June
26

While Fantasy managers prepare their squads for tomorrow evening’s Euro 2012 semi-final between Spain and Portugal, some domestic news of significant Fantasy interest broke earlier on this morning. Already, we have our first double Gameweek of the season to prepare for thanks to Chelsea’s UEFA Super Cup duties against Atletico Madrid.

The Blues have revealed that their home game against Reading, scheduled for Saturday September 1, has been moved to Wednesday August 22 and immediately hands both clubs a double in the first Gameweek of the upcoming 2012/13 campaign, with a blank Gameweek 3 to follow.

Already, this is huge news for Fantasy managers and will surely play a significant part in the structuring of plenty squads ahead of the kick-off on August 18. Robert Di Matteo’s side will now travel to Wigan before playing host to the Royals, while Brian McDermott’s promoted side also have a home game against Stoke to consider.

Chelsea, in particular, have the kindest opening schedule of arguably any side – selecting three of their players for those opening pair of games now seems a tactic that many will employ in order to ensure their Fantasy seasons get off to a successful start. The likes of Gary Cahill, Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and even Fernando Torres will likely see strong investment prior to the big kick-off on the back of today’s news.

For now, then, it’s just a quick heads-up article to bring you up to date – as always, we’ve updated the season ticker to reflect the change in fixtures.

About The Author

paul

> See all posts by this author

573 Responses to “Double Gameweek One Announced”

  1. June 26 at 3:52 pm

    FORCA INTER says:

    knew that this will happen,i wanted to confirm my team yesterday

    now i am confindent in Spain CS and win and i wanna go wothout Cr7 and i wanna C Ramos

    madness?

    • 1 reply
     
    1. June 26 at 3:54 pm

      beric says:

      Nope, sensible

      • 1 reply
       
      1. June 26 at 3:55 pm

        FORCA INTER says:

        hows your team looks beric??i am thinking about all spain+germany

        • 1 reply
         
        1. June 26 at 4:01 pm

          beric says:

          This is what I have at the moment. By no means my final team though

          ————–Casillas
          -Alba-Arbeloa-Pique-Ramos
          Busquets-Pirlo-Ozil-Khedeira
          -—Balotelli-Gomez/Klose (Oliveira)

          No FT left.

          Spain win to nil, goals on both sides of the other game.

          If Italy win, Ozil, Khedeira, Gomez/Klose, XXX -> Whover I want
          If germany win, Balo, Pirlo, Pique, Ramos -> Whoever I want

          At the moment, I am thinking Klose, but I’m unsure.

          • 2 replies
           
          1. June 26 at 4:02 pm

            beric says:

            *If I go for Klose, one of the Spanish Def’s must be Hummels, if Gomez, it stays how it is. (ran out of FT’s)

            • 0 replies
             
          2. June 26 at 4:03 pm

            FORCA INTER says:

            that’s so crazy startegy and it actually could eork out brillintly

            only problem is Prtugal possible goal…you are in big trouble then

            • 1 reply
             
            1. June 26 at 4:07 pm

              beric says:

              Yeah I know. I might not do this, but the first rounds haven’t gone too well, so I fancy a win or bust SF :D

              I might wimp out though ;)

              • 1 reply
               
              1. June 26 at 4:21 pm

                7dbeckham23 says:

                Thanks for your reply before Beric

                • 1 reply
                 
                1. June 26 at 4:28 pm

                  beric says:

                  ;) no worries :lol:

                  • 0 replies
                   
  2. June 26 at 3:53 pm

    China Mag says:

    AAARRRRGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! I’ve just realized that chelsea’s blank is GW3, not AFTER GW3! There is an international break between GW3-4 so that would have fit in well for the WC!

    • 3 replies
     
    1. June 26 at 3:55 pm

      FORCA INTER says:

      you will have 2FT,nothing to worry about ;)

      • 0 replies
       
    2. June 26 at 3:56 pm

      Mac says:

      GW1: 3 Chelsea, 1 RDG
      GW2: Bank it/Lose a Chelsea player for a Man U player
      GW3: Lose a Chelsea player for a City player – leaves you with 2 blanks on the bench and a proper sub. Chuck in a keeper as well if you want.

      • 1 reply
       
      1. June 26 at 4:01 pm

        China Mag says:

        Yeah. Its not a major problem. I was just contemplating whether to plan for a WC in the first international break, and I thought that this was a sign to say that would be the right thing to do!!

        • 1 reply
         
        1. June 26 at 4:07 pm

          Pork Pie Sausage Roll says:

          Let’s face it, even if we don’t initially plan to use the WC in GW3, we’ll inevitably do so after our carefully planned team crashes and burns! Happens every season (to me at least).

          • 1 reply
           
          1. June 26 at 4:09 pm

            China Mag says:

            So you might as well face up to it, and plan a team for the first 3 weeks only!

            • 1 reply
             
            1. June 26 at 4:15 pm

              Pork Pie Sausage Roll says:

              Yep! :)

              • 0 replies
               
    3. June 26 at 4:18 pm

      Gaz Downright says:

      settle down

      • 0 replies
       
  3. June 26 at 3:53 pm

    Back on the horse ..¦. says:

    DGW in GW 1!!! wooooooooooo

    • 1 reply
     
    1. June 26 at 3:57 pm

      Pork Pie Sausage Roll says:

      +1

      • 0 replies
       
  4. June 26 at 3:55 pm

    ★A-O-Chamberlain★ says:

    What Chelsea players are you guys considering for the DGW?

    • 3 replies
     
    1. June 26 at 3:56 pm

      Adithya Aithal says:

      Only Cahill.

      • 0 replies
       
    2. June 26 at 3:57 pm

      Pork Pie Sausage Roll says:

      Mata is a certainty for me. Then one of Cahill/Ivanovic and one of Torres/Lamps/Hazard

      • 1 reply
       
      1. June 26 at 4:01 pm

        ★A-O-Chamberlain★ says:

        Im thinking Mata & Ivanovic and another aswell. How much do you think they will be?
        I think:
        Mata – 10
        Ivanovic – 6.5

        • 0 replies
         
    3. June 26 at 3:58 pm

      freshy says:

      If JT’s not in jail

      • 0 replies
       
  5. June 26 at 3:56 pm

    The Parmtree- Isacki to NOT go all the way!!! says:

    Well this is unwelcome news.

    Will probably have two from each and use the freebies to play me out of danger.

    • 3 replies
     
    1. June 26 at 3:57 pm

      jkisthe1 - Forca Inter and Mexico down, now for Giggs Boson and USA says:

      I reckon it might be Cahill and Mata from Chelsea. Not sure who on Reading yet.

      • 0 replies
       
    2. June 26 at 3:58 pm

      FORCA INTER says:

      ivanivic mata and torres

      • 0 replies
       
    3. June 26 at 4:05 pm

      The Parmtree- Isacki to NOT go all the way!!! says:

      Will probably be Ivanovic/Cahill(Depending on price) with Federici and Harte/McAnuff.

      • 0 replies
       
  6. June 26 at 3:58 pm

    Captain Shirokov says:

    JK – You will most definitely be carrying the load. Btw, do you have a link to your review of QF 1? :)

    • 1 reply
     
      • 1 reply
       
      1. June 26 at 3:59 pm

        Captain Shirokov says:

        Thanks Forca.

        • 0 replies
         
  7. June 26 at 3:58 pm

    Henry Hill says:

    Pogrebnyak might be a good option for Reading’s double gameweek

    • 3 replies
     
    1. June 26 at 4:02 pm

      China Mag says:

      Good shout

      • 0 replies
       
    2. June 26 at 4:05 pm

      stilicho says:

      Pricing will be interesting on him, he certainly didn’t need much time to settle at Fulham, I suppose 6.5?

      • 0 replies
       
    3. June 26 at 4:21 pm

      Gaz Downright says:

      Dudes. Pog is not FPL material. Buggumark it

      • 0 replies
       
  8. June 26 at 3:58 pm

    Abominable Snowy84 says:

    I think this DGW does more harm than good!!

    • 1 reply
     
    1. June 26 at 4:04 pm

      stilicho says:

      I have a premonition, it’s lots of people being very angry with Torres.

      • 2 replies
       
      1. June 26 at 4:05 pm

        Abominable Snowy84 says:

        +1!

        • 0 replies
         
      2. June 26 at 4:06 pm

        Pratik : Check out your scores at precisely.me/blog/euro && precisely.me/blog/friendlywc says:

        :-)

        Unless last year, he is not make my first team. 2 chelsea mids and one defender. Or vica-versa for me.

        • 0 replies
         
  9. June 26 at 4:00 pm

    Desange says:

    Khedira or Reus

    Gomez or Klose

    These are the important questions in my mind and I would like your input
    Merci

    • 1 reply
     
    1. June 26 at 4:02 pm

      Captain Shirokov says:

      Reus and Gomez

      • 1 reply
       
      1. June 26 at 4:13 pm

        beric says:

        What’s your reasoning James?

        • 0 replies
         
  10. June 26 at 4:00 pm

    Count Of Monte Hristo says:

    Gas explosion in Oldham. What a mess.

    http://news.sky.com/story/9528.....-explosion

    • 2 replies
     
    1. June 26 at 4:13 pm

      beric says:

      Shit

      • 0 replies
       
      • 0 replies
       
  11. June 26 at 4:01 pm

    FORCA INTER says:

    wich team do you prefer?

    team 1 -SAFE

    Neuer
    Hummels Boateng Pereira Alba Arbeloa
    Kedhira Ozil Busquets Iniesta
    Oliveira Ronaldo Balotelli

    team 2- all or nothing

    Neuer
    Hummels Badstuber Ramos Alba
    Kedhira Ozil Busquets Iniesta
    Oliveira Gomez Torres

    • 3 replies
     
    1. June 26 at 4:02 pm

      Captain Shirokov says:

      2

      • 1 reply
       
      1. June 26 at 4:02 pm

        Captain Shirokov says:

        It’s what I’m doing.

        • 0 replies
         
      • 1 reply
       
      1. June 26 at 4:10 pm

        FORCA INTER says:

        i am gonna C Ramos so Ronaldo is not welcome in my team :D

        • 0 replies
         
    2. June 26 at 4:07 pm

      China Mag says:

      2

      • 1 reply
       
      1. June 26 at 4:08 pm

        China Mag says:

        But leave the gomez/klose, and torres pick as late as possible

        • 0 replies
         
  12. June 26 at 4:03 pm

    Count Of Monte Hristo says:

    Any point having Ronaldo if you are heavily backing Spain and getting their defenders in?

    • 5 replies
     
    1. June 26 at 4:04 pm

      FORCA INTER says:

      good point,i was thinking about same and if ronaldo is guaranted 2pts i might take a gamble and get Gomez in

      • 1 reply
       
      1. June 26 at 4:05 pm

        Count Of Monte Hristo says:

        Gomez and Klose or just one of them? Who do you think will start?

        • 1 reply
         
        1. June 26 at 4:07 pm

          FORCA INTER says:

          Gomez and dont ask me why,it’s ,my intuition

          he might wanna be goal top scorer as well…

          • 0 replies
           
    2. June 26 at 4:06 pm

      China Mag says:

      It depends. If you are hec and gunning for numero uno in the world, i would say no. Anyone else might as well spread the risk

      • 0 replies
       
    3. June 26 at 4:07 pm

      SARNAB-WAZZAGOAL , JAPAN - KAGAWA IN LOVE WITH COLEEN says:

      Bring in 4 Spanish Def and Casillas..

      No ronaldo for me.

      • 0 replies
       
    4. June 26 at 4:10 pm

      aatish says:

      I am sticking with Ronaldo and Pereira.
      Will get in 1 more Spanish defender.Have Torres and Gomez up front so I’ll use 2 transfers there.

      • 1 reply
       
      1. June 26 at 4:11 pm

        Count Of Monte Hristo says:

        You don’t think Klose will keep his place?

        • 1 reply
         
        1. June 26 at 4:13 pm

          aatish says:

          No.
          I’ll keep Gomez I think untill I get any news about him not starting.
          Will transfer out Torres though if he doesn’t start.

          • 0 replies
           
    5. June 26 at 4:12 pm

      Mac says:

      I really don’t get this idea that you shouldn’t hedge your bets. Okay you might limit your ability to get the top score of the day but seeing as whether you pick Spanish defenders makes naff all difference to whether Ronaldo scores or not you should just decide whether you think he’s the best bet for that price.

      • 1 reply
       
      1. June 26 at 4:17 pm

        Count Of Monte Hristo says:

        If you heavily invest in Spain defenders you need a CS or it’s a disaster so you need to weigh up whether you think Portugal will score or not. Picking the Spain defenders doesn’t affect whether CR7 scores or not but it makes all the difference to the points you get if he does or doesn’t.

        • 1 reply
         
        1. June 26 at 4:22 pm

          Mac says:

          Seeing as Ronaldo is central to just about everything Portugal do though it would cushion the blow if instead of losing 12 points from a CS you only lose 8.

          • 1 reply
           
          1. June 26 at 4:23 pm

            Count Of Monte Hristo says:

            Yeah that makes sense.

            • 0 replies
             
  13. June 26 at 4:03 pm

    SaintMatt says:

    Cheillini likely to play? Also boateng likely to play?

    • 1 reply
     
    1. June 26 at 4:05 pm

      aatish says:

      Cheillini is doutbful read the scout tweets.
      Boateng should play.

      • 1 reply
       
      1. June 26 at 4:06 pm

        SaintMatt says:

        Cheers

        • 0 replies
         
  14. June 26 at 4:04 pm

    Count Of Monte Hristo says:

    Which double up would you rather have?

    Ozil + Khedira

    or

    Alonso + Busquets

    • 5 replies
     
    1. June 26 at 4:06 pm

      aatish says:

      A)

      • 0 replies
       
    2. June 26 at 4:06 pm

      Desange says:

      ozil and khedira

      • 0 replies
       
    3. June 26 at 4:06 pm

      China Mag says:

      A by a mile

      • 0 replies
       
    4. June 26 at 4:12 pm

      FORCA INTER says:

      A-easy

      • 1 reply
       
      1. June 26 at 4:13 pm

        aatish says:

        Very :)

        • 0 replies
         
    5. June 26 at 4:17 pm

      SARNAB-WAZZAGOAL , JAPAN - KAGAWA IN LOVE WITH COLEEN says:

      A

      Ozil & Busquets is what I would prefer to spread among Germans and Spain.

      • 0 replies
       
  15. June 26 at 4:05 pm

    ZaKNaFeiN says:

    Reposted:

    Thoughts most welcome.

    Fabregas team

    Neuer
    Boateng / Jordi Alba / Arbeloa / Abate
    Pirlo / Ozil / Khedira / Fabregas
    Silva / Ronaldo / (Oliveira)

    Torres team

    Neuer
    Boateng / Jordi Alba / Arbeloa / (Abate)
    Pirlo / Ozil / Khedira / Alonso
    Torres / Ronaldo / Cassano

    Help please, thanks!

    • 1 reply
     
    1. June 26 at 4:06 pm

      FORCA INTER says:

      why help?you got same team as everyone else…

      where are you vets?

      • 1 reply
       
      1. June 26 at 4:09 pm

        FORCA INTER says:

        you dont need abate cause he might be injureed….i wouldn’t have pirlo as well

        as i said,it’s a very standard team

        • 1 reply
         
        1. June 26 at 4:13 pm

          ZaKNaFeiN says:

          Got Abate coz he’s cheap and might play. And got Pirlo from a previous suggestion by someone else over Alonso.

          Thanks for your comments though.

          • 1 reply
           
          1. June 26 at 4:17 pm

            FORCA INTER says:

            you can also downgrade pirlo or also to busquets and upgrade defence

            you can also downgrade Torres/Cassano and make even strongier MF

            • 0 replies
             
  16. June 26 at 4:15 pm

    SARNAB-WAZZAGOAL , JAPAN - KAGAWA IN LOVE WITH COLEEN says:

    My Strategy for the Semis::

    1. Only two games. very less chance of goals. Max 3-4 from both the games, so I think bring in as much defenders as you can from a team that you think likely to get a CS.. remember ALL DEF + GK gets the point for CS but only the duo who scores/assists gets the point.

    2. Fill the mid with khedira,busquets,alonso,Marchisio etc.. And bring in 1 Costly player like Ozil,Iniesta etc.

    3. Bring in 1 costly striker and two cheap ones..

    Feel free to discuss.

    • 5 replies
     
    1. June 26 at 4:19 pm

      FORCA INTER says:

      that’s about the perfect strategy

      1.i am going with 5 big defenders (3 germans 2 spains)

      2. 4MF players( 2 bigg hitters)

      3.2 atackers

      • 1 reply
       
      1. June 26 at 4:23 pm

        SARNAB-WAZZAGOAL , JAPAN - KAGAWA IN LOVE WITH COLEEN says:

        me 3 spain 2 germans

        • 0 replies
         
    2. June 26 at 4:20 pm

      MarkEstute says:

      That’s pretty much my intention.

      • 0 replies
       
    3. June 26 at 4:21 pm

      aatish says:

      Well said :)

      • 0 replies
       
    4. June 26 at 4:25 pm

      Pratik : Check out your scores at precisely.me/blog/euro && precisely.me/blog/friendlywc says:

      While I agree with less goals, I also think unlike the quarter-finals, there will be few clean sheets in the semi’s and final’s.

      • 0 replies
       
    5. June 26 at 4:38 pm

      bobb2412 says:

      although I don’t agree whole-heartedly with everything, you’ve helped me pick which is my favourite out of 3 or 4 possible teams, so thanks :)

      • 0 replies
       
  17. June 26 at 4:19 pm

    northernmuppet says:

    neuer (4M)
    alba pereira boateng (4M) (4M)
    ozil pirlo khedria viana (4M)
    silva ronaldo klose

    I’ve 0.1 in the bank and 2 FT – thoughts on how I get another starter in here? I could downgrade pirlo, get an italian defender in and drop viana but fancy the germans to score..

    • 1 reply
     
    1. June 26 at 4:21 pm

      Mac says:

      Klose to Cassano 4m defender to Hummels/Pique

      • 0 replies
       
  18. June 26 at 4:20 pm

    7dbeckham23 says:

    Calling out BERIC, thanks for your reply before!!!!

    • 0 replies
     
  19. June 26 at 4:21 pm

    Lordjim says:

    If Greece can put 2 past Germany, it is certainly possible for Italy to sneak a goal. Spain have been strong defensively, but there is every chance that Ronaldo will also sneak a goal. My defence strategy is different. I don’t expect any CS, so am going with Pepe, hoping for an onslaught and RB. That’s the key to the SF matches…..imho

    • 0 replies
     
  20. June 26 at 4:22 pm

    aatish says:

    • 0 replies
     
  21. June 26 at 4:28 pm

    leo_messi says:

    Guys!!Many of you playing this kind of game a long time so maybe you can give me some good advice.I’m currently 27 points behind the leaders in the overall but still have 7 pts lead in the Poland global league..what strategy will be best for me?Play it safe(4 germans,4 spaniards 2 portuguese ans 2 italians) or is it better to risk(6 germans,6 spaniards)?I really don’t know what to do right now..Any suggestions very welcome!!!Thanks

    • 0 replies
     
  22. June 26 at 4:34 pm

    thethompson says:

    Any Spurs fans on here? My sister works at Heathrow and recons that Rijkard has flown in today… Might be a good candidate for the job as I’m not too sure about AVB and he built a good team at Barca. Played entertaining football as well.

    • 1 reply
     
    1. June 26 at 5:22 pm

      tempest says:

      Yup. I think AVB is done though mate…

      Siggy too it looks like to replace Modric…..

      • 0 replies
       
  23. June 27 at 9:57 am

    Mo Premiership Euro Code 28006-7794 says:

    Is bonucci nailed on?

    Is there a fixture spreadsheet knocking about?

    Cheers!

    • 0 replies
     

Commenting is now closed for this post.

Scout Picks

For Gameweek 38

  • Boruc
  • Zabaleta
  • Vertonghen
  • Johnson
  • Walcott
  • Michu
  • Coutinho
  • Bale
  • van Persie
  • Carroll
  • Sturridge
  • Rangel
  • Nolan
  • Rodriguez

Recent Comments

Next Six Ticker

The Watchlist

Goalkeepers

Player Club Factors
No Change Hart MCI B, Vs
Up Cech CHE B, Vs
Up Robles WIG C, Vs, £
No Change Lloris TOT C, Vs
No Change Foster WBA C, Vs
No Change Vorm SWA C, Vs
No Change Mignolet SUN B, Vs
No Change De Gea MUN A
Up Boruc SOT B, Vs, £
No Change Jääskeläinen WHM A
No Change Begovic STO C
No Change Howard EVE A

Defenders

Player Club Factors
No Change Kompany MCI B, Vs, Rest
No Change Vertonghen TOT A, Vs, Rest
Up Luiz CHE A, Vs, Rest
No Change Baines EVE A
Up Boyce WIG C, Vs, OoP
Down Bassong NOR B, Vs
Up McAuley WBA C, Vs
Down Johnson LIV B
Up Jones MUN A
No Change Sagna ARS B
Up Huth STO C
No Change Cuéllar SUN B, Vs, £
No Change Rangel SWA C, Vs
Up Clyne SOT B, Vs, £

Midfielders

Player Club Factors
Up Bale TOT A, Vs
No Change Mata CHE C, Vs, Rest
Up Walcott ARS C, OoP
Up Hazard CHE B, Vs, Rest, Inj
Up Maloney WIG B, Vs, £
No Change Y Touré MCI B, Vs
No Change Silva MCI B, Vs, Inj
No Change Fellaini EVE C
No Change Coutinho LIV B
Up Morrison WBA C, Vs
Down Cazorla ARS C
No Change Snodgrass NOR B
Up Kagawa MUN B, Rest
Up Walters STO B
Down Lallana SOT C, Vs
Down Sissoko NEW C

Forwards

Player Club Factors
Up Tevez MCI A, Vs, Rest
Up Koné WIG B, Vs, £
Down van Persie MUN A, Vs
Up Sturridge LIV B
Up Lukaku WBA B, Vs, Rest
Up Benteke AVL A
Down Aguero MCI B, Vs, Inj
Up Rodriguez SOT A, Vs, £
Up Defoe TOT B, Vs, Rest
Down Lambert SOT C, Vs
Down Rooney MUN C
Up Carroll WHM A, VsX
Up Ba CHE C, Vs, Rest
Down Berbatov FUL C
Up Cissé NEW B
Down Remy QPR B

Selection Factors

A, B, C Current Form
Vs Favourable Fixtures
VsX Unfavourable Fixtures
Rest Rotation Risk
Inj Injured/Returning from Injury
OoP Out of Position
£ Potential Bargain
Sus Suspended/Near Suspension

“We have dynamic players with good movement, so if he can link with them fine. He can play a bit higher because his timing getting into the box is very good.”

Rafa Benitez talks up the role that Frank Lampard can play in his Chelsea revolution