11 Aug, 2025
Big Man Bakar brings you his assessment on the Bench Boost debate. When should FPL managers be looking to use their bench boost in FPL in order to maximise the return from the Bench Boost chip and why? Do we bench boost in GW1 or should we wait? Bakar has you covered
The Bench Boost chip has always sparked heated debate among FPL managers, but this season the conversation feels even more intense. With the introduction of extra chips, managers have greater freedom to use it in the first half of the campaign without feeling like they’re giving up a golden opportunity later. That flexibility has split opinion — some see the opening weeks as the perfect time to cash in on a fully fit squad, while others argue it’s wiser to hold fire until the right combination of form and fixtures comes along. Timing, more than ever, could be the difference between a season-defining haul and a wasted chip.
Gameweek 1 presents the rare scenario where your squad is at full strength. Injuries are minimal, rotation risks are low, and fixtures are clearly laid out. With unlimited transfers available before the deadline, it is possible to create a squad specifically designed to take advantage of this moment. Even cheaper defenders with tough fixtures can still bring in points through the new defensive contribution rules, which reward clearances, interceptions, and blocks.
Another benefit is that there is no need to hold back funds for a future double Gameweek that may never materialise. Playing the Bench Boost early can also leave you free to use other chips like Triple Captain or Free Hit later in the season without worrying about clashing strategies.
While the lure of Gameweek 1 is strong, the downside is that the information available is minimal. There is no real form or data to rely on, and even seemingly safe picks can backfire. Last season, managers who started with the likes of Quansah or Nkunku in their squads were quickly left frustrated when their assumptions regarding the security of minutes turned out to be inaccurate.
Committing to a Bench Boost in the opening week can also tie up funds in bench players, leaving your starting XI weaker than it could be. Releasing that money later may require early Wildcarding or a flurry of transfers, limiting your flexibility when it matters most. Double Gameweeks, while sometimes unpredictable, have historically provided the most explosive returns for the Bench Boost, so using the chip too soon could mean missing out on a potential bigger opportunity later – even though that seems unlikely in the first half of the season.
While Gameweek 1 offers the advantage of a fresh squad, the fixtures for cheap enablers are generally tougher. Gameweek 2, however, looks far more appealing, particularly with Burnley hosting Sunderland. If Martin Dubravka completes his move to Burnley as expected, he could start that fixture at just £4.0m, providing an instant budget enabler in goal. In defence, Maxime Esteve remains the standout £4.0m option, while Marc Guiu at £4.5m should get regular minutes for Sunderland thanks to a clause in his loan deal from Chelsea. These kinds of players make it possible to field a strong Bench Boost side without overspending on the bench.
Personally, I lean towards keeping things flexible rather than locking in a Bench Boost in either Gameweek 1 or Gameweek 2 right now. The season is long, and opportunities will come. My approach is to monitor how these early fixtures play out, assess form and fitness, and play the chip when it feels right rather than pre-planning months in advance. Sometimes in FPL, patience can be just as valuable as aggression.
Bakar has you covered on all things FPL ahead of GW1. If you are looking for the best premium team builds – check out his Salah and Haaland GW1 draft or alternatively his Salah, Palmer and Bruno GW1 draft. If you are looking for a slightly different premium players draft, then we tried our hand at a wild Salah, Haaland, Palmer and Isak super draft!
If you like the idea of a heavy premium player drafts, but wanted some alternative cheap options to help you build these premium player heavy teams, then look no further than our best budget Defenders, Midfielders and Forwards in FPL 25/26.
Big Man Bakar is one of the leaders in the FPL space, previously ranking as high as 4th in the world. Bakar has been a regular and valued contributor to Ingenuity Fantasy since our inception, helping managers around the world win their mini-leagues and climb rankings.
