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. EWH2020
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone going without KDB? Was going to spend -8 to get him. Doesn't seem worth it

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

      I was planning on getting home with but not now.

    2. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think I’m going to have to. Foden and Stones instead

    3. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Only 27 percent own him

    4. CABAYE4
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Going without.

      For me its a (-4) and also losing Son or Kane who could feasibly out score him.

    5. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Just Foden. Had half a plan to swap for Salah but for me he's not hitting the heights yet compared to Bruno, Salah and Son.

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

      He looked knackered after 70 mins against Brighton, which was a tad concerning.
      I have him and was absolutely going to TC him in 19, but probably won't bother now.

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

    bottomed...

    Best transfer:

    1. Taylor >> Cancelo (have Dias)
    2. Stephens >> Soucek (or Gundogan)
    3. Adams >> Watkins / Cavani

    Cheers!!

    1. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      1. If Taylor is out. But I like them all lo

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

        haha thanks, keen to know more on Taylor

    2. AD2110
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      1

  3. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Son Anguissa Dallas > Foden Grealish & Stones -8?

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

    Any news on C Taylor?

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

    For a BB would you
    -8 of
    Son to Puli
    Taylor to Stones
    Balbeuna to Cresswell?

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

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

    Evening all, any ideas here? Was planning Wilson -> Antonio but now Callum also has a double perhaps Dier -> Coufal is best? 0.1m short of Cresswell. Thanks!

    DDG
    CANCELO, TARGETT, Bellerin
    KDB, BRUNO, STERLING, Son
    WATKINS, WILSON, Bamford

    Forster, Martinelli, Dier, Mitchell
    Bank 0.3m, 1FT, all chips

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

      Yep, Coufal is a good pick. Think that's more worth the transfer fee.

    2. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Double City and no Liverpool? I’d go Sterling > Mane (don’t think you can afford Salah) tbh

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

        Can’t afford Mane either

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

        That 's a waste of a transfer imo, nothing to separate Mane and Sterling for me given the fixtures. Might as well get an extra game out of someone.

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

          Yeah that’s my thinking also. Guess I’d have to bench Bellerin (NEW)?

    3. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Are you bench boosting?
      If not your team is decent for next week. I would hold then.

      If bench boosting then Martinelli is a problem.

      I think you need to abandon the idea of a perfect team next week. Your team us cloae to that as is..

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

        Nah not BB as Forster won’t play, Mitchell has mcy and Martinelli is a doubt. Planning to BB for the GW26 doubles instead.

        Team is ok this week, but probable makes sense to get another DGWer in with a FT

        1. Team Bobcat
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I hear your logic andit is hard to argue with it.

          But 2 freebies next week would be worth a lot especially that your team is sound rhos week.

          If you can hold it is gold at the moment and you can afford to do that.

    4. CABAYE4
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Coufal seems sensible.

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

    Quick rate of this FH19 team please guys? Pulisic is the punt ...

    Areola
    Dias Stones Cresswell
    KDB (c) Rash Salah Soucek Pulisic
    Vardy Antonio

    Cheers

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

      Looks good

    2. baines is god
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      good although would prefer 4-3-3 with a Werner punt (pens etc) than Puli but gl

    3. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good. I’d maybe downgrade Pulisic and upgrade Rash to Bruno? But Rash is a nice differential I guess so maybe not.

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

        I’m not gonna go Bruno as I’m gambling on a YC vs Liverpool

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

          Cheers guys for the inputs by the way

    4. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I am personally against the triple up of city in any gameweek not alone in this climate even if only for the one gameweek.

      Therfore I would have a slight concern with stones. I would gamble on him not starting both games.

      Antonio would also be apunt in my eyes. He is fit but how could he be match fit. Big difference.

      I would prefer a defender in his place possibly Justin or Coufal

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

    Is captaining Coufal madness or genius ?

    KDB looks tired
    Salah out of form

    1. baines is god
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      EV- decision

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

      Madness.

    3. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Madness, but all geniuses are a little mad after all. Do it.

    4. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Triple captain. Do it.

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

      Going with Cresswell myself.
      Two good fixtures for assists & CS. I've picked the obvious captain and ended up poor results alot so gonna take the gamble.

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

    Would you:

    A) swap Dier for Stones for a -4 and play him in place of Targett.
    B) just leave and play Targett.

    1. baines is god
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Play Targett. Not a fan of -4 defensive hits.

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

        I did think that too but Targett is one yellow away from a ban, and could have COVID!

  10. baines is god
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    2 slots left in my free hit team

    A-Mane and Watkins

    B-Pulisic and Werner

    C-Barnes and Vardy

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

      B

    2. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not a fan of any of those tbh. C purely because Vardy is only one that has been in form this season.

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

    Best option please guys:

    1. Dallas >> Stones [have Cancelo] (-4)
    2. Raphinha >> Gundogan (-4)
    3. Bamford >> Antonio (-4)
    4. Hold

    Thanks

    1. baines is god
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      Not 3. Maybe 1

    3. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’d say hold. You’re taking a hit to no doubt buy Leeds back a few weeks down the line when they have a double. You’ll maybe make up the points with Stones this week but in the big picture of a season you’re using two transfers to gain an extra 6 points.

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

    Best move(s) for the double here?
    Have Kane.

    A. Son > Salah
    B. Son, Holding > Salah, Robbo (-4)
    C. Son, Mitchell > Salah, Chilwell (-4)

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

      A

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

      A

  13. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Torn on Wilson -> Antonio? Thoughts?

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

      100%

  14. Gringo Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What would be potentially the best FH team for GW19?

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

      That's a big question lol

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

      All depends on budget, makes big difference between 100 & 106+

  15. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Need to include a cheap defender in my bench boost team....

    A.....lowton (West ham and Liverpool away)

    B.... holding (Newcastle home)

    Thanks

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

    Feels need to own KDB for DGW...
    Should I replace with Bruno or Rashford for KDB?
    Or maybe its better to keep them?

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

    Which would you do guys?

    A) Antonio | Son | Coufal | Areola and BB (-8)

    B) Salah | Brewster | Mitchell | Steer and TC (-4)

    Latter 3 in B all on bench.

    Thanks

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

      Alternatively in A I could use WC (as it leaves my team in fairly good shape going forward).
      Though seems pointless to use WC for only 3 moves

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

    Son & Dallas > Foden & Dias/Cancelo & play BB19

    Good or Bad?

    Johnson,
    Zouma, Robbo, Stones,
    Bruno, Son, Grealish, Salah
    Kane, Bamford, Watkins

    Martinez, Soucek, Coufal, Dallas

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

      I wouldn’t no

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

        Getting two extra games ?

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

          I just think Son especially will do well. Foden could well be benched in at least one of the doubles too.

  19. Thunder Warrior
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Wilson or Antonio?

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

      Ant

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

      Wilson. just.

    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wilson.

  20. George James
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which is best?

    A) Antonio / Son + 4 points

    B) Salah / Saka

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

      It's a toss up but I'd probably punt with B as Salah has v. High ceiling.

  21. Slurpy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kane, Kilman, Dallas to Vardy, Dawson, Stones (-8)?

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

    To all who wont use the BB next GW:

    A) Play the TC on KDB/Salah
    B) Delay the TC for a Son/Kan DGW in the spring

    1. Booked4Dissent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Delay

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

      Be tempted with KDB, but i like to keep chips up my sleeve for later if possible, give myself a nice little rank boost down the line. Makes me feel better.

  23. Booked4Dissent
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH earned me 32 extra points. Worth it? Not a fail but not a success.

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

      That’s well worth it.

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

      Definitely
      20+ is the target IMO

    3. Ragabolly
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      That's definitely a success! What more would you expect from the chip?

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

      31pts extra here, worth it I would say.

    5. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      How many do you want?

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

    Goals scored for captain are doubled if tie?

  25. Chilli Heatwave
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Bamford to Antonio
    B)Dier to ogbonna

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

      A

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

      B

  26. walt_48
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bednarek -> Coufal for -4? 0 ITB so need to do it today?

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

      Y

      1. walt_48
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks - anyone else?

    2. marcos11
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah l reckon its worth it

  27. aidmata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    McCarthy Areola

    Robertson Coufal Balbuena Lowton Dallas

    Rafinha Rashford Bruno Soucek Salah

    Adams Bamford Kane

    A) Kane Rashford and Balbuena to Antonio KDB and Cancelo -8
    B) Balbuena and Robertson to Cancelo and Dias - 4
    C) Rafinha Balbuena and Robertson to Stones Cancelo and Foden -8
    D) Step away from the laptop

    First to four wins...

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

      D

  28. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How this look for dgw. I am on (-4)

    Johnstone
    Diaz robbo coufal
    Salah soucek son bruno
    Antonio vardy bamford

    Is this -4 will be pay off by vardy and antonio

  29. vityovics
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    (bottomed sorry)
    Kane & Raphinha
    to
    Vardy & Foden
    for -4?

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

      Long term no but good for DGW for sure

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

        Cheers

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

    Ho do I get Kdb in there ? 0.6 itb

    Martinez
    Robbo Dias Zouma Coufal
    Salah Bruno Son
    Kane Bamford Watkins

    Button Raphina fodder fodder

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

      Son Robbo to KdB Stones