I've had the q of why WC in 18 a few times, and heard on a few pods that they don't like the strategy. Time to explain the reasoning.

So, buckle up bitches - that's right it's a

Firstly, the optimal strategy is very team dependent. Some background:

I WC in 16 to attack the double in 19, so I could get only 3 players out in 18 before transfers - Taylor, Fernandes and Wood.

So, I need to use a chip in 18 - the choice is FH or WC

The likely 2nd doubles are 26 - with those teams that reach the FA Cup quarters & the inverse blank in 29.

We find out the fixtures in GW24, so max 4FTs to prepare for the double and 3FTs for the inverse blank.

Bench boosting in this period is ~impossible without both FH + WC

FH in 18 means I have this going into 19 to try to BB.

Obvious issues: Taylor & James potentially injured. Balbuena dropped. Haven't got the best captain (KdB)

Some of this you can rectify with KdB & Stones in for Mane and Taylor (-4), but likely to be priced out by 19.

FH likely more helpful than WC to navigate 26/29.

Can build probabilistically for 26 double and FH in 29. If you get FA Cup surprises then FH in 26 and you're prepared for the blank.

Either way, not stuck making FTs for poor assets you want rid of post-29.

Ideal team from 20-25 is heavy on MCI, MUN & AVL: Cancelo, Stones, KdB, Fernandes, Grealish, Watkins are all in my optimal squad, and I would only own two in GW20 with FH plan.

These clubs play in 18, double in 19 *and* City + Villa have another fixture still to be rearranged

It's remarkably easy to build a WC squad which gets 11 out in GW18, 15DGWers and set up very strong for GW20-25, without any hits.

Current draft:
Saka -> Raphinha in GW19

Also has 2 easy cash cows to undo the BB (De Gea + Wood) so doesn't require many transfers for 3rd premium.

In summary, I think *anyone* planning to use the FH should consider the WC as an alternative.

FH more useful for 26/29
Better path for 20-25 with WC-viable players

Peace

FIN