News

Unexpected Blank Gameweek for Man City and Everton in COVID-19 postponement

Manchester City and Everton have both been handed an unexpected Blank Gameweek as their Goodison Park clash was postponed on Monday afternoon.

The two sides were scheduled to meet at 20:00 GMT on Monday evening but an “an increase in cases of COVID-19 in the Manchester City squad” forced their hand.

As things stand, the identities of players who have tested positive remain undisclosed.

Meanwhile, with the compressed nature of the current schedule, Manchester City’s Gameweek 17 trip to Chelsea on Sunday is sure to be under threat already.

That is less than a week away and, with the self-isolation periods not specified, it is certainly possible that the number of players available for the Stamford Bridge visit to also be too high to field a full squad too – certainly something to monitor in the next few days.

Naturally, we wish those affected by the positive tests and their families our best wishes during this strange and unpredictable season.

The Fantasy Premier League fallout, of course, means Blank Gameweeks for popular assets such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£8.0m) and Kevin De Bruyne (£11.7m) – although with the announcement coming after Monday’s Gameweek 16 deadline, none of us had any chance to pre-empt it.

As a result, a large number of managers will be relying on their benches over the next few days – perhaps increasing the need for returns from Tyrick Mitchell (£3.9m), Max Kilman (£4.2m), Rhian Brewster (£4.5m) and the more highly-owned £4.5m midfielders such as Yves Bissouma (£4.5m) or André-Franck Zambo Anguissa (£4.5m).

Moving forward, the silver lining to this development is that Everton and Manchester City are likely to have Double Gameweeks in the future.

Double Gameweek 19 is due to take place in January, with the two clubs currently only set for one fixture each – so they could meet during the midweek phase of that round.

664 Comments Post a Comment
  1. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    It’s annoying that they didn’t postpone this morning before the deadline. It doesnt really affect me but its still frustrating

    1. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not sure they could announce it before they had the meeting which was in the afternoon

    2. Davros
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I’m sure they considered the FPL deadline when making the announcement but imagine their hands were tied

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

        🙂

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

        You joke but the people who had the info undoubtedly transferred out their City and Everton players before the deadline!

        1. seanie3
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Yes of course they did

        2. WE GO FOR IT
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Very few would've had that info. Only people working at PL or those clubs. You'd say they have advantage with leaked line ups anyway.

        3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I don’t think anyone in the fa knows or cares what fpl is

        4. Kellz86
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I did that without the info

  2. Davros
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Big red arrow for me today- nobody playing...

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      End of week what counts.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        If he’s like me, he had plenty of players involved tonight. I had 6, none are playing.

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

    I assume chelsea city likely to be called off as well ?

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

      Imagine so

    2. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Awaiting news on that, should have an idea by close of play today...

  4. Stormbringer22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I take it in chance we hear when City v Everton will be rescheduled for before today ends? Would like to know if City will have a DGW in 19 as well

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      No chance*

  5. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Perfect 1-1 result for non owners

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Aye

    2. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Go away

    3. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Echt

    4. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Mildly annoyed Justin owner here.

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

        Almost an assist for Justin there

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

          Yes, that was frustrating!

    5. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      And fans of neither side

  6. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    This is a silly season - royal rumble - only rule is no rule - madness - tornado

    Those that can remain unemotional and make consistent good decisions will do well

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

      They still won't do well as covid impact can't be predicted

      1. Pitch Perfect
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Expect the unexpected. Have a good bench.

    2. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Awful managers just using it as an excuse.

    3. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I'm doing well myself but it is a bit of a nonsense it's completely random

    4. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Zouma not even in Chelsea's squad today. Armageddon stuff, this week!

    5. TomSaints
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Quite a big advantage to Everton and city getting postponements in middle of crazy festive block.

      Plus more time for aguero to get back.

      Can’t help but feel if it was a team like saints who couldn’t keep their Covid bubble. Then it would be a forfeit.

      1. Black Knights
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I’m inclined to agree, although Newcastle got their game off when it happened to them.

      2. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Good for Everton not for City

    6. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Johnny Evans top of the BPs with no CS?

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

      Said it last gameweek and I'll say it again this gameweek, KDB has single handedly ruined my season!

      Lamptey was due back this gameweek, shock he's now out for ages so have no cover for DCL and KDB!

    8. Horlicks esq.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I need a PA to deal with all of these changes. Plans for GW18 forward are as blurry as a night out with the Happy Monday’s. (Ironically there’s nothing happy about today.)

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

      Who scores more this GW?

      a) Chilwell (AVL)
      b) Dallas (wba)

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Wait and see dude

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

        Really looking forward to Villa tearing up Chelsea

        1. Surfeit of Lampteys
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Not gonna happen

        2. Bobby Digital
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Targett, Grealish and Watkins in this game now that Zouma is out.

      3. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Man City played Newcastle Saturday, who Liverpool play Wednesday... Could the Liverpool game be called off? I have Salah (c), KDB (vc) :/

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

          Klopp mentioned earlier to be pushing for that

          1. CheesyZoot
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Where is the Klopp quote?

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

              Only spoken of in here. Nothing official hence my language

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

          Possibly, yeah.

        3. Black Knights
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          They’ll be testing now. We’ll find out tomorrow.

        4. Davros
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Imagine they all get tested regularly, so it won’t be automatic but will depend on test results

      4. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Justin almost assist

      5. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        KDB owners, what are you doing? Selling or holding in hopes of DGW19 for City?

        1. HonestBlatter
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Keeping and waiting confirmation of DGW

        2. Bury94
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          See if Chelsea game gets canceled first then make a decision from there

        3. WE GO FOR IT
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Will wait till his prive is about to fall. If DGW is announced, I might keep him. Otherwise, gone for Son/Mane

        4. PascalCygan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I was going to keep him for City's nice upcoming fixtures anyway, including his single fixture in DGW19. So I'm just taking today on the chin.

        5. Stormbringer22
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Thanks all!

        6. vincentwsho
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          But then he plays in GW 18 as well and I wasn't planning to FH..... really tricky one...

      6. HonestBlatter
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Justin is providing assists in row but no one can finish

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

          Nacho and Perez not great

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

        Cancelo in as a part of a hit - f me, yeah...

      8. GE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        3 City and 2 Everton-players, yeah 🙁

        1. HonestBlatter
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Why?

          1. GE
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Cancelo, Dias, KDB, Siggy and DCL

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

          And Zouma benched

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

            Zouma not in the squad

          2. Davros
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Not even on the bench

        3. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          And Lamptey injured for me x

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

          Brutal

        5. Eddie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Ouch. I offloaded KDB just in time, but still have double City defence with no cover.

        6. Garlana
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          It's the siggy pick which is a great differential which you are extra punished for. Really is a casuals season 🙁

          1. GE
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Feels so unlucky, luckily I have a half-decent bench

      9. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Perez really can't finish

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

          Ashamed that could be a Justin's assist

          1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Yup

        2. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Yes he can. I’m completely covered.

      10. Lilac Breasted Roller
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Blimey. Justin+Vardy would have been amazing. too bad.

      11. cigan
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Sold DCL, went for only 1 City player (Dias) on WC and made a last minute decision to bench Vardy as 2nd sub, after Soucek

        Hard to believe I could finally be in for some much needed good luck in this horrible season. Could still all go to hell as well tho lol

      12. JammySprat
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Be happy to get 11 players this GW. Going to be a question of who's captain does best for high GW score

      13. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Beautiful 1pt cameo from Vardy there.

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

          Non owners happy

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

        Wasnt there a gmwk years ago with just everton and blackburn? Pretty sure tim cahill scored

        Snow cancellations

      15. Digital-Real
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Fixture congestion for City. Good luck in PL and CL Pep.

      16. CheesyZoot
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        If Liverpool game is off, last minute VC switch from KDB to Kane could be huge...

      17. Chief Break-Everything
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Blimey. Dodged one there.. Just did DCL- Bamford, and was preparing for an evening behind the sofa.

      18. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Great BANter

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

        If you do ban Fudger hopefully, can you add that idiot Sloane as well before he weighs in with his conspiracy theory mush.

        1. Simon69
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Get all the gammons in the bin

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

            🙂 Absolutely.
            And totally agree on your other comment that was in deleted thread.

            1. Simon69
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              Mods were quickly to deal with it in fairness.

              1. Simon69
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 3 months ago

                *quick