32) against Man Utd and palace. Therefore, investing in players like isak, Jacob Murphy (£5.0m), or Anthony Gordon (£7.4m) is advisable.

Looking Ahead to BGW34

The matches confirmed for BGW34 offer solid attacking options with home fixtures. Consider Chelsea’s Cole Palmer (£11.0m) against Everton,and Wolves’ Cunha versus leicester. If only the Wildcard is available, hold it until Gameweek 30 or 31 for more clarity on BGW34.

Option Strategies: Double Gameweeks

Consider saving the Free Hit for a Double Gameweek (DGW), which offers the potential to select 11 players and profit from 22 matches. “Such as,if Villa or Man City get through to the last four of the FA Cup,you could captain Haaland for two matches and pair him with Ollie Watkins (£8.9m), who claimed 15 points in villa’s recent Double Gameweek 25.”

Managers planning to wildcard in Gameweek 30 or 31 can build their teams around players with a DGW32 fixture and a BGW34 fixture. Using the Bench boost in DGW32 maximizes returns from players with two matches.

Conclusion

Deciding when to use the Free Hit chip requires a balanced assessment of BGW29 and BGW34 dynamics. While BGW29 presents immediate opportunities, BGW34’s uncertainties and the potential for lucrative Double Gameweeks might warrant a more patient approach. Consider your overall squad strategy and upcoming fixtures before making a final decision. Analyze your team’s weaknesses and weigh the pros and cons of using the Free Hit chip now versus saving it for a more strategic moment like a Double Gameweek. Make an informed choice that aligns with your long-term FPL goals.

How impactful will the Blank Gameweek 29 be on fantasy premier league managers’ decisions regarding player selection and the use of transfer chips?

Fantasy Premier League Strategy: Free Hit Chip in Blank Gameweek 29? An Expert Interview

Welcome, FPL enthusiasts! Today, we’re tackling a burning question in the Fantasy Premier League community: Should you use your “Free Hit” chip in Blank Gameweek 29 (BGW29)? to guide us through this strategic minefield, we have renowned FPL analyst, Alistair finch, joining us. Alistair, thanks for being hear.

Understanding Blank Gameweek 29 & The Free Hit Chip

Archyde News: Alistair, for those unfamiliar, can you quickly explain what a Blank Gameweek is and why BGW29 is causing such a stir?

Alistair Finch: Absolutely. A Blank Gameweek occurs when several Premier League teams don’t have a fixture, usually due to cup competitions. BGW29 is particularly tricky because Liverpool, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United are all without a game. The “Free Hit” chip allows you to fully overhaul your team for that single gameweek,essentially ignoring any transfers you’ve made.

The Allure of Using the Free Hit in BGW29

Archyde News: So, what’s the main argument *for* using the Free Hit chip in BGW29?

Alistair Finch: The primary appeal is the chance to load up on players who *do* have fixtures and possibly capitalize on differentials. Such as, Erling Haaland has a favorable home fixture, and with relatively low ownership compared to someone like Salah, he could be a fantastic captaincy option.

The Shadow of Blank Gameweek 34

Archyde News: However, there’s a lot of talk about Blank Gameweek 34. Why is everyone so hesitant to pull the trigger now?

Alistair Finch: That’s the crucial point. BGW34 is looming, and it could be even *more* disruptive than BGW29. The exact schedule depends on the FA Cup quarter-final results, wich adds a huge element of uncertainty. Many managers are holding onto their Free Hit in case BGW34 presents a more compelling opportunity.

Navigating BGW34 Without the Free Hit

Archyde News: Let’s say a manager *doesn’t* use their Free Hit in BGW29. how can they prepare for BGW34?

Alistair Finch: The good news is that Liverpool and Newcastle are confirmed to play in BGW34. Focus on acquiring assets from those teams now. Also,newcastle has a Double Gameweek 32,so investing in players like Isak or Gordon could be a smart move regardless.

Double Gameweek Potential

Archyde News: You touched on Double Gameweeks earlier. Should managers consider saving the Free Hit for one of those rather?

Alistair Finch: absolutely.A well-timed Free Hit during a Double Gameweek can be incredibly rewarding. Imagine being able to select eleven players who each have two matches – the potential for points is enormous.It’s all about weighing the immediate gain of using it in BGW29 against the potential for a bigger payoff later.

Wildcard Strategy

Archyde News: What about managers planning to use their Wildcard soon? How does that affect their Free Hit decision?

Alistair Finch: If you’re planning to Wildcard in Gameweek 30 or 31, you can build your team around players who have both a Double Gameweek 32 and a fixture in Blank Gameweek 34. This approach lets you maximize points over several weeks and potentially save your Free Hit for elsewhere.

Final Thoughts: To Free Hit or Not To Free Hit?

Archyde News: So, Alistair, what’s your final verdict? Should managers use the Free Hit in BGW29?

Alistair Finch: It’s a very individual decision. If your team is heavily impacted by the blank, and you feel you can gain a significant advantage by loading up on differentials for BGW29, then go for it. Though, if you can navigate BGW29 with a few strategic transfers, and are concerned about the uncertainty of BGW34, then holding onto the Free Hit might be the wiser choice. It really boils down to assessing your own squad and weighing the risks and rewards.

Archyde news: Excellent advice, Alistair. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise with us!

Alistair Finch: My pleasure!

Archyde News: FPL Managers, what’s *your* plan for Blank Gameweek 29? Are you using your Free hit chip, or holding onto it for another opportunity? Let us know in the comments below!