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

    With Cavani out, martial a good option?

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

      Why’s he out? That race thingy?

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

        indeed, 3 games (2 cup 1 league)

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

          Thanks

        2. Yank Revolution
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          What did he do?

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

      Not bad, but Fernandes is enough United for me.

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

      Cavani will be back before the second game in the dgw

    4. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Martial no longer a good option, and same goes for Cavani.

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

      Just reading up. Won’t he only miss 1 league game?

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

        Correct

  2. 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!

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

      You going to take a -8 GW 19?

      If FHing next week, id go Alioski, yeah

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Is Salah worth holding over the next 2 games?

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

    To the lads on last page, FH18 = 1 ft for 19

  4. Drogo
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pretty hopless to plan anything nowadays.

    Thinking of doing Mane -> KDB now when city has a double fixture 19.
    Still gonna FH since I only got Bruno and KDB(if i make the transfer)

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

    What to do with this? The plan is to save the chips (maybe TC in 19). 0,4m in bank and 1 FT.

    Martinez (Steer)
    Dias Mitchell KWP (CTaylor Lamptey)
    Salah Bruno Grealish Son Saka
    Kane DCL (Watkins)

    A. Lamptey to Lowton
    B. CTaylor to Lowton
    C. Son to Rashford
    D Something else
    E. Safe

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

    Watkins a good DCL replacement now (have to downgrade unless I lose KDB/Son, as no cash ITB) despite the tough DGW19 fixtures?

  7. Rex Lapis
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Get Raphinha or Harrison?

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

      Close. Raphinia though.

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

      Ralph

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

    Best defender for a 2 week punt?

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

      Holding

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

        Cheers

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

    Bottomed.

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

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

      Would prefer Lowton

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

    With 2FT but using FH18, would I be as well using 2FT this week to avoid one going to waste then?

    May do DCL Taylor to Watkins Holding/Alioski/Lowton

    1. Steve McCroskey
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think we are both asking the same question!

  11. thegaffer82
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Holy feck... more big news.

    Haven’t even had a moment to reflect on it, so to get up to speed quickly...
    Would anyone who was planning to build for GW18 & FH19 tell me...

    Has this changed your plan at all?

    1. JJO
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I planned to have 2 City players so this is even better for me.
      Also I can now put 3 Man utd players too for FH and have better team for fh also.
      Only thing to look for is covid

      1. JJO
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        * to be afraid of

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

      I don’t plan. I’m really cool.

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

      Yes. Will safe FH until later this season. Should be able to get 11 dgw players with 1 or 2 hits

    4. Odikostar
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Was planning to fh18, but hink I'll save it and scrap together 8 players now

    5. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It makes Man Utd assets more attractive.

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

      Was building for gw18 - so the addition of Man U options makes it better - wasn't going to FH for 19 either and with my 3 MCI now having a dgw that also is a lot better

  12. JJO
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Soucek + Rodrigo better option then Raphinha + Antonio?
    Will probably be 0,1 short for that second combo and also dont think Antonio will play both gamea anyway

    1. Max City
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Raphinha is better than Soucek if that helps

  13. ludaslol
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone fancy WC18 and BB19??

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

      I have 4 players for 18 rn.

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

        Ahh mate you might have to then.

        I’ll have 8 for 18. So could get away with doing nothing

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

      I’m considering it big time. But what about triple (C) GW19?

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

      This is my plan, 4 also for 18 and my bb for 19 is also in tatters

      Can build a great team for 18 with bb in mind for 19 and still have a really good 20 onward team

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

      Why not FH?

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

      FH is better I think. I want the WC for later.

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

      Many are. Makes sense depending on your team

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

    I want Cancelo in... anyone have any idea whether he has come down with covid?

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

      Just rumours again.

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

    Really hard to think of any players I dislike more than Kyle Walker

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

      Xhaka for me.

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

      Think it started for me when he went in really hard on Juan Mata a few years ago. Looking at Matas cute little innocent face as he got hacked down, I suddenly just loathed Walker.

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

      But yeah not the biggest fan of Walker either.

    4. Odikostar
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Lamela is clear

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

    How nailed is Stones?

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

      He is actually quite nailed.

  17. Steve McCroskey
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Gents, I know this question has probably been asked a thousand times so I'm really sorry. Help, as always, appreciated.

    I currently have 2 FTs, I plan to use one ahead of GW17, then FH in GW18 and BB in GW19. When it comes to GW19, will I have 2FTs because of GW18, or will I have 1? If I have 1, then I assume it makes sense to use up my 2 FTs now to avoid wasting one ahead of GW19, is this correct?

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

      Free transfer can not accumulate once a free hit is used.

    2. Max City
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes.. For the last question..

  18. Ozzy smith
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I'd appreciate any immediate thoughts on this lot below guys, some of you may have similar plans? These are the two BGW18 and DGW19 teams I could muster without taking a hit, with the intention to save both the FH and BB for 26 + 29. Thoughts?

    BGW18: 9 BGW players
    Martinez
    Dias Holding
    Bruno Son KDB Neto
    DCL Watkins

    DGW19: 11 DGW players
    Martinez
    Dias Coufal Dallas
    Salah Bruno KDB Rashford
    Bamford Antonio Watkins

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

      Looks good

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

      looks great

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

      Looks good. Are you buying Antonio for 19? seems like a risky pick

      1. Ozzy smith
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes It would be Son + DCL for Rash and Antonio in GW19. Seems risky now sure, if he hasn't proven his fitness I'll maybe go Adams. Or just roll with DCL.

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

          I personally think DCL and Son are season keepers. Do you not have value tied up in them?

          1. Ozzy smith
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Possibly, and I may hold on to both of them that week. We'll see how Spurs are looking before Sheff Utd away etc, I'd be wildcarding in 25 anyway. Yeah I have value tied up but I'm not overly concerned about that tbh.

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

      Very good.

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

      Are you not planning on using any chips over the 2 game weeks?

      1. Ozzy smith
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        If I go with that plan above, it would only be the TC in 19 under consideration.

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

          I think the DGWs are there to be attacked. Especially the abundance of doubles in 19. But there are 380k players that know more than me! Good luck.

    6. Max City
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd consider Son for GW19, personally

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

        He was in my GW19 draft (brought him back in for KDB last week) but considering switching to Sterling for GW19 now.

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

    Best defender for under 4.7M to play this week and in the DGW?

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

      Coufal

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Coufal, Balbuena.

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

        Why is Coufal so popular?

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

          Nice fixtures in dgw

          1. Max City
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Do you have any other option?

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

    Holy crap I’ve just seriously lucked out. Sat on the remote and randomly switched to a new Sharknado film. Who knew? They’re time travelling this time.

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

    Worth binning Kane or Son this week?

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

      you just can’t before leeds

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

      Definitely not, Leeds are a fantastic fixture for them.

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

        I need City back haha!

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

          You can wait a week, Chelsea are a poor fixture with Lamps' conservative approach in big games.

  22. Drogo
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Got Rooby, Salah, Mane and no city players.
    Should I go Mane -> KDB due to the recent development with DGW 19?

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

      Considering as city dgw seems better than Pool’s. But might go Son to Sterling instead

  23. Garlana
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I've looked at the ticker, looked at my team and I still haven't got a clue.

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Man Utd
      Man City
      Villa

      Looks simple to me.

      Can Liverpool for now.

      As long as City clear to play at Chelsea.

      Or switch their premium players... Take some hits.

      Save chips.

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

        I've 1 villa, 1 city, 1 utd. 3 pool.

  24. ⚔★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 mostly)

  25. Uncle Gamst
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is there a possibility that the Spurs v Fulham game be rescheduled for GW19 to give Spurs LEE, avl, FUL/SHU?

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

      Fulham already have 2 fixtures in GW 19.. no chance they get to play spurs in GW 19...

      1. Uncle Gamst
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        of course, thanks.

        unlikely to be played in GW17 as DGW for both?

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

    Just seen Stones 5 CS in his last 5... The game he missed (WBA) they conceded... Transfer set in stone now!

  27. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If only all those Bamford (5.5mil) trollers in early September knew that he was going to be the 6th highest scoring FPL asset by the end of the year

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

    If I don’t FH in 19, I can field a team of 8 or 9 doublers incl Salah, KDB and Bruno for a 4 point hit, but i’ll miss out on Leeds def and mid, and Robertson. Should I FH? These are the planned GW18 and 19 teams:

    GW18 (-4)
    Martinez, Maguire, Cancelo, Son, Grealish, KDB, Saka, Bruno, Kane, Brewster (10) (keep Bednarek, Balbuena, Justin, Bamford)

    GW19 (-4)
    Martinez, Maguire, Cancelo, Balbuena, Justin, Bruno, KDB, Grealish, Salah, Antonio, Bamford (subs: Bednarek, Saka, Brewster)

    Any thoughts? Should I just FH in 19?

  29. NejiHyuuga01
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Owning Salah Son Bruno and KDB I was planning to BB19 by selling KDB and spreading the funds. After City got an extra match at GW19, I think it is (TC) KDB for me

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

      Sell Son to fund the BB. His fixtures after 19 aren't great.