Fantasy Premier League returns: Breaking down every chip strategy for the season run-in

Erling Haaland will be a popular pick for most chip strategies Carl Recine/Getty Images Share full articleThe Fantasy Premier League schedule is about to enter the most fun and pivotal period of the season. After the FA Cup quarter-finals last weekend, we now know exactly which teams will double in Gameweek 33 and who blanks in Gameweek 34. Gameweek 32 gets underway on Friday (deadline 6.30pm UK time/1.30pm ET). Understanding which teams are likely to double and which will blank is key to planning transfers, chip strategy, and overall squad structure. Here, we will look at the schedule for the upcoming blanks and doubles and how best to use your chips to maximise your overall rank, covering as many scenarios as possible. After having two games each in Gameweek 33, these same teams will blank in Gameweek 34, so it is going to be very handy to use your Wildcard or Free Hit in one of these two weeks. Based on the schedule, here’s the optimal way to use your chips depending on what you have left. This works because the Wildcard sets you up for the double and sorts out any other issues with your squad. The Bench Boost capitalises on the biggest double of the season, and then the Free Hit helps you navigate the Gameweek 34 blank. The Triple Captain is saved for Gameweek 36, when you can use it on Erling Haaland (£14.3m) in Manchester City’s likely games against Brentford (H) and Crystal Palace (H). This is by far the best plan if you have all chips remaining, as it allows you to use your Bench Boost and Triple Captain in double gameweeks. Which path you go down is totally team-dependent. If you have fewer free transfers or a weak team for Gameweek 32 and Blank Gameweek 34, then route one will generally be better. If your team looks fine this week and you can get to a good squad and full playing XI for Gameweek 34, then route two is likely to be better. This may change things more than you think. If your team already looks good this week and is in decent shape for Blank Gameweek 34: If you’re worried your team might struggle this week: Without Bench Boost, you don’t need a perfectly balanced 15-man squad and you can focus more on your starting XI. The transfers you make will have to suit your team’s short- and long-term needs, but there are multiple options. You could Free Hit in Gameweek 33 to attack the big double gameweek or Free Hit in 34 to navigate the blank. Use the Free Hit in whichever gameweek your team looks worse. Triple Captain and Bench Boost: Here, you are relying purely on transfers. Target players you actually want long-term who also have a double, but try to keep a balance, as too many doublers will leave you short in Blank Gameweek 34, likely hitting your targets for the season. Don’t overcommit to one week, especially if you are low on free transfers. You will likely lose a lot of ground to those who have more chips to play, so limit the damage by bringing in the best players and popular captain options. It is probably inevitable that you will have to take a few hits over this period but you can limit that by not overcommitting and planning based on how many free transfers you have. With a big Double Gameweek in 33 followed immediately by a Blank Gameweek 34, your ability to plan is more important than ever. There isn’t a single ‘perfect’ strategy that fits every team. The best approach will always depend on your squad, how many free transfers you have, and which chips remain. To gain an edge, sit down and plan out your transfers and potential chip paths. This is an opportunity. If you’re playing catch-up, these gameweeks offer the perfect opportunity to take calculated risks and gain rank quickly. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Abdul Rehman is an experienced Fantasy Premier League Pundit. He has played the game for over 15 years and has finished in the top 1k on four occasions, and he also has six top-5k finishes to his name. Ranked in the top 70 overall FPL managers according to the Fantasy Hall of Fame. Abdul also writes for Fantasy Football Hub and has appeared on the Official FPL Show and Premier League Fanzone.