Fantasy Premier League just got a major upgrade for the 2025/26 season — and it’s great news for FPL managers who love to plan their chips to perfection. This year, FPL introduces TWO full sets of chips, giving managers eight chips to use across the season, instead of the usual four. Here’s what that means, and how to plan your strategy accordingly.
Two sets of chips for double the tactics
For the first time ever, Fantasy managers will get a Wildcard, Free Hit, Triple Captain and Bench Boost chip in each half of the season — that’s eight chips total.
Deadline for first set of chips:
- You must use all four first-half chips by Gameweek 19 — 18:30 GMT, Tuesday 30 December.
- Unused chips will NOT carry over into the second half.
There is no Assistant Manager chip this year.
Strategic Use: First-Half Chip Planning
Traditionally, FPL managers stockpile their chips for Blank and Double Gameweeks in the second half. However, with the new system, the first half becomes just as important.
Let’s break down the chip opportunities before Gameweek 19.
Triple Captain: Target the Promoted Teams
The best use of Triple Captain early in the season? Pick a top player with a home fixture against one of the promoted clubs — typically vulnerable defensively.
Top fixtures to target:
| Player | Club | Fixture | Gameweek |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | Man City | vs Burnley | GW6 |
| Erling Haaland | Man City | vs Leeds | GW13 |
| Erling Haaland | Man City | vs Sunderland | GW15 |
| Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | vs Sunderland | GW14 |
| Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | vs Leeds | GW19 |
| Bukayo Saka | Arsenal | vs Leeds | GW2 |
| Cole Palmer | Chelsea | vs Sunderland | GW9 |
| Alexander Isak | Newcastle | vs Burnley | GW15 |
Use this chip when you can guarantee 90 minutes and a good fixture. Haaland at home to a promoted side? That’s as good as it gets.
Bench Boost: Start Strong or Wait?
Bench Boost is usually saved for a Double Gameweek — but that could change this year.
Gameweek 1 Bench Boost?
Yes, it’s a bold strategy, but with:
- Clean team news from summer friendlies
- Fully fit squads
- Easy fixtures to exploit
…it might give you an immediate advantage and remove the stress of planning around it later.
Also, new points for defensive contributions in FPL 2025/26 means cheap defenders and mids could punch above their weight.
Free Hit: Navigate Difficult Fixture Clashes
The Free Hit allows a one-week-only squad change, ideal when big hitters face off or your bench is thin.
Example: Gameweek 11 [Liverpool vs Man City – Salah vs Haaland clash]
You could Free Hit and target:
- Jarrod Bowen (vs Burnley)
- Chris Wood (vs Leeds)
- Saka (vs Sunderland)
Important note: You can’t Free Hit in both GW19 and GW20, so plan wisely to avoid back-to-back dependence.
Summary: Eight FPL Chips, Endless Potential
The new format turns FPL into a more strategic, layered experience, especially for dedicated players who love to optimise chip usage.
You now have: 2 Wildcards, 2 Free Hits, 2 Triple Captains & 2 Bench Boosts
And double the opportunities to make bold moves and claw back points — or run away with your mini-league.
