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. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which pair do you prefer?

    A) Sterling Dallas

    B) KDB Alioski

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

    3. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Interesting. You guys reckon Alioski is nailed?

    4. Dream Killers 2.0
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

      A

    6. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A coin flip. Dallas has good attacking credentials and I see no reason to hold a Leeds defender without that quality.

  2. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Captain:

    1. Fernandes (AVL)
    2. Son (LEE)

    First to 5 wins!! Thanks

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      2

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      1. Mr reliable

    3. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      2

    4. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      2

    5. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      2

    6. Dream Killers 2.0
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bruno

    7. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Ceiling vs reliability. Look at where you can lose most ground and take it from there.

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

      2

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

    Morning folks,

    Talk me about Stones. How nailed is he?

    i need him to play in gw18 and both the games in dgw19.

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It looks as if he is nailed until he makes a mistake. Which, where Stones is concerned, is probably not that far away.

  4. tabby98
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Please Help FH 18 & BB 19

    Mccarthy, Johnstone
    Robbo, Justin, Coufal, Stones, Taylor*
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Raphinha, Soucek
    Vardy, Bamford, Adams

    1ft £0 ITB

    Is there anyone I should look to transfer in?
    A) Taylor ---> Balbuena
    B) Taylor ---> Lowton/Pieters
    C) Taylor ---> Alioski
    D) Something else please suggest?

    1. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C imo

    2. Pukkipartyy
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Im doing the same and considering Rob Holding.

      1. tabby98
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Holding and Mari both looking like decent options

        1. Pukkipartyy
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I think its between Holding and Alioski. And im thinking Holding coz he has game at 18.

          1. tabby98
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            It's a tricky one because he hasn't got a DGW but the fixtures are great

    3. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I am steering clear of Burnley assets until news comes in regarding Fulham covid.

  5. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which fixtures are we expecting to be postponed this GW? No doubt there will be more carnage

    1. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      The Fulham one potentially

  6. Bad Kompany
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which one to bench?

    A. Soucek
    B. Raphinha
    C. Rodrigo

    1. Martinez
    2. Johnstone

  7. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Happy New Year!

    choose..

    A. Zouma vs MANC | BLANK | ful & lei
    B. Maguire vs AVL | bur | liv & ful
    C. Coufal vs eve | BLANK | BUR & WBA
    D. Lowton vs FUL | manu | wham & liv

    1. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B looks the best on paper. Would be surprised if he scores the most though

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        cheers BK

  8. tbos83
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Watkins and Son
    B) El Ghazi and Kane

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

  9. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Those who were planning to free hit in 18 but now not, how many players do you have and what does your GW 18 team look like?

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      8 pre transfers, could still FH...

      Martinez
      Stones Cancelo
      Grealish Son Bruno
      Watkins DCL

      1. Alisson WondHaaland
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Looks great!

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      8-9

    3. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Martinez
      Cancelo Stones Kilman
      KDB Bruno Grealish
      Watkins DCL

      Will have 2FT to field a full 11

      1. Alisson WondHaaland
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Whats your plan for DGW?

    4. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      GW18:
      Martinez
      Dias Stones
      KDB Bruno Grealish Son
      Kane Davis (1-pointer if lucky)

      GW19:
      Full squad of doublers for BB (-8).

  10. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is leicester asset a must for this gameweek?
    Also will u take a hit for defender, eg lamptey to saiss

    1. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No
      If you need to to field 11

  11. matiakez
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Tempted to lose Grealish to generate funds but there's really not to many options out there?

    I could get Soucek but would mean have both him and Lookman - doesn't feel ideal?

    1. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      El Ghazi or one the Leeds mids?

      1. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        This is a great shout

    2. Fergymac
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Any update on Cancelo potentially having covid?

  12. cuppatea78
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What's the deal with the 2nd wild card this season? Do we have to use it by a certain time?

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

      By GW38

      1. cuppatea78
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Sweet. Thought it was by the end of January.

  13. sentz05
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Took KDB out for Rashford last night and have woken up to see that City now have a DGW - gutted!

    1. JOELIO8701
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What was the reason for the early transfer? There is risk of postponements, injuries/covid, new fixture news (like yesterday). So many ppl here seem to early transfer but I just don’t see the benefit, even with price changes. Too much risk. Rashford could be great though. What is restnof your team and what chips do you have?

      1. sentz05
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Because of KDBs price fall and not wanting to lose profit.
        I’ve got all three chips.
        Meslier Forster
        Chilwell Bednerak Coufal Justin Lamptey
        Salah Bruno Rashford Soucek Grealish
        Bamford Vardy Brewster

    2. Ian J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Why gutted? Rashford has outscored KDB recently, is nailed, has great fixtures, and you can use the funds to improve elsewhere

      1. sentz05
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Because if I hadn’t removed DCL and KDB for Rashford and Vardy, then I probably wouldn’t have had to use FH in 18.

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

    For DGW planning, what is a bigger priority this week do you think?

    A) Upgrade my non playing keeper

    B) Upgrade my non playing 5th defender

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      BB?

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

        Yep

    2. Cowboy John
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Depends which one possibly helps you this week?

    3. Easy Cheesy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      5th non playing defender. If you get injuries then you may end up bottling the BB but at least have improved your bench

      1. cuppatea78
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        This

  15. Pinturicchio10
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Feels a bit wrong selling TAA this week for Dias but it's the only way to afford De Bruyne in gwk19 hit-free and I suppose I'd rather have Dias that week than TAA. Such a crazy season eh? Really enjoying the carnage of it all.

    • Henning
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Steer to Meslier for free?

      Plan is Still to Fh gw 18 and bb gw 19

      Martinez Steer
      Dallas Taa Coufal Bednarek Justin
      Son Kdb Salah Fernandes Soucek
      Bamford Watkins Adams

    • King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Best 2/3 moves here if I plan to navigate gw 18 without a FH?

      1. Taylor > Stones (Gw 17)
      Anguissa > El Ghazi (Gw 18)
      2. Mitchell > Stones (Gw 17)
      Adams > Watkins (Gw 18)
      3. Any other suggestion

      Martinez* Meslier
      TAA Konsa* Coufal Taylor* Mitchell*
      Salah Bruno* Son* Raphinha Anguissa
      Kane* Bamford Adams

      1FT 1.7 ITB
      * denotes players with a fixture in gw 18

      1. Cowboy John
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Probably #1.
        Bit of a nightmare though, isn't it!

    • Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What do you think of this wc 18 bb 19 team, 1.4 itb for sterling or Kev to salah - gives me 9/10 good players in gw 18

      Martinez / flappy
      Robbo, Diaz, cresswell, holding, Maguire
      Sterling, Kev, souceck, Bruno, el ghazi
      Wilson, bam,Watkins

    • Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Score predictions?

      Spurs Leeds
      Man U Villa
      Chelsea City
      Everton West Ham

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        3-3
        2-1
        1-1
        4-2

        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          COYB!

          1. The 12th Man
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Richies back

      2. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        3-2
        1-1
        0-0
        2-0

      3. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        1-2
        3-2
        0-2
        2-0

      4. Pinturicchio10
          3 years, 2 months ago

          2-1
          2-0
          1-1
          1-1

        • el polako
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          2-3
          1-1
          0-1
          0-6

          1. Hot Fuzz
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Damn 0-6 toffees vs hammers I should put soucek back into the starting 11

      5. KeepCalm
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Guys anyone can help me with Charlie Taylor's situation? Is he confirmed out?

        1. Cowboy John
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Hamstring...so very likely he's out. Nothing confirmed, mind.

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

            Burnley press conf yet to come right? Probably gona wait before wasting my transfer. So annoying

      6. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Who is likely to do better this game week?

        A. Johnstone
        B. Mccarthy

        1. Cojones of Destiny
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          A

      7. Cojones of Destiny
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Happy NY lads!
        play:
        a. Coufal
        b. Cancelo

        1. King Kun Ta
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          B and Coufal first on bench

        2. n14mul
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          B. Still don't know who has tested positive apart from jesus walker and Eddison, just have a good 1st sub

      8. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        What did Cavani say the naughty boy?

        1. Cojones of Destiny
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          he used an N word in latino way in a friendly manner

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah right... I’m sure it was just used affectionately and was lost a bit in translation, however, not a good look.

          2. el polako
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            He said "negrito" which apparently in South America is a warm, friendly way to address freind or little children.

      9. King Kun Ta
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        My team atm....

        Martinez Martin
        Ayling Robbo Chilwell Coufal Justin
        Son Grealish Bruno Salah Soucek
        Vardy Bamford Adams

        0.1 ITB & 1 FT

        FH in GW18 and BB in GW19.....with only Son and Martin non DGWers.

        A keep Son and downgrade Grealish to free up some cash?
        B got to have City for DGW so Grealish -> 5.1 & Son -> KDB/Sterling?

        Ta lads & best wishes 4 2021!

      10. sentz05
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        These fixture changes are going to result in my team losing points - not happy at all. Who else is still using their free hit in 18 and building for 19? I have to stick to the plan - so frustrating!

        1. King Kun Ta
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I’m sticking

      11. MoSalad
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Current team for GW17:

        Meslier (Steer)
        Zouma, Justin, C Taylor - Will Transfer (Justin, KWP)
        Grealish, Salah, Fernandes, Son (C) (Romeu)
        DCL, BamBam, Kane

        Will most likely do C Taylor to Lowton or Pieters.

        Was planning to FH18 & BB 19 but now I don’t like the lack of City/UTD. So may WC in 18 to this.

        Martinez, Areola
        Dias, Maguire, Dallas, Pieters, Coufal
        KDB, Salah, Fernandes, Son, Romeu
        Watkins, BamBam, Antonio

        Would give me 9 players for GW18 and then after moving Son to Rashford for 19 a full 15 for the double GW19 for BB.

        Will save me the FH and TC for GW26 or later GWs and City & United have great fixtures.

        So would you:
        A) Leave team as is and still play FH and BB
        B) Play WC and then BB

        1. Cowboy John
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          In the same position and, honestly, I don't know!

          I'm not a fan of that WC team for 18 or 19. I think I'd rather FH18 then transfer in Man City players for Son/Kane GW19 if need be.

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

            Well that’s the issue, I wouldn’t have a second playing keeper and my subs wouldn’t be great either so would probably make TC a better option than bench boost. I’d be able to get to KDB & Ings for Kane & Son, but can see Grealish getting another yellow and 1 match ban this GW or during the double. All a risk with games being called off but need some sort of differentials to climb up the tables.

            1. Cowboy John
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Yeah, I had been thinking BB19 but TC is probably the better bet. Simpler to plan as well.

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

                This could be another WC option for 18:

                Martinez, Johnstone
                Dias, Maguire, Dallas, Pieters, Coufal
                KDB, Salah, Fernandes, Romeu, Raphina
                Vardy, Bamford, Watkins

                Would give me 7 for 18 and full bench boost for 19 if Pieters plays both and others aren’t rotated.

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

                  I could also hold DCL for 18 and transfer to Vardy in 19 so that I have 8 to play then.

      12. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        My plan for the next few weeks.
        3.4m to spend. 1FT.
        Martinez
        TAA,Dias, Dallas
        Salah,Fernandes, Grealish,Raphinia
        Kane,Bamford,Watkins

        Johnstone, Soucek, Coufal, Ferguson

        This week. Ferguson >> 6.3 or lower?
        Wk 18 FH
        Wk 19. Raphinia,Kane >> KDB,Rodrigo

        The question is What’s the best Ferguson replacement?
        Stones,Cancelo,Zouma,Chilwell,Justin, other cheapie.
        Don’t want to double up on WH defence.

      13. Kevtheotter
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Is there press conferences today?

      14. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Let me get this straight, 5 yellows and player misses next game. It can be a cup game he misses but yellows acquired in cups aren't counted towards the 5 yellows?

        1. aleksaa2
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yes, I hope that Grealish gets one because of that lol

      15. giroudsgirlfriend
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Start one

        A: Zouma (MCI)
        B: Kilman (bha)
        C: Dallas (tot)

        1. Kevtheotter
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          A