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. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Whom to keep to be part of BB with Dallas, Bamford and Martinez:
    A. Smith Rowe
    B. Holding

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

      B

    2. Marcin the Pole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

    Who scores the most?

    A) Bamford vs BRI
    B) Saiss vs WBA
    C) Stones vs CPL + AVL (-4)

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C

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

      C or A imo.

      C higher risk, potentially higher reward. Also good move long term.

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

      C

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

      B

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

    Any news at all on Charlie Taylor?

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

      Haven't seen any. I haven't got round to shipping him yet so would like to know this too.

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

        Want to play my free hit. He's the only stumbling block. Reluctant to take a -8 to play the chip.

  4. House Frey Wedding Planner
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What to do for GW19.....

    Martinez, (4.0)
    Cancelo, Dias, AWB, Holding, Mitchell
    KDB, Bruno, Grealish, Son, Jones
    Kane, DCL, Bamford

    1 FT, 0.4itb

    Should I:

    A - DCL to Antonio
    B - DCL & Jones to Antonio & Soucek (-4)
    C - Kane & Grealish to Salah & Antonio (-4)
    D - Grealish, Son & DCL to Salah Soucek & Antonio (-8)
    E - Any other suggestion

    Cheers

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

      D I think. Wouldn’t go without Salah for this one

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Really not sure there, probably lean to A or B.

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

      A. B wouldn;t be bad either.
      Wouldn't lose Grealish as he has a double

  5. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you start Dallas over Balbuena?Madness to start Johnstone over Pope?

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

      Balbuena is out of favour now it looks like

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm looking to start Dallas over Lowton, will Balbuena play I suppose is the question.

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

        by all accoumts no Balbuena is now behind dawson

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

      cheers both.i hope to have some news tomorrow.

  6. waldo666
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So worst thing about my FH (OK maybe not the worst) is seeing TAA back in my team, almost seems silly to remove on a double but he's been ordinary to say the least. (DGWers*)

    1 FT and 0.2 ITB

    McCarthy
    TAA* Coufal* Dallas
    KDB* Bruno* Salah* Son Raphina
    Bamford Adams

    (Nyland Lowton* Mitchell Brewster)

    A) Adams to Antonio
    B) TAA to City Def.
    C) A+B (-4)
    D) Something else

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

      You can't get rid of TAA in a DGW. Absolute madness.

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes, it does seem that way but he's been poor and City defence is solid as a rock.

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

      a

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers.

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

    Repost
    Son Anguissa Dallas > Foden Grealish & Stones -8?

    Yes or no?

  8. EWH2020
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kilman, Raphinha, DCL to Stones, Foden, Antonio -8

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

      Yeah I would.

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

      Solid moves

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

    What do you think:

    A) play bamford
    B) transfer in either Cancelo or Dias for a -4 (Taylor out)

    What to do?

  10. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Foden a good enough option if you can’t afford KDB?

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

      Well he will have to be of you can't afford KDB lol

      Foden is a good option, 'should' get plenty of minutes and always seems to be involved.

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

      Good enough for what? He's no KDB substitute.

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

      Yes, scores goals

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

      A good option for now if not a good alternative when De Bruyne starts clocking up big points

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

    Pereira ready to start the weekend?

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

    Keep 1
    Kane or Son

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

      Kane.

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

      Kane

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son

  13. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy looking like he is dropping tonight.

    Would enable Son > KDB & Kane > Vardy if he does.

  14. james 101
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1FT. £0.4 cash.

    Martinez
    Robbo Stones Zouma
    Salah Rashford Bruno Soucek Son
    Bambam Vardy

    (Steer Dallas 3.9 4.4)

    A. Cresswell in for Zouma
    B. Another DGW player in - who for who?!

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

      Nothing stands out. Wait for more team news?

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

    are Goals scored for captain in FPL Cup H2H doubled if tie?

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

      No

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

        So if Only Kane scored in the 2 Teams and Team A cap is Kane and B son, we move to less goals conceded?

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

    What would you do here? Play BB or TC or nothing?
    Have 3.0itb to afford Kdb for Son/Rashford or any other moves?

    Johnstone
    Balbuena - Coufal - O’Shea - Justin
    Salah - Son - Rashford - Bruno
    Watkins - Bamford
    (McCarthy - Adams - Raphina - Alioski)
    (1FT & 3.0itb)

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

    How do I get KDB in there ? 0.6 itb

    Martinez
    Robbo Dias Zouma Coufal
    Salah Bruno Son
    Kane Bamford Watkins

    Button Raphina fodder fodder

  18. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone keeping both Son and Kane this week? Think I may just keep Kane.

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

      yep, value tied up in both.

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

      Keep son better value

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

      Would just keep Son for the season

    4. Klopp's Kids
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers, fair points on pts vs. value!

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

      Yes.

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

      Keeping both. Moving Kane to Aguero next GW for a bit of excitement.

  19. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    KDB maybe too tired to trust for TC? Salah has a good rest now so rather him?

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

      I have serious concerns KDB won't start both games. I could be wrong of course.

      Salah nailed for both.

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

      Very concerned by this.

  20. pol
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A- Target (mci , NEW)
    B- Cresswell (BUR, WBA) -4

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. Rafael1999
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

    Would you do:
    a) Bruno to KDB
    b) Rashford to KDB
    c) Keep transfer

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

      I'm in same boat. If its free I'd go Rash to KDB.

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        This.

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

        My dillema is one match ban away for Bruno

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

          Is that reset to 10 yellow limit if he's not booked in GW19?

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

            Oh, i've just know that...so probably its safe to assume he will not do anything reckless in those 2 GWs...Cheers

    2. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably B

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

      B

  22. 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 antonioO

  23. boroie
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you BB with a bench of Forster, Targett, Struijk, Bamford

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn't, if strujik doesn't start that's half of your bench gone

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

    Who is everyone captaining? I'm most likely going with KDB but tempted big-time by Cresswell but don't think I have it in me to do it. KDB has been a little frustrating just because of "what if" but if City kick into gear like they did at Chelsea then it could be a great week. But I'm still thinking similarly that Palace have tightened up at the back and have been troublesome for City in the recent past and Villa could be tricky for them so I just can't decide. Still have others like Vardy, Bruno and Salah in the back of my head too

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

      Kdb or Salah for me. Would C Bruno without hesitation if it wasn't for his YCs.

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

      Salah, though not too convinced.

  25. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on my free hit team?

    Martinez
    Cresswell Stones Lowton
    Grealish Fernandes Salah KDB(c)
    Wilson Martial Antonio

    Subs: Button Lascelles Anguissa Mitchell

  26. AllINeedIsCoffee
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you rather get rid of Mahrez or Son for the DGW to get KDB in?

    Mahrez obviously double too but hesitant of minutes and Son's having a great season.

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

      Keep Son

  27. dando89
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    My bench is

    Johnstone Adams Dallas KWP

    Tempted to still bench boost this but am not 100% sure...

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

      You taken any hits this week? I'd only be tempted if you could move Adams to Antonio or something.

      1. dando89
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Already swapped DCL for Antonio

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

          Hmmm tough one that, I'd be reluctant personally. Depends if you want to 'get it out the way' as such. I do get the logic behind that approach.

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

    Any thoughts on this lot guys?
    Bit of a benching headache. 0FT 1.0itb

    Martinez
    Coufal Dias Holding
    Salah KDB Bruno Son
    Antonio Watkins Bamford
    (Steer Neto Dallas KWP)

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

    Pulisic an option?

  30. panda07
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Son > KDB worth a -4?