FPL GW4 Wildcard Team - Fantasy Premier League 24/25 Season

FPL Gameweek 4: Why You Should Consider Using Your Wildcard Now!

With FPL GW4 of the Fantasy Premier League 2024/25 season, many fantasy football managers are contemplating whether it's the right time to use their FPL Wildcard. While the decision to use it is often influenced by individual team circumstances, there are several compelling reasons why activating your Wildcard in Gameweek 4 could be a masterstroke. In this article, we’ll explore the key factors that make this Gameweek an ideal time to reset your team and set yourself up for success in the coming weeks.

1. Fixture Swing Favourability

One of the most critical aspects of FPL success is fixture planning. Gameweek 4 marks the start of a significant fixture swing for several key teams. Players from teams like Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool are entering a favourable run of fixtures, while other popular assets may face tougher opponents.

• Chelsea: Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures include Bournemouth (a), West Ham (a), Brighton (h) and Nottingham Forest (h).
  

• Arsenal: With fixtures against Leicester (h), Bournemouth (h) and Brighton (a) in three of the next five this may also be the time to get Saka if you haven't already done so.
  

• Liverpool: Liverpool’s upcoming games against Nottingham Forest (h), Bournemouth (h) and Wolves (a) almost makes Mohamed Salah a must-have.
  

By activating your Wildcard now, you can capitalize on these fixture swings and bring in players who are more likely to deliver consistent points over the next few weeks.

2. Emerging Form and Bandwagon Players

Three Gameweeks into the season, we now have a clearer picture of which players are hitting form and which are struggling. This period has seen the emergence of several budget and mid-priced assets who were not on the radar at the start of the season but are now must-haves.

• Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth): Post-Solanke, he has been a focal point of the Cherries attack and racking up high xGI to date. With an attractive price point, he’s a strong contender for your Wildcard squad.
  

• Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford): Mbeumo has been a standout performer for Brentford, delivering goals after Toney's departure. His value and form make him an ideal budget option in midfield.
  

• Joao Pedro (Brighton): With two goals in three games and a budget price tag for good measure he offers exceptional value as a second striker in your starting XI.
  

Using your Wildcard now allows you to jump on these bandwagons early, avoiding potential price rises and getting ahead of the curve.

3. Rotation Woes and Injuries

The first few weeks of the season have been marred by rotation after the Euros and Copa America as well as some injuries.

Using your Wildcard in Gameweek 4 allows you to rectify these issues, bringing in fit and firing players to ensure you have a full squad of starters.

4. Team Value Maximisation

The Wildcard is also a valuable tool for increasing your team value. By activating it early, you can jump on price rises and build a stronger squad for the long term. With FPL's volatile pricing system, waiting too long to use your Wildcard might mean missing out on significant value gains.

Players who have started the season strongly are likely to see their prices rise as more managers transfer them in. By bringing these players into your squad now, you can increase your team’s value, giving you more flexibility in the future.

5. Reset and Realign Strategy

If your initial squad hasn’t performed as expected, Gameweek 4 is a perfect time to hit the reset button. Whether you’ve been unlucky with injuries, missed out on key bandwagons, or simply misjudged certain players' roles, the Wildcard gives you a chance to realign your strategy.

• Review Your Structure: Assess whether your team structure is 'optimal'. Are you too heavy in one area and too light in another? The Wildcard allows you to redistribute funds across your squad.
  

• Targeted Changes: The Wildcard enables you to make targeted changes, addressing weak points in your team while keeping key players who are performing well.
  

• Balance Between Premiums and Budget Picks: With the likes of Haaland, Salah, and Saka delivering consistently, you might want to restructure your squad to accommodate more premiums or find a better balance between premiums and budget enablers.
  

Conclusion: Why Wildcard Now?

While the decision to use your Wildcard is highly personal, Gameweek 4 presents a unique opportunity to overhaul your squad and set yourself up for success in the coming weeks. With favourable fixture swings, emerging form players, and the chance to correct early mistakes, now could be the perfect time to activate your Wildcard.

Remember, the Wildcard is one of the most powerful tools in your FPL arsenal. Using it strategically can make a significant difference in your overall rank and help you stay ahead of the competition.

For more insights on how to maximize your Wildcard and other FPL tips, check out my latest video on the kind of Wildcard draft you can construct right now with all the big hitters at hand.

By using these strategies and carefully planning your Wildcard activation, you can position yourself for a successful FPL season and climb up the rankings. Good luck!