See: All you need to know about the Free Hit chip (2018/19)
Fantasy Premier League managers with the Free Hit chip still to play can use it to solve the Gameweek 35 problem.
With only 12 teams in action over six fixtures this weekend, many managers will struggle to field a full XI of their active players.
But the Free Hit can come to the rescue. Here we explain how to use it.
What is the Free Hit chip?
The chip lets FPL managers make unlimited transfers that are applied to one Gameweek only. At the next deadline, the original squad is returned.
Why should I play it ahead of GW35?
With only 12 teams playing, the chip can give a manager the chance to have a full 15-man squad available.
Those activating the chip can consider a strong starting XI, with a suitable first substitute while opting for cheaper, perhaps even inactive, reserves.
Can I use it another time?
There are 12 additional fixtures in Gameweek 37, which present another suitable window to play the Free Hit.
However, either the Bench Boost or the Triple Captain chip could be more profitable in that Double Gameweek, and only one chip can be used at one time.
How do I activate the Free Hit chip?
The Free Hit chip is activated when confirming a Gameweek transfer.
Can I change my mind once I activate?
No. Once the Free Hit chip is active, the chip must be played in that Gameweek.
And transfers made before activating the chip?
Any transfers made in the Gameweek before activating the Free Hit chip will be incorporated in your new squad.
Any transfer costs or "hits" spent before activating the chip will then be restored.
However, it also means that any players sold will return to your squad in the next Gameweek.
I have two free transfers. Will these carry over if I activate the Free Hit?
No. As with the Wildcard, any saved free transfers will be lost. You will be back to the usual one free transfer for the next Gameweek.
What happens after I’ve played the chip?
Once the Gameweek deadline passes, the players brought in with the Free Hit depart and the original players return to the squad.
For example, Willian (£7.2m) is transferred out ahead of Gameweek 35 and swapped for Wilfried Zaha (£6.9m) with the Free Hit chip activated.
At 11.31 BST on Saturday, April 21, Willian returns to your squad for Gameweek 36 and Zaha departs.
How will it affect my player prices?
After playing your Free Hit chip, the bank balance and squad is restored to their state before the previous deadline. Any player price changes taking place over the previous Gameweek are reflected.
Using the example above, while away from your squad, let's say Willian rises in price to £7.3m, while Zaha also increases to £7.0m.
Once the squad reverts back ahead of Gameweek 36, Willian will return at his new price of £7.3m, adding to the squad value.
But any profit made on Zaha will be lost.
Similarly, if any player transferred out with the Free Hit goes down in price, this will be reflected in their value and the total squad value on their return.
Also in this series
Part 2: How to build a Free Hit squad
