FPL Free Hit strategy 2026/27: updated after GW7
The old advice on this page about activating the chip in GW4 no longer applies. Those fixtures have already been played. As of 22 October 2026, the relevant decisions are GW8, the GW9/GW12 watchlist, later confirmed blanks or doubles, and the first-half expiry at GW19.
What a Free Hit actually does
A Free Hit allows unlimited changes for one Gameweek, after which the previous squad returns. It is distinct from a Wildcard, which keeps the new squad permanently. Only one chip may be active in a Gameweek. Check official FPL chip FAQs for how the current season preserves banked transfers and handles chip activation.
Latest FPL news
Three situations where Free Hit may be useful
1. A short-lived injury and fixture pile-up
Suppose you have six players injured or facing very difficult fixtures but expect them to be attractive picks next week. Instead of dismantling your long-term team, Free Hit can buy one week of flexibility. Verify which injuries are actually short-lived, though: an eight-week Semenyo absence should generally be fixed with a permanent transfer.
2. A confirmed Blank Gameweek
A blank matters if several of your selected players will score no appearance points because they have no fixture. A Free Hit can temporarily restore eleven usable players. Wait for confirmed fixture amendments, as cup scenarios do not guarantee a blank.
3. A confirmed Double Gameweek
An extra scheduled match can increase a player's expected playing time and points, but double fixtures also create congestion and rotation. A Double Gameweek may be better for Bench Boost or Triple Captain than Free Hit; compare actual squads first.
When not to Free Hit
- You can field eleven likely starters.
- The Free Hit draft only upgrades two or three places.
- Your current squad has permanent weaknesses that a Wildcard would solve better.
- You would otherwise have a strong bench for the week.
- You're using it only because a specific Gameweek is labelled 'best' on social media.
GW9 and GW12: not automatic picks
GW9 features Chelsea v Manchester United and Liverpool v Arsenal. GW12 includes Arsenal versus Manchester City. A squad overloaded with players in head-to-head elite matches may have lower expected returns, but quality players can still score. Model real alternatives instead of blindly selling premiums.
Free Hit versus a -4
Suppose a -4 provides two permanent upgrades while a Free Hit adds an estimated eight points only in the coming week. The -4 may be more valuable over the next four Gameweeks. Conversely, if a bad one-week squad requires four hits and the long-term squad is excellent, Free Hit becomes more compelling.
First-half expiration
All first-half chips must be used by the GW19 deadline and cannot be carried forward. This adds urgency later in December but does not mean you should use them without comparison in October. Plan ahead to avoid reaching GW19 with overlapping chip ideas that cannot be combined.
Use OneFPL Fixtures and Transfer Planner to prepare a normal squad, a Free Hit draft and a two-transfer alternative.
Verdict: Choose a Free Hit for one-week squad disruption and a meaningful projected gain—not because the calendar alone looks unusual.
Sources and further reading
- Official Fantasy Premier League help and chip rules
- Premier League October-November fixture amendments
- Official 2026/27 Premier League match schedule
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Editorial correction — 26 October 2026: Mechanics versus timing
A Free Hit makes temporary transfers for one Gameweek, after which your original squad returns. Under the official 2026/27 rules, two Free Hits exist across the season, but the first must be used before GW19 if you wish to avoid losing it. This evergreen article should explain the mechanics; use the GW9-specific article only for that single-week decision.