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. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is there anyone else planning to just not use any chips over these next few weeks and save them for later in the season? Can field 10/11 quite easily in 18 and then have 8/9 DGW players in 19.

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Me. See my post a couple below

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

      Maybe triple captain as it’s a bit of a lottery

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

        Again, not sure. Liverpool - Man Utd might be a tight game and City play Villa who have been quite decent away from home. I’d argue KDB is prob the better choice out the two though for TC.

    3. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      definitely dont FH18 if you can field 11. Props to you for holding City players!

    4. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'll be well set for DGW19 don't think I can field enough in BGW18. Currently only 6 players for GW18 which includes Brewster

    5. LarryDuff
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Later double gameweeks typically for me are a let down

    6. Old Gregg
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It's a possibility. Definately Not FH or Wc'ing.
      BB and Tripple capt not ruled out just yet. A lot can happen in 2/3 gw's .

  2. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Cavani in? He is my ______

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

      Fill in the blanks?

      1. Bruce Lee
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I prefer not to speak, really

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

      suspended

    3. The Big Fella
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      sunshine, my only sunshine - he makes me happy, when skies are grey

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

    Am I gtg?

    Martinez
    Dias Dallas Bednarek
    Salah Son Bruno Soucek Zaha
    Bamford Kane

    Button Watkins Coufal Taylor

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

      I'd play Coufal over Bednarek any day

  4. zotter
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    These extra fixtures come as a lifeline.... was becoming too risky to plan for chips now. I think you can navigate 18/19 using transfers and perhaps a cheeky TC on Salah or KdB (both having had Covid or club had Covid outbreaks so reduces risk )

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

      When did KDB have covid?

      1. zotter
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        His team did. So less chance of a Man City outbreak

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

          Ah yes.

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

      That’s my new plan.

      Navigate 18 with 10 players and then TC Salah in GW19.

      Then have WC, FH & BB for later doubles.

      1. zotter
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah. I might navigate with even 8 in gw 18

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

        I was so far built for bb19 though. Might need to unwind coufal and Chilwell transfers to United or city defenders

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

      TC Salah the way Liverpool's playing, plus Salahs form? Plus they play United, never a goal fest, will be tight and cagey. But yall go ahead.

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

    Is there any news on Charlie Taylor?

    1. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not fully assessed yet apprently... doubt for the game

      1. Openboxman
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers buddy

  6. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Stones viable as a City defender? 0.2 short of Dias

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

      He is viable you just may not get the double

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

    It might be good to at least VC someone who plays in the first day of the GW from now on.

  8. focaccia
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I need help digesting the latest news and how it affects my team - what would you do next with this:

    Martinez
    Cancelo - Chilwell - Coufal
    Salah - Bruno - Raphina - Grealish
    Kane - DCL - Bamford

    Subs: Forster, Dallas, Bissouma, Kilman

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

    Bottomed

    Again thinking about burning a ft

    2FT/0.0 ITB

    Martinez
    Kilman, Chilwel, Coufal, KWP, Dias
    KdB, Bruno, Salah, Grealish, Soucek
    Adams, DCL, Bamford

    Any suggestions?

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      KwP to Targett? (For 18/19 navigation)

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

        You think Villa is going to keep a CS in the dgw?

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

    any chance taylor will play the DGW19?

    1. Basil1977
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      waiting on a burnley press conference

  11. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    For the DGW, is this worth a -4?

    Justin - Firmino - Rashford —> Dias - Watkins - Kdb

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

      no

  12. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Here's my WC squad to take into 19 and beyond.

    Rip it apart, I'm sure there's improvements I can make

    Fabianski Johnstone
    Cancelo Coufal Balbuena Dallas Justin
    Sterling Bruno Rashford Barnes El Ghazi
    Vardy Bamford Tammy

  13. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you use FH in 18 if you can field this without any hits?
    Cancelo, Maguire, Dias, Fernandes, Grealish, Son,DCL and Riedewald(1-pointer)

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

      Probably not but if Kane and KDB haul you're in trouble.

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

    Kane and Benrahma to Fernandes and Rodrigo for -4? (already own Bamford)

    A. YES
    B. NO

  15. Plagued by indecision
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I need a replacement for Charlie Taylor who will play 17, 18 and have a double in 19. I have 2m ITB. With doubt about Man City defenders because of covid, is Maguire a reasonable option?

  16. turd ferguson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Grealish and KDB very similar. Need a big couch if you don’t have but so annoying to own.

    Doesn’t change much for. Will stop some bench boosts though. Interesting times...

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Im not too worried about not having Grealish. He has United, City, Spurs in 3 of his next 4.

  17. Oh Mane Mane
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you rather have Robertson or Vardy going forward?

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

      I'd be more worried vardy don't start bpth 19 games

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

      Robbo

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

    FH18 build for GW19 BB still makes sense because ManU and ManC are expensive assets and difficult to build a good 18 squad without getting rid of Salah

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

      Correct. That's why I am getting rid of Salah

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

        That is dodgy

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

        This is very brave. Good luck. I can keep holy trinity now 😀

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

      I've currently got 10 gw18 players and 12 players with a DGW in 19 - no need to FH

  19. LarryDuff
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Why are people foaming at the mouth for city players? They havent shown a great deal of form from an attacking perspective and theres nothing to indicate this will change all of a sudden.

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Brighton, Palace, Villa over the BGW and DGW, and then great fixtures thereafter

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

        Theyve had great fixtures for awhile and been a let down but I get your point

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

      This! No returns and heavy rotation guaranteed!

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

        Yep and people will still be surprised when their city assest gets rotated lol

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

      Have to say I agree. I have double defence and chuffed with my luck that they now have a double, but not rushing to KDB just yet

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

        Cant argue with their defensive assests. Have Dias myself and considering getting another

  20. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Early planning for DGW19, would you prefer A or B?

    A) James & Rodrigo
    B) Cancelo & Decordova-Reid

    Thanks

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A if he’s fit

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

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

      A

  21. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    This BB19 look good?

    Martinez • Fabianski
    Robertson • James • Dallas • Coufal • KWP
    Salah • Bruno • Grealish • Raphinha • Soucek
    Vardy • DCL • Bamford

    Who’s more of a priority to get this week. Robbo or Vardy?

    1. ZAMUNDA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Vardy

    2. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Lovely!

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

    God, think I'm gonna end up with Triple City defence by GW 18

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

      No KDB? Which 3? Sterling punt?

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

        Stones, Dias and Cancelo

        Don't love the attacking performances from City to justify the prices

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Covid can be an issue with Cancelo

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

      Could be a plan - would allow me to get Rashford instead of KDB

    3. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Are you bench boost 19 Miguel?

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

        BB GW1

    4. Old Gregg
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Will defo double up. Tripple up could be the way to go

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

    Cavani banned for three games, fined £100,000 and must complete face-to-face education after admitting a charge for a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a social media post on Sunday 29 November 2020.

    Martial essential?

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      2 of the games are cup games

      Cavani rested for Double

      Besides no space for Martial or Rash now with Salah Bruno KDB Son and Kane

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

      Misses gw17 only

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

        Damn. Back to the drawing board

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

      Initially the news made me think Martial would be a good pick but now I'm thinking it lessens his chances of playing.

      Martial will play the next 3 games (1 league game)
      Cavani should play in 18, having been well rested (Maybe Martial will get a rest?)
      Martial/Cavani back to sharing minutes in the 2 19 fix?

  24. Openboxman
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I cant afford Bruno, I've held KDB over him all season, a mistake i know, the plan was to swap KDB for Brunonfor his double.

    Now I'm tempted to keep KDB and swap Son > Rashford instead for the double.

  25. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Play Mitchell vs SHU
    B) Play Taylor vs FUL (doubt for game)

    Would do Mitchell, but not sure he would start

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

      A

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

      Taylor won't start either.

  26. PogChamp
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I wonder what kind of team Ole will put out against Fulham considering the Liverpool game is 3 days before.

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

      It will be strong as Fulham are tough to beat now.

  27. Charlie&TheLads
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What is the opinion on Saka? I'm aware he is an injury doubt currently. However, WBA & Palace next two games.
    Thinking Salah to Saka to account for blank in GW18. Absolute madness?

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

      Yes. Madness.

  28. rokonto
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Opinions please....
    A. De Bruyne, Oriol Romeo, Fabio Silva
    or
    B. Soucek, Neto, Vardy

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

      B

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

      B

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

      B

    4. baines is god
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  29. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Relax about the new fixtures. Stick with your original plan for the time being.

    Consider the following

    A) Can you trust KDB to improve his form, having a double is not going to mean he suddenly becomes a points hauler.

    B) Apart from Grealish, are any Villa players worth considering? Watkins could be renamed Watfor 😉

    C) Apart from Fernandes who else is there, maybe Rashford

    D) Nobody is going to have a Burnley player.

    My plans aren't changing, FH 18 and TC 19.

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

      A is definitely yes. Those fixtures for City are very very good. Salah also has put up two blanks against WBA and new. I think I'd rather cap KdB in this double....

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

        A. He surely can. I'd much rather bet on Salah or Bruno based on the season so far though.

        B. Watkins has a good record against the big sides, which give him room to run behind (5 G + 1 A vs Liverpool and Arsenal). El Ghazi could prove to be a decent punt but with Barkley back, I'm not so sure.

        C. Rashford. And if you want a differential, Martial.

        D. Can't argue with that.

  30. Thewonderfulgame
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Always said Salah is fixture proof, BUT...

    now we 'know' United and City should be playing in GW18, and both have favourable doubles for 19, I am tempted to ditch Salah for Bruno

    (Salah owner, already have KDB)

    and use the budget elsewhere...

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

      I is wondering the same