FA Cup Postponements and Double Gameweeks

Let’s be honest, none of us Fantasy Football managers really care about the FA Cup at this time of year. But one thing we do care about is how it affects the Fantasy Premier League season, in particular how it can create double Gameweeks through postponements and fixture congestion.

This article aims to offer the simple version of how things are unfolding by focusing on the Gameweek 28 FA Cup Quarter Final weekend, when postponements in the league for those still in the competition are likely to take place.

With European football scheduled in the days before and after Gameweek 28, history suggests a fixture cancelled on this weekend will result in the much-loved double Gameweek (DGW). But how many DGW teams are we likely to be blessed with?

Of course, the draw for the fourth round has only just been made. Teams will need to win in the fourth and fifth rounds to make the quarter finals. So there’s a long way to go – but with a few Premier League clubs knocked out already, this article gives an early look at the few certainties we have:

GAMEWEEK 28 FIXTURES

Arsenal v Leicester 

Both teams are  into Round 4. Leicester travel to Championship big-spenders Derby, whilst Arsenal are away to Southampton/Norwich.

DGW-o-meter: Uncomfortable ties for both, but Arsenal would hope to progress to the quarter-finals, no matter the opposition.

Bournemouth v West Ham 

Both teams knocked out.

DGW-o-meter: Confirmed Gameweek 28 fixture. This means while they are guaranteed to play during Gameweek 28 their players look poor in terms of investing in DGWK assets.

Chelsea v Watford 

Both teams into Round 4. Chelsea have a favourable home tie against neighbours Brentford; Watford a trickier tie away at Millwall.

DGW-o-meter: As with Arsenal, Chelsea would hope to make the quarters regardless, and have a strong Round 4 tie. Both are favourites to progress, but much depends on the fifth round draw.

Crystal Palace v Spurs 

Palace will require a replay if they are to edge out League 1 Bolton, but an ominous home tie against Manchester City awaits. However, Spurs have been drawn at home to Wycombe Wanderers, so will hope an equally-kind fifth round draw helps them into the quarters.

DGW-o-meter: Tottenham surely into Round 5 already, giving them a good chance of a Gameweek 28 cancellation.

Everton v West Brom 

Both teams suffered disappointing defeats, so will meet in GW28.

DGW-o-meter: Confirmed GW28 fixture, but as with Bournemouth and West Ham that makes them surplus to requirements should double Gameweeks be scheduled after this Gameweek.

Hull v Swansea 

With the two teams facing each other in Round 3, one was guaranteed to make it further, in spite of their recent form. Hull did just that, but face a tricky trip to in form Championship side Fulham. With relegation battles a priority, it would be no surprise to see Hull exit in this round or next.

DGW-o-meter: Relying on Hull victories is never wise. It would be no surprise to see this being a Gameweek 28 fixture.

Man City v Stoke 

As mentioned, City made it through, rewarded with an away tie to Palace/Bolton. Even if Pep Guardiola’s rotation sees City prioritise European matters, City should be too strong for Sam Allardyce’s strugglers. Stoke dropped out in Round 3, beaten by Championship Wolverhampton Wanderers.

DGW-o-meter: It’s not impossible for City to be knocked out, but it would be a surprise. An attractive Gameweek 28 fixture if it remains there though.

Middlesbrough v Sunderland 

Middlesbrough comfortably progressed. A home tie against Accrington Stanley awaits. Sunderland will also be at home to lower league opposition – but only if they beat Burnley in next week’s replay.

DGW-o-meter: With Sunderland having priorities elsewhere, the quarter finals seem unlikely. This fixture seems largely reliant on a good fifth round draw for shot-shy ‘Boro.

Southampton v Man Utd 

Southampton will need to navigate two home games – Norwich (replay) and Arsenal – before any fifth round tie. Man United face Wigan in Round 4, with Jose Mourinho surely keen not to be out-done by Louis van Gaal, his predecessor who won the trophy last season.

DGW-o-meter: Should United continue to benefit from their alleged ‘luck of the draw’, Southampton’s tricky route to the quarter final could be an irrelevance.

Liverpool v Burnley

With Liverpool’s youngsters being faced with a long trip to Plymouth (and on a school night, too), and Burnley scrapping it out with Sunderland in their own replay, there is plenty of doubt over both teams progressing to the quarters.

DGW-o-meter: This is a half-decent bet to stay in GW28, but Jurgen Klopp will be hoping his faith is repaid with better finishing from his young charges next week.

Conclusion

So at this very early stage, we already have two confirmed fixtures for Gameweek28. It seems likely that poor form or uncomfortable travels will see a further upset or two, confirming a couple of other Premier League outfits out of the cup. Even those who do get through could face Premier League opposition in Round 5, guaranteeing one would be free in Gameweek 28.

But fear not, DGW-lovers. With a Gameweek 28 tie needing only one team on cup duty to end up with it being called off, we won’t need all that many cup runs to see havoc caused in our FPL calendars. So whilst the current FA Cup story of 2016/17 doesn’t fill us with great DGW joy, this is still a space to watch very closely in the weeks to come.