Pro Pundits

What new Blank and Double Gameweek fixtures mean for our FPL teams and chip strategies

Fantasy Premier League managers have been handed some big out-of-the-blue decisions as we head into 2021.

Going into a new year is often a time for reflection and this article was supposed to be a review of the season so far but, as is often the case in this strange new world, there was a spanner in the works.

On New Year’s Eve, we learned that Burnley v Manchester United is joining the Blank Gameweek 18 schedule and Manchester City v Aston Villa has been place in Double Gameweek 19.

At the time of writing this announcement is still very fresh, and I need time to process it but here are some initial thoughts and what this all means.

Blank Gameweek 18

andys-gw17-article 3

Those without chips will likely find this period much easier to navigate now. Burnley and Manchester United now playing in Gameweek 18 brings into play players like Bruno Fernandes (£11.2m) who a lot of people already have in their team.

It also makes other players like Marcus Rashford (£9.5m) and Nick Pope (£5.4m) a little more desirable as they play in Gameweek 18 and then have a Double Gameweek.

It also means some teams will be able to save their Free Hit chip which could be very handy later on in the season when we see more Blank Gameweeks.

A lot of this will be chip dependant, but if you already have a team full of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool you’re probably in a good place to cover Gameweek 18 and the doubles in Gameweek 19.

Manchester City More Desirable

andys-gw17-article 4

With Manchester City now having one of the best pair of fixtures in Double Gameweek 19, and playing in Gameweek 18, it makes them much more desirable to bring in if you haven’t already.

After Chelsea (away) in Gameweek 17 the fixtures look like this:

  • Gameweek 18 – Brighton (home)
  • Gameweek 19 – Crystal Palace (home), Aston Villa (home)
  • Gameweek 20 – West Brom (away)
  • Gameweek 21 – Sheffield United (home)
  • Gameweek 22 – Burnley (away)

Not only do they cover both Gameweek 18 and 19 well with very good fixtures, but the run continues afterwards. A double or triple up looks ideal.

Who to target from Man City is, as ever, the key question.

The obvious options are Kevin De Bruyne (£11.7m), João Cancelo (£5.6m) and Rúben Dias (£5.7m). I’ll be targeting at least two of this three over this fixture run.

Manchester City have looked extremely good defensively and I don’t know how Cancelo hasn’t gotten more than one assist so far. And despite people losing faith in De Bruyne, he’s still going to be a great option over this run.

It also arguably makes De Bruyne a better captaincy in Gameweek 19 than Mohamed Salah (£12.6m), who faces Manchester United (home) and Burnley (home) although I’d never bet against the Egyptian.

There are other players to consider too. John Stones (£4.9m) looks like an absolute bargain now that he has laid claim to his starting role, and we shouldn’t forget that Raheem Sterling (£11.4m) has two goals and three assists in his last five matches.

Hold Aston Villa?

andys-gw17-article 7

While people were Wildcarding away from Aston Villa players, and ditching the likes of Jack Grealish (£7.7m) it may not be the worst time to hold. You still have to get through a Manchester United (away) match in Gameweek 17 and Tottenham Hotspur (home) in Gameweek 18, but after that they have a Double Gameweek and a decent enough fixture run from Gameweek 20:

  • Gameweek 20 – Burnley (away)
  • Gameweek 21 – Southampton (away)
  • Gameweek 22 – West Ham (home)
  • Gameweek 23 – Arsenal (home)
  • Gameweek 24 – Brighton (away)

At the bare minimum it gives a lot of us a Double Gameweek goalkeeper in Emiliano Martínez (£5.0m). Even if the matches are tricky with Everton (home) and Manchester City (away), only Ederson (£6.0m) has a better save percentage among regularly-starting goalkeepers over the last four matches.

The return of Ross Barkley (£5.9m) may spell the end of a run in the team for Bertrand Traoré (£5.9m) or Anwar El Ghazi (£5.8m) but if either of them continue through to Gameweek 19 they become a great budget enabler, especially El Ghazi while he’s on penalty duty.

Abandoning our chip strategies

andys-gw17-article 5

I was convinced I was going to Bench Boost in Gameweek 19. Even with single Gameweek players I was prepared to play the chips and my initial transfer for Gameweek 17 was to bring in Sam Johnstone (£4.5m) in preparation.

The problem now is the layout has changed and we have to be prepared to adapt. This is likely something we have to bear in mind for the rest of the season, I’m sure there’s more chaos in store.

For some managers it will be easy, they’ll still Free Hit in Gameweek 18, only now there’s more options. And they’ll Bench Boost in Gameweek 19 because they’re already loaded up with enough players.

But for others we still have to change strategies and it’s important not to be rigid in your thinking.

This was my team before transfers in Gameweek 17:

andys-gw17-article 6

As mentioned above, Johnstone was to come in this week with a Free Hit in Gameweek 18 and Fabián Balbuena (£4.4m) to be my Gameweek 19 transfer. It would have meant some single Gameweek players on the bench, but I was okay with that.

But now there’s the potential of bringing in Manchester City players for Gameweek 18 and 19, therefore potentially meaning I can save the Free Hit. The Bench Boost might have to be abandoned too, but I’m prepared to adapt as necessary.

It’s still too fresh in my mind to make a plan, it looks like my New Years Eve will be way more busy from an FPL point of view than I’d imagined, but I’ll have to think of ways to adapt than to rigidly stick to my plan if it’s not as viable any more.

Final Thoughts

It’s not the ideal time to be processing all of this information. We’re just past Christmas having had two Gameweek deadlines in the space of two days, ahead of what for many is a time of celebration as we enter the new year.

But if there’s some comfort it’s that this chaos usually means those who are willing to plan and create strategies can get ahead of the crowd. So while you’re suffering from the New Years hangover, just keep thinking of the green arrows.

1,360 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Oldie99
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Where's Balbuena really at nailedness-wise?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Less nailed than most think is my guess

  2. SharkyT
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bench 1 out of:

    A) Zouma
    B) Bellerin
    C) Dallas
    D) Coufal

    1. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Tough, Coufal maybe.

    2. Casual Player
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A or D for me

  3. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    madness to go without Salah? Have Vardy kane and bruno and cant fit them all. feel like i need kdb with these fixtures

    1. Casual Player
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It’s not mad, you have good alternatives, just got to accept the occasional spanking.

      I didn’t own Kane the first 10 GWs when he returned basically every game. Still managed to move forward pretty much every week.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        cheers

  4. Trovsmash
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    As there is nothing concrete on Cancelo, can someone talk me out of Lamptey & DCL out for Watkins & Cancelo?

  5. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Take 2 🙂

    HNY

    Play three?

    Zouma
    Robbo
    Stones
    Coufal
    Dallas

    Play Martinez or Johnstone?

    1. Casual Player
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Sweet backline. I’d go Robbo, Stones then maybe Dallas?

      Always Martinez for me

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Zouma was the one I was unsure of & Dallas seems to be getting A?

  6. ace3.1415
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Balbuena or lowton/

    1. Casual Player
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What are you doing GW18 - If FH, go Balbuena. If not, go Lowton (or Pieters)

  7. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Do you tihnk Pieters is now nailed for the double?

    1. Casual Player
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Too hard to predict how long Taylor is out for? But I like him as a punt - definitely feel he offers more than Lowton.

  8. Oldie99
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    RMWCT:

    McCarthy Johnstone
    Coufal Dallas Stones Cancelo Targett
    Salah Bruno Son Lookman Raph
    Vardy Antonio Bamford

    FH18, then 1FT for BB19 either Salah to KDB, Son to Rash or Vardy to Aguero depending on where the land lies.

  9. FantasyClub
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Che-MCI definitely going ahead right?

    1. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nothing definite in these times

    2. Cruyff Turn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      90%

      1. FantasyClub
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        If it doesn’t go ahead and I keep KDB in preparation for the favourable fixtures I’ll lose it lol

  10. Goooo Rickie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Do we think Swiss place is safe? Is he now a decent option again?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He's played well in the last couple. Would be harsh to drop him.

  11. Goooo Rickie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Saiss*

  12. BigKeith
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Taylor, Ward-Prowse and DCL> Cancelo, Grealish and Brewster?
    Team
    Martinez (steer)
    Dallas, Coufal, Taylor, (Mitchell, Dunne)
    Salah, KDB, Son, Ward-Prowse (Soucek)
    Kane, Bamford, DCL
    2ft 0.6itb

  13. Oldie99
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bench 2:

    A. Stones
    B. Lookman
    C. Coufal
    D. Dallas
    E. Raphinha

    (Playing Bamford and Cancelo)

  14. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Do we know if Stones has covid or not? Any rumours? Is it safe to get Stones now, preparing for DGW19? Two weeks for that GW to start...

  15. BobbyDoesNotLook
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    2ft, fh18, bb dgw19. 0.1itb. Going to lose ine ft due to fh.

    A) Kane, Dier > Vardy, Dias

    1. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Mcc, Johnstone
      Robbo Dallas Coufal Justin Dier
      Salah Bruno Son Raphinha Soucek
      Bamford Adams Kane

    2. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Depends who your captain choice is this week
      Confident vardy starts both in dgw?

      1. BobbyDoesNotLook
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Not gonna captain Vardy or Kane at least. Vardy might only start ine if them is true.

  16. The Riders of Mohan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    No love for Gundogan? Started the last 3 with 24pts. Must be worth the punt?

    1. janlu0
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm thinking he must be a good shout surely?

  17. FantasyClub
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Current team

    Martínez/Forster
    Coufal/Kilman/Chilly/Dallas/Taylor
    Salah/Fernandes/KDB/Grealish/Son
    Adams/Bamford/Decordova-Reid

    0.7 ITB
    2 Free Transfers
    All chips in hand

    Suggestions/advice wanted and a much appreciated in advance members thank you!

    Was procrastinating about getting rid of KDB but fixtures are extremely favourable, especially now with the DGW, if I get rid of him for just GW17 it could get messy to get him back in unless I leave quite a bit of cash sitting in the bank after his transfer...

  18. FantasyClub
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Contemplating using the 2 FT on Grealish and Reid as Villa fixtures aren’t the best for the next 4 GW’s

  19. Wicked Weapon
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Cancelo price rise really mean anything ? Any indication who will start in defence for Man City or if the game will even be played ?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If he's fit & City play, then chances are he'll be starting. City will want to keep Walker has/had COVID and is probably best kept out of the limelight at the moment...

  20. janlu0
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    HNY everyone. Any love for Gündogan and Sigurdsson, they have decent form? Looking for inspiration for differentials. Any ideas gratefully received.

  21. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How does this look for DGW? Only issue is who to bench - pick 1 from Chilwell/Grealish/Coufal?

    Martinez
    Robbo Dallas Coufal
    Salah KDB Bruno Grealish Soucek
    Bamford Watkins

    Forster Adams Chilwell Mitchell

  22. Baby Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What time is Dyche press conference?
    Need news on Taylor

  23. Phlajo
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on Maddison? He's flagged, but I thought he was just missing the last game due to a rest..

  24. Sif
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Can get out 9 players with one FT for GW18
    Tempted to risk it.

  25. PapaWengzz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Wilson + Son
    B) Kane + Saka

    Thanks

  26. mrpink32
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1.Zouma, 2. dias, 3. Che Adams .
    Play which two?

    1. CBonci
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      1 2

  27. eddy1
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    what is the lets talk fpl telegram code