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FPL chip strategies for the Blank and Double Gameweeks ahead

Manchester United’s victory over Chelsea on Monday evening and the subsequent FA Cup quarter-final draw means that we finally know the full extent of Blank Gameweek 31.

Just five Premier League matches will take place that weekend as a result of the clash with the FA Cup quarter-finals and ten clubs will be without a league fixture.

Those ten sides will face a Double Gameweek as a consequence, very possibly as soon as Gameweek 32 given that there is a convenient midweek after the already-scheduled matches that is free of any UEFA Champions League or Europa League action.

Gameweek 35 also looks primed to be a Double Gameweek and could even potentially absorb some of those cancelled Gameweek 31 games, though of course, the Premier League will have further fixtures to reschedule as a result of Gameweek 33’s clash with the FA Cup semi-finals.

As a result, we are operating under the assumption that the following will occur – though we emphatically stress that nothing has so far been confirmed regarding when the Double Gameweeks will take place:

Blank Gameweek 31 – five Premier League fixtures will be contested.

Double Gameweek 32 – ten Premier League fixtures will be initially contested, plus some/all of the additional five that were postponed from Gameweek 31.

Blank Gameweek 33 – between six and eight Premier League fixtures will be contested.

Double Gameweek 35 – ten Premier League fixtures will be contested, plus some/all of the additional two/three/four that were postponed from Gameweek 33 and potentially any other outstanding matches.

Chelsea and Brighton (whose Gameweek 27 meeting was postponed as a result of the clash with Sunday’s EFL Cup final) may enjoy an additional Double Gameweek or even a Triple Gameweek in Brighton’s case, depending on the Seagulls’ progression to the FA Cup semi-finals.

For quite some time now, we’ve preached a “wait and see” policy on chip strategy and stressed the importance of the FA Cup fifth round, given that the results of the cup ties in the weekend just gone have such an impact on Blank Gameweek 31 and beyond.

Now seems the right time to assess our options, however, so we’ve taken a look at a handful of chip strategies that Fantasy managers might consider for the weeks and months ahead.

There is no right or wrong way to deploy chips in FPL – at least, not until hindsight comes into play – and there are strategies beyond the ones outlined below that could prove to be more effective in the long-run.

Last season, Yusuf Shiekh Wildcarded in Gameweek 25, Bench Boosted in Gameweek 37 and used his Triple Captain chip in Gameweek 38 – and finished first in the world.

As is always the case with these things, the most favourable strategy will differ from manager to manager and may depend on your current set-up.

Strategy 1

Build a team for GW31+33 / FH32 / WC34 / BB or TC35

This strategy entails steadily building a team of players using free transfers (and maybe a hit or two) between now and Gameweek 31, drafting in players who have a guaranteed fixture in Blank Gameweek 31 and, ideally, Blank Gameweek 33.

The Free Hit chip can then be used to cherry-pick 11 players who have attractive fixtures in Double Gameweek 32, before the second Wildcard is deployed in Gameweek 34 ahead of Double Gameweek 35.

Bench Boost or Triple Captain can then be used in Double Gameweek 35, with the remaining chip (if any) having to be used in a single Gameweek or, if there is one, another mini-Double Gameweek involving Chelsea and Brighton.

Pros:

  • Good if you are already well on your way to fielding 11 players in Blank Gameweek 31 (e.g. already have perhaps five or more assets in your squad who have an unaffected fixture that weekend).
  • This policy could ultimately save a valuable chip, as those Fantasy managers using Free Hit in Gameweek 31 may end up with a very similar starting XI given the (relative) lack of attractive fixtures to choose from.
  • Building a team for Blank Gameweek 31 has the dual benefit of setting up for Blank Gameweek 33, too. There may be a cluster of clubs without a Premier League fixture in both – Wolves and Manchester United already fall into the camp.
  • Players from Leicester, Liverpool, Bournemouth, West Ham, Huddersfield, Burnley, Chelsea and Everton can be targeted for Gameweek 31 in the knowledge that those clubs also have a fixture in Gameweek 33.
  • The likes of Leicester, West Ham, Liverpool and Huddersfield have largely good fixtures anyway leading up to the Blank Gameweeks.
  • An especially attractive strategy for those with low team value who don’t have a lot of money tied up in assets they may need to ditch (e.g. Paul Pogba or Raul Jimenez).
  • Means that a decision can be made as late as possible on fit and firing Gameweek 32 players, with that Gameweek falling after the March international break.

Cons:

  • Means that Bench Boost or Triple Captain can’t be used in Gameweek 32, which may potentially be the biggest Double Gameweek of all.
  • Means that one of the two above chips would have to be used in a mini-Double Gameweek or a regulation single Gameweek.
  • With still a month to go before Gameweek 31, injury/suspension/loss of form could befall the players that are being stocked up on.
  • Would likely mean having to avoid/gradually ditch in-form assets from the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Wolves in order to field 11 players in Gameweeks 31 and 33 (though up to three outfield players and a goalkeeper from these teams could, of course, be benched during their blanks).
  • Those relying on team value for a later Wildcard may lose a considerable amount of money if ditching assets such as Doherty, Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Raul Jimenez as they build for Gameweeks 31 and 33.

A slight variation of this strategy is as follows:

Strategy 2

Build a team for GW31 / WC32 / FH33 / BB or TC35

As above, this strategy entails gradually building a team of players using free transfers (and hits, if necessary) between now and Gameweek 31, drafting in players who have a guaranteed fixture in Blank Gameweek 31 – but not looking beyond that point.

The Wildcard can then be used to select 11 players who have attractive fixtures in Double Gameweek 32 and potentially again in Double Gameweek 35.

The Free Hit chip would be used for Blank Gameweek 33.

Bench Boost or Triple Captain can then be used in Double Gameweek 35, with the remaining chip (if any) having to be used in a single Gameweek or, if there is one, another mini-Double Gameweek involving Chelsea and Brighton.

Almost all of the same pros and cons for Strategy 1 apply to this method too, though in addition:

Pros

  • Ensures a strong starting XI in Blank Gameweek 33, which will have more fixtures to choose from than Blank Gameweek 31.

Cons

  • The gap between Double Gameweek 32 and Double Gameweek 35 is three weeks – meaning advanced stockpiling for the latter could be affected by subsequent injury/suspension/loss of form etc.

Strategy 3

FH 31 / build for 32 and TC or BB / WC34 / TC or BB 35

This strategy entails gradually building a team of players using free transfers (and hits, if necessary) between now and Gameweek 32, focusing almost exclusively on players who have a double in Gameweek 32.

The Free Hit chip can then be used to select 11 players who have attractive fixtures in Blank Gameweek 31.

As in Strategy 1, the second Wildcard is deployed in Gameweek 34 ahead of Double Gameweek 35.

The Bench Boost and Triple Captain chips can be used in Double Gameweeks 32 and 35.

Pros

  • Means that the Triple Captain and Bench Boost chips can each be used in a Double Gameweek, potentially raising the points ceiling for both of those weeks.
  • Has the potential to retain high team value until the Wildcard, especially for those managers who have a lot of money tied up in the more popular assets from the likes of Wolves, Manchester United and Manchester City.
  • Means managers can focus on the attractive fixtures leading up to Gameweek 31 without worrying about blanks. Manchester City’s forthcoming run (WHU, bou, WAT) could be fully exploited, while someone like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang might be brought in for Gameweek 27 as a short-term punt.
  • Managers can cherry-pick a Gameweek 31 squad and ensure a playing starting XI.
  • As with Strategy 1, ensures a strong Double Gameweek 35 team/squad with transfers left relatively late in the day.

Cons

  • Potentially severely weakened Gameweek 33 team, with focus being on Double Gameweek 32 and the Free Hit having already been used in Gameweek 31.
  • Wolves v Manchester United is definitely off in Gameweek 33 – meaning that managers with numerous assets from these clubs who planned to keep hold of Messrs Pogba, Rashford and co may be struggling to cobble together a starting XI.
  • Double Gameweek 32 occurs after the international break, meaning any plans to steadily build a squad for that round of fixtures could again be derailed by injury/suspension/loss of form given that much can happen in the intervening six weeks.
  • With Liverpool, Leicester, West Ham and Chelsea all enjoying decent fixture runs in the coming weeks and months, managers may already own five, six, seven or even more players with a fixture in Blank Gameweek 31 as it is – leaving a question mark over how much worth the deployment of a Free Hit chip on the likes of Bournemouth and Burnley assets for one Gameweek really is.

A slight tweak to Strategy 3 would be to use Free Hit in Gameweek 33 instead of 31, with the decimated starting XI instead being in the latter.

Fantasy managers without their Triple Captain chips should be able to adopt and adapt any of the above strategies, though those without their Wildcard will likely have to sacrifice one of the Blank Gameweeks in order to get the most out of the Doubles: FH31 or FH33, build for 32 and 35, and TC/BB in 32/35 is one avenue for that group of FPL bosses.

980 Comments Post a Comment
  1. G-Whizz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    This is so well needed right now!

    Thanks!!!

    1. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Still favourite/joint-favourite 😀

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Favourite by an absolute mile how dare you suggest otherwise 😉 😆

  2. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    How many DGWs do we have from now until the end of the season?

    And how many BGWs?

    #soconfused

    1. Greek Flair
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      31 BGW
      32 DGW
      33 BGW

      35 DGW

      Plus, there is an outstanding brigton fixture to be inserted which would create another week with a double or even a triple. Yikes.

  3. FantaCity
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    "Gameweek 35 also looks primed to be a Blank Gameweek..."
    ... primed to be a Double Gameweek, surely?

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

      Typo

      1. Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yip, bleary-eyed brainfart from me! Fixed now.

  4. danishdynamite
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    What do we think about Harvey Barnes ? Along with Demerai, he's been posting some half decent numbers of late.

    I need to shift Nathan Redmond and have 5.8m ........ Barnes feels a bit punty as we know so little about him, but I'm thnking he perhaps fits the bill

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      He’s a good option imo obviously a risk but he’s only 5.5m

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

      I think he’s one of those players who if he doesn’t score soon will be bought off early and maybe even be dropped.

  5. MathGeek
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Strategy 2 makes most sense of all for me. Rather than guess future GWs....I am relying on a strong 11 for GW31 without using the chips. The rest of the GWs will take care of themselves as players get injured/suspended etc.

    1. _Galácticos_
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Same for me....
      The main dilemma i see for GW32 and on is Liverpool players... no blanks..no doubles.... keep or sell

      1. MathGeek
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        This

      2. Do I Not Like Orange
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I'm looking at FH in 32, and as such will certainly ditch Robbo (I don't see a CS vs Spurs) & possibly even Salah (it's a risk but I can see other premiums with a double outscoring him that GW). However losing Salah previously over the festive period destroyed my rank, so I won't be getting rid for any longer than 1 GW.

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Strategy 1 seems the best to me. WC in 32 doesn’t make sense to me.

      1. MathGeek
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        teams in gw 32 are likely to be playing again gw35

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

      Strat 1 ftw. Want as least time before hitting that WC button to a DGW because 3 weeks is too much. Also already have 7 players who play in all the DGW thanks to planning ahead for a few weeks which paid off.

  6. balint84
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Have Firmino

    A) save him
    B) Kane

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

      Wouldn’t punt on Kane, lack of match fitness

  7. mrodgers91
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Looking at the history of bgw and dgw on the holy grail that is ben's spreadsheet. It appears that most rearranged fixtures have either 4 or 5 weeks notice before. Surely this means dgw32 that being 2nd-4th april would be announced around the beginning of march so between gw 29 and 30? Imagine the travel chaos for fans if dgw games were announced only 10 days before they played

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      thnx, good researching 🙂

      I guess it would be too hopefull in thinking the fixtures might be confirmed by the end of this week already

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Very hopeful yes !

  8. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Like a lot of people I have pogba rashford Jimenez and Doherty. Selling these players in order to get gw31/33 assets means I would lose so much value if I wanted to buy them back later on. It's a tricky one 🙂

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      yes indeed, and both teams have a nice run of fixtures to end the season so you probably want them back in your team

    2. mrodgers91
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      This is why im thinking of keeping at least 2 of them, maybe 3 and make do with 9 or 10 players for the bgw. Would cost me an extra 1.8m to get all 4 back now and think they will all score well wk34 onwards

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Am definitely keeping my.utd assets. "Might" ditch my wolves players but then I wouldn't buy them back. Jimenez to king could work gw31
        Thanks all

      2. The 5% Team
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        yes, I will probably also go for 9 players in BGW31...should be good enough for a decent score in what I hope will be a low scoring GW

        1. mrodgers91
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Unless salah goes nuts and scores 4 like last year

    3. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I have so much value tied in Pogba and Jimenez, so will bench them in BGWs,
      Rashford and Doherty will have to go, that won't affect your team if you plan your FTs

  9. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Strategy 2 enables 2 FTs (34,35) for 35 towards the BB.
    I like this.

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

      GW33 ??

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        FH

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

          Oh right all these strats confusing. How many players can you field right now for DGWs? The lead time is 3 weeks, a lot could go wrong on that time with your team.

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

            BGW* :/

          2. The 12th Man
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I have Fabianski, Robertson, TAA,Periera and Salah and 5 FTs. So will get 9 if I decide to get Aguero in.
            10 if I don’t. Of course that’s without any hits.

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

              Ah ok cool well you got some of the main guys covered then. It’s whatever strat works best for your team, the article got all posts covered.

          3. The 12th Man
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            This is true. However I like the idea of using the FH in 33 for that blank.

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

              If Brighton win that would mean spurs blank which would have FH33 much less enticing. Still a lot to be decided really fixtures not even announced for cry out loud haha

              1. The 12th Man
                • 10 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Yeh the good thing about options 1 and 2 is you don’t have to decide until GW 32 whether to FH or WC. It will all be clearer then.

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

      But if you are gonna plan for GW 31, you will have a good team for GW 33 too, why FH 33 then?
      Most of the teams that blank in 31 will blank again in 33.

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Because that team will be gone in 32 with the WC.

  10. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Are FA Cup semis played on Wembley or normally?

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      haven't read anything about changes this year, so I guess both at Wembley again

      1. The 5% Team
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        might be difficult if Spurs still don't have their new stadium by then, but I guess they can just play on Saturday and FA semi on Sunday that weekend (or vice versa)

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Ever since 2008.

  11. L'Aeroplanino
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    My understanding is that both FH31/32 could work, but the problem for FH31 is that they may reschedule some original GW32 fixtures? Am i right?

    1. L'Aeroplanino
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      ...so that when you target players with good DGW32 fixtures in the next few weeks t could all go wrong, while building towards GW31 and FH32 have no risk.

      1. Sting in the Tail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        This is exactly right. If the doubles aren't announced this week it has to be free hit in gw32

    2. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      yes, hopefully they won't make us wait too long to confirm the rescheduled fixtures

      Still think that FH31 would be a bit of a waste given the low amount of fixtures and quality options to choose from

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

        I agree

      2. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yes I agree. I am definitely not using fh gw 31

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

    I have so much money tied up in a lot of players I want. I am not sure I can dare ditch them for just one week. To then get most of them back again. I think FH 31 looks the way to go for me with a BB 32. Then cover the most popular captain option in 33 before wc in 34.

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

      It’s not all about the money 🙂

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Jessie J disagrees.

        1. jason_ni
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          She actuslly agrees 100%!

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Can you not bench a few for gw 31 ? I'm in the same boat

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

        I can go big on 32 if I want. Robertson/Salah/Fabianski will stay for 33. AWB will hang around and might play in that and then I will bring up to a couple more players to field about 8 players for -4.

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Problem is you don't know which fixtures are getting rescheduled in gw 32 yet

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

            That is a problem. I agree.

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      FH gw 32 is very attractive though mate.
      You have all chips left ??

      If yes then it's fine to go with FH in gw31.

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Option 2 looks good as well.

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

        That is the obvious route but I would start having to lose players now to field XI. It would mean moving on good players with good fixtures and lose value just to bring them back in again. I am not sure it is the sensible route. I feel like the blank gameweek could be a big let down.

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

          Not have to field 11 though.
          8-9 good players can do for gw 31.
          Still you know your team better 🙂
          Stick to the strategy you choose though

  13. Amey
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Nice article.
    But should not be free 😉

    1. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Hush

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

    4th paragraph "Gameweek 35 also looks primed to be a Blank Gameweek" surely that should state DGW?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah that's a mistake

  15. jimmyabs1987
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    As I have used my WC, I only have TC and FH I imagine I have to just sacrifice GW31 and load up for max points on both DGW 32 and 35 and free hit on GW31 as has less blanks. Due to my situation I am actually better to load with City as they have great fixtures in DGW? Cardiff etc
    I currently have 3x Wolves, 2x Utd, and Sterling with a plan to get Aguero at some point as well so kind of already on the DGW path right?
    Im finding all this very confusing as it’s in all honesty the first season I have tried to take it more seriously

    1. jimmyabs1987
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      FH on GW33...

  16. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Best striker between GW27 and GW30?

    There may be be blanks and doubles, but before that there are 4 GWs to get through. Looking at:

    - Aubameyang - has two good fixtures, but then two stinkers. Laca red card in EL may limit minutes in PL. No game in GW31
    - Rondon - great fixtures, but he isn't prolific. Plays in GW31
    - Arnie - great fixtures, but he is injury prone. Plays in GW31

    1. jimmyabs1987
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I know people say he isn’t getting on with Puel but who are we really to doubt Vardy with those fixtures and his fantasy heritage. Iv not had balls to make the move myself yet but it’s like an itch that won’t go away

    2. seewhyaxe
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      agueerooooooooooooooo

    3. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      with limited FTs, I'm gonna stick with Firmino and Rashford until at least GW32.

      Maybe get Arnie in before BGW31 if he's fit as well

      Unfortunately would cost me too much FTs and structure to get Aguero in

  17. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Would Salah and Camarasa to Sterling and Pogba in 28 for minus 4 be daft?

    I already have 7 for 31 and can easily bring Mo back in for free in 31 and still get a strong 9 out.

    Fab
    Pereira Luiz Robbo Clyne
    Mo Mane Fraser
    Rondon

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Pool home to Watford. I wouldn't

  18. MrCloppity
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Holebas & Brooks out
    Pereira & Hayden in
    -4
    Thoughts?

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      injured and suspended players out for 2 players without blank GW....yes would do that

  19. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    It feels like every move I now make is in order to build a team for gw31 rather than getting points for the current week. Feels wrong.

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Yep. Means No Jiménez for me.

    2. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      True - most of these players in gw31 would return 2 points anyway 🙂

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

      A lot of choices to be made now. Pick a stray and stick to it.

    4. mrodgers91
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Very wrong imo. Would rather take hits in 31 than get rid of aguero/rash/sterling or pogba early. If you take a -4 for someone who plays both 31 and 33. Even if they just get 2pts in each game it will equal someone not playing in either. A single return in either game and the hit has paid off

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

        I guess this is wait and see.

        I’ve done the Rondon Rash move on the basis that I only really like one of Rash’s fixtures (Soton) between now and then and Rondon has actually gone really well against low mid ranked teams earlier in the season (12-17 fixtures).

        A gamble. My thinking is partially that I certainly wouldn’t be drafting Rash in now if I didn’t have him.

    5. Bilbao Baggins
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Yep this is true and a worry that the blinding dgw and bgw chat will stop us going for Ayers that can score 15 in one week for players who score 3 just because they have a fixture.

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

        Hopefully the 15 points guy is Auba 😛

    6. Sting in the Tail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'm going to make sure I have two transfers going in to gw31 and then take a -4. Allows me to hold Aguero, Pogba, Rashford and at least 1 Wolves asset for as long as possible. Plus you can still bench 3. I think Son is going to have to be my main sacrifice around gw29.

    7. cpo001
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Agreed 100%. That's why FH31 is the move for me.

  20. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Need the best strategy if one doesn't have WC

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

      Have low expectations.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        🙂

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

        And I’m in your boat. Season over. Game over for me: won’t be playing again.

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

          Really ??
          😛

        2. Pep Pig
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Haha stop being so dramatic mate. I've also no 2nd WC but since using is in GW 23 I closed a 120pt gap in my cash league to 39pts so i have the momentum. Though wish I still had it ha

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

      Accept have just 6-7 players for GW31, think more of DGW players (they are also from better team most of them) so team will be better in the normal SGW's

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      1) Set up your team so it is good for BGW31 AND BGW33
      2) Free Hit in DGW32
      3) Use FTs and perhaps a hit to get a team set up for BGW35
      4) Bench Boost in BGW35
      5) Triple Captain in DGW36

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

        BGW35 = DGW35

  21. Cabellafan
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Selling Richa for Anderson still a good idea?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'd say so. W ham has a very nice fixture this gw

      1. Cabellafan
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

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

      Of course

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

      I'd planned Digne and Richarlison to Pereira and Anderson.
      Still probably a good idea - but Everton play the doubles so its a little trickier.

      1. The 5% Team
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        all depends on when you want to use your remaining chips I guess.
        To me the moves look good

  22. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I think I get it now.

    There's some major turmoil between G/W 31 to 35 but no one knows when the DGW's will occur.

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

      You follow Championship right ??
      How good is Milwall ??
      Can they knock Brighton out of FA cup ??

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        No, I see them beating them more comfortably

        Sorry!.

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

          Whom ??
          You mean Brighton victory right ??

          1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Sorry! Lazy English.

            I expect Brighton to thump Millwall more convincingly than they did Derby. 🙂

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

              You know about nothing outside the Premier League do you...
              Brighton's set piece record is woeful, as is their away record. We only score from set pieces and can only win at home haha

              1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Blimey! I drew a Millwall supporter out of the woodwork. 😆

                Your lot can't even beat Sheffield bloody Wednesday at home and you're lying 5th from bottom.

                Take off the blue specs!! Good Luck Though.

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

                  Fair enough, but we do well in the FA cup, only got to look at our record in it to see. But thanks mate

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

              Thank you mate

  23. Wally banter
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Have just 3 including puncheon for GW31 ... no choice rather than FhC it looks like

  24. Forget Special, I am the ON…
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    How about if one has all 3 chips but no WC left?

    Any suggestion for managers like me? 🙂

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I d build a team for the dgw weeks from now on and use fh either 31/33

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Join me in a silent prayer.

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

    This is turning out to be one of the most challenging seasons in Fpl.

    Been playing this game for the longest time and don't remember anything like the confusion and planning required to deal with Bgw & Dgw!

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Same here expect I don't think I was paying that much attention the previous season haha I can't even remember when all these extra chips started !

    2. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Schedule is a bit strange this year with FA Cup QFs / Semis so close together (in FPL terms) - and the weekend's results with all PL teams except Chelsea getting through has meant it's that much tougher.

      In my book it all hinges on Wolves, Man Utd and Man City assets - because we know two of those sides blank in 31 AND 33. The other (City) is highly likely to blank.

      For people like me who have 6 assets across those three teams, the decision to FH32 is almost made by default.

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Really ??
      😮
      This is the first year I'm playing seriously 😛
      Thought it's this hard every year.
      Aguero & Salah hauls have been killer for me.

      Blank & Double gw strategy is sorted though.
      Since 2 gw's ago.
      Sticking with it (plan 1 of the article)

      1. Lazaretti
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Same here. I just don't see what I could gain by using FH in GW31 as everyone will have 3 from Liverpool (Salah (C) ) then some players from BOU, WHU, NEW, EVE, BUR players. And all of those players are relatively cheap so you can easily bench players like Aguero, Pogba, Doherty to protect your team value and still get decent team for GW31. Maybe even keep some more players who doesn't have a game on GW31, if you want to go with 8-10 players. How many points you will lose in GW31 if you C Salah and play i.e. with 8 players?

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

          Exactly

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

          Exactly x2

  26. Tosa86
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    My actual team (for GW27):

    Fabianski
    pereira - doherty - robertson
    pogba - salah - son anderson
    auba - rashford -jimenez

    etherdige - wba - vvd - billing

    next moves:
    GW28 vvd+auba -> TAA e kun
    GW31 --> FH
    GW32 --> if double, i'll play WC

    instead for GW27 do i need to replace doherty?

    Any suggestion?
    how to improve my team?any city or not?

  27. Bilbao Baggins
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I liked strategy 1 at first.

    But I reckon strategy 3 could be the best. People forget, having Aguero for 1 week right now is more valuable than say Barnes for 2 weeks. (In the most part)

    I remember last season , and this season in the last game week where I got rid of Sterling in preparation for his blank...

    Big players on form will almost ALWAYS punish you.

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

      But why would you avoid Aguero for Barnes ??

      Avoiding Aguero for Hazard/Higuain is fine.

      Can get Aguerooo for 3 gw's, save 2 FT & play a mini WC on GW 31 😉

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

      It’s gradual you need to ditch not all at once. Keep the best can even bench them GW31 to retain value.

    3. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I really don't like the "severely weakened GW33 team" side of Strategy 3.

      I guess you could take up to a -8 to sort it out but it feels like any gains from FH31 / Prep for 32 would be wiped out.

      Prep 31/33, FH32 means you're set for three weeks running.

      Just use the TC elsewhere. Salah vs Huddersfield or even Pogba vs Cardiff could be good.

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

    Fab Hamer
    Alonso AWB Shaw Doherty TAA
    Sterling Son Salah Pogba Højberg
    Firmino Mitro Jimenez
    1ft, 1.1 itb.
    Have 6 player who will play GW31. The plan was to get rid of Alonso for Pereira but having second thoughts now.
    What do you think?

    1. Sting in the Tail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'd be more inclined to do Shaw to Perriera

  29. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Swindon to lose 2500 + others in related industries/

    I'm selling my Honda Motorcycle. Stuff 'em!

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Jobs.

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Brexit starting to kick in.Reality must be starting to dawn on people at this stage.

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

        Yea, it has nothing to do with 2008 and is solely a Brexit thing

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

    How about us no WC folk?