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. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Whoz your best defender other than Dias, that has a game in GW18 and has double in 19?

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

      Cancelo if he plays, then maybe Mendy or Ake or Laporte. Then Maguire

      1. Dennis System
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Stones

      2. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Not many of these city boys play all of the 3 games imo

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

          For sure, maybe Stones is closest

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

      another city defender, not sure which city players have covid thou, so maybe a utd defender

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

      Cancelo imho.

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

    So has anyone seen recent City training pics? Could give us some hints of who has covid

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Could pick them after the chelsea game?

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

        Would need to transfer for this gw as FH18

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

          Can get in GW19. I'm planning as I'll get a better idea of who is likely to start both games.

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

      Just wait after Chelsea

  3. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Antonio would be great for the double. Any news on when he’s back??

    1. Dennis System
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Didn't he come on the other night

    2. NETFLIX & CHILWELL
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Played 15 minutes at the end of the last game.

  4. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    The scenes when game after game will get cancelled during GW18 after everyone has activated their FH chip.

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

      So what. I have my Free Hit Chip and and can keep changing my players until the deadline. What's your point?

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

        He has during which means after deadline.

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

          *said during

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

          Postponements can happen in any week and my glass is always half full.

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

      You got that backwards? 🙂

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

      FH is not as big issue, they will have playing bench (not the thick ones though). BB with 0 bench players will create the scenes.

  5. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH18 or roll with this?

    Martinez
    Cancelo Dias Taylor/Lamptey*
    Son Bruno Grealish
    DCL

    *selling 1 of Taylor/Lamptey based on gw17 injury news

  6. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If I roll my FT this week, and then FH in 18 will I roll 2FT over into 19 or will I lose one?

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

      Lose one

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

        Damn that’s annoying

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

      Yes. No additional free hits can be carried over into the week you play your Free Hit.

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

    McCarthy
    Coufal Dallas Dier
    KDB Salah Grealish Bruno
    Kane Bamford Watkins

    Kilman Stephens Taylor

    Can I save transfer this week lads. Think first 11 will all start.

  8. Assisting the assister
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Struijk nailed?

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

      For now . Yes.

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

      No

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

      4th choice.

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

    Who will you captain in DGW19?

    A) Salah (BUR, MAN)
    B) Bruno (ful, liv)
    C) KDB (CPA, AVL)

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

      I’m really tempted by Martial as cavani is out.

      A player always goes crazy, his stats are good and I’ll own all 3 of the main picks anyway

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

        Two of the games Cavani misses will be Cup matches

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

        Cavani is out only for 1 PL game 🙁

        1. Champions League Varane
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Martial is first choice.

          I’m not just saying that.. he is even if cavani starts he can play on the left and rash on the right He won’t be dropped again

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

      B) both games away and Bruno is the man away from home

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

      KDB if MCI look better 17 and 18

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

      KdB.

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

      Completely based on form

    6. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Salah

    7. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bamford

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

    What is Palace's defence likely to be this week?

    1. Dennis System
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Awful

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

      Leaky

    3. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      blame Meghan

  11. Pat Bonner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any suggestions on what to do now? I was going to lose kdb to fund BB but not anymore. Got 1ft and 0.4 in the bank so not enough to upgrade Mitchell, Brewster or steer. Can’t lose son this week can I?

    Martinez steer
    Robbo Dallas Dias coufal Mitchell
    Salah son kdb raphinha Bruno
    Brewster Adams Bamford

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

      Lose Salah.

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks but no chance that’s happening

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Save FT

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        FH in 18 though

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

    Anyone else totally and utterly confused about what to do?

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    2. Dennis System
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yep no plan, no idea what to do. I'm going on the basis that over planning always leads to mega disappointment and frustration. So no planning......

    3. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yup!

    4. NETFLIX & CHILWELL
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes.

      I've been sat in front of a spreadsheet for the last hour and I have no idea how I can field a maximum of 8 in GW18 and that's with a -4 hit.

      Half tempted to just use my FH.

      Dodged a bullet though, in that I nearly did my planned transfers this morning before the news!

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

        Yeah I usually just make a transfer on my phone and that's it. Today I've busted out the old laptop and have multiple tabs open! I think I'm leaning towards fielding 11 for the double and playing triple captain. I can make transfers to field as many as possible for the blanks.

    5. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Still on FH and BB I think - just about

      1. NETFLIX & CHILWELL
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I think I'm the same - but will tweak the players I was going to bring in.

        In theory is maximises the players playing in GW18 - I can field a full 11 with a bit of luck.

        I'll end up with 13 players in GW19 that will have two fixtures - is that enough to BB?

    6. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      i think 13 is easily enough yep

      1. NETFLIX & CHILWELL
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Still tinkering........

        Think I can get 14 DGW players in GW19 to BB;

        Martinez (Steer)
        Robertson / Coufal / Zouma / Dallas / Cancelo
        Salah / KDB / Raphinha / Bruno / Soucek
        Bamford / Adams / Antonio

        £1m left in the bank and then a bit of a nightmare on who to player GW20 onwards...!

    7. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nice - no second keeper points but I have Johnstone who could get -2 anyway

  13. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else considering wc into bb 19 ?

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

      Dont do it. Too early

    2. LC1
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      WC this week FH next week then BB?
      It's a no from me. Too many chips used so close together

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

        That's a silly argument. If it means maximising points over those gameweeks then why not?

        1. Steve The Spud
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Thinking wc into 18, bb 19

          1. seanie3
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I'm thinking this also and keep FH for another DGW

        2. LC1
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I don't think it's the wisest idea when fixtures are being cancelled / moved last minute..

          Either way- It was a question as to whether that was his plan and he's said it is not..

          WCing in 18 then BBing in 19 looks more appealing now that Man U and City don't blank, but surely you won't be able to get 15 DGWers for the BB in 19 if you are taking into consideration the blanks in 18?

          You'll more probably want a Lpool, Leicester, Leeds or West Ham players in gw19? (They all blank in 18).

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

    I’m still going:
    Free hit 18
    Bench boost 19
    Wildcard 20

    Not because it’s the perfect plan. Just because last few weeks have been so stale it will be great fun 🙂

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Think you could manage a few gws before wcing? Man U and city in particular have nice games

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

        my wildcard enable me to get: Rashford, Dias, Cancelo, & Robbo. May not do it but great option.

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

    Taylor ->

    A) Stones
    B) Bednarek

    FH18, BBGW19

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  16. CroatianHammer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    It's worth noting that these games were rearranged for already rearranged GWs, suggesting that the PL might look to squeeze in delayed games as soon as *other* delays occur. These two games were almost certainly not going to be played otherwise until the mid to late GW20s. In short, if we see other games called off, expect more smaller DGWs, likely on Big Cup midweeks, assuming none of the European contenders are involved.

  17. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Good to go for GW17? Correct benching order?

    Martinez
    Dias/Dallas/Coufal
    Salah/Son/Bruno/Grealish/Soucek
    Bamford/Vardy

    Button/Adams/Bednarek/Taylor
    0 ft (already used on gordon > soucek, building for BB19)

    Cheers!

  18. Riggs
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Given the fact that Burnley vs Fulham clash in doubt, who to replace Wood with:
    A) Ings
    B) Che Adams
    C) Martial
    D) Other options
    The other forwards are Kane and Bamford (already 3 leeds players).

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

      Keep

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

      Watkins maybe. Fixtures aren't the easiest but he's putting up the best stats over the last few weeks.

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

    So, this was a win for the "casuals" then. Much easier to maneuver through gw 18 and 19, and here people were started planning weeks ago getting in players for a FH gw18 or 19. Guess I'll start getting in City players then.

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

    Only 3 transfers off this for DGW19 (4th transfer needed if Taylor is out)

    Just Kane and Son that don’t double.

    McCarthy* | Johnstone*
    Cresswell* | James* | Dallas* | Targett* | Taylor**
    Salah* | Bruno* | Grealish* | Soucek* | Son
    Bamford* | Rodrigo* | Kane

    Thoughts?

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

      Where's City?

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

        Likely going without

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

        Though I’ve just seen they have 3 decent home games on the trot! Arghh

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

          Yeah have to get some City now with their DGW confirmed imo.

  21. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Matip ->
    A. Cancelo
    B. Dias

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

      B as rumoured Cancelo covid

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

        source?

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

          Someone on here, prolly nothing

  22. Steirish
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Aguero likely to start a match soon ?

  23. davewg59
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    McCarthy or Martinez in goal this week guys?

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

    Was Mitchell just a one off last GW due to rotation? Can we expecting many mins in future GW's?

  25. Big Hands Barry
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    When does the 5 yellows move? Grealish a worry...

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

      Wow good point

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

      Gw 20 for Villa

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

        Aston Villa play their 19th fixture in Gameweek 21, and Grealish must avoid picking up another yellow card before Gameweek 22 in order to evade a ban.

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

      He'll just miss the fa cup if he gets one next game.

    4. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Any player earning five bookings from their side's first 19 Premier League matches will serve a one-match ban in the same competition. Yellow cards are not carried over to the EFL Cup or FA Cup.

      Source: https://www.premierleague.com/news/1938772

  26. seanie3
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    surely the best tactic now is to use WC GW18 and BB GW19?

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

      I am tempted if team requires refurbishment

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

      WC too powerful to use so early. Im keeping and using FH

      1. seanie3
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        are you using FH for GW18 or GW19?
        if using in 18, whats the plan for getting lots of DGW players for 19

  27. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is City game vs Chelsea likely to go on?

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      *going

    2. The Point About It Is
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      we don't know for sure but i think it will as no new covid infections for city

    3. FPL Xylophone
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What about the Fulham vs Burnley game?

  28. Bounce
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    We need to talk about Spurs...

    What are Son and Kane owners doing after the recent news?

    GW17: Leeds (H)
    GW18: Aston Villa (A)
    GW19: Sheffield United (A)

    Surely we can't sell with fixtures like that?

    But then how do we get KDB without selling?

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

      It's really tough tbh but I think selling in 19 for City / United

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

      Sell GW19 for Rashford and Vardy with both DGW

    3. The Point About It Is
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      has to go - can't have 'em all

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

      Selling in 19 for double players.

    5. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      People will sell and then get caught out when the likes of Mahrez only play one game of the DGW while Son gets a brace vs. Sheff Utd!

  29. That Was Easy!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Without the FH, is this passable for GW18 and 19? Will required 1 hit.

    GW18 Team (8 players likely, potentially some 1-2 more)

    No GK
    Cancelo Dias Mitchell* Konsa
    KDB Bruno Son Alzate*
    Kane Welbeck

    GW 19 Team (9 DGWers + Son/Kane)

    Fabianski
    Cancelo Dias Konsa Robertson
    Salah Bruno Son Soucek
    Vardy Bamford

    1. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      10 DGWers + Son***

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

    Going for BB19, fielding 15 players. Pick one:

    A) Son + Taylor - - Rashford + Coufal (-4)

    B) Son + Taylor - - Barnes + TAA

    C) Taylor + Son + Martial - - Coufal + KDB + Antonio (-4)