Pro Pundits

How to plan for Blank and Double Gameweeks with Gameweek 15 transfers

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, a time of hope and joy for many. That’s right, the Double Gameweeks are upon us! 

With the fixtures coming thick and fast, fantasy managers are starting to prepare their sides for the blanks and Double Gameweeks approaching in Gameweek 18 and Gameweek 19. I still have my first Wildcard to use so my strategy is to Wildcard in Gameweek 16, Free Hit in Blank Gameweek 18 and bench boost in Double Gameweek 19. Whatever your chip strategy may be over this period, if you intend on attacking the Double Gameweek  then the budget options will be important to help balance our squads. 

It’s important not to disregard the games in and around the doubles, so the best low cost options can give us that flexibility to bench them in not so favourable fixtures whilst maximising our squads with as many Double Gameweek players as possible.

I’m not particularly interested in any Fulham assets, so the teams most likely to provide me with cheaper options are Burnley, Leeds, West Ham and Southampton. Let’s take a look at their fixtures over the coming weeks. For the purpose of this research I have ignored Gameweek 18 as I, and I expect many others are planning on free hitting that week. Apologies to those with different strategies.

Gameweek 15 – Gameweek 17

  • Burnley (lee, SHU, FUL)
  • Leeds (BUR, wba, tot)
  • West Ham (BHA, sou, eve)
  • Southampton (ful, WHU, LIV) 

Double Gameweek  Fixtures

  • West Ham (BUR, WBA)
  • Leeds (BHA, SOU)
  • Southampton (lei, lee)
  • Burnley (whu, liv)

LEEDS UNITED

As you can see, Leeds rank high in the Season Ticker tool in both the fixtures preceding blank Gameweek 18 and Double Gameweek 19 itself. This, for me, makes them the perfect team to target for budget enablers in preparation for the Double Gameweek. Interestingly, the fixtures after the double aren’t bad either (new, lei, EVE, CRY) making them a great investment in the long term thinking also.

The attacking intent from this Leeds side is clear to see. Even in the 6-2 defeat to Manchester United they managed 17 attempts (14 in the box and 3 big chances). Patrick Bamford (£6.4m) is still undoubtably the standout option of their assets. 

Nailed in Marco Bielsa’s side and at the top end of all key metrics across forwards this season, he is arguably must-have for me currently, given his price and fixture run.

Those looking for a differential may look to Raphinha (£5.4m). He has been displaying some eye-catching stats of late. Looking at the last four Gameweeks, he has made 14 attempts (11 in the box) and created 12 chances for his teammates. 

End-product is letting him down right now, but he may consider himself unlucky to only return twice in the last four outings (two assists). Bamford would be the man to hang your hat on and transfer in early if you don’t own already, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the Brazilian over the coming games as the Double Gameweek 19 approaches.

Defensively, Leeds don’t fill me with much hope for clean sheets with their ‘We’ll score more than you’ mentality. I will probably stay clear of their defensive assets but for anyone wanting to invest, Stuart Dallas (£4.7m) is the one with an eye for goal who might pop up with an attacking return. 

He has made 18 attempts on goal this season and no defender has had more big chances than the Northern Irishman (three).

BURNLEY

In a stark contrast to Leeds, it’s only really defensive assets that appeal from the Clarets. Despite a 2-1 win over Wolves in Gameweek 14, Burnley have still only registered eight goals all season and at 11.65, only West Bromwich Albion have a worst expected goals (xG) score than them. 

However, as we have come to expect from Sean Dyche’s men, they look assured defensively and have already produced five clean sheets. 

Looking at the fixtures, Burnley have a fantastic run up to Double Gameweek 19 which should provide a great platform to further their clean sheet tally, but the Double Gameweek isn’t particularly appealing for them which is a shame. 

Away matches at West Ham and Liverpool in Gameweek 19 is unlikely to result in clean sheets in my opinion. Therefore, the best route into their defence could be Nick Pope (£5.4m), who has the capability to rack up save points in any fixture. The shot-stopper has already acquired 66 points and is well on his way to replicating last seasons heroics. 

Those looking to bench boost may find his £5.4m price tag a little to high and may prefer to look for two sub £5.0m Double Gameweek goalkeepers. But those not planning on using the chip should seriously consider Pope in my opinion as the best long-term option to pair with non-playing bench fodder.

Elsewhere Charlie Taylor (£4.5m) is still good value at £4.5m.

WEST HAM UNITED

Arguably the pick up the bunch for the Double Gameweek fixtures (BUR, WHA), West Ham will provide us with good value ahead of this run of games. 

The standout budget options for me are Vladimir Coufal (£4.6m) and Tomas Soucek (£5.1m).

I have spoken about a lot about Soucek in previous articles and he continues to pass the eye test for me. I have owned the midfielder all season and at £5.1m, I am happy to leave him on my bench when I do not need him, and fancy him to provide returns when called upon. 

Coufal is a player I am currently planning on bringing in when I Wildcard in Gameweek 16. Over the last four Gameweeks he has put in 26 crosses and created 10 chances for his teammates. 

Only Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson (£7.3m) can better those numbers. Still only £4.6m, the favourable Double Gameweek fixtures bodes well for returns at both end of the pitch. 

SOUTHAMPTON

While the fixtures for the Saints aren’t fantastic, I feel their performances on the pitch can make us start to realistically consider their assets in any match. Jannik Vestergaard (£5.0m) is perhaps the best defensive asset with his presence in the box resulting in three goals already this season, although does have a knee problem to overcome right now. 

Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.7m) is also a good option for anyone who has a little value tied up in him or does not want to stretch to the 5.0 price tag. 

From an attacking perspective, Che Adams (£6.0m) is the possibly the best option currently for anyone looking for a forward in this price bracket. His all-round play has resulted in four goals and five assists this season. As a Saints fan who watches most games, it is clear that his confidence continues to grow.

Thanks for reading. Christmas will certainly be different this year but hopefully we can at least enjoy the football. Good Luck all.

1,074 Comments Post a Comment
  1. EgyptianKing
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Can Matip be a good option in your opinion?

    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not at all, sorry. He is injury prone and would be a transfer waiting to happen

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

      Not for me. Robbo+TAA or just one of them for me

    3. Kante Touch This
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I’ve pulled the trigger

      1. Mid budget coach
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Brace for impact

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

    Roughly where would you rank Grealish in the top FPL assets to own this season?

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

      Number 1 for his price.

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

        Yeah - not a top gun but best of the rest

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

      Top 3 or so in the game at present. He is such good value

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

      2nd best after DCL

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

    I have mate. Currently on -88.6.

    Will he get to 100 by 2am though?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      See where he is in an hour.

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

      *ignore. Had a few whiskys.

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

    Is Wilson to Adams or Wood worth a hit, already on a -4

    Cheers and Merry Christmas

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

      Not worth it

  5. circusmonkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Just to check this (it is late, I should go to bed)
    Watkins shows price as 6.1 but on my transfers page, he is 6.0, so if he drops tonight, it doesn't matter for me, does it?

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

      Nope

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

        By 6.0 do you mean purchase price? Worth using the "list view" for these.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      yes

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        No, stays at 6.

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

    If You have James and hope he paly DGW 19 would u get now
    A- Lamptey > Dallas
    B- Lamptey > Zouma

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

      B

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

    Repost, toughest transfer decisions so far this season. Better transfers here? 2ft 0.0 itb

    Martinez
    Robbo Cancelo Taylor
    Son Bruno KDB Soucek
    DCL Bamford Watkins

    4.0 Ziyech Ayling Lewis

    A) KDB, Ziyech to Anguissa, Salah C
    B) just Ziyech to Anguissa (kdb C and him to Salah next week)
    C) Watkins to Adams

    Basicly captain KDB and no Salah or vice versa. 600K so chasing.

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

        Thanks. Think he will outscore Mo?

        1. OptimusBlack
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I don't Know really don't uave Moo And KDB my C

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

      Wouldn't want to be without either but not having Salah would scare me most so a reluctant A

  8. as33
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Best replacement for Chilwell and James? 0itb

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Depends on GW18/19

  9. GOONER
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A) Grealish & Balbuena

    B) Robbo & Raphinha

  10. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    So one question about the free hit. If I have 2 FTs for The GW and I decide to use FH, what happens to my 2 FTs? Do they roll or only 1 FT after the FH?

    1. Mika-eel
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      1 FT.

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

        1FT - FH wipes any saved transfers the same as a wildcard.

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

    Thoughts on how to bring in Salah? 0.3 itb 1FT

    McCarthy
    Robbo I Coufal I Dallas
    Bruno | Rashford | Son | Grealish I Bowen
    Kane | DCL |

    Forster I Brewster I *Chilwell I *Lamptey

    Cheers

    1. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Kane to Bamford and Rashford to Salah

  12. Mika-eel
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    You guys swapping out either Bruno/Salah in 18 for KDB or just going without?

    Will probably be just capping one of the Spurs and just prep for 19 and not use any chips.

    Merry Christmas everyone.

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

      I'd be getting KDB with a hokey-cokey if required.

      I actually have KDB but may still hokey-cokey Stirling for gw18 if he & City show any form by then

      1. Mika-eel
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah will be scary not having any City attackers for 18. My last experience with the hokey cokey hasn't gone to well with Salah/KDB. Haven't even considered Sterling.

        Will keep in mind, like you said, form permitting.

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

          Sterling would be as well as, not instead of, KDB btw

          1. Mika-eel
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Got You!

            Appreciate the reply. Have a good one.

  13. tc93
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    2FT, 0.0 ITB- who to replace Chilwell with?: (btw planning on FH 18 and bench boost 19)

    1) Chillwell + Grealish --> Robbo + Rafinha (bought grealish at 7- now 7.8)
    2) Chillwell --> Dier
    3) Chillwell --> Coufal

    Team:
    Martinez
    Chillwell / KWP / Dias
    Salah (c) / Fernandes / Son / Grealish / KDB
    Adams / Bamford

    Bench: Button, Ayling, Michell, Davis

    1. tc93
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      or Chilwell --> Zouma

  14. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Really want to get TAA and the only way is by getting rid of Dias so worth doing this?

    Chillwell and Dias to TAA and Dallas for free?

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

      Or coufal

    2. MMN
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      No

  15. JURGENAUT
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Chilwell, Lamptey, KDB to Taylor, Coufal, Salah (c) for -8.

    Only have Justin on bench so would be playing with 10 players otherwise.

    As Chilwell and Lamptey are both not playing, I think the -8 pays off?

  16. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Bit late, but well done to all that got good green arrows this week. Good week to prosper.

    Reds -- unlucky, this GW tilted on fine margins and captaincy decisions where it really was a lottery. We go again next time.

    Merry Christmas to you all. Keep staying safe.

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Ditto sir

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

      And you, best wishes

  17. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Hi guys, just wanted to take a minute to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy year, most of all good health! These days people don't spend much time or thought on some personal words to their friends and family, they just copy and paste some random message and send it on. So after all we've been though together this year I want to thank you for your friendship and wish you a happy and fulfilling 2021 - you’re the best gymnastics group anyone could ask for. Best wishes, Helen

    1. Tommy J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Nice one- Happy Christmas!

    2. Bennyboy1907
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      And to you sir!

    3. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Ditto sir

    4. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Merry Christmas!

    5. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Same to you. Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

      By the way, do you consider us as part of your gymnastics group??

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        My sarcastic humour is wasted here 😉

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

          A virtual gymnastic bubble!

    6. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      And you, best wishes

    7. myteamissheeeeeeeet
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Forget FF I’m still laughing at this :-))

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        At least someone gets it 😆

        1. myteamissheeeeeeeet
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Love it mate, I’ve copied and sent it everywhere 😉

          1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Haha! Quality isn’t it 😆

            Merry Christmas, have a good one!

  18. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Top 5 Christmas movies

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Debbie does Xmas
      Home Alone ii &iii

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

      Willy Wonka and the Choco Factory has to be on the list surely..

    3. Saxe-Gotha
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Christmas Vacation
      Elf

    4. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Die Hard

    5. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Home alone
      Elf
      Charlie and chocolate factory

      1. Vazza
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        These three are my personal favourites

    6. Bennyboy1907
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Elf no cap

      1. tbhogal
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Love Elf

    7. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Bad Santa

    8. jia you
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Die Hard
      It's a wonderful life
      A Bond movie or three 🙂

    9. Whiskerz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Gremlins
      Elf
      Home Alone
      Santa Clause the movie
      Die Hard

  19. Kay317
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Struggling on who to start out of this lot.. which 3 to start:
    A) Matip
    B) Stones
    C) Dallas
    D) Coufal
    E) Taylor

    Currently got Coufal and Taylor on the bench but not sure.

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

      A, B and coinflip

      1. Kay317
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        It's Dallas and Coufal I can't decide between really. He has scored a few so I guess I should stick with Dallas.

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

      That’s the correct order imo

      1. Kay317
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers

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

      A,B,D

    4. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      ABD

  20. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Merry Christmas to each and every member of the FFS family! Cheers!

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      You too mate 🙂

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Ditto sir

    3. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      And to you

    4. Bennyboy1907
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks

    5. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Same to you mate.

      By the way, are you going to let Aguero play this weekend?

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Hahaha! It's Newcastle at home 😉

  21. tbhogal
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is Chilwell to Zouma best for DGW19 ?

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

      If you can't afford a Pool def then possibly although WHM have a nice dgw for defs

      1. tbhogal
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I have coufal and robbo already

  22. sthelenslad92
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Should I start Soucek or Welbeck?

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

      Welbeck

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

    Merry Christmas everyone!

    Is Burnley Man U unlikely to get rescheduled for gw 18?

    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      It’s all speculation at the moment pal. No one really knows

  24. Sepp Blattered
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who will get more clean sheets in the next 3 out of Liverpool or Man City ?

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

      Maybe 2 each but more confident of Pool's 2

  25. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Dear friends,

    I would like to take this opportunity and wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

    I hope all your wishes and dreams come true. 🙂

    Vazza

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

      And you, best wishes

    2. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Same to you mate! Cheers!

  26. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who would you start this weekend

    A. Taylor (lee)
    B. Soucek (BHA)

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

    2. LSK
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

    3. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

    4. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

  27. LSK
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which is better?
    A) Chilwell to Stones -4 (have Dias) this week
    B) KDB & Chilwell to Son & Trent -4 next week (C Taylor comes in this week)

  28. Neves say Neves
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Trent or Robbo on WC?

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Robbo

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

      It’s a coin toss.

      I would choose Robbo if I really had to

  29. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Why are people mass selling Kane? What has he done wrong?

  30. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    happy xmas all

    keep watkins v palace or sell for adams ?

    thanks and gl

    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Keep Watkins imo

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

      Keep