Pro Pundits

My plan for FPL Double Gameweek 19 amid ever-changing fixture list

Fantasy Premier League managers must bide their time as the Double Gameweek 19 situation continues to swirl around them like a hurricane.

I have laid my plans for the bumper round of fixtures but am always keeping one eye on my shoulder.

In this article, I will go over my current set-up in light of the upcoming fixtures and my response to Leeds v Southampton getting postponed.

In the last week Fantasy managers have had to deal with the uncertainty surrounding potential fixture postponements and rearrangements and I must admit, it came as a relief to finally see the Blank Gameweek 18 deadline approach to take any further decisions out of my hands.

However, further chaos is just around the corner with the first Double Gameweek of the season starting just two days after the final fixture of the current Gameweek.

I have been preparing for this bumper Gameweek since I played my Wildcard back in Gameweek 16, so I thought now would be a good time to go through some of my selections and plans looking ahead. 

My plan has always been to activate my Bench Boost in Double Gameweek 19, but I think it’s worth mentioning that in this ever changing environment it’s important to remain flexible and open minded to any potential changes to the football scheduling. I certainly won’t be activating any chips or making transfers until as late as possible. Information is far more important than catching any price rises for the time being. 

I also believe that now more than ever there is a fair amount of luck involved, so don’t get too downbeat if any fixture amendments go against you.

The situation has changed somewhat since I prepped my squad in anticipation of Bench Boosting in Double Gameweek 19. The biggest problem I am faced with is the lack of Manchester City assets. Not only have City been handed a tasty looking Double Gameweek, with home matches against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, but they have arguably returned to their brilliant best. 

After brushing Chelsea aside in Gameweek 17, and a great performance at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup, a nice run of fixtures means City assets are well and truly back in our thinking. 

Like many others, I decided to triple up on Manchester City as part of my Free Hit in Gameweek 18, so I am hopeful for big returns in tonight’s match against Brighton. However, since welcoming back my Gameweek 17 team I don’t see a single light-blue shirt in the squad, and this is something I am keen to address with my transfers this week. 

Looking ahead, Manchester City’s favourable run continues in the three fixtures following Double Gameweek 19 as they travel to West Bromwich Albion, host Sheffield United and visit Burnley. I am not rushing into any decisions but I feel multiple hits could be on the cards in order to get two or three Manchester City players in prior to the Double Gameweek and as part of my long term thinking. 

So, let’s go through some of my selections and how I may decide to use my transfers.

GOALKEEPERS

I wanted to pick Sam Johnstone (£4.5m) as my goalkeeper going forward after the arrival of Sam Alladyce at West Bromwich Albion. I felt sure he would come in and tighten up their defence but heavy defeats against Leeds and Arsenal do not bode well for my decision. 

Hopefully, two weeks on the training ground since their last fixture will help improve clean sheet potential for the Baggies. 

I paired Johnstone up with the cheapest of the Double Gameweek 19 goalkeepers in Fulham’s Alphonse Areola (£4.5m). My expectations are low here but Im hoping with a combined four fixtures between them, they can at the very least rack up some save points for me.

DEFENDERS

My main issue I need to address in this area is the out of favour Fabian Balbuena (£4.4m). With two favourable fixtures in Double Gameweek 19, home matches against Burnley and West Bromwich Albion) I felt the Paraguayan could prove good value. 

It seems, however, Craig Dawson (£4.5m) has firmly locked down a place in the West Ham back-four, so Balbuena is almost a certainty to make way for me this week. This spot could be ideal to bring in the likes of John Stones (£5.0m) or Ruben Dias (£5.8m).

MIDFIELDERS AND FORWARDS

Werner, Son and Kane kept quiet as FPL's two best defences impress again

On paper, my selections back in Gameweek 16 still look alright for Double Gameweek 19. 

Harry Kane (£11.1m) was my only current single Gameweek player, although Patrick Bamford (£6.6m), Raphinha (£5.5m) and Che Adams (£6.0m) have joined that list now. 

Either way, with a difficult fixture run on the horizon from Gameweek 20, when Spurs host Liverpool and Chelsea either side of a trip to Brighton, Kane could be the fall-guy for me in order to fund signing the Manchester City assets. 

The flag on Adams is also something I need to keep an eye on too, especially as he only has one Double Gameweek 19 match now. The possible replacement players in my thoughts for forwards are Michail Antonio (£6.2m) and Ollie Watkins (£6.1m). Although I will be hoping for assurances on both Antonio’s match fitness and the COVID-19 situation at Villa Park before bringing in either player.

My current plan is to take a minus-eight or minus-twelve to bring in Antonio, Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) and one or both of Dias and Stones. I feel this would leave me with a very strong bench boost side and in good shape going forward. I’m not usually a big advocate for taking hits but the beauty of rebuilding my squad within a Double Gameweek is I feel there’s a good chance the hits will be paid back with interest over the course of the two games. 

Having said all that, the situation has changed once again following my initial plans with Leeds and Southampton down to one match in Double Gameweek 19.

My first response to that is probably to bench my Saints assets and consider the Triple Captain chip instead but there is still plenty of time for this Gameweek to change again before Saturday’s deadline so I don’t want to commit just yet.

Thanks for reading and good luck with your plans.

1,819 Comments Post a Comment
  1. JBG
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Sorry for asking same/similar questions, but really not sure what to do with my Kdbless team, I'm going to TC. Should I:

    A) Bowen+Son to Soucek+Kdb -4 (4-4-2 with Dallas and Bamford)

    B) Justin+Son to Coufal+Kdb -4 (same as above)

    C) Robbo+Son+Adams to Cancelo+Kdb+Antonio -8 (play 3-4-3 with Bamford as only singe GW)

    1. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

        Thanks

    2. Quan MisTaka
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      i like A

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

        Thanks

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Prob A

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

        Thanks

  2. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    damn my bench is looking a bit too good for my liking

    Tierney (NEW)
    Neto (WBA)
    Dallas (BHA)

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      any keepers 4.4 or below going to play in GW19?

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Sanchez from Brighton

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          thanks!

  3. Oooo Matron
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Balbuena to Cancelo
    DCL to Antonio (-4)

    GW team would then be:

    McCarthy
    Dias Dier Cancelo
    Grealish Fernandes KDB Salah Son
    Bamford Antonio

    Subs: Dallas, Konsa, Brewster

    1. Here's Tom with the We…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, good team.

    2. Quan MisTaka
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      i like it

  4. caldracula
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any keeper up to 5.5 worth a hit? Already own Martinez

    1. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Fabianski ?....

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

      Sorry should clarify, it’s a non playing keeper going for a BB, already have three WH.

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

      No keeper is worth a hit imo.

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

        So a non playing keeper is better than a keeper with two games -4?

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

          I assumed you had a keeper with a SGW. You can take the chance. No a high upside to it really anyway.

    4. L'Aeroplanino
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      So effectively a -8 if you need to take him out later (unless you have WC)

      may or may not work. Take you pick

  5. ralfb
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bednarek to stones for -4?

    1. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Go for it

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      yes

  6. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anything worth a hit here?

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Coufal Konsa
    Salah KDB Bruno Raphinha
    Vardy Bamford
    Meslier Adams Anguissa Taylor

    0 FT 0.9 ITB

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Noo

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      GTG

    3. More Cowbell
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Adams > Antonio or Watkins, bench Raphina perhaps?

      1. King Kohli
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Worth considering.
        Cheers mate.

  7. @fpl_phenom
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    anyone taking hits in order to have a full playing doubling bench ?

    1. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Considering but not sure if its worth it.
      Could easily WC 25 BB 26 and save the hits this week

    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nah, no good cut price alternatives to Holding and Smith-Rowe

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

      Leeds Southampton game postponement killed it.

  8. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Defender with a DGW, 5.4 or below. Already have Stones and Coufal. Creswell an option but do not want to double up on defense. Martinez in goal so do not want a Villa too.

    1. L'Aeroplanino
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Leicester / United

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

    Play one of
    A Dallas
    B Bramford
    C cavani
    Thank

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cavani

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

        Ta

  10. Sickboy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Antonio or Wilson for DGW and the mid term?

    Cheers guys.

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

      Antonio

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Antonio, but then fitness is an issue.

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

      Antonio

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

      Antonio

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

        Well that's pretty straightforward then! Thank you.

    5. L'Aeroplanino
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      just don't trust Antonio. At least Wilson will probably play the full 180, one doggy pen and you are laughing...

  11. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I can only keep one to get KDB? Vote to Keep**

    A) Son
    B) Kane

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

      B

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

    How risky is not owning KDB over the DGW?

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

      Depends on team. I have Mane instead and not bothered

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

        Ye I currently dont have him

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

      Too risky imo.

      1. Here's Tom with the We…
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Not that risky

    3. Bobby Reds
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I've gone without, many other options in a DGW

    4. More Cowbell
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Very risky as effective ownership so high with all the TC;'s that will be played

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

    Cancello or Dias?

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

      Both, but Dias first.

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C

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

      Thanks

  14. cruzex
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bruno out Sterling In

    Is a crazy idea?

    I have KDB too.

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

      Not crazy but not sensible

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

      No

    3. Quan MisTaka
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      crazy

    4. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dont

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

      Stupid idea....

  15. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would this team be fine competing against BB teams

    Mccarthy
    Stones* Dias* Coufal*
    KDB(c)* Salah* Grealish* Maddison* Bowen*
    Antonio* Kane

    Button Bamford Allioski Mitchell

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

    Bench of Johnstone** Holding Dier Anguissa**

    Not sure if BB or not...

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      On the limit here, prob wouldn't BB

  17. springbok29
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    McCarthy/Ryan (I Know)
    Dallas/Dias/Cresswell/Robertson
    Salah/KDB/Bruno/Neto/El Ghazi
    Bamford/Adams/Watkins

    Already did Zouma > Cresswell
    Would ya take a -4 for Adams > Antonio or McCarthy/Fabianski?
    Also not doing so bad in my league is it worth a -8 to get Stones in the mix or wait a week you impatient idiot?

    1. springbok29
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I also have KWP sorry!

  18. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you BB this team and save the FT?

    Martínez
    Cancelo | Coufal | Cresswell
    Soucek | Salah | Fernandes | Son
    Kane | Firmino | Bamford
    ------------------------------------
    Steer | Dallas | Raphinha | Mitchell

    1. Here's Tom with the We…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not worth a bb.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nope

    3. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks both

  19. merin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What would you do this week with this team?
    A) TC
    B) BB
    C) Nothing

    Martinez Steer
    Chilwell Cancelo Coufal Dallas KWP
    Salah KDB Bruno Son Soucek
    Adams Bamford Watkins

    0 FT, 0.2 ITB

    1. Here's Tom with the We…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C

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

        why?

        1. Here's Tom with the We…
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Too risky bb at the moment. And you’d be using at least a -8 to replace Steer and Adam’s.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C

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

        why?

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Bench would be Steer Adams Dallas and KWP. Not good enough to take full advantage of BB. Don't think I can trust KDB, Bruno or Salah for TC in 19.

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

      Salah TC

  20. Sid07
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1) dcl to Cavani ( play Bamford )
    2) dcl + Brewster to Wilson + Watkins (-4)

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      1

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

      1

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

    Kinda stuck here...

    A) DCL + Oriol > Soucek + Antonio(-4)
    B) DCL + Oriol > Foden + Antonio(-4) ( should I be affraid of Pep's rotations? )

  22. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Finally getting rid of Podence

    Up to 6 million, any gems? Or go with Sousek?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Soucek. Pity you can't stretch to 6.2 and go with Foden

      1. Babit1967
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, that is a bummer actually

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

      Gundogan, El Ghazi (although that's a risk as Villa fitness unknown).

      Good fixtures after DGW too

      1. Babit1967
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers mate, might actually take a wee punt with Gundogan

  23. Edalock
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Please help... Is this worth a -8 for a bench boost?

    Martinez (Steer)
    Justin Cresswell Dias Dallas (Taylor)
    Salah KDB Bruno Son (Burke)
    Wilson Bamford (DCL)

    Steer, Taylor, DCL - Johnstone, Stones, Antonio (0.2 ITB)

    Or DCL to Antonio and TC KDB?

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

    KDB or Salah gets a bigger score this DGW?

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

      Kdb if he plays in both games

  25. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Adams to Antonio worth for -8 hit...?

  26. as33
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thinkin to do FH, which players i must have for DGW?

  27. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez* / Johnstone*
    Stones* / Holding / Dier / Coufal* / Dallas
    KDB* / Salah* / Bruno* / Son / Grealish*
    Antonio* / Bamford / Watkins*

    Can get this team with a -4. 10 DGWers. Good enough to bench boost?

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

    Kane Son Dallas Raphinha > KDB Antonio Grealish Chilwell (-12)?

    Will play BB

    1. Pukki Pies
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure I’d want to get rid of Kane and Son personally, even with the DGW.

  29. Pukki Pies
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Do we think Vardy will play both games in the DGW?

    Thinking of DCL > Vardy.

    Then Chilwell > Stones (-4), not sure if that’s worth the hit though?

  30. Bennyboy1907
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    To BB or not (REALLY TEMPTED for -12)

    A) Normal GW19 (-4)

    Martinez (Johnstone)
    Cancelo, Chillwell, Coufal (Dallas*,Mitchell*)
    Bruno, Grealish, Salah, KDB, Raphinia*
    Bamford*, Adams* (DCL*)

    B) BB GW19 (-12)
    Martinez Johnstone
    Cancelo Chillwel Coufal Dallas* Stones
    Bruno Grealish Salah KDB Raphinia*
    Bamford* Adams* Antonio

    BB would be Johnstone, Adams*, Dallas*, Raphinia*
    *= Single GW

    Essentially it’s a further -8 to bring in Stones and Antonio for Mitchell and DCL in order to BB.

    Getting it out the way would mean my WC gw 24/25 would have a strong 11 and have TC still left. Another plus side is getting rid of an injured DCL too having double city defence for the next fixtures.