Is GW4 the Perfect Time for Your FPL Free Hit? Salah, Palace & Fixture Strategy Unlocked
Fantasy Premier League managers eye Gameweek 4 with anticipation—and the Free Hit chip might just be your secret weapon. With Liverpool away to Burnley, Crystal Palace hosting Sunderland, and tricky fixtures ahead, this could be the perfect moment to deploy your Free Hit. Let’s break down the smart approach for GW4 in FPL.
Why GW4 Could Be a Golden Free Hit Opportunity
1. Favorable Fixtures Worth Targeting
Liverpool vs. Burnley makes Mo Salah an almost mandatory captain this week—as fantasy managers are overwhelmingly pointing toward him. Crystal Palace’s home game against Sunderland is similarly enticing for players like Mateta and Ekitike. If your current squad lacks those players—say, you’re loaded with only Forest assets facing Arsenal away—FWIW, using Free Hit here can unlock those returns. According to community chatter, many managers are aligning their Free Hit for GW4, aiming to stack up on Liverpool, Palace, Spurs, and Newcastle picks.
2. Strategic Planning vs. Emergencies
GW6 also offers compelling fixtures—like Man City vs. Burnley—and is a reasonable backup option. That said, there are few weeks as clear-cut as GW4, especially if you lack Liverpool or Palace assets. Holding the chip for emergencies or fixture swings can be tempting—but acting on GW4 may maximize your short-term haul.
Free Hit Draft Strategy for GW4
Formation Strategy: Double-Ups & Triple-Ups
Multiple Liverpool Attack
Use the uptick in fixtures to double or triple up on Liverpool attack. Salah (Captain), Ekitike, and Gakpo form a potent front line targeting Burnley.
Double Defense from Arsenal & Palace
Double defenses provide solid clean sheet potential and long-term stability. Think Raya or Gabriel from Arsenal and Munóz or Laquaire from Palace. They combine set-piece threat and defensive reliability.
Midfield Picks: Balance Star Power & Value
Salah is non-negotiable. Pair him with Cody Gakpo, and consider Semenyo (Brighton) or Harvey Barnes (Newcastle). Riskier pickups include Grealish, Sarr (if fit), or other sub-£8m mids like Mitoma or Wilson—depending on squad value.
Front-Three Focus
Ekitike (Liverpool), Mateta (Palace), and Xhaka (Arsenal) fit the triple-attack strategy well within budget constraints. Ideally, you’d want Haaland, but funds may favor Salah as the superior captain pick.
| Position | Picks | Why These Stand Out |
| GK | (Optional double-up) | e.g., Allison for Liverpool clean sheet |
| Defenders | Raya/Gabriel (Arsenal), Munõz/Laqua (Palace) | Attack & clean sheet balance |
| Midfield | Salah (C), Gakpo, Semenyo, Barnes | Mix of ceiling & budget flexibility |
| Forwards | Ekitike, Mateta, Xhaka | Frontier attack with high upside |
Smart Tips:
- Double up in defense and attack to leverage fixture strength.
- Captain Salah for maximum expected returns.
- Keep money spent balanced; if Haaland becomes viable, pivot priorities.
If you’re searching for a focused, high-upside move in GW4, using the Free Hit could pay dividends. Liverpool’s favorable fixture, Palace at home, and strong defensive pairings make this an opportune week. Lock in Salah as captain, stack attack and defense, and let the chip shine. Let us know your picks or tweaks in the comments—and don’t forget to share this post if it helped with your GW4 planning.
