What is Free Hit in FPL?

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is an immensely popular fantasy football game that engages millions of football enthusiasts around the world. One of the core aspects of FPL is the strategic management of a team throughout the season, including navigating gameweeks where players are unavailable, fixtures are postponed, or your team simply needs improvement. Among the many tools and strategies available to FPL managers, one of the most important and powerful is the “Free Hit” chip.

In this article, we will explore what the Free Hit is, how it works, and how best to use it to maximize your FPL points. This guide is designed for both new and experienced players who want to fully understand this pivotal part of FPL strategy.

How Does the Free Hit Work

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the Free Hit chip works:

Activate the Free Hit: You can activate the Free Hit chip from your FPL team page. Once activated, you can make as many transfers as you like without the usual constraints of the regular transfer system.

Select Your Team: You will have the opportunity to select any 11 players from the available pool, regardless of how many transfers you’ve already made in the season. It doesn’t matter whether your players are injured, suspended, or unavailable for that week. You can completely reshape your team for that one gameweek.

Make Transfers Until the Deadline: After activating the chip, make your desired changes to your team. You can choose the best available players for the gameweek, regardless of your existing squad.

Revert Back to Your Original Team: After the deadline for the gameweek has passed, your team will automatically revert to its original lineup, with all the previous transfers and selections reinstated. The changes made using the Free Hit chip are only temporary.

No Points Deduction: The Free Hit does not cost any points, unlike regular transfers where point deductions occur for transferring out more players than the free transfer limit allows.

Example of How the Free Hit Works

Let’s say your team has a few key players injured or suspended in a given gameweek, or perhaps several of your players have a particularly difficult fixture. You might also find yourself facing a “blank” gameweek, where many teams do not play due to scheduling conflicts (such as cup competitions).

By activating the Free Hit chip, you can bring in players from teams that do have fixtures, even if they aren’t currently in your squad. Once the gameweek ends, your team returns to its original state, so there is no permanent impact on your overall squad.

When to Use the Free Hit Chip

The Free Hit chip can be a game-changer if used correctly, but timing is key. Here are a few situations when using the Free Hit chip can be especially advantageous:

Blank Gameweeks

In a blank gameweek, many Premier League teams do not play due to the scheduling of FA Cup or EFL Cup fixtures. This often leads to a reduced number of teams in action, and as a result, fantasy managers might find their squads lacking the number of players they need for that week. 

In this scenario, activating the Free Hit allows you to select players from the teams that are playing in the blank gameweek, ensuring that you field a full squad.

Double Gameweeks

A double gameweek occurs when some Premier League teams have two fixtures in the same gameweek, rather than just one. These double fixtures provide a massive opportunity for FPL managers to accumulate points, but they also present a dilemma, as you might have to transfer in players who are only useful for that week.

The Free Hit chip can be especially useful in double gameweeks. Instead of making transfers that disrupt your long-term squad balance, you can use the Free Hit to field a team that specifically targets the players with the double fixtures, giving you the best chance to maximize points.

Injury or Suspension Crisis

If several of your key players are injured, suspended, or not playing for any reason in a particular gameweek, the Free Hit chip allows you to replace them temporarily with healthy and available players. This ensures that you do not have to play with a weakened team, and you won’t lose valuable points.

Fixture Changes or Chaos

Fixture changes and rescheduled matches can sometimes throw a wrench into your FPL plans. For example, a fixture might be rescheduled at the last minute, or a game might be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances (like weather or strikes). The Free Hit chip can provide flexibility during such chaotic gameweeks, ensuring that you can pick the most optimal team without worrying about fixtures shifting.

Strategy for Maximizing the Free Hit Chip

Using the Free Hit chip effectively requires strategy and careful planning. Here are some tips on how to make the most of it:

Plan Ahead

Even though the Free Hit is a one-week chip, you should always have it in mind as part of your long-term strategy. Monitor the fixture calendar, especially during busy periods with potential blank or double gameweeks. If you notice any key gameweeks approaching, keep an eye on which teams will be affected by them.

Don’t Waste It Early in the Season

While it may be tempting to use the Free Hit chip early in the season to maximize points, it’s generally advisable to hold off until a blank or double gameweek. You want to use it when it can provide the maximum possible return on investment. Early in the season, most teams have more balanced fixtures, and you won’t benefit as much from the Free Hit.

Target Teams with Favorable Fixtures

When selecting your team for the Free Hit gameweek, prioritize players who have strong fixtures. For instance, if you’re using the Free Hit during a double gameweek, make sure you select players from teams that are likely to perform well. Form and opposition are important factors in this decision.

Look for Key Differential Players

One of the biggest advantages of the Free Hit chip is that it gives you the chance to target players who might not normally be in your team. Look for differential picks—players who are owned by a low percentage of FPL managers but have the potential to score big. These players can give you a significant advantage if they perform well in the given gameweek.

Consider Your Long-Term Team Structure

Even though the Free Hit is a short-term fix, it’s important to consider how your one-week changes will impact your overall strategy. You don’t want to use the Free Hit and end up with a team that looks unbalanced after the gameweek ends. Make sure your team, after reversion, is still in good shape for upcoming weeks.

FAQs 

Does the Free Hit cost points?

No, the Free Hit chip does not cost any points. Unlike regular transfers, which may result in point deductions for excessive moves, using the Free Hit allows you to make unlimited transfers for free for one gameweek.

What happens to my team after I use the Free Hit?

Once you activate the Free Hit chip and make your transfers, your team will revert to its original lineup after the gameweek ends. All transfers made using the Free Hit are temporary, so there’s no long-term impact on your team.

Can I use the Free Hit chip multiple times in a season?

No, you are only allowed one Free Hit chip per season. It’s important to plan ahead and use it at the most beneficial time to maximize your points potential.

Can I use the Free Hit with other chips?

Yes, you can use the Free Hit chip in combination with other chips, such as the Wildcard, Triple Captain, or Bench Boost. However, careful planning is necessary to get the most out of these chips in a single gameweek.

To Conclude

The Free Hit chip is an incredibly valuable asset in the FPL manager’s toolkit. It provides flexibility, the chance to field an optimal team during blank or double gameweeks, and an opportunity to respond to injuries or suspensions without making permanent changes to your squad. Like any FPL chip, the key to maximizing the Free Hit is to use it strategically and at the right time. Whether you’re dealing with fixture chaos or simply trying to capitalize on a double gameweek, the Free Hit chip can help you achieve your FPL goals.

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