Like some of you, I've been planning my Winter Wildcard and noting down who I'd like when the window opens to being able to use it.

But which of the 4 available GWs do you plan to use it?

1: GW21: From 2nd January when the deadline for GW20 (DGW) has passed on 2nd January. So you cannot use your WC for the DGW, but it becomes available as soon as the GW20 deadline has been and gone

2: GW22: From 14th January when deadline for GW21 has passed and any changes are for GW22

3: GW23: From 21st January to 31st January where any changes are for GW23

4: GW24: From 31st January until 4th February where WC transfers are for GW24.


P.S The poll options can be changed, in case the time you think you will use it, changes.
P.P.S If you don't have a clue or don't think the thread is useful / too early, please don't post That way, the thread can be used to discuss only pros and cons of which GW to use it.

I'd like to keep it until the last possible moment to latch onto any movement in the transfer window. From the start of January I'd probably look to make my transfers jump onto big bandwagons to increase team value unless it's someone that's useless like Neville that's score two when he's not going to perform at all up until the wildcard. That way I can ride the wave and get the value and punt them out come the wildcard for a team with a structure that I'd like to maintain for the remainder of the season.

Yeah, I've also been thinking 3rd or 4th option.

Like if you start using it on 21st January, then you have right through until 31st, which means you'll miss the final day of the window, but will know the majority of any transfers.

The final chance is 31st Jan which gives you less time to get any price rises, but the window will be shut and you'll know all the moves that have happened.

But we could have a host of DGWs in Jan/Feb, so that might comes into play as well.

Yep, last possible moment, to be brought forward if there is bad weather to manage or a sudden need for it due to injury/changing form.

I've kept my other wildcard this year for the first time (and bitterly regret doing so!), so if I need to do any jiggery pokery with a big DGW (one before it, one after it) I might even use two wildcards in the window!

Last possible moment, I will have 6 in for the double so no need to use it for that reason.

If the WC is intended for GWs20-23, doesn't the option to start using it for GW20 starts on December 30th, when GW19 kicks off?

Like it says in OP, it's GW21... so when the deadline for GW20 has passed and the game is updated, you can start using it for GW21.

It actually says GW20 but the date mentioned IS the 2nd of January... "One Wildcard can be played at any time, the January Wildcard can only be used between Gameweeks 20 and 23 (2 Jan 11:30 to 4 Feb 11:30)."

The WC kicks in after GW20 deadline has passed.

It's crap wording from FPL.

GW20 deadline happens at 11.30am on the 2nd January. The WC starts when it's updated so about 11.50am and any changes you make will be in prep for GW21.

Just to confirm, people can't use it to load up on the double week players?

Correct. It kicks in immediately after the GW20 (DGW) deadline has passed.

So it's obviously good to have the players in via weekly transfers for DGW and then can use the WC to get rid if you feel you need to.

The way I understand it is that once GW23 has gone you cannot use it either. It has to be completed before GW24 starts otherwise you lose it or at least that's my interpretation of the wording. Is this correct?

Once GW23 deadline has gone (31st January), you still have from that point until the GW24 deadline (4th February) has passed, then it's bad luck, you can't use it again.

So in summary: you can use it from the morning of January 2nd (around 11.50 when the game has been updated) through to the morning of 4th February (before the game closes for 20 minutes or so to be updated).

Just bumping to see if anybody has changed their mind?

I'm noticing that some of my rivals are trying to emulate my squad by bringing in players I brought in the week earlier.

So it's adds more weight to my decision that I now have a plan to use it at the latest possibly opportunity. It will mean we'll know who's through in the Semi-Final of the Carling Cup; the transfer window will have closed; and none of my rivals will have a chance to try and copy my side, unless they have their 1st WC available.

A strange move on their part as I'm quite a long way clear and have a higher team value, but a few of them definitely seem to be doing my exact moves, just a GW later.

Really don't have a plan at the moment, other than that I know I'm going to have to get rid of Ba at some point. Playing the code might be my only motivation.

Would like to stock up on a few TOT/EVE for the DGW & get rid with the wildcard. Unfortunately, It may cost too much to bring back in the players Id have to get rid of. Have to do some sums.

Yeah, I was thinking of that too...

No immediate plans. The whole DGW jettison is a good idea, except Tottenham players are worth having beyond the DGW and Everton players are hardly worth having during the DGW. So, for now, I don't have a plan.

Re the wild card - agree with what others have said, late as possible seems the sensible move, unless you are faced with an urgent situation needing transfer hits before then.

Re Ba... was just looking at this myself - is the time to get rid right now? After away to Bolton today, Newcastle's next 2 games are at Liverpool and home to Man U, then they play at home to QPR on the 15th Jan. ACON starts on 21st Jan, so he may well be gone by then.

Just to be clear ... do you get 2 wildcards plus the winter one ?

Cheers .

Looking like GW21 as my team needs some re-shaping.




1 Wildcard + 1 Winter Wildcard

2 in total

Unless you are Wildcard Wayne.

I have a related question: does anyone have the transfer traffic for each week of the WC break last season? It would be useful to know if there's going to be a higher proportion of transfers in any particular GW.

I'd guess the code guys would have that data, good thinking

I will guess that the majority of players...... such as my victorious cup opponent who in total has made 47 transfers in 18 gameweeks, taking a points hit of 128 points .......... will be fingers on triggers as soon as its available