Fixtures

When will the Blank and Double Gameweeks take place in FPL this season?

Monday’s surprise announcement that the EFL Cup final would move back two months has caused a stir in the Fantasy world, as it would seem to have implications for the Blank and Double Gameweek picture.

First off, there will very likely be a Blank Gameweek 33, in which one or two Premier League fixtures will be postponed depending on how many top-flight clubs progress through the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the EFL Cup.

Secondly, Gameweek 26 will, barring any further weather or COVID-related postponements, have a full complement of 10 Premier League games taking place on the last weekend of February.

The free midweek after Gameweek 26 may well have accommodated any postponements from the weekend had the EFL Cup final clash occurred as originally scheduled.

Instead, it may now host other rearranged games, be it the outstanding fixtures from Gameweeks 1 and 11 and/or other cup-related postponed matches.

So here’s what we know about the Blank/Double Gameweek picture so far…

WHICH BLANK AND DOUBLE GAMEWEEKS ARE SO FAR CONFIRMED?

Blank Gameweek 18 and Double Gameweek 19 have been confirmed by Fantasy Premier League and look as follows:

WHICH FIXTURES REMAIN OUTSTANDING?

Three postponed fixtures (two from Gameweek 1 and one from Gameweek 11) are yet to be rearranged. They are:

  • Burnley v Manchester United
  • Manchester City v Aston Villa
  • Aston Villa v Newcastle

It’s possible that two of those could still fall within Gameweeks 18 or 19, thus adding to the Double Gameweek 19 fixture bonanza or meaning that fewer teams will be without a match in Blank Gameweek 18.

But other dates are possible, as we’ll discuss below.

WHEN COULD OTHER BLANK GAMEWEEKS OCCUR?

There are two Gameweeks in which the Premier League schedule clashes with a cup competition and there is no ‘free’ midweek afterwards. These Gameweeks, therefore, could be ‘blanks’:

  • Gameweek 29: The FA Cup quarter-finals take place on the same weekend. An international break subsequently follows, so any postponed league matches couldn’t take place in the ensuing days. Anywhere between zero and eight league games could be affected.
  • Gameweek 33: The EFL Cup final takes place on the same weekend, with the Champions League and Europa League semi-finals scheduled for the following midweek. Between one and two league matches will be affected.

WHEN COULD OTHER DOUBLE GAMEWEEKS OCCUR?

  • Gameweek 26: The most obvious time to stage any outstanding matches will be Gameweek 26, given that no domestic or European competitions are scheduled to place straight afterwards and a free midweek opens up. Two of the three postponed matches from Gameweeks 1/11 could be candidates for this week, as could any rearranged Gameweek 29 clashes.
  • Gameweeks 32 and 37: There are free midweeks immediately after these two Gameweeks, which happen to clash with the FA Cup semi-finals and final. It would make sense for any fixtures affected by those FA Cup ties to be merely shunted back three or four days, but there is the capacity to absorb outstanding matches from other Gameweeks if required.

There are other possible options for a small Double Gameweek, such as Gameweek 23 – although that would require clubs being eliminated early from the FA Cup and thus having a free midweek when the fifth round is due to take place.

WHEN ARE THE CHIPS AVAILABLE?

Joshua Bull crowned overall FPL champion for 2019/20

A shrewd chip strategy will be needed to navigate through this tricky period of Blank and Double Gameweeks, and that’s before we acknowledge the possibility of COVID-19 wreaking more havoc on the football calendar.

The chips, which can’t be used in conjunction with another in the same Gameweek, are available as follows:

Bench Boost, Triple Captain and Free Hit – can be used once a season at any time.

First Wildcard – available until the start of Gameweek 16 (Monday 28 December at 13:30 GMT).

Second Wildcard – available after the start of Gameweek 16 (Monday 28 December at 13:30 GMT).


Be sure to check out our Blank Gameweek 18 and Double Gameweek 19 guide below for more information.

825 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Just looking at the fixtures.

    Millions are going to miss that Monday 1.30pm deadline.

    Let’s get ready to lol at them.

    1. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I wouldn't count on it. Everyone will be on their Christmas holidays so they will be paying more attention than usual.

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm using my 2FT, bringing in Son and switching to a 3-5-2 that day. Big plans!

    3. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Will be playing my WC, would be disastrous if I missed it

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

    For this week

    A) KDB
    B) Salah -4

    1. The Albatross
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

      It could go either way.
      I think B will outscore A but don’t know if it is worth -4 or not

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

        Cheers.

    3. TRE2
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Captaincy % on Salah will be pretty huge this week

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

        Will captain the one i pick.

    4. ClassiX
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Sword or Shield choice. If you feel you're chasing/trying to make up ground go with KDB. Will be a huge differential if he delivers. If you're protecting your position then Salah. I think City will take Newcastle apart this week, personally.

      1. Fit of Pique
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Out of curiosity, why do you think City will take Newcastle apart?

        1. ClassiX
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Subjectively: City at home. Pep has to react to the way Liverpool and recently manU are dismantling teams. Newcastle without key players. ManC has too much quality for it not to fire at some point.
          Objectively: just about all the stats in the member's area indicate City are due.

  3. HollywoodXI
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Building towards DGW (FH GW18). Chilwell’s injury is a pain. Thinking of doing A or B for an 8 point hit:

    A) Chilwell, Neco Williams and Kane out for TAA, Robbo and Antonio/Adams

    B) Chilwell, Neco Williams and Son out for TAA, Robbo and Burke (who would be benched)

    C) Neither of the above

    What do you think?

  4. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I bought Chilwell @5.5 and I will lose a lot of money selling him, but what is the best move here with the following backline:

    Martinez
    Chilwell** Stones Coufal Mitchell Lewis

    A- Chilwell > Matip for FT.
    B- Lewis > Ayling
    C- Something else?

    1. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I got Robertson and might captain.

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

      Wait for news. If he misses just 1 week, bench him. If more than 1 week then consider a transfer. I might still keep him anyway as long as he is back for DGW19.

      1. West End Exile
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        This

  5. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    The Holy Trinity are all must owns. People hopping between Bruno, KDB and Salah are all wasting transfers.

    1. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      KDB is not anymore essential then Son or Kane.

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

      I beg to differ. I’ve played the hokey kokey between KDB and Salah over the last four weeks and gained 22 points from doing so. You’ve just got to get the rotation right.

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        What other premium did you own instead?

        1. HollywoodXI
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Switching between the two meant my budget stretched to afford the following team:

          Martinez
          Chilwell Cancelo James
          Salah (or KDB) Bruno Son Grealish
          Kane DCL Bamford

          Steer Soucek Balbeuna Mitchell

          1. Pukki Blinders
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Kane and Son instead of KDB is a solid replacement, your TV must be better than average

            1. De Gea is GOAT
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              How do you even afford this team? :O

  6. Pedram
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    How long do you think Chilwell will be out?

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

      Lampard yesterday; "He turned his ankle and tried to carry on but it was too painful. We'll have a scan tomorrow to try and see how bad the injury is.”

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Rolled ankle, my prognosis is about 3-4 weeks

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

    Mornign dzzz, cant decide whether to build for gw18 or gw19. Have 5FT's left till those gameweeks and i currently have
    - 7 bgw18 players including lamptey (mci) and burke who is unlikely to play
    - 6 dgw18 players including chilwell, james, and taylor

    A: Use FT's to get 11 gw18 and FH19
    - Will involve selling james and chilwell who i would want from gw20 if fit, other then that, I am ok with carrying the gw18 team to gw20 onwards
    - my gw18 score would obviously be less than someone who does FH18

    B: Use FT's to BB 12 dgw19 players (for 2 hits) and FH18
    - the sgw included in the BB will be martinez, son, dcl
    - my FH19 score would be obviously be less than someone who does BB19

    Its a tough one as i note that approach B will lead to more points in gw18 and gw19 but that is offset by the fact that i will have saved my BB for a future gw

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Is this a UN resolution?

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

      FH in 18 and BB in 19. You may not get as good an opportunity to BB later. Also I like to get my BB out of the way as I don't like carrying too much money on my bench.

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

      How would your team look moving forward after DGW19?
      Also think about which strategy will give you most points before BGW18
      Wait for news on Chilwell & James
      I’d say FH18 & play 19 without BB, as you’ll be making too many hits trying to make ‘perfect’ BB team and feel you don’t have the best 11 GW20 onwards with too much value on bench

  8. PapaWengzz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Bamford > Bobby for a hit this week?

    1. themaindanger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Bamford has good fixtures, Firminio is not a reliable FPL asset.

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

      No

      1. TRE2
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        No

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

      Cheers all. Just the kind of wisdom i needed

    4. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Madness

  9. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Captaincy

    Gw15 Salah
    16 & 17 Kane

    Let’s do this

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

    For DGW19...A or B ?

    A. Maddison (SOU, CHE) + Soucek (BUR, WBA)
    B. Raphinha (BHA, SOU) + Bowen (BUR, WBA)

    1. TRE2
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

  11. TRE2
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    DCL and Chilwell to Adams and Robbo/TAA for free?

    Will only lose .2 on DCL as I bought him late.

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      No. I wouldn't get rid of DCL. 12 attacking returns in 14 games including the last 4 and he's hot Sheffield United next

      1. TRE2
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah. Thinking that too. But tempting with a pool defender now. Will have to find another way I guess

    2. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Good moves if can do for someone other than DCL

  12. Tango74
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Back to title

    What is everyone chip strategy?

  13. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Hey guys, is Chillwell out for long? What to do here with 1 FT and 0.6 ITB?

    McCarthy Button
    Robbo Chillwell Dallas Lamptey Ferguson
    Salah Bruno Grealish Soucek Raphina
    DCL Bam Kane

  14. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Unfortunately, trying to be a smarty pants and beat price rises, I swapped Wilson for Giroud before last nights game.

    Thought Giroud had taken the strikers spot after some goals recently.

    Giroud didn't play. Abraham scored two.

    There's no way Giroud is playing next week is he?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Who knows? That's why you don't buy him.

    2. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      He’ll get minutes during festive period but not 90s

  15. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is it worth getting Matip if you cant afford Robbo/TAA?

    1. HollywoodXI
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I really think it’s worth the upgrade to Robbo / Trent. Even for a hit as I think they’ll get a CS against West Brom (Sam Allardyce will set up with 11 defenders!)

      1. DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Struggling to fit Robbo in need .5 from somewhere 🙁

        Mccarthy
        Chilwell* Dias Coufal
        Salah KDB Bruno Grealish
        Watkins DCL Bamford
        Forster KWP Dier Riedewald

        0.7ITB need 0.5 for robbo!

        1. HollywoodXI
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I would downgrade either Dias or Dier to a DGW player to find the 0.5

          1. DAZZ
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Hmm ok pal thank you! Interesting. What about Chilwell + Dier > Robertson + Leeds defender? Cant afford dallas

            1. HollywoodXI
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              I wouldn’t go near Leeds defenders. Can you stretch to a Saints defender?

              1. DAZZ
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 3 months ago

                I wish mate. I have Mccarthy, KWP and Forster!

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

                Thanks for the help pal. Much appreciated! I’ve pulled the trigger on Chilwell + Dier > TAA + Charlie Taylor -4. Burnley have a fre nice fixtures and a double. Thanks

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Ditch Watkins and get Welbeck Or wolves striker silva... gives you the 0.5 you need for Robbo....

  16. KnightSlayer
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Mane to Fernandes ?

    I also have Salah

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

      Yes

    2. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Absolutely, even without Salah.

    3. Pops15
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      This week? When Mane has West Brom. Dont think it's the right move

  17. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Chilwell-> Robbo a good move we reckon even if he makes a return soon.
    Had the Chilwell-> Robbo move in mind for a while.

    McCarthy.
    Stones, James, Chilwell, Dallas.
    KDB, Salah, Son, Fernandes.
    Bamford, DCL.
    Forster, Lookman, Brewster, Ferguson.
    1ft, 1.2m ITB
    Shaping up to be a FH 18 + TC 19 with 9/10 DGW'rs.

    1. TRE2
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I would

  18. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Hoping Pullisic starts to come good as I have room for him In my dgw team come the time

  19. Johan Queef
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Defence a shambles but I'd like to wait until next week before pulling the WC...main concern is no Salah but 2FT. Any thoughts?!

    McCarthy

    Robertson, Taylor, (Mitchell*, James*, Lamptey*)

    Son, KDB, Grealish, Bruno, Lookman

    Kane, Bamford (Brewster)

    Any advice on moves greatly appreciated!

    1. TRE2
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Money itb?

      1. Johan Queef
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Only 0.2mil. I have terrible TV after some questionable holds this season.

    2. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Maybe James and Lamptey to Matip and Dallas.

      1. Johan Queef
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Good moves. Defence seems the priority.

        Would you ignore Salah for one more week and get really drunk over Christmas so the inevitable haul doesn't hurt so much?

        1. TRE2
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Yes. Either that or you have to ditch Son/Grealish/Kane/KDB/Bruno and they might haul as well. Cant have them all. And then you wont have a defense, or have to take a hit ...

  20. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    DCL is a good captaincy option this week. Don’t own Salah or KDB.

    Playing against his old club, who are terrible.

  21. Ray In Bruges.
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    McCarthy
    Chilwell*** Zouma Justin
    Fernandes KDB Son Grealish
    Werner DCL Bamford

    (Nyland, Kilman, KWP, Burke)

    2FT, 1.3ITB

    Team is in crisis...not sure what change to make here. Chilwell to Robbo/TAA and roll one? I have belief that Werner will come good very soon...

    1. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah, you need some Liverpool cover in there. Both decent options

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

      Why is that team in crisis?

      1. Ray In Bruges.
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Played Kilman ahead of Justin and Captained Son over Fernandes this week - team is suffering at the hand of the Manager xD

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

      No Arsenal players = No crisis.

    4. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Defo your team is NOT in crisis. 1 transfer needed

  22. LLoris
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which 2 should I bring in just for this week?
    A) Vestergaard vs FUL
    B) Mina vs SHU
    C) Matip vs WB
    D) Walker vs NEW

    1. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A B

    2. 272MK
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      C D. But wait til ManCity play the cup match

  23. Abra Dubravka
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Gtg? Correct bench?

    Martinez
    Robbo, Dallas, KWP
    Salah(c), Bruno, Grealish, KDB
    DCL, Bamford, Adams

    Bench: Coufal, Zouma, Soucek ?

  24. 272MK
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Ive read the rules, the articles, and yet i feel like i still have to ask.

    1st Wildcard can be used by GW16 right? By GW17 the 2nd Wilcard kicks in?

  25. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Opted for Trent over Robbo. I fancy trent to turn his form around after a good performance against Palace!

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

      I’m tempted with both to be honest.
      Think I’ll be doing Chilwell > Trent this week
      KDB,Dias >> Son,Robertson for free the following week.

      1. JELLYFISH
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Same, bringing in Stones and TAA fir a back 4 of..

        Zouma Robbo TAA Stones

  26. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    78 for the gw with Kane as captain not so bad....should have kept the armband on Bruno though

  27. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Do we know how long Chilwell is out for? Might be worth keeping him if he is back before the DGW

  28. Pommie22
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Good evening guys (NZ time) initial thoughts are to FH BGW then this is my plan for DGW with 2 obvious players* to monitor, this will be done using FT's from now and leave me 0.5 itb
    Martinez, McCarthy
    Chillwell*,Zouma,Vesterg,Coufal,Stones
    Salah(c),Son,Fernandes,JWP,Harrison
    Kane,Bamford,Antonio*

    Chillwell > Matip and Antonio> Adams if required.
    As always any advice appreciated and many thanks in advance.

    Stay safe my thoughts and wishes are with you during these very tough times.
    Enjoy Xmas with family and here's to what has to be a better year 2021.

  29. JP\'s
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Worth doing Vardy and Zaha to DCL and Son for a -4?

    1. Sid1891
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      No

  30. Jakew99029
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    TAA and Robby the same cost, most are on Robbo (from what I have seen). Has TAA done enough to justify the punt? Surely he has to come good soon....

    1. Muchentuchel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I usually prefer Trent over Robbo but Mané being slightly out of form makes Robbo so much more forward-thinking than before. Anyways I'll stay with TAA because of better crosses and free kicks.