FPL Second Wildcard Strategy: When to Deploy It 2026/27

Use the second wildcard after Gameweek 19 to maximise fixture swings. The deadline is 13:30 GMT on Saturday 2 January 2027, and the chip cannot be carried over. This timing gives managers a fresh window to reset a squad that has suffered from a run of tough fixtures or to lock in a double‑game‑week for the final stretch.

The second wildcard is valuable because it comes at the tail end of the season when fixture congestion peaks. Managers can swap out high‑cost players who are unlikely to score or defend well in the upcoming fixtures, and bring in cheaper options with a better points potential. A well‑timed change can also secure a double‑game‑week that would otherwise be missed if the chip were used earlier.

Chips in the 2026/27 season are limited to eight, split into two sets of four. The first set must be used before the GW19 deadline, while the second set is available from GW20 onwards for clubs such as Arsenal. The second wildcard is the most flexible of the set, allowing managers to re‑sharpen a squad with unlimited free transfers within the five‑transfer allowance.

DefCon points were kept unchanged for 2026/27, a decision confirmed by the Premier League on 20 July 2026. Defenders earn 2 points for 10 combined clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles (CBIT), while midfielders and forwards earn 2 points for 12 defensive contributions that include ball recoveries (CBIRT). The cap means a defender can never add more than 2 points for defensive actions in a match, regardless of how many CBITs accumulate.

BPS has been tweaked to reduce overlap with DefCon and to boost bonus potential for goalkeepers, full‑backs, attacking midfielders and forwards. Goalkeepers keep the +1 BPS for a shot saved inside the box, but the previous +1 for a shot saved outside the box has been removed. A new +1 BPS now applies for saving a big chance, which is a more meaningful metric that aligns with the updated DefCon framework.

Because the second wildcard preserves five free transfers, managers can rotate players without incurring cost penalties. For example, a squad that has accumulated several low‑value points might swap a high‑priced defender for a cheaper one with a better fixture list. The five‑transfer rule also allows a manager to fine‑tune the team for a specific double‑game‑week without risking a red card for over‑rebuilding.

The top three forwards in terms of total points are: Erling Haaland, B.Fernandes, and Igor Thiago. Those figures underline the cost‑effectiveness of a high‑point, high‑price striker. If a manager’s budget is tight, swapping from a 155‑price Haaland to a 120‑price Fernandes can free up funds for a better defensive option.

Player	Total Points	Price
Erling Haaland	239	155
B.Fernandes	235	120
Igor Thiago	181	80

The season’s fixture list can swing dramatically, and a double‑game‑week can deliver a significant haul of points if a player scores and assists. By using the second wildcard, a manager can position a player to participate in that double‑game‑week, turning a single‑game‑week loss into a potential high‑point haul.

The season’s tiebreakers - points, goal difference, goals scored, head‑to‑head - mean that every point counts. Managers who have used the second wildcard to secure a favourable point spread are better positioned to secure European qualification or avoid relegation. The timing of the wildcard can also affect the distribution of points across the final few weeks, where the margin between top and bottom is often tight.

The final recommendation is to commit to the second wildcard after the GW19 deadline, and then use the five free transfers to align the squad with the remaining fixture list. Avoid using the chip too early, or you will miss the benefit of a later double‑game‑week. Keep an eye on the BPS changes and the DefCon cap, and target players who offer the best combination of points, cost and fixture strength.

While the second wildcard offers flexibility, managers must consider the risk of double‑game‑weeks falling outside the window. A late double‑game‑week that occurs before the wildcard is used can be missed, resulting in wasted potential points. Using the wildcard too late, however, may force a team to sit on a high‑cost player without a favourable fixture.

Bench Boost remains a valuable chip, but its use is limited to a single Gameweek. Managers often pair Bench Boost with a Free Hit for double‑game‑weeks, ensuring that the bench contributes points in the same week. The second wildcard can be used to reset the squad before a Bench Boost, making the combination more profitable.

Planning for the end of the season requires a clear view of the fixture list and the player budget. Managers should align the second wildcard with the date when the most difficult fixtures appear, and then use the free transfers to adjust the squad for the remaining matches. This approach gives a better chance to secure the points needed for a top‑four finish or to avoid the drop.

Another factor to consider is the interaction between DefCon and BPS. Since defensive actions no longer contribute beyond the 2‑point cap, managers can prioritize players who provide strong BPS in addition to their defensive contributions. For example, a full‑back who regularly saves a big chance will now gain an extra point that can tip the balance in tight contests. Adjusting a squad after the wildcard to include such players can yield a steady points flow over the final weeks.

Key takeaways

• Second wildcard must be used after the GW19 deadline (13:30 GMT, 2 Jan 2027).
• DefCon points capped at 2 per match from 2025/26.
• BPS now gives +1 for saving a big chance and removes outside‑box saves.
• Five free transfers are restored after using the second wildcard, allowing squad reshuffle.
• Top forwards: Haaland 239 points for 155, Fernandes 235 for 120, Thiago 181 for 80.

FAQ

Q1: When is the deadline for the second wildcard? A1: The deadline is 13:30 GMT on Saturday 2 January 2027, after Gameweek 19.

Q2: Can I use the second wildcard after the season ends? A2: No, the second wildcard is only available from Gameweek 20 until the end of the season, and it must be used before the season finishes.

Q3: What happens to the free transfers after using the second wildcard? A3: Using the second wildcard restores the full five‑transfer allowance, so you can swap up to five players before the next deadline.

Q4: Does the DefCon cap affect how many points a defender can earn? A4: Yes, a defender can earn a maximum of 2 points for defensive actions in a match, regardless of how many CBITs they collect.