Fixtures

How Chelsea vs Man United could affect FPL schedule

Fantasy Premier League managers are just a few hours away from finding out the complete line-up of fixtures in Blank Gameweek 31.

That round of matches takes place on the same weekend as the FA Cup quarter-finals, which will be drawn this evening.

Just one Blank Gameweek 31 match is yet to learn its fate, hinging on the result of tonight’s FA Cup meeting between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are currently scheduled to travel to Everton then, but if they win tonight that match will be postponed and rearranged.

Those hoping for more Blanks, and therefore more fixtures in upcoming Double Gameweeks, should be backing Maurizio Sarri’s men in the cup.

That’s because opponents Manchester United have already had their Gameweek 31 fixture postponed by Manchester City winning their fifth-round tie at Newport County.

The two city rivals were due to meet at Old Trafford on the weekend of March 16, but will now face each other on a rearranged date, most likely in Gameweek 32.

A win for Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s side would mean that the number of Gameweek 31 Blanks, currently at five, and resulting Doubles, would remain the same.

The matches already postponed from Blank Gameweek 31 are:

Watford v Southampton
Brighton v Cardiff
Man United v Man City
Wolves v Arsenal
Tottenham v Crystal Palace

Furthermore, if both Wolves and Manchester United were to make it to the FA Cup semi-finals then the two of them would only cause one Gameweek 33 fixture to become a Blank.

The two sides are currently set to meet each other at Molineux on the weekend of April 6.

However, if Chelsea were to win tonight, and then progress from their quarter-final too, Wolves making it to the last four as well as them would postpone two matches.

That’s because Sarri’s men are set to host West Ham in Blank Gameweek 33, who have already been eliminated from the FA Cup.

A Chelsea FA Cup exit, and a presence in both Blank Gameweeks, would drastically change the landscape for the FPL ‘chip season’.

Having options such as Eden Hazard (£10.9m), Gonzalo Higuain (£9.5m), Marcos Alonso (£6.5m) or David Luiz (£5.9m) available for matches against Everton and West Ham would be a great help to Fantasy managers.

After all, there are very few widely-owned Fantasy options set to play in Gameweek 31 with 10 teams already absent from that weekend of action.

Confirmed Blank Gameweek 31:
West Ham v Huddersfield
Bournemouth v Newcastle
Burnley v Leicester
Fulham v Liverpool

However, Chelsea ending up involved in Blank Gameweek 31 would mean a missed opportunity for more Doubles, and that they would not have more than one Double Gameweek match this season.

The Blues currently have an outstanding game waiting to be rearranged, their Gameweek 27 hosting of Brighton, but need to beat Manchester United to add more to that list.

Hazard or Higuain could make potential Triple Captain options if Chelsea are able to make it through to subsequent rounds of the FA Cup.

For example, if Chelsea were to have their rearranged Gameweek 31 fixture in Gameweek 32, the would have a Double of Cardiff (away) and Everton (away) – appealing stuff.

Likewise, if Chelsea were to make it to the FA Cup semi-finals they could face Burnley (home) and West Ham (home) in a Double Gameweek 35.

The Blues may still have a Double in Gameweek 32 though even if they get eliminated, as their outstanding meeting with Brighton could be moved there if the Seagulls don’t already have a fixture rearranged there.

1,465 Comments Post a Comment
  1. InSaneMan-e
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Arsenal away
    Chelsea away
    How unlucky would Utd be if they get city in the next round

    1. Sim Simma
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      It's going to happen

    2. Poseidon.
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      It’s the same in every competition every year. We’re used to it

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      You think City are getting anything other than a home draw vs Millwall?

      1. InSaneMan-e
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Hahahaha

  2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    well no cho at 80 mins but a defensive change lovelyy...

  3. FPL Pillars
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Great result.

    1. thomashl
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Yes! Norsk? 😀

  4. fr3d
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Sarri to come back strong and smoke Siggy in gw31

  5. thomashl
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Best Sane replacements? 2FTs

    A) F.Anderson
    B) ?

    Patricio
    Robertson Doherty Kola
    Salah Son Pogba ?
    Rash Jimi Auba
    (Hamer - TAA Wan-B Hljbj) 0.3itb

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      trying to see the same... thinking A is the obvious choice atm

      1. thomashl
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah... feels very groupthink-y, but not feeling too creative here

    2. Like an Egyptian Magician
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe Fraser

  6. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Will Ricardo Pereira rise tonight?

    Trying to hold off til tomorrow when I'm not tired to make such decisions

    1. MTPockets
        5 years, 1 month ago

        He's not exactly essential anyway

      • Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        True - but he's the jazzy en vogue signing this week.
        I want in 🙂

        1. MTPockets
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I'd just wait, and get Chilwell if priced out. But yeah at 96+ could rise I guess

        2. Like an Egyptian Magician
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I think he’s near-essential given the non-blanks and sublime schedule. Also it doesn’t seem like he’s rising tonight but I’d keep an eye on the price movements and get him tonight if he’s above 100% on fplstatistics..

      • Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        PSG!!

      • Marty McFly
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Am I still right to move Rich and Alonso on after that?

        I have 7 players playing gw31 PLUS Rich and Alonso. 2FT’s. Thinking the standard Alonso + Rich > Pereira + Fanderson.

        1. Like an Egyptian Magician
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Yeh cuz bgw31 is distant

      • Syd.
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        The draw ball numbers

        1. Wolverhampton Wanderers
        2. Millwall
        3. Crystal Palace
        4. Manchester City
        5.Manchester United
        6. Swansea City
        7. Watford
        8. Brighton & Hove Albion

        1. Poseidon.
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I’m ready 😀

        2. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          😯

        3. Yank Revolution
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Would love a Swansea or Millwall matchup for United...

          1. Poseidon.
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I want to knock City out. They’re our local rivals

            1. Yank Revolution
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              City sap our energy tho, gimme an easy matchup any day...we can take out City in the final 😉

              1. Poseidon.
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                True!

        4. Mo Mané Mo Problems
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Warm up those big money balls.

        5. Gnu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          You know the rules.... link or ban 😉

          1. Syd.
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Ban please

        6. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Time for the Manchester derby to be reinstated in GW31

        7. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Hoping for maximum PL match ups (3/4).

          I think...

        8. Shultan
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Hope the PL teams avoid each other

          1. Shultan
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I mean i know there has to PL match ups but want blanks in GW33

      • Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        The depressing thing is Chelsea were accident playing some lovely football at the start of the season.

        1. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          accident > actually*

          1. Supersonic Marv'
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            You may have been right the first time.

          2. Dynamic Duos
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Thought you accidentally

            1. Dynamic Duos
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Ment *

        2. Mo Mané Mo Problems
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Accidentally?

          Ah, that explains the Alonso hauls.

        3. Like an Egyptian Magician
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Sarri’s style is rigid hence predictable once the element of surprise vanishes as the season progresses..

      • Rainer
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        City, Wolves & Brighton avoiding each other and getting 'easy' draws would be good for us professionals.

        1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          What about us casuals?

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            The opposite.

      • Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Is anyone planning to keep Sane for those fixtures post-BGW28?

        Or no chance now that he's being dropped like nobody's business AND Mendy is back in training?

        Thinking I'll move him on for Felipe this week, and may get Aguero for Auba next week then idk.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          See what happens midweek and the Final.

        2. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Would deffo do Sané to Anderson in your position. Still debating the same mine with Sterling, here.

        3. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I don't think Mendy makes a difference. Sold after DGW debacle and kept Sterling instead

        4. Like an Egyptian Magician
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I’d keep Sane cuz u can anyways field a strong 11 and bench him. Also Sane was decisive in the cup so he probably will regain his starting berth..

      • Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Turns out Mata could deal with Jorginho. The diamond worked well once again.

        1. Team Cruel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          My grandma could deal with Jorginho.

        2. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Chelsea got spanked 6-0 & 4-0 by City and Bournemouth

          Says it all about Jorginho

      • Shultan
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Surely sarri has to go? Otherwise anothet spanking on the cards this weekend

        1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          well sarri stubborness is a problem but u have to question the awfulness in 4 key positions in the lineup rb lb rw lcm .With such poor quality in key areas defensive football will only work but u can change that with youth players in those positions but sarri wont do.....New manger will work only if u get better players

      • Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Whatever !!

        1. Sim Simma
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I'm I bothered

      • Scotty B
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        So to summarise after that result no blank now for West Ham, Everton or Chelsea off that one result

        1. MTPockets
            5 years, 1 month ago

            yep

        2. LIARS POKER
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Think I am going to stick with my original plan of Digne + Richarlison out for Pereira + Anderson. Think the latter will score more points over the next 5 weeks and Everton play Arsenal and Chelsea in the blanks.

          1. Like an Egyptian Magician
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Good moves

        3. shirtless
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I’ve gone from four BGW31 players to seven tonight. Unfortunately the three I’ve gained are turd!

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            4 to 6 same 2/3ds.

            Richo and Alonso probably being sold.

            1. shirtless
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Digne Rich Haz! Have Aguero too need to sell one to get XI out this week. I might just complete the Hokey Cokey and be done with it. Go for max points this week and worry about the rest later.

        4. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Luiz turns his back on that cross.

          Like against spurs some of his defending is awful.

        5. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Fingers crossed they get City

        6. King Kohli
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          When is the draw?

          1. how now brown cow
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            As soon as these unnecessary bbc publicly funded trailers are over.

          2. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Canvas being readied.

        7. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Warm balls at the ready.

          1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Yum

          2. Buck The Trent
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Illuminati

        8. InSaneMan-e
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Honestly. It just feels like Chelsea are carrying a passenger in Jorginho.
          Completely out of form.
          I've complained that Sarri only has 1 way of playing and is stubborn.
          Fair enough, continue playing your way but anyone can see that Kante there would let you play your way and be defensively solid

          1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            well that is certainly not the reason for the loss .U mean changing personnel will avoid the awful alonso individual mistakes noooo

          2. Like an Egyptian Magician
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Agreed

        9. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Manchester derby and Millwall v Swansea TBA soon.

        10. FPL Forward Thinker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Oh the draw... how exciting for fpl scenarios

        11. Bubbles1985
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Best incoming choice? Both -4...

          Salah and Son
          Salah and Pogba

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            For GW27?

        12. Super Silva Haze
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          United to make top 4 ?

          1. Yank Revolution
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Hell and Yes

          2. InSaneMan-e
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I think so.
            Chelsea look in disarray. And arsenal aren't great either.

          3. Super Silva Haze
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Great decision to get rid of Mourinho when they did.

          4. Poseidon.
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Hell yeah

          5. Like an Egyptian Magician
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Yes easy

        13. Yank Revolution
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          D FLETCH!

          1. Dynamic Duos
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Ewwwwww sick sick

        14. FPL Forward Thinker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Oh just get on with the draw.

          1. how now brown cow
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I think they were hoping for extra time and pens.

            Lots of time to fill.

        15. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Well done Beeb for finding a clip of Bridge lifting the cup without JT in the frame 🙂