With Gameweek 6 (GW6) fast approaching, many Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are contemplating using their wildcard.
Whether it’s fixture swings, underperforming players, or chasing early-season form, a wildcard can be a powerful tool to reset your team.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best strategies for a GW6 wildcard, key teams and players to target, and provide a sample wildcard team with an analysis of its pros and cons.
Key Teams to Target
When using your wildcard, it’s crucial to target players from teams with favorable fixtures and form. Here are some standout clubs:
- Everton: With a favorable run of fixtures, Everton assets are worth considering, especially in defense.
- Brentford: Consistent performers with solid defensive stats and attacking assets like Mbeumo offer great value.
- West Ham: Players like Bowen and their defenders present an excellent option for FPL managers.
- Tottenham Hotspur: With attacking assets like Son finding form, they promise high-scoring potential.
- Manchester City: Pep Guardiola’s team is a must-have due to their consistent scoring and defensive reliability.
Key Players to Consider
Goalkeepers
For goalkeepers, you want someone who is not only affordable but also has a good chance of securing clean sheets and save points. Consider these options:
- Raya (Arsenal): A solid pick for clean sheets and save potential.
- Pickford (Everton): High save points potential with good fixtures.
Defenders
Premium Picks:
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool): Offers a set-piece threat and consistent assist potential.
- Gabriel (Arsenal): A solid option from Arsenal’s defense with goal threat from set-pieces.
Budget Options:
- Micky van de Ven (Tottenham): Offers good value and has attacking potential.
- Faes (Leicester): A budget-friendly choice with decent fixtures ahead.
Midfielders
Premium Options:
- Salah (Liverpool): A mainstay in most teams due to his goal-scoring ability.
- Son (Tottenham): In great form and playing in a more central role, he’s a solid pick.
Budget and Mid-Priced Options:
- Mbeumo (Brentford): Offers good value with penalty duties and solid form.
- Bowen (West Ham): Consistent attacking returns and good fixtures.
Forwards
Premium Options:
- Haaland (Man City): Almost essential due to his goal-scoring record and ownership.
- Watkins (Aston Villa): Consistent returns and great fixtures ahead.
Budget Options:
- Joao Pedro (Brighton): A budget enabler with attacking potential.
- Solanke (Bournemouth): Main goal scorer for his team with decent upcoming fixtures.
Sample GW6 Wildcard Team
Here’s a balanced wildcard team draft that covers all bases:
Goalkeeper: Raya
Defenders: Konaté, Gvardiol, Gabriel
Midfielders: Luis Díaz, Smith Rowe, Saka, Mbeumo, Rogers
Forwards: Watkins, Haaland
Bench: Valdimarsson, Faes, Harwood-Bellis, Welbeck
This lineup combines solid defensive options with explosive midfielders and reliable forwards, providing a well-rounded squad for the upcoming fixtures.
Pros of This Team:
- Balanced Coverage: This team provides a good mix of premium and budget options across all positions.
- Strong Attack: With Haaland, Watkins, and midfielders like Saka and Luis Díaz, there’s plenty of attacking firepower.
- Fixture-proof Players: Players like Haaland and Saka can perform even against tougher opponents.
- Flexibility: We have a balanced bench, that helps you to navigate injuries or unexpected rotation.
Cons of This Team:
- Lack of Rotation Proof Assets: Some players like Smith Rowe and Gabriel could face rotation risks.
- Heavy Reliance on Certain Teams: A few too many players from the same teams (e.g., Arsenal) can be risky if those teams hit a rough patch.
- Midfield Budget Constraints: Investing heavily in the forward line may limit funds for premium midfielders like Cole Palmer or Salah.
Conclusion
Activating your wildcard in GW6 can be a game-changer if executed well. Focusing on players with favorable fixtures and form is key to building a solid team that can thrive in the coming gameweeks.
The proposed team offers a balanced approach with strong attacking options and a solid bench, though it’s essential to stay alert to potential rotation risks and changes in player form. Good luck with your wildcard choices, managers!