The new Assistant Manager chip in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) offers managers an intriguing yet complex way to score points. If you’re uncertain about when to use it, don’t worry—we’ve broken down five top options for activating the chip, each with its own merits and risks.
How Does the Assistant Manager Chip Work?
When activated, the Assistant Manager chip allows you to bring a Premier League manager into your squad for three weeks. His team’s performance during that period will earn you FPL points.
How Points Are Scored:
- A team win: 6 points
- A team draw: 3 points
- Goals scored: 1 point per goal
- Clean sheet: 2 points
- Table bonus: 10 points for a win or 5 points for a draw when the manager faces a club ranked at least five places higher in the table at the start of the gameweek.
Chip Cost and Considerations
While prices are yet to be revealed, expect the manager to cost between £0.5m and £1.5m, which will come out of your existing budget. This requires careful planning.
Key Points to Know:
- The chip cannot be used alongside any other chip.
- The Assistant Manager chip does not cost a transfer, but you can switch managers within the three-week period for a transfer cost.
- The chip counts towards the rule of having a maximum of three players from any club.
Strategic Options for Activation
Here are five potential strategies for using the Assistant Manager chip:
- The Safe Bet: Arsenal Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal may be the most reliable choice for this chip. Arsenal’s strong defensive record and attacking prowess, exemplified by their dominant win over Crystal Palace, suggest they could win comfortably in their next fixtures against Fulham, Everton, and Brentford. If Arsenal manages 2-0 victories in these games, you could score a solid 30 points. Given their consistency, this is a safe and effective option.
- The Risk-Taker: Chelsea (Plus One) Chelsea has an enticing early run of fixtures against struggling teams like Southampton and Leicester. A big win, such as a 4-0 victory, could earn you up to 12 points. However, their away match at Arsenal presents a much tougher challenge, meaning this option offers both high rewards and potential risks. A strategic move could be to transfer in another manager for the one-week punt, possibly during Gameweek 29, when upsets could happen.
- The Double Gameweek Bonanza: Liverpool If the Merseyside derby is rearranged for Gameweek 24, Liverpool could have a double gameweek, making them a prime candidate for the Assistant Manager chip. With strong chances of winning, scoring plenty of goals, and keeping clean sheets, they offer a high point potential. However, you must consider the opportunity cost—if you choose to use this chip, you cannot also play the Triple Captain chip for Mohamed Salah.
- The Outside-the-Box Choice: Brentford With Brentford performing well offensively, especially at home, they are an intriguing option for the Assistant Manager chip. Their two home fixtures against Villa and Leicester, plus a trip to leaky Leicester, offer plenty of opportunities for points. The timing of this run could also coincide with a potential Liverpool double gameweek later in the season, allowing you to free up chips for a stronger finish.
- The High-Risk, High-Reward Choice: Crystal Palace Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner could offer a massive upside if you’re willing to take a gamble. With the attacking quality to cause upsets, Palace faces some tricky opponents in Villa, Ipswich, and Newcastle, which could yield significant points—especially with a potential table bonus. While the risk is high, the rewards for a Palace team on form could be substantial.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right manager for the Assistant Manager chip depends on your risk tolerance and FPL strategy. Whether you opt for a reliable team like Arsenal, a high-upside pick like Brentford, or a bold gamble with Crystal Palace, there’s a lot to consider. Planning ahead is key—take your time to evaluate the fixtures, and don’t forget to manage your other chips carefully to maximize your FPL success.
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