FPL Chip Strategy Guide
FPL Chip Strategy Guide 2025/26: when to use the second set of chips
There are no cheap points left in this phase of the season. The second set of chips is where mini-leagues are won or thrown away. The smart play is not "use chips in doubles" as a slogan, it is timing chips around known blanks, likely doubles, and transfer bandwidth.
Second-half chips available
You have one each: Wildcard, Free Hit, Bench Boost, Triple Captain. As of February 4, 2026, the first key windows are forming around Double Gameweek 26 and Blank Gameweek 31.
Blank and double gameweek map
| Window | Status | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Double Gameweek 26 | Confirmed | Arsenal and Wolves expected to play twice. |
| Blank Gameweek 31 | Mostly set | Arsenal and Wolves blank; Manchester City and Crystal Palace likely to blank as well. |
| Double Gameweek 33 | TBC | Potential landing spot for postponed fixtures. |
| Blank Gameweek 34 | TBC | Will depend on cup progression and rearrangements. |
| Double Gameweek 36 | TBC | Could be key for Triple Captain or Bench Boost if rotation risk is low. |
| Blank Gameweek 37 | TBC | Late-season blank risk can shape Free Hit planning. |
Two credible chip routes
Route A: Delayed Wildcard (control route)
- Use free transfers to navigate up to Blank Gameweek 31.
- Wildcard in Gameweek 32 to reset structure for final run-in.
- Bench Boost in Gameweek 33 if doubles are strong.
- Triple Captain in Gameweek 36 (or best late double).
- Keep Free Hit for Blank Gameweek 34 or 37 based on fixture shape.
Upside: Keeps flexibility for unknown late blanks/doubles.
Risk: Requires disciplined transfer planning in the short term.
Route B: Early Wildcard (aggressive route)
- Wildcard in Gameweek 25 or 26 if squad lacks key doublers.
- Target immediate upside from Double Gameweek 26.
- Bench Boost in Gameweek 33 if bench depth can be rebuilt.
- Free Hit in Blank Gameweek 34 (or alternative blank).
- Triple Captain in best remaining double, likely Gameweek 36.
Upside: Captures near-term upside quickly and attacks immediate doubles.
Risk: You may run out of flexibility when late-season chaos lands.
Chip-by-chip playbook
Wildcard
Best use: Either GW25/26 (if behind) or GW32 (if controlling risk).
Watch-out: Using it too early can leave you exposed to later blank clusters.
Bench Boost
Best use: Most valuable in the largest double, likely around GW33.
Watch-out: Leave little time between Wildcard and Bench Boost to reduce injury damage.
Triple Captain
Best use: Best in a double with nailed minutes and clear talisman option.
Watch-out: Late doubles can be rotation heavy if title or top-four races are settled.
Free Hit
Best use: Blank-heavy weeks (GW31/GW34/GW37 depending on final map).
Watch-out: Burning it early can force expensive hits in a later blank.
Weekly planner checklist
- Map your current squad against likely blank teams in GW31.
- Count how many free transfers you need to field XI without hits.
- Decide now whether you are on Route A or Route B.
- Reserve at least one premium captain option for your Triple Captain plan.
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