Blank Gameweek 29 (BGW29) is causing headaches for Fantasy Premier League managers, with key players like Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, and Trent Alexander-Arnold missing out due to fixture postponements. This has led many to consider using their Free Hit chip to navigate the gameweek effectively. But is it the best time to play it, or should you save it for later in the season? Let’s break down the pros and cons of Free-Hitting in BGW29.
Pros of Using the Free Hit in BGW29
✅ Avoid Key Player Absences
With Liverpool, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa all blanking, six highly owned FPL assets, including Salah, Isak, and Alexander-Arnold, will not play. Using the Free Hit chip allows you to replace them for one week without long-term squad disruptions.
✅ Haaland Advantage
Erling Haaland is in top form, with only two blanks in his last nine league matches. His 25.9% ownership makes him a strong differential captain in BGW29, and the Free Hit allows managers to bring him in without taking hits.
✅ Exploit Rivals’ Weaknesses
Many managers will “dead-end” their teams by holding onto premium players on the bench, forcing them to rely on budget options in their starting XI. Free Hit users can take advantage by fielding a more balanced and competitive squad.
✅ Short-Term Gains Without Squad Disruptions
If you’ve built your squad with a long-term strategy in mind, using the Free Hit ensures that you don’t have to transfer out valuable players just for one gameweek. Instead, you get a competitive XI for BGW29 and then revert to your usual squad for Gameweek 30.
Cons of Using the Free Hit in BGW29
❌ BGW34 Has More Blanks
Gameweek 34 will have at least six teams without a fixture, possibly more depending on FA Cup results. With fewer matches, Free Hit could be more valuable in navigating that gameweek rather than BGW29, where planning transfers can help mitigate issues.
❌ Planning Ahead May Be Enough
Liverpool and Newcastle play in BGW34, meaning you can hold onto key assets like Salah and Alexander-Arnold instead of transferring them out. By making strategic transfers now, you can field a competitive team in BGW29 without using the Free Hit.
❌ Missed Opportunity for a Double Gameweek
Many managers prefer using Free Hit in a Double Gameweek, where teams play twice, maximizing potential points. If you burn it in BGW29, you won’t have it available for a later Double Gameweek, which could provide a bigger advantage.
❌ More Information Needed Before BGW34
The FA Cup quarter-finals (after BGW29) will determine which teams blank in BGW34 and when remaining Double Gameweeks will be scheduled. Holding the Free Hit chip until then allows for a more informed decision rather than using it pre-emptively.
Using the Free Hit in BGW29 can be beneficial for avoiding key absences and maximizing points in a low-fixture gameweek. However, with BGW34 likely to cause bigger problems and the potential for a high-impact Double Gameweek later, saving the chip could be the smarter long-term strategy. If you can field a decent XI with transfers, it may be worth holding onto the Free Hit for a more optimal opportunity.
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