From gameweek 24 of the Fantasy Premier League season, managers can now leverage a unique tool: the Assistant Manager chip. This innovative feature brings an extra layer of strategy to your squad management. We’ll explore how it works, its implications, and provide strategic insights on selecting the best assistant manager for maximum points.
Elevate Your FPL Game with Strategic Assistant Manager Choices
Understanding the Assistant Manager Chip Mechanics
The introduction of the Assistant Manager chip marks a significant shift in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) gameplay. When activated, this chip allows you to bring in a Premier League manager into your squad for three consecutive weeks. The performance of their team during this period directly impacts your FPL points.For every win, your chosen manager earns six points, while a draw fetches three points. Additionally, each goal scored by the manager’s team adds one point, and keeping a clean sheet rewards two points. If the manager faces a club ranked five or more places higher in the table at the start of the gameweek, they receive a bonus—ten points for a win or five for a draw.The cost of adding an assistant manager ranges from £0.5m to £1.5m, which must be deducted from your existing budget. This necessitates forward planning to ensure you have sufficient funds. Importantly, the assistant manager counts toward the limit of three players from any single club.Strategic Considerations for Optimal Performance
When planning to use the Assistant Manager chip, several factors require careful consideration. Firstly, activating the chip restricts the use of other chips like Triple Captain during the same period. Therefore, synchronize your wildcard usage strategically to maximize benefits.Transferring managers within the three-week window is possible but costs a transfer as if acquiring a new player. This flexibility offers opportunities to pivot based on upcoming fixtures, allowing you to chase high-scoring matches.Moreover, top-tier managers might not always offer the highest returns due to the table bonus system. For instance, Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth has outperformed managers of title-chasing teams like Mikel Arteta and Arne Slot, thanks to wins over Arsenal and Manchester City. Predicting these outcomes accurately is crucial for optimizing your points.The Arsenal Advantage: Stability and Reliability
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal presents a reliable option for conservative strategists. Recent performances, including a convincing victory over Crystal Palace, demonstrate their capability for consistent high-scoring victories. Arsenal’s defensive prowess also ensures frequent clean sheets, earning valuable points.A potential run of wins against Fulham, Everton, and Brentford could net you around 30 points. While not the highest-scoring choice, Arsenal offers a balanced approach with minimal risk, making them an attractive option for those prioritizing stability.Exploring Chelsea’s Potential Upside
Chelsea’s schedule presents intriguing possibilities. Matches against Southampton and Leicester, both struggling this season, could yield multiple goals. A hypothetical 4-0 win would earn 12 points, significantly boosting your score.However, the away fixture against Arsenal poses challenges, likely offering no table bonus. To mitigate this, consider a one-week punt by transferring a different manager for gameweek 29. Upcoming matches like Ipswich versus Nottingham Forest, Everton versus West Ham, and Leicester versus Manchester United present upset opportunities that could enhance your points tally.Liverpool’s Double Gameweek Bonanza
Liverpool’s potential double gameweek in gameweek 24 makes them a compelling choice. With postponed matches likely rescheduled, Arne Slot becomes a strong contender. Liverpool excels in winning games, scoring frequently, and maintaining clean sheets.However, strategic considerations arise. If a double gameweek occurs, would you prefer to triple captain Mohamed Salah instead? Additionally, having Slot limits you to only two Liverpool players, impacting your overall squad composition. Balancing these factors is essential for optimal results.Brentford’s High-Scoring Potential
Brentford’s impressive goal-scoring record positions them as a viable option. After 16 weeks, they were the third-highest scorers in the league. Their home advantage, particularly against Aston Villa and Leicester, enhances their appeal.The timing of Brentford’s run allows you to preserve other chips like Triple Captain or Bench Boost for later gameweeks. This flexibility ensures you can capitalize on future opportunities without compromising current performance.Crystal Palace: High Risk, High Reward
For those willing to take risks, Crystal Palace under Oliver Glasner offers substantial upside. Palace’s attacking talent can surprise any opponent, especially given their recent resurgence. Fixtures against Aston Villa and Ipswich present table bonus chances, while the Newcastle away match offers a thrilling gamble.While this choice carries the risk of poor performance, the potential rewards make it an exciting option for bold strategists aiming to maximize points quickly.READ MORE