A Gameweek 4 wildcard is one of the most popular strategies among FPL managers this week, as it follows the international break.
Activating the wildcard chip in Gameweek 4 allows FPL managers to respond to injuries and the recent form of players, using data from the first three gameweeks.
This enables wildcarders to build an optimal team that can last until Gameweek 19 when they will have the option to use their second wildcard.
The Best Gameweek 4 Wildcard Teams
1. Haaland, Salah and Palmer GW4 Wildcard Team – Threeium Draft
This is our first Gameweek 4 wildcard team, and here’s a breakdown of the selections:
In defense, we’ve opted for a mix of mid-priced and budget defenders with high clean sheet odds and favorable fixtures over the next five gameweeks. These defenders form the backbone of our GW4 wildcard team strategy.
By choosing mid-priced defenders, we gain flexibility to invest in premium players in midfield and attack. As a result, we’ve managed to include two premium midfielders, Mo Salah and Palmer, in this FPL Gameweek 4 wildcard setup.
In addition to Palmer and Salah—two of the most in-form midfielders in the game—we’ve also included three guaranteed starters who play advanced roles and have a strong run of fixtures. That’s why we’ve selected Eze, Rogers, and Smith Rowe for our FPL GW4 wildcard team.
Up front, we’ve gone with the most in-form forward in the game, Erling Haaland. For Arsenal coverage, we’ve included Kai Havertz, and rounding out the attack is Brighton’s Joao Pedro, chosen due to Brighton’s excellent upcoming fixtures.
This Gameweek 4 wildcard team is perfect for managers aiming to fit Salah, Haaland, and Palmer into their squad, as it’s built around a three-premium player draft.
Here are some pros and cons of our Haaland, Salah and Palmer GW4 Wildcard Team:
Pros:
- Three Premium Players: By including Salah, Haaland, and Palmer, this FPL GW4 wildcard team allows for maximum point potential from top-tier players who are likely to deliver consistently.
- Balanced Midfield: The inclusion of Eze, Rogers, and Smith Rowe offers excellent coverage in the midfield, with all three guaranteed starters in attacking roles and favorable fixtures ahead, making this GW4 wildcard team well-rounded.
- Budget Flexibility: Mid-priced and budget defenders allow for funds to be used elsewhere in key areas, while still offering clean sheet potential and fixture rotation opportunities.
- Fixture Optimization: Players like Joao Pedro and defenders with strong fixture runs offer the chance to capitalize on favorable matchups in the short term, which is critical for FPL gameweek 4 wildcard managers aiming for early gains.
Cons:
- Heavy Reliance on Premiums: While having three premium players boosts potential, it also means other areas may lack depth. If any of these premium assets underperform, the team’s point ceiling could be significantly impacted.
- Limited Flexibility in Attack: With two forward spots locked by Haaland and Havertz, there’s limited room for switching to emerging budget forwards or other premium strikers without taking hits, which could hurt long-term flexibility.
- Defensive Risks: Mid-priced and budget defenders, while cost-effective, may not always be consistent in delivering points, especially if clean sheet potential falters.
- Possible Lack of Bench Depth: Depending on budget constraints, this gameweek 4 wildcard team might leave the bench looking thin, which could be a risk during rotation periods or unexpected injuries.
Further Read: Fantasy Premier League GW4: Clean Sheet Odds and Analysis
Teams To Target When Picking Your Gameweek 4 Wildcard Team
Based on the fixture difficulty ratings(FDR) of Premier League teams from GW4-GW10, these are the teams with a great set of fixtures:
- Liverpool
- Aston Villa
- Chelsea
- Ipswich
- Man City
- Everton
- Leicester
Further Read: FPL Gameweek 4 Team Selection: ‘Must-Have’ Player Picks and Scout Insights
Targeting players from these five teams will be a great strategy for those looking for a long-term sustainable team as they wildcard in gameweek 4.
Selecting players that are guaranteed starters for these teams is a great strategy to deploy when wildcarding as it will help limit the amount of transfers you make across several gameweeks in FPL.
Related Read: Gameweek 4 Bus Team: ‘Early’ FPL Player Picks for Success
Players To Target For Your GW4 Wildcard Team From The Teams With Great Fixture Difficulty Ratings(FDR)
- Everton – Dominic Calvert Lewin
- Leicester City – Jamie Vardy
- Liverpool – Luiz Diaz, Konate, Mo Salah, Trent Alexander Arnold
- Ipswich Town – Delap, Davis
- Man City – Rico Lewis, Erling Haaland
- Chelsea – Cole Palmer, Nico Jackson.
You might also like: FPL GW4 Points Predictions According To AI FPL Predictor
Conclusion:
This Gameweek 4 wildcard team strikes a balance between premium assets like Salah, Haaland, and Palmer, and a solid supporting cast of mid-priced defenders and midfielders with strong fixtures.
While the strategy offers high point potential from top-tier players, it also comes with risks, such as limited flexibility in attack and possible defensive inconsistencies.
However, for FPL managers seeking an aggressive, three-premium player draft, this wildcard setup provides a solid foundation for success until the next available wildcard.