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. Mufc202020
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Son & Kane to Salah & Vardy for a hit??

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

      No

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

        Talk me out of it la Roja

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

      Any other options?

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

        Martinez
        Dallas Coufal Dias
        KDB Bruno Son Neto
        Kane Bamford Adams

        Martin Kilman Egan Smith Rowe

        2.9m ITB 1 FT what are you thoughts??

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

          Son -> Mane/Salah?

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

            Yeah tempted to just do that, although the more I think about Vardy the more I think he could get a lot of points!!

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

      Thinking of doing the same moves. Definitely Son to Salah

  2. Puyol Pants Up
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Need a Adams replacement.

    Antonio or Wilson?

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

      If you have money I’d do Wilson (I’ve done Antonio but not confident)

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

        Not Wilson imo

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

      Antonio

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

      I need same and am leaning towards Antonio.

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

      Antonio.

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

    Would you bench boost
    McCarthy - Dallas - Raphinha - Bamford?

    All single gameweeks but Leeds fixture is favourable

    1. Honker Muddlefoot
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Have that same bench, and I’m leaning towards playing mine. Favorable fixture for Leeds, and no guarantee DGW 26 will give more or better double fixtures to use BB then.

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

      I would, good Leeds fixture

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

    Any other views on Bednarek -> Coufal (-4) 🙂

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

      Id do it!

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

    Current squad:

    Meslier
    Cancelo Chilwell Coufal
    Salah KDB Bruno Son Soucek
    Antonio Watkins

    Forster; Bamford Targett Strujik

    A - BB
    B - TC Salah
    C - Save both chips

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

      Do you think Forster and Struijk will play? If they do, I'd bench boost. If not, I'd hold all chips.

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

        I’m not convinced either will

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

      Save

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

      McCarthy is back.

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

    On a separate note, Brooklyn Nets got Harden in.

    Durant, Irving and Harden

    Crikey

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

      Wonder where their defence is gonna come from, after trading away Allen.

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

    Apologies repost, bottomed last page

    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. AllINeedIsCoffee
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You're overthinking this a lot.

      Creswell over KDB captain? That's nuts.

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

        Yeah maybe you're right, he's just gotten a good few attacking returns and has decent fixtures

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

      I’m thinking of doing that too, KDB looks tired

  8. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you rather :

    A : Kane to fodder to afford KdB for -4 and not BB
    B: Kane, Perez and Balbuena to Antonio, Grealish and Cancelo for -8 and BB (McCarthy, Adams, Dallas and Raphinha would be my bench also with Bamford in XI)

    If i do B option then i wont have KdB.

    Closer to A option atm

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

      I’m looking at similar. seems weird to remove Kane and grealish for a -8 but it enables stones and KDB who look better for the next 4 gws

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

    What to do with this lot?

    (1FT / 0.1 ITB)

    Martinez*
    Dias* Coufal* Balbuena*
    Salah* KDB* Bruno* Son Raphinha
    Vardy* Bamford

    Forster Brewster Mitchell Dunne

    Cheers.

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

      Balbuena ➡ Dawson

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

      If Balbuena is out then i would do Son+Balbuena->Grealish/Pulisic+Cancelo.

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

    Martial and Stones, how nailed are they for both games?

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

      Martial - 70%
      Stones - 100%

      IMO

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

    Would you change something here or save FT for GW20?

    DDG*
    Stones* - Cancelo* - Coufal*
    KDB* - Bruno* - Rashford* - Son
    Bamford* - Wilson* - Kane

    subs: Forster - Smith - Rowe - Holding - Mitchell

    0.1 itb

    KDB TC probably...Thanks

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

      Needs Salah

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

    Taylor*+Son+Adams+Pope->Stones+Kdb+Antonio+Areola/McCarthy(-12)?

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

      Usually would say no to a 12 but that looks good

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

        cheers.It's crazy but could pay off.

  13. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Grealish and Vardy both with doubles next GW are dropping tonight, what's the crack here?

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

      Probably knock on effect from their BGW this week tbh.

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

      Vardy had yellow flag now removed. Grealish fitness unknown and also on 4 yc

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

      Grealish doesn’t

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

        Look like dropping?

      2. Digital-Real
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes- city, NEW

  14. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Cresswell this season's Duffy?

  15. Bonus magnet
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who are the 5 must-have players for DGW 19

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

      Salah Bruno Coufal Dias Stones

      1. Digital-Real
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Can't see City keep a clean sheet vs Villa

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

          Is Andy Gray matchfit again?

          1. Digital-Real
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            let's see if they do

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

      Imo:

      Salah
      KDB
      Dias
      Fernandes
      Vardy

      Fyi, I own 2 of the above, but plan on getting Vardy in.

  16. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    47 points, trolled by Sterling and a small 8 point gain with my wasted FH

    At least I was able to manage a very small red arrow from 4.9k to 5k and also survived in the cup.

    I’ll take it

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

      Not bad, shame about your horrible rank

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

    How nailed is Antonio for next two games?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dunno, he's a bit fragile

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

      Fairly. Doesn't mean he'll get big points though.

  18. Reeker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez
    Dias - James - Robertson - Coufal
    Soucek - Son - Grealish - Salah - Fernandes
    Bamford
    (Peacock-Farrell) (DCL - Dallas - Brewster)

    1 FT - 2.3 million ITB

    What should I prioritise?

    I can do
    1. Brewster to Antonio
    2. Try and get in KDB (0.1 away from Son to KDB)
    3. Try to get in a City defender (James to Cancelo or Stones?)

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

      Leeds only have 2 game this week btw. Maybe squeeze Antonio/ Cavani/ Vardy in. And def a city defender for James

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

        1 Game this game week!

  19. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best max 5.0m keeper midterm?

    1. Yes Ndidi
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Possibly Meslier, but after GW19 Guaita loos to have decent fixtures.

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Ty

  20. Neves say Neves
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Chances of Taylor playing both games in DGW?

  21. Yes Ndidi
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    When you scrape through the cup by 1 point thanks to the baps of the third player on your bench, you know things might just be going your way for a change.

  22. Iwantmorepointsthanks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kane --> Vardy?

    (Y)es
    (N)o

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No

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

        Cheers

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

      Yes

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

        Thanks!

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

      No.

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

        Thank you

  23. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Son and raphinha out
    For
    KDB and Soucek -8?

    Is it worth it?

  24. MrCloppity
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez
    Stones AWB Coufal
    Bruno, KDB, Salah, Son, Smith-Rowe
    Bamford, Kane

    Norris, Mitchell, struijk, Brewster

    GTG?

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

      Obviously only 3 Doubles in your front 7 is a bit of a disaster but you could get lucky and get away with it

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

        But would something like Kane & ESR to Antonio & Soucek be worth a -4 or even -8?

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

    Martinez
    Dallas Coufal Dias
    KDB Bruno Son Neto
    Kane Bamford Adams

    Martin Kilman Egan Smith Rowe

    2.9m ITB 1 FT

    Thoughts welcomed

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

      Offer some of your own maybe?

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

        Yeah fair enough, haven’t been replying as much as I should have recently.

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

          No, I mean for your own team. Otherwise, we're playing the game for you

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

            Interesting in doing:

            Son Kane Adams for Salah Vardy Antonio for a minus 8 but not too sure on -8. What are your thoughts about that?

  26. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Was set on Maguire + Wilson ➡️ Cancelo + Antonio (-4) now with DGW for Wilson not sure.

    Go for it or just Maguire ➡️ Cancelo ?

  27. 0james0
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Robertson and Lacazette out
    Vardy and Cresswell in

    Thoughts?

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

      Good moves to me. Two players I'm considering bringing in

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

      Bring them in

    3. Yes Ndidi
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Shame to ditch Robbo right now, but it's the right move.

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

    Start Dallas or Pieters?

  29. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Moving forward (not just for GW19), would you prefer:

    A) Chilwell + Brewster
    B) Antonio + Mitchell

    Brewster & Mitchell would be fodder.

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

      I think Antonio can only improve...if he stays fit.

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

        Improve on what exactly? Being injured? 😀

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

    A- Son + Grealish
    B- KDB + Taylor -4
    C- KDB + Cresswell -8