Wildcard FPL: what is the Fantasy Premier League chip, what does it do - and how to use it in 2021/22 season

With Gameweek 4 in sight, many Fantasy Premier League managers will be mulling over their squads in the coming days.

The reintroduction of Ronaldo to the Premier League in the colours of Manchester United will no doubt have a few scratching their heads.

Does Ronaldo start for Man Utd against Newcastle United, is it worth the £12.5 million hit to the rest of my squad, can I make savings elsewhere...?

So many questions.

There could be one saving grace, an answer to your questions and stop you from dreaded sleepless nights in the run up to this week's deadline - the wildcard.

Here's a look at what the FPL wildcard is, what it does, the best time to use it and if you should play the chip in the week after the international break.

What is a wildcard?

A wildcard allows you to basically start again.

If you play yor wildcard chip then you can make unlimited free transfers throughout that same Gameweek. Playing a wildcard will remove any points deductions from transfers already made in the same Gameweek.

You play a wildcard when you want to make multiple changes to your team, for example Gameweeks when teams are playing more than once, or when your team is underperforming or has a lot of injuries.

When using a wildcard, you must remain within your current budget. There is no unlimited budget when using a wildcard.

When should I play a wildcard?

FPL managers often turn to the wildcard when things have been going badly, when they've tried to turn it around and failed - or when someone like Ronaldo joins the Premier League.

There is often a clamour of fans who want a superstar in their team and Ronaldo certainly fits that billing.

The wildcard chip can be used twice a season, once in the first half of the season - before 1.30pm on Tuesday 28 December 2021 - and once in the second half of the season.

Wildcards are played on the transfers page but aren't active until you have confirmed the transfers.

What happens to the transfers already made?

All transfers made in previous weeks will be lost, along with your squad selections.

Once a wildcard is used it can't be cancelled.

Once you have played your wildcard, any transfers you make within that Gameweek are free, including any made before playing your wildcard up until the next deadline.