Fixtures

Double Gameweek 22 for Spurs and West Ham

The Premier League have sprung an early Christmas surprise on us today, with confirmation that Fantasy managers are set for our first Double Gameweek of the 2017/18 season.

Spurs’ home clash with West Ham, which was due to be played on December 31, has been rescheduled to January 4 due to transport issues.

This means that both clubs will have a blank Gameweek 21 but play twice in the following round of fixtures.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side will travel to Swansea City on January 2 before hosting the Hammers, who entertain West Brom prior to their trip to Wembley Stadium.

Intriguingly, this also coincides with the availability of the second wildcard of the season, which comes into play after 2pm on December 30 – ie, once the Gameweek 21 deadline has passed.

This could persuade many to load up on Spurs assets, with Harry Kane – up against the current bottom two teams in the Premier League – set to prove a huge armband favourite.

Similarly, the likes of Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli could earn extra investment after falling out of favour in recent weeks, with the Free Hit Chip another alternative for those looking to retain their second Wildcard for the double Gameweeks to come.

The Kane strategy will be vital. Those who take the striker into the Christmas period must now decide his fate ahead of a Gameweek 21 blank. There is no question that his ownership will take a significant blow following his Boxing Day match-up with Southampton.

There will, therefore, be an option to reserve the transfers to sell for Gameweek 21 and buy back for his potential two fixtures.

Significantly, the Spurs blank features favourable fixtures for teams boasting viable alternatives to Kane.

Alvaro Morata could possibly start against Stoke City, Roberto Firmino may start against Leicester City at Anfield, Alexandre Lacazette is at West Brom, while the Manchester City duo of Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus will go to Crystal Palace.

They could all offer the option to replace Kane for Gameweek 21 as a temporary stop-gap.

However, reserving transfers during this period, which will be heavy for rest, rotation, injuries and suspensions, is perhaps wishful thinking. A points hit is an option, of course, though that will put more pressure on Kane’s starts and returns in Gameweek 22.

An FA Cup Third Round tie, which could possibly follow on Saturday, January 6, throws another variable into the mix. Depending on their opponent, it’s possible that Spurs could put some priority on this and Kane’s minutes in this double Gameweek may ultimately depend on their FA Cup opponents.

Luckily, the draw is 7pm tonight, so if Spurs get a lower-league side, we’d surely bank on Kane getting a full run at both Swansea and West Ham. That would then make the Triple Captain chip an option, though given Kane’s rollercoaster returns so far, that would have to be considered carefully.

The double Gameweek adds another intriguing dilemma into the hectic festive period. While it could be potentially highly profitable for those who commit to Kane, it’s a scenario that clearly needs careful consideration and planning based on the information and trends available nearer the time.

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1,279 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Stephen Carty
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Pope
    Walker / Christensen / Daniels
    Salah / Sane / Richarlison / Gros
    Kane / Morata / Wilson

    1) Sane > KDB
    2) Sane > Hazard (Leaves me with no City attack)
    3) Gros > Ramsey
    4) Wilson > Austin
    5) Sane > Sterling and Wilson > Firmino (-4)

    Thoughts?

    1. Johnny Leghorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      3 or 4. Leave Sane well alone. Just in a low patch but he'll come right.

    2. Shipstontrev
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      3. Don't go near Austin, he's an injury waiting to happen.

    3. BilboBaggins
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      None of the above

      1. Stephen Carty
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Okay, Bilbo. Any suggestions?

    4. BilboBaggins
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      :-p

    5. Tone E
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I did Sane to hazard 2 gw’s ago and I haven’t looked back. Over this next month, Hazard will outscore Sane in my opinion

    6. Hoover123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      2 for sure

    7. maratus
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Downgrade daniels -> maybe huddersfield def like Zanka..

  2. Effe
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    2

  3. The Suspended One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Pope, Elliot
    Ota , Ward, Moreno, Naughton, Mbemba
    Haz, Sane, Salah, Gross, RLC
    Kane, Morata, Wilson

    2.0 / 1 FT
    I feel like Wilson needs to go but after Palace, and the Def need to be addressed, but I think I'm looking at a save...

  4. Hoover123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone contemplating using the free hit chip for the DGW 22? Or are you saving it for the blanks in the spring? Myself I am warming up to the idea of using it DGW22...

  5. Champions united
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Any news on mustafi

    He plays and gives a clean sheet except against united