Pro Pundits

How Double Gameweek 19 fixture changes have affected my FPL chip and transfer strategies

Like most Fantasy Premier League managers, I am finding it very hard to plan for Double Gameweek 19.

In light of Thursday’s updated fixture list, here is my latest plan for transfers and chip strategies ahead of Saturday’s deadline.

But, you could not have caught me in worse spirits about the way this season is going. Oh, Raz, what have you done to me. 

I know it really shouldn’t matter with everything going on, but Raheem Sterling’s (£11.4m) penalty miss has to go up there with one of my worst ever moments in FPL. 

My Free Hit team was built around him being my key differential, and not content with a spot on the bench until the 82nd minute, Sterling had to go and make things even worse.

Using the brilliant “what if” machine over at LiveFPL.net, I worked out that if Sterling had scored, I would have been catapulted into the top million ahead of my Arsenal contingent facing Crystal Palace.

Even if Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) had shaken off his fatigue and scored, I’d have still gone up a few hundred thousand places. If ever a moment summed up my season, it happened last night.

With the pain of the miss still fresh in my mind, I now have to turn my attention to planning for the upcoming Gameweeks. We have never known anything like it. Double Gameweeks have dropped off the table, with both Leeds and Southampton now only having one game. There go four players that I had in place ready for Double Gameweek 19.

Aston Villa v Everton is off now too. So, there goes Dominic Calvert Lewin (£7.7m). Dean Smith’s men have earned a fixture back though, hosting Newcastle at the back-end of the Gameweek, although we still don’t know which of their plays have been dealing with coronavirus (COVID-19). And let’s not forget that top target Jack Grealish (£7.7m) is on four yellow cards. Another one against Manchester City and he would miss the second Double Gameweek 19 fixture.

Let’s add to that problem. Bruno Fernandes (£11.3m) is also one booking away from a ban and faces what is likely to be a fiery encounter against Liverpool to come, before playing Fulham. Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) is off form. Manchester City are proving rock solid in defence but a bit of a lottery in trying to work out how many goals they will score, even against so-called ‘inferior’ opposition. Are they back, or were good performances against Newcastle and Chelsea just the result of playing teams in poor form?

I am finding it very hard this season and I know I’m not the only one. It feels almost impossible to plan for things when so much is in flux. But, we must try. I’m not going to give up hope, but I am looking at this season through the lens of what it is. No matter what rank I end up with, I will know what went on. I am allowing myself this season as a freebie, whatever happens.

I think I want to have a bit of fun at this stage. I want to give my squad a bit of a freshening up once Double Gameweek 19 is out of the way. I am interested in Percy Tau (£5.5m), mostly due to my Brighton bias, but also because he presents an intriguing cheap option as a potentially out-of-position option. 

Let’s face it, with competition such as Neal Maupay (£6.1m) it’s hard to imagine Tau won’t feature – and his most natural position is as an attacking midfielder. I expect to see him cementing a regular spot in the team going forward, given our lack of real goal threat over the last few months.

Barring any drastic news from the West Ham camp, I am going to finally make a move for Michael Antonio (£6.2m). West Ham have the best Double Gameweek schedule of the lot, hosting Burnley and West Bromwich Albion. 

The reason why I am so keen is because the Hammers have sold Sebastien Haller (£, his only direct competition, to Ajax. While I don’t expect a full 180-minute outing in Double Gameweek 19 for Antonio, it looks like he has returned from injury at a good time, and got minutes in the FA Cup. With Sterling’s penalty miss making one of my low points of FPL, Antonio’s four goals against Norwich was certainly my high point. If he can get close to replicating this then I’ll be a happy man again.

Speaking of West Ham, this seems a great time to invest in their defence. I know a lot of people have got Vladimir Coufal (£4.7m) and he seems a great option for the double – but a double up with Aaron Creswell (£5.4m) could be gold. I’d back West Ham for at least one clean sheet and Creswell has already registered 6 assists in the league.  No defender has got more. Historically, defenders are often great picks in Double Gameweeks with the likes of Branislav Ivanovic, Aymeric Laporte and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.2m) all registering huge returns in seasons gone by. It wouldn’t surprise me to see a West Ham defender as the top-scoring player for the Gameweek.

Sky Fantasy Football: Sticks and Stones? Who to bring in before the Overhaul? 2

Another strong consideration for me is to double-up with Manchester City defenders. John Stones (£5.0) has finally come into my reckoning due to the consistency of strong performances from himself and the rest of the backline. 

At this point, I don’t think the extra £0.8m is worth it for fellow centre back Ruben Dias (£5.8m) and I think not only does Stones keep his place, but he matches the Portuguese internationals points from now until the end of the season. 

That said, I am very glad to have moved for João Cancelo (£5.8m). I am completely and utterly convinced that this man is going to hit a double-digit return soon. Could it be this week? Is he actually an outside captaincy option with other big-hitting players flattering to deceive?

One player who I think I will be keeping is Son Heung-min (£9.8m). His 62.5% ownership means that I’m not getting much benefit from his returns, but it feels amiss to be selling him before a run of games that includes Brighton, West Brom and Sheffield United. 

I had earmarked a swap for him to De Bruyne, but with Pep Guardiola citing fatigue as the reason he didn’t take Manchester City’s penalty – combined with the fact that his side are still playing without a recognised striker AND that he only has one goal from open play this season, decimating my team and taking out the number one point scorer in the game just feels a bit of a luxury transfer when there are other moves I could be making to try and climb the rankings.

So, with fixture rescheduling putting any plans I had for a Bench Boost on hold, I am considering which chip I should use if any. With Fernandes on four yellow cards, I don’t feel confident enough captaining him this week – which makes Salah the obvious choice. 

The trouble is, I’m just not sure how the Manchester United game is going to pan out. I think it might be a very cagey affair. While I think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have the firepower to put a dent in Liverpool’s title charge, a point would suit them. 

Do I really think Liverpool’s incredible home record of 53 wins and 11 draws in the last 64 games will come to an end against United? I’m just not convinced. At this point, I am strongly considering not using a chip at all and saving them for a bit later in the season. There is the guarantee of further Double gameweeks, and maybe a player will emerge as a stronger Triple Captain option on paper then.

Whatever you decide to do this week, good luck! Double Gameweeks are always something to get excited about. My advice is don’t be afraid to chuck a few hits to bring in some more players and make the most of it. 

Az <p>One half of the FPL BlackBox YouTube series with Mark Sutherns.</p><p>Former Membership Strategy Manager for FFS&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

4,296 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any BAPS for Mitchell?

  2. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Mitchell 2 baps

    Ledge

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

      Confirmed?

  3. LǝgleSs e|even
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Laca disappoints...

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

      Surprise

  4. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    One of the worst weeks in my memory. Brutal game.

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

    Wtf happened to holding baps?

    Son of a

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

      He was on 2bp at full time then it randomly adjusted?!?

      This sneaky behind the scenes meddling is annoying

      1. Benjustjamin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He had low % pass accuracy

  6. fr3d
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Mitchell my only player in this game. Since you asked

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

      Maybe 2 bonus as well

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

    48 all out. Rubbish FH but around 20pts up on my original team, not sure that’s enough

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

      I’d say 30 extra points on FH is good, so 28 not bad!

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

      20 points is good. You never know what other who didn't will get later in the season. And you are possibly better set for dgw19 that many non FHers

  8. Werner Bremen
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Dallas to City defender for a hit?

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Think I am.

  9. DycheDycheBaby
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Yes Mitch!!! Get in there us filthy casuals!

  10. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So Everton scored twice as many goals than any other team this week.

  11. Mika-eel
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Nice way to end the Gameweek as a Holding and Mitchell owner.

  12. Obi Wan Elokobi
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Not a bad wildcard so far. 56 if Holding gets no bonus and set for a bench boost

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

    62 all out very depressing game week

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

      Boo hoo

  14. Doctor Evil
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I would say 58 with a FH is not a complete fail, especially as I captained bruno

    1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      On a fh you want more than that tbh .

      1. Doctor Evil
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        In a normal gameweek maybe but I had hardly any players from original team and moved up into the top 20k now

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

        It’s relative to the scope of points available, always been convinced a FH is best used in a DGW

        1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Agree with this. But even in a single gw you want to be using it for the best possible 11 likely scorers of the gw. I would want around 70 to 80 points really . 58 is not bad this gw as everyone done bad but it can be a decent chip if it comes in and us who saved it got lucky.

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      13 better than my FH.

  15. MMN
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Does bonus ever change after FT?

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

    43 points from 9 players, can’t complain 🙂

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

      Well done!

  17. umerlfc
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    57 All out on FH if Mitchell holds bonus

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

    Mitch get in

    Anyone actually start him like me?

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

      Yep
      44 points for my non FH with 9 players including Brewster
      I’ll take it

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

      Yes, non FH

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No, no one at all. Just you out of over 7 million players. Legend

    4. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Of course, lots of us trying to find someone for XI

    5. Ain't No Holebas Girl
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Had to! Saving free hit so he was one of my starting VIII, what a legend

    6. Art Vandelay
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yep, a lot of Non FHers will have started him.

  19. Nanoelektronicar
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    My two worst gamweeks this season:
    6. Played wildcard
    19. Played free hit

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

    Frustratingly predictable. There are just some teams you cannot trust
    FU Arsenal. Free Hit fail, what can you do

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

    Mitchell 8 PTS in everyone's FH bench and in everyone's non FH lineup. This is the amount of PTS my best infield player scored which is Kane. Life is unfair.

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

    Guaita last three matches: 9, 7, 10.

    Anyone tempted? 😉

  23. Gazwaz80
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Mitch on 2 Baps 🙂

  24. Duke Silver ☑
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So... Arsenal. Never again.

  25. aborg
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Now I remember why I never owned Arsenal players !

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

      Sanchez was gold in 2016-2017 but other than that crap.

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

        True he was and I had captained him so many times 🙂 Him and maybe Ozil in that period. Other than that Arsenal players have not become reliable assets anymore. Have been burnt so many times with blanks, rotations, cameos, inconsistent team form and bad management.
        Basically Arsenal need a revamp of their whole club

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

    So the highest scoring game was WOL vs EVE this week 🙂

  27. Art Vandelay
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Mitch tied with Kane for my highest scoring player. Ledge.

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

    Mitchell haul = Pythons out

  29. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Tierney no show allows Mitchell's 8 pts off the bench... love to see it! 😀

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

    48 on a non FH with only 8 players, would have scored more than my FH team I made!!