FPL 2026/27: Two Sets of Chips Return - Strategy & Player Targets

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) has confirmed that managers for the 2026/27 season will once again have access to two sets of chips, mirroring the structure of the previous season. This means each manager will receive a Wildcard, Free Hit, Triple Captain, and Bench Boost chip for the first half of the season, and another identical set will be refreshed for the second half Source.

Chip Allocation and Deadlines

In total, managers will have eight chips: four to be used before the Gameweek 19 deadline on Saturday, January 2nd, at 13:30 GMT, and four new chips for the second half of the campaign. Chips from the first half cannot be carried over. Only one chip can be activated per Gameweek.

Understanding Each Chip

• Triple Captain: Triples your captain's points instead of the usual double.
• Wildcard: Allows unlimited free transfers, both current and prior, for a Gameweek. This is a permanent squad overhaul.
• Bench Boost: Includes points from your benched players in your total score for that Gameweek.
• Free Hit: Grants unlimited free transfers for one Gameweek, with your squad reverting to its original state afterward. Note: It cannot be played in Gameweek 1, and using the first Free Hit in Gameweek 19 prevents using the second in Gameweek 20.

Optimal Chip Strategy for FPL Managers

Strategic deployment of FPL chips is crucial for maximizing season points. Many experienced FPL managers often save their second set of chips specifically for Blank or Double Gameweeks.

Navigating Blank and Double Gameweeks

• Blank Gameweeks: These occur when some Premier League clubs have no fixture, resulting in zero points for their players. A Free Hit is particularly useful here, allowing managers to field a full squad of players who do have a match.
• Double Gameweeks: These present opportunities when teams play two league fixtures, offering increased chances for FPL points. The Bench Boost and Triple Captain chips are popular choices during these periods to capitalize on the higher fixture volume.

Wildcard and Early Season Tactics

A Wildcard is often best used when a squad requires a significant overhaul, perhaps due to multiple injuries, suspensions, or underperforming players. It can also be deployed to target a favorable run of fixtures. Many managers activate their first Wildcard early in the season to bring in players who have impressed in the initial Gameweeks, but it should always be considered with a long-term strategy in mind.

For the first half of the season, a Bench Boost could be effective in Gameweek 1 or immediately following a Wildcard, as managers can build a strong 15-player squad designed to score points across the board.

Targeting Promoted Teams: Triple Captain Opportunities

High-performing premium players against newly promoted teams often present prime Triple Captain opportunities. The source highlights Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes as examples.

Haaland, the top scorer last season with 239 points (27 goals, 8 assists), delivered 16 points against promoted Burnley in Gameweek 6, scoring twice and assisting once. He faces all three promoted clubs at home in the first half of 2026/27:

• Gameweek 3: vs. Coventry City
• Gameweek 7: vs. Ipswich Town
• Gameweek 16: vs. Hull City

Fernandes was the top-scoring player in home matches last season, with 124 points from eight double-figure hauls at Old Trafford. He hosts two promoted clubs in the first half:

• Gameweek 2: vs. Ipswich Town
• Gameweek 14: vs. Coventry City

These matchups against potentially weaker opposition provide compelling cases for deploying the Triple Captain chip on these premium assets, especially when at home. Managers should track fixture schedules closely for these early opportunities.