News

Four clubs set to play three fixtures across Blank and Double Gameweeks

Fantasy Premier League managers have been thrown a wonderful New Year’s Eve gift by the powers that be with Thursday’s fixture rearrangements.

Manchester United’s Gameweek 1 trip to Burnley has been scheduled for Tuesday, January 12, putting it into Blank Gameweek 18.

Meanwhile, Manchester City are now due to host Aston Villa on Wednesday, January 20, adding to an already bumper edition of fixtures in Double Gameweek 19.

With these changes to the schedule it now means the following clubs all play in Blank Gameweek 18 and have two fixtures in Double Gameweek 19.

  • Aston Villa
  • Burnley
  • Manchester City
  • Manchester United

So what does this mean for Fantasy managers? Well, regardless of chip strategy, it makes assets from these four clubs more appealing in the coming weeks, especially the two Manchester sides.

The additional of the Red Devils’ favourable trip to Burnley makes life a little easier for anyone considering the Free Hit chip in Blank Gameweek 18 simply because the pool of players has expanded.

As a result, the margin for potential success is arguably wider now as the chances of identical Free Hit squads will go down with an additional fixture. The same is true of Double Gameweek 19 although the list of potentially explosive assets was already rather high.

Either way, two more active teams in Blank Gameweek 18 (raising the total from 10 to 12) arguably decreases the need for using a chip either during or before that round.

Those looking to hold onto their second Wildcard now have an easier route to tackle Blank Gameweek 18 and Double Gameweek 19 side-by-side with their free transfers considering there are now four clubs who play three matches across them.

Manchester City and Manchester United are likely to help form the spine for Fantasy teams across the globe in light of their appealing fixtures and array of decent options.

However, there are a few complications to consider, not least the fact that it has not been disclosed which players at Manchester City have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) in the last week.

Thankfully, their next match (a trip to Chelsea) is challenging enough to put off investment anyway and we might get more information about the COVID cases either in the pre-match or post-match press conferences, if not from the team-sheet itself.

Manchester City’s next six fixtures

  • Gameweek 17: Chelsea (away)
  • Blank Gameweek 18: Brighton (home)
  • Double Gameweek 19: Crystal Palace (home) + Aston Villa (home)
  • Gameweek 20: West Bromwich Albion (away)
  • Gameweek 21: Sheffield United (home)
  • Gameweek 22: Burnley (away)

Manchester United’s next six fixtures

  • Gameweek 17: Aston Villa (home)
  • Blank Gameweek 18: Burnley (away)
  • Double Gameweek 19: Liverpool (away) + Fulham (home)
  • Gameweek 20: Sheffield United (home)
  • Gameweek 21: Arsenal (away)
  • Gameweek 22: Southampton (home)

Aston Villa’s next six fixtures

  • Gameweek 17: Manchester United (away)
  • Blank Gameweek 18: Spurs (home)
  • Double Gameweek 19: Everton (home) + Manchester City (away)
  • Gameweek 20: Burnley (away)
  • Gameweek 21: Southampton (away)
  • Gameweek 22: West Ham (home)

Burnley’s next six fixtures

  • Gameweek 17: Fulham (home)
  • Blank Gameweek 18: Manchester United (home)
  • Double Gameweek 19: West Ham (away) + Liverpool (away)
  • Gameweek 20: Aston Villa (home)
  • Gameweek 21: Chelsea (away)
  • Gameweek 22: Manchester City (home)
1,143 Comments Post a Comment
  1. PlayPercentage
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So does this mean that FUL and MCI are now able to fulfil their fixtures in GW17, this coming Sunday?
    That's a miraculous recovery.

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No Fulham Burnley still a doubt.

      1. PlayPercentage
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        So, another postponement by FUL will change the picture once again.

        1. ivantys
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Doubt anyone cares about the burnley fulham game with Taylor out.

          1. Lord Flashheart
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            correct

  2. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on this early FH 18 draft?

    Leno
    Dias, AWB, Dier
    KDB, Fernandes, Son, Mahrez, Saka
    Kane, Wilson

    1. CheesyZoot
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I like it, makes me more keen to pop the FH on 18 myself

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

      Don't like Dier Mahrez Saka Wilson

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Who do you think are better picks that week?

        Mahrez is a punt but if Torres and Jesus have COVID he should start. Saka looks like a great enabler with a good fixture and Wilson plays the worst team in the league. Dier could be another Arsenal or United defender but prefer to spread the risk.

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

      I rather Bellerin than AWB.

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Even with Leno in goal?

        1. ivantys
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Bellerin has higher upside, you could change keeper I guess but probably lack cash to upgrade Leno. Change Dier to Bailly if you need a united defence.

    4. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Happy that I own 7 of these players without FH 🙂

  3. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who is safer for the DGW along with Dias:

    A) Stones
    B) Cancelo

    1. CheesyZoot
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cancelo way higher cealing

      Stones saves some cash

      No idea who starts both (if any)

      Wait until we get more news about who was potentially infected?

    2. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B - proviing he doesnt have covid. wait for presser

    3. JJeyy
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      niether

      1. JJeyy
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        neither

  4. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    i dont have a clue what to do......

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Relax and see what Mark / Ben Crellin / LR do

    2. Tango74
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I loaded up for GW19 badly

      I have 3 players that have 3 fixtures

      And 3 single g18

      So I prob could max to 9 playes for GW18 , I think I do that and not FH.

  5. CheesyZoot
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I currently have 10 DGW players in my team, will be 11 once I do Kane > Vardy next week....

    Question is, what do I do now?

    Martinez,
    Coufal, Dias, Dallas
    Grealish, KDB, Salah, Bruno
    (K)ane, Adams, Bamford

    (Peacock, Mitchell, Burke, Dunne)

    0.5 ITB

    Roll the FT? Feel I may do FH in 18 so would be a waste but not sure who I want to lose from my current DGW 19 players.

    1. Davekitson
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Mitchell --> Johnson at west ham possibly worth a dabble

      1. CheesyZoot
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Better to maybe to Dunne > Johnson seeing as Mitchell might actually start getting mins?

        Feel like Dunne is done

        1. CheesyZoot
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Or even Struijik? Although does take up a Leeds spot...

  6. Davekitson
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Dull transfers admittedly but do these seem sensible with 2 FT to use before FH18? View to maxing out DGW19

    Taylor + Nyland --> Lowton + Areola

    Johnstone - Nyland

    Taylor - TAA - Dallas - KWP - Mitchell

    Sterling - Salah - Fernandes - Raphinha - Son

    Bamford - DCL - Brewster

    With a view to -8 GW18 for Son + Brewster + Mitchell --> Bowen + Adams + Dias or something similar

  7. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Cavani banned for 3 games

    1. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      ?

  8. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Rate this BB19 team

    Mccarthy, Johnstone
    Dallas, Robbo, Balbuena, Coufal, KWP
    KDB, Salah, Bruno, Grealish, Raphinha
    Bamford, Adams, Antonio

    1. Tinmen
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Are you wildcarding this week to get that team ?

      1. Nespinha
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Nope, already have it

  9. GS456
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    United defence a good option now?

    1. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Was always good option but lack of budget buys with Lindelof out.

      1. GS456
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Bailly?

        1. ivantys
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah but Lindelof could be back soon and I don't want waste another FT on him. Shaw also isn't nailed. Maguire if you really want one.

  10. sergioaguero67
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Ferran Torres a good shout for the 3 home fixtures?
    Given the absence of Gabriel Jesus
    Please help

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Considered this he should get a good 120 mins across the 3 I suspect

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

      For Free hit - yes, for DGW 19 and beyond - no

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

      He'll start the ones Aguero miss for sure, but is Jesus out for long?

    4. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Covid

  11. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Even with this news I only have 5 actual players for the blanks. I also have Taylor who is injured and Ridewald and Mitchell as my cheap fodder. Ugh.

    1. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I now have 4 for the blanks and 13 for double (Son & DCL no double).

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah it's still FH in 18 for me. It's more about the players you own rather than the number of players. I'm not comfortable going into that week without KDB and Kane who I don't own.

  12. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I'd 13 planned for the Double on BB but anything could happen, seems madness to even try and predict anything. You could load up with City, then boom they play a side who has Covid issues and you're in trouble again. Wild

  13. nico05
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Could anyone give me their thoughts on my team please? 1FT 0 available
    McCarthy
    Justin-Reguilon Cancelo
    Salah Bruno KDB Grealish Neto
    DCL Bamford
    Holding-Brewster-Taylor

    Thank you

  14. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Im Going to have to decide on either rashford or kdb I think for dgw19

    Rashfords price makes things so much easier....

    Is kdb essential?? Or possible to go without.....thanks

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Id go for KDB.
      Do you have Bruno or any other city attackers?

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I've got bruno....

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

      KDB for me

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

      Depends what you could do with the other cash, for me it allows Vardy so i'm tempted.

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Issue is will vardy start twice in 3 days......

        1. ivantys
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yup true but problem is if go KDB would need a budget striker and none of those except Bamford and Wilson are worth it and I already have both lol.

    4. Caleb's Kitties
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Salah KDB Bruno essential imo for dgw19.

  15. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I’ll be playing 7-8 gw18 and not playing the FH chip.

    This could be a very valuable chip further down the line with more doubles to come.

    I’ll be using BB in gw 19

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Same . Not sure about 19 though. What about below?

  16. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    McCarthy
    Coufal Dallas Dier
    Grealish Salah KDB Bruno
    Kane Watkins Bamford

    Kilman Stephens Taylor
    Could I get away with keeping two transfers for next week to assess the situation.
    First 11 should play. Thoughts please.

  17. Lev Yashin
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I love it when a plan comes together.

  18. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    GW18: 12 players (including Brewster, Lewis & Mitchell)
    GW19: 8 double players + Gabriel + Saka (NEW) + Son (shu)

    2FTs + 2.0 ITB

    I don't think I'll use a FH then. I've used my BB already, no I can just find a balance and make a trnasfer or two for GW19.

    Glad I don't need to think too hard about things. I can start thinking about which players I actually want to own on merit haha

  19. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Will city chelsea go forward or not?

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah why not?

    2. M2.0
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      City are back in training so i don’t see why not

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

      Depends on what Pep wants

  20. sergioaguero67
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Ederson the safest pick from Man City?

    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      100%

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

      He could have covid

  21. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Captain:

    A) Salah (sot)
    B) Bruno (AVL)
    C) Son (LEE)

    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kane

  22. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    DCL to martial anyone?
    for free

  23. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi lads, plan to maybe BB in GW 19. How do I get Son and still get a decent BB team? Mahrez out obviously. 1FT, 1.4ITB

    Martinez,Button
    Chilwell,KWP,Justin,Coufal,Mitchell
    KDB,Mahrez,Salah,Bruno,Soucek
    Che,Bamford,Wood

    Thanks!

  24. C'mon the Fylde
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you FH this team in GW18?
    (Will have 7-8 playing players.)

    Martinez
    Dias Taylor Bednarek
    Salah Son Bruno Soucek Zaha
    Watkins Kane

    Button Dallas Coufal Bamford

  25. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    despite having (meticulously) planned for bbdgw19, the injuries and lack of city assets in my team make me go towards wc17 bb19 and keep fh for later on.

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      i mean wc18

    2. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Ye KDB having a double but needing Spurs for this week coupled with Taylor injury has ruined my plans

      Really can’t see a good solution

  26. Salalalalah
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Do we know who in ManC has been tested positive, especially Dias and Cancelo?

    1. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cancelo ederson walker jesus torres

      1. Wicked Weapon
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Says who ?

        1. Letsgo!
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          So many news on this alr

    2. Wicked Weapon
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I need to know this info as well, a lot hinges on it for me.

  27. Zladan
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Lamptey to Stones seem a no brainer to you too?

    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      no one in city is a no brainer at th emoment , except KDB nd ederson

  28. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    This fixture announcement isn't gonna change my plans. Still gonna have to FH GW18 and still gonna go ahead with my planned 2 free transfers this week Grealish to Soucek and James to Robertson.

  29. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Konsa to Stones for free? Already have Dias

    1. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Why do u need to double up vs chelsea?

  30. BEEZUS
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pick two of

    A) Adams
    B) Watkins
    C) Rodrigo

    1. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Tough picks as don't like any of those lol.