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. Huddersfield
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    This 34 points wall.
    Dias Stones Holding Ampadu Ward

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

    so i have 3 at the back, Tierney didnt play...

    my first sub is Brewster, and Mitchell 2nd sub

    who comes on ?

    1. Tired and weary
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Mitchell

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

        Phew

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

      Mitchell 8 points.

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

        Phew thanks mate

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

    37 points from just 7 players. Free hit still in my back pocket. I'd have took that before the start of the gw!

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

      52 from 9 happy days.

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

        Fair play mate.

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

          cheers

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

    8 goals in a GW. All time low?

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

      As an average per game probably up there

  5. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    43 points from 7. If I had used my FH it would have got me an extra 13 points. Bullet dodged.

  6. SM001
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What a s**t show of a FH that was. F**k. This.

  7. Cok3y5murf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Unless you picked Foden and/or Pogba, free-hitters have probably wasted the chip.

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

      Depends how many points original team got and how many CS on new team. Points are points

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

        This.

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

      FH gained me 31 points, It was always my intention to use it so I'm happy enough with that

    3. luk46
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      didnt have either, got 61 points and had to use it because only like 4 players otherwise

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

        Did you WC16 by any chance?

    4. Wılly
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      My non-FH team would have got 4 points, so I think I made the right choice.

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

      I would have gotten 29 points without it

    6. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Some people only had 4/5 players, but I would say a success is 20 points plus imo

    7. Costa Nostra
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I had 5 playing this week if I didn’t use it. All out with 58. That’s a success in my book.

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

        No foden or pogba btw

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

          And a 210k rank jump

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

      Non FH team 26pts (if I had done Salah to KDB for fres)

      FH team 60pts.

      34 pts is a decent return

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

        sorry forgot I had stones so would have got 32pts. 28pt difference. Still decent.

    9. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      48points pretty crap but original team for 15 so 33point gain

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

      I made about 30 points

    11. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      On FH 57, while original team 20 pts with only 4 players.
      It’s ok score for me.

  8. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Nowhere to hide for Free Hitters.

    Non-Free Hitters love to see it as they move up the ranks!

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

      That comment gave me a brain tumour. Thanks!

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I thought you were one of the nice guys on here

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

      We move!

    4. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      54 difference in points if I didn’t FH 🙂 I’m buzzing

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

      Ban

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

    Not bragging but i got 46 points without using a chip in this GW which I think i would have easily taken. Obviously a bit lucky.

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

      I chose to save FH and got 48, more than the FH team I had drafted with Jesus and Tierney and no Mitchell.
      It’s crazy!

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Well played, I got 52(-4), only a 10k green arrow though

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

        Lol we all got 48

      2. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Guita for 10 tonight brought me up to 28. Sterling captain was nothing short of sickening

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

      similar here. FHers unlucky it was a very low scoring week.

      I managed to make a profit on my 12 point hit and ended up with 54 (-12).

      The real benefit will hopefully come with the next series of BGWs/DGWs

    4. Steinburg FC
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Same here, I planned to free hit in 19 but with all the fixture changes I can put a good side next week.

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

        I managed 36 on a free hit with Sterling captain and KDB in, the missed penalty cost me 18 points. Accidently left Mitchell behind Brewsteras well so got 1 point rather than 7 in for Tierney, absolute shocker from me

  10. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who is through to Round 3 of the FPL Cup?

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think I've snuck in on goals scored tiebreak

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

      Me! Was close though..

      My Bellerin+2pts vs Lacazette

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

      I’m through. My opponent played triple captain on Martinez this week.

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I'd say that's the weirdest triple cap I've seen but a workmate TC'd Lamela in a random game last season so in comparison Martinez could have been a masterstroke

    4. Deer-in-headlights
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Made it through thanks to opponent capping Sterling with no KDB.

  11. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Antonio going to start anytime soon?

    Looking to get DCL out... looking at either Antonio or Watkins

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

      Same issue Bruce, really tempted to risk Antonio

      1. Bruce Lee
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        tell me what you do so i can do the opposite

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

          I wouldn’t advise that with my luck so far this season 😉

      2. TOLV TUMS
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Very ditto

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

      Think he will need to start with Haller off

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

    26 point gain from my free hit, 17 of them tonight, double Arsenal defense, Tierney fail lol. Is 26 points enough?

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes. But now need to consolidate by killing it in the DGW

  13. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    think I will be 56 or 57 all out depending if Mitchell gets BpS.

    Anybody got to the 70-80 pts range this Gw?

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

      Same here

  14. Salah(c)
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Lloris forster
    Robbo coufal stones mitchel holding
    Salah kdb son neto burke
    Kane bamford wilson
    0.0 itb 2FT

    What transfer would you do with this team, im stuck with 2ft’s and dont know if i want to change anyone?

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

    Mitchell surely pretty nailed over PVA now? Didn’t see the game but did he play well?

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

      Very good

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

      2 great crosses. Good defensively

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

    FH19 will show FH18 how it's done.

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m tempted

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      So you keep saying!

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

      I agree it could be very profitable but still think I will save as the it could e very helpful in navigating the Blanks and Doubles later on, particularly in conjunction with a WC

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

        I thought so too but I like the DGW potential a lot here

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

          Yep, no doubt there is a lot of potential points up for grab this DGW.

  17. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Leno & Mitchell tonight = Win

  18. MIGHTY JOE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What a horror show.

    1) Did Reguillon to Dier last minute
    2) Tierney no show. Neto 1.st sub with Mitchell behind
    3) KDB captain donating to raz.

    Give me GW19 now.

    1. D.Glynn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Did 1 also.
      Last minute so swapped Mitchell to Yedlin as first sub.

  19. D.Glynn
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH failure, moving on quickly...
    A) BB this lot, Y or N
    B) keep or sell Son?

    Johnstone* McCarthy
    Robbo* Taylor* Justin* Dallas Balbeuna(probably ft)
    Salah* Bruno* Son Soucek* Lookmann*
    Vardy* Bamford* Wood*

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, 14 DGWs is a no brainer.

  20. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy is set to drop but showing 3 triple blue up arrows, hmm

  21. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Mitchell going to rise before I get him back in after DGW19, anyone else the same?

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

      hindsight I'd of not traded until this week, and after 4.0 rise but did not predict CS v Arsenal.

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I was thinking of it but I'm not convinced he'll hold that spot, think he'll be subject to the odd rotation so I wouldn't want to be dependent on him

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

    Son to KDB gives me the team below.
    Thoughts ?

    Martinez
    Justin/Cancelo/Robo/Coufal
    Soucek/Bruno/KDB(c)/Salah
    Vardy/Bamford

    Martin/Dallas/Adams/Stephens

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

    I don't get that Palace-Liverpool result.

    Palace looked solid defensively tonight.

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Amazing the difference dropping PVA makes

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

      Mitchell didn’t play

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

    1 FT 1.2m ITB. Any suggestions? Would you take a hit or two and BB?

    Potentially Zaha & Kane > Bruno & Watkins/Antonio or Zaha & Son to Soucek & Bruno ...

    McCarthy
    Zouma*, Cancelo*, Stones*, Robbo*
    KDB*, Son, El Ghazi*
    Kane, Wilson*, Bamford

    Forster, Holding, ESR, Zaha

  25. Mufc202020
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Son to Salah
    B) Kane & Neto to Salah & Antionio -4

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

      B for me

      1. Mufc202020
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Would you go one further and spend 4 points on Adams to Wilson??

  26. 420king
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    These Mitchell points make me sick to my stomach. Specially when I had Dier instead and own Ferguson for almost the entire season. F*** off!

  27. beetlejuice
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you sell?
    A) Saka
    B) Raphina (Have Bamford too)

    Which one would you get long term?
    1) Mane (no Salah)
    2) Grealish
    3) El Ghazi
    4) Rashford (Have Fernandes)

  28. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A lot of FH bashing.

    I’m happy enough with 57 points and a bunch of DGW players for GW19

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

      Thats the point good team this week

  29. InSaneMan-e
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy close to price drop. Seems odd with dgw. Is he injured?

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

      He is flagged. Casuals at it

    2. Party time
        3 years, 2 months ago

        The game is so rigged. I may actually quit at the end of this season. From VAR to Baps to Price changes...


        Heck!

    3. All For One
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Those who aren't using Fh Gw 19 when is the best time to use it?

      1. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Will be another blank in 29 I think