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. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Help greatly appreciated chaps, 1 FT, 0 ITB.

    Martinez*
    Bednarek*, Zouma*, Dias*
    Salah*, Mane*, Son, Fernandes*, Grealish*
    DCL, Bamford*

    (Steer, Taylor**, Brewster, Douglas).

    Planning FH18 and Vardy/Soucek/City defender in for GW19. Was all set on Taylor -> Alioski - now - still a good move?

    Cheers

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

    Son and firmino to kdb and watkins a good move for GW19?
    If so, would you do the firmino to Watkins move this week for free?

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

    Is 3 single GW players ok for TC19? Cant get to BB19 without too many hits and have to use FH18 for the same reason

    Martinez*
    Dias - Robbo - Coufal
    Salah - KDB - Bruno - Son* - Raphinha
    DCL* - Bamford

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

      I reckon so

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

      Martinez has a double now.

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

        Oh right!! not expecting much against City but maybe save points?

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

          Always a high scoring keeper in double. Sure stoke got a cleanie at city when I had aguero TC

      2. soup natsi
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Who with?

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

          EVE mci.

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

      Yeah that’s fine, I’ve got Leno (NEW) and Son (shu)

  4. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Taylor to Dier or which over 5.1 or below defender? Dallas?

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

      Dallas

    2. soup natsi
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Lowton? Or worried that bur v ful will be postponed?

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

      Tempted by Bellerin

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

    In dgw19 which would you prefer?

    A) DCL Taylor
    B) Antonio Cancelo (-8)

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

      B may pay off if they played both games which is questionable

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

      B for the fun

  6. soup natsi
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    man city v chelsea - how likely is it to go ahead do you think?

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

      Both teams training and no news of COVID. So, pretty likely. I feel all games go ahead this GW, unless there's a late outbreak at any of the teams.

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

        Fulham vs Burnley too?

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

          No news that it will be cancelled. So, you have to guess it's on.

    2. The White Pele
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Will go ahead

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

    Hello folks any reason for not recruiting Stones? Feel like a blind spot ...

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

      Im in the same boat, just not sure if he'll play all 3 games in the BGW and DGW

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

    The ones without a City defender and planning to get one now, here's a thought. Unless you had a planned move in GW19, it's best to get one in GW19. I'm assuming most are FHing in GW18, so you can pick the best option for that week. And then before GW19, you'll get a better idea of who's fit and likely to play borth games in GW19. Chelsea vs City isn't the best game for a CS anyway.

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

      Yeah but I have to get rid of Taylor. Might as well do it this week and bag a price rise as well.

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

        Me too, who are you getting? Any thoughts on Stones?

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

          It will have to be Stones. But I'm gonna wait until pressers tmrw.

          1. The Overthinker
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Expect stones and dias to start in 18?

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

              Yes

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

            Same here, probably wait regardless of price change tonight

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

        You run the risk of your player playing just one game anyway. And we don't have a clear idea of who's got COVID. There are rumours that Cancelo is the one and he was the one I was looking to get.

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

        Yeah same here. Also FH in 18 so will lose a FT anyways.

        Camzy how confident are you in Stones? think he'll play 3 games out of 3 for 18 and 19?

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

          City always a minefield but it looks like Stones is nailed. He's been playing really well. I'm gonna trust it, and pick him up this week.

    2. soup natsi
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Stones rising tonight. Those FHing gw18 who can't make a transfer that week might end up paying a 0.2 premium for holding.

      1. NobodyF*cksWithTheJesus
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah I'm in this boat but I can't afford the price rise so have to decide on Stones tonight...

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

        I'd rather speand 0.2 m than have someone who will play just one game anyway.

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

    I am without the FH, is this passable for GW18 and 19? Will required 1 hit and no chips. Maybe TC in DGW19.

    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 (10 DGWers + Son)

    Fabianski
    Cancelo Dias Konsa Robertson
    KDB/Salah Bruno Son Soucek
    Vardy Bamford

  10. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Taylor owners. Who’re you selling to?

    I already own Stones

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

      I want in on Burnley def I think so may just go lowton

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        There fixtures aren’t great after Fulham you know..

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

      Trying to decide. Can't afford Stones so probably Lowton or Targett. Also thinking Holding - less fixtures but could still outscore these options.

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

      Alioski I think (see top of page)

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

      Justin

  11. The White Pele
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Good for GW18 or should FH ?

    Matinez
    Dias maguire
    Bruno son elghazi
    Dcl watkins

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

      No city could hurt that week

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

      It’ll probably be a below or week, but could mean more points from your BB if you use it in a DGW... worth weighing up I guess.

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

    Are these players enough for BGW18?

    Martinez
    Dias Cancelo Kilman! Mitchell!
    Grealish KDB Bruno
    DCL Brewster

    Or would you Free Hit to get Kane/Sterling, Son, Rashford and a United defender?

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

      I'd be tempted to not FH if you have that many. 8 good starters and I'd hold off on FH. FH this year especially is very valuable.

      I wish I could. But alas I only have 6 players for 18.

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

        Yeah I'm leaning that ways specially as I feel Villa could make it tough for Spurs. I do have an extra FT to use also but I might make use of that for the DGW. Cheers!

    2. Sz21
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have 5 currently and max 7 and am contemplating not FH'ing so I think 10 is loads. Maybe too much 😉

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

        Bench is decent with Salah, Robbo & Bamford 😉

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

      No Spurs is a big miss and could affect your rank if they haul.
      Rest looks good. You might end up with one point form Kilman, Mitchell and Brewster. If Cancelo is one of the CIty players with COVID, I'm not sure he would start. DCL hardly hauls anymore. Grealish's one in three haul is coming against United this GW.

      The othe r4 look good. But I wouldn't play with. Or at least wait for City news and try to get at least one Spurs asset in.

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

        If Cancelo is one of the players with Covid then I'll probably sell him for Maguire next week.

        Richarlison, James, Coleman and even Digne is back in 10 days. I have full faith in DCL.

        Spurs is the big problem for me I can't get them if I have KDB, Salah & Bruno. I actually don't own a Spurs attacker for this week which is more worrying as Villa will be a much tougher game for them.

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

          I have zero trust in United defense.

          Will James and DIgne be back firing in GW18 against a stubborn Wolves defense? I doubt.

          Yeah, Villa will be a tougher game and you could get without but it's risky.

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

      Yeah you’re good to go without FH! I’m going to play this bunch:

      Leno
      Dias Targett Nkounkou!
      KDB Bruno Son Bissouma
      Wilson Brewster

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

    Before the news, it was clear Salah and Bruno were the 2 key mid assets

    after the news, top 3 ranked from Salah, Bruno and KDB?

    Personally Salah and KDB with Bruno missing out as i think Liv will likely stifle him, also due a rest

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

      liverpool won’t stifle united it will be low scoring though. Bruno penalty is never off the cards.

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

      I have all 3 and I'm gonna keep!

  14. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    5 + 2 more transfers in enough to avoid a FH in 18 or would u FH?
    FH has been my plan all along but I see people saying don't waste it.

    Current GW 18 players
    Stones, Son, Fernandes, Brewster, DCL,

    Have 10/11 DGW'rs atm and am TC'ing in 19.

  15. evilfish
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you still free hit if you could only field 5 players for GW18 and one of those is Brewster?

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

      Definitely

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

      Yep

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

      Think that’s my plan, FH18 BB19, leaves TC & WC

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

    Is BB worth a -12? Feels border line to get players like Watkins/Antonio, soucek, stones and fabianski

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

      Not sure it's worth it for this players

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

        Thanks

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

      Not for a -12

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

        Cheers

  17. fantasywizard
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    With C.Taylor out could Pieters be a good enabler?

  18. tissae
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one:
    A) Bednarek (LIV)
    B) Dias (che)
    C) Dallas (tot)
    D) Cresswell (eve)

    1. NobodyF*cksWithTheJesus
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      B or C

  19. NobodyF*cksWithTheJesus
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would love to know what people would do with this ahead of BB in gw19.

    McCarthy Steer
    Chilwell Justin Cresswell Taylor Dunne
    Salah Bruno Son Grealish Anguissa
    Vardy Bamford Adams

    Will FH18. Got 2 fts to use before 19 and 1.0 itb.

    Original plan was Dunne and Steer to Balbuena and Johnstone but now I need some City

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

      Not sure how you get city without losing salah Bruno or Vardy. I’d stick with your plan

      1. NobodyF*cksWithTheJesus
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks. Might be a scary gw going without kdb!

  20. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Not a clue what to do here. Was thinking I’d FH18, but no longer BB19. Had planned KDB DCL to 9.2mid (?) and Vardy, but unsure tbh. 2FT 0 ITB

    Martinez Areola
    Robbo Coufal Dallas Taylor** Mitchell
    Salah Bruno KDB Son Soucek
    DCL Bamford Davis

    🙂 thanks for any help

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

      Got to keep kdb now?

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Do I? Been underperforming a while, and thus was the easiest route to free up funds to get in someone to replace DCL...

    2. NobodyF*cksWithTheJesus
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Keep kdb, lose DCL and Taylor?

  21. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which Manchester City players are down with covid ?

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      We don’t know yet other than Jesus Walker from last wkend

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks , top lad

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

      Dont think we know but someone mentioned Cancelo is rumored to have it? Not sure whats his source tho

  22. CAPA
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who’s the best points prospect this week out of Rashford or Son?

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

    Raphina or Harrison the best option from Leeds?

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

      Raphina for me

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

      Raphina

  24. acidicleo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So confused about strategy..
    How about WC in 18 filling team players with DGW19 and BB?

  25. mitro
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Should I avoid FH18 if I can get these players out:

    Emi
    Dias Holding
    Son Grealish KDB Bruno
    Brewster

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

      yes. people will triple up on mci, tot and man - you could lose a lot

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Sound expensive. Is it doable?

  26. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Please hulk this

    Using FH does not carry forward your transfer !!!

  27. Party mode
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you make this move for gw 17?:

    A Watkins to Rodrigo
    B Keep Watkins
    I'm using the FH in 18 and the recent announcements have made me re-think.

    Thanks

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

      not for me....is there nothing else to fix in your team?

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

    Any reason to not swap Taylor for Pieters?

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

      Good shout for 4.3

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

        Cheers, it's a swap for Taylor. I want a Burnley defender but also want to save a bit of cash

    2. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Burnley v Fulham could be called off

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

        That's a good point....

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

    best def 5.3 or less?
    fh in 18 so ignore that week.
    1. Dallas - the safe decision
    2. Stones - is he nailed at least through to GW20?
    3. AWB - man utd have good schedule GW20 onwards
    4. James - is he/when will he be fit?
    already have Robbo, Coufal, Justin, Targett

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

    Play Saka or Watkins?

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

      Saka has better fixture

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

      Saka