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. Boberella
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hey DZ..
    Is it worth a -8 to BB this?

    Martinez
    Chilwell Stones Coufal
    KDB Bruno Grealish Soucek Son
    Vardy Antonio
    Steer* Dallas Adams Taylor*

    2.1m ITB

    The -8 would be Steer + Taylor to Johnstone/Areola + Cancelo

    Yay or Nay?

    1. 1984 TC
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yay sir

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

        Thanks!
        GK pref?
        Not sure either will get a clean or but Areola looks good for more save points.

  2. Sloane426
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Start Balbuena or remove for -4? Any chance he gets a game?

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

      Fair bit of talk on previous pages he may be out of favour.

    2. 1984 TC
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Remove for -4

  3. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pick one for the DGW and beyond.

    A Werner Grealish -4
    B Antonio Sterling

    1. subhojit123
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

      B

    3. 1984 TC
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      100% A. No doubt about it

    4. Postman Ty
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

  4. subhojit123
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hey West ham fans..any injury update on Fabianski?

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

      Heard he’d been training since Saturday and seems likely to play. (On a previous page)

    2. 1984 TC
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yea, he’s injured

  5. S3
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    The Antonio bandwagon begins.....

    1. 1984 TC
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No, just you

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

      Incoming mass exodus when he gets injured after 30 mins
      (I got sucked in)

    3. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Just like the Matip bandwagon

      At least Bale does not tease us

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

    should I replace Wilson and get Antonio or should I get him in place of brewster (I have got exact money to make the transfer) ?

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

      Why not keep Wilson for DGW

  7. 1984 TC
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    In place of Brewster

  8. C0YS
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pick 1 for DGW19 (not using BB):
    A) DCL to Antonio (-4)
    B) Play Bamford

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

      B

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

      A

  9. 1984 TC
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is it what it is; so move on.

  10. Roy Rovers
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    BB GTG?

    Martinez
    Zouma Cresswell Stones Shaw
    Bruno Grealish Salah Soucek
    Antonio Vardy

    McCarthy Bamford Son Dallas

    Very tempted to give the C to Antonio!

  11. Postman Ty
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Fun fact: 4/7 of Bruno Fernandes' yellow cards for United have been for his temper, not tackles (dissent etc). There was one more I didn't have info for. He's such a dislikable character imo.

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

      Nothing dislikable imo, infact it is a welcome sight at the PL big 6. Havent had players with some bite since Viera and Keane, could only hope for more rivalries like that.

      1. Postman Ty
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Lol a little biased on the topic of dislikable characters with Guendouzi as a name, no?
        I'm on the fence about it. He's got this pretentious arrogance about him that would have fit perfectly into the Man United of old, but it's not the same team, and it hasn't been for ages. I fully respect how good he is, although I would love to see how much of his praise is directly related to the ridiculous amount of penalties they've been awarded; that probably has something to do with it. He's just never struck me as likeable as a neutral. My grandmother is a big United fan and she doesn't like his character either.

  12. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pick one

    A Sterling Benteke> Werner/Vardy + Grealish(-4)
    B Benteke> Antonio. Keep Sterling.

    Have KDB too

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

      B

  13. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bamford or Watkins???

    1. Roy Rovers
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bamford for me.

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

        That's what I think as I want him long term. Watkins double is having me doubts though

        1. Camino Aleatorio
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Is Watkins one of the infected or is he healthy?

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

    Guys, please help!

    Martinez
    Dias • Targett • Reguilon
    KDB • Sterling • Bruno • Son • Grealish
    Lacazette • Bamford

    Forster • Dallas • Brewster • Mitchell

    1FT, 0.3ITB

    A. Laca => Antonio
    B. Son => Rashford
    C. Reguilon => Cresswell
    D. Laca + Reguilon => Vardy + Srtuijk -4
    E. Laca + Grealish => Antonio + Rashford -4
    F. Laca + Son + Reguilon => Antonio + Salah + Coufal -8

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

    Hi guys,

    Playing bench boost, and not sure if:
    A. -4 to get Areola / Johnstone (and if yes, which one)
    B. Bench Boost without a playing bench keeper

    Thanks.

  16. tom66
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    KDB nailed for both games? Considering the Triple Captain chip but rotation concerns me

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

      Pep said that he cannot give the rest to KDB in PL due to his importance to the team. I will TC.

      1. tom66
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        That is what I need to hear. Thanks!

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

    Do we know any teams that have a very high chance of not blanking in Blank GW 29?

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Palace vs United, If Pool dump Utd out next 😛

  18. Sloane426
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you BB this lot?
    Mcarthy-Adams-Dallas-Balbuena(will remove for -4)

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

      If you still have WC, will improve my XI with this -4. If not, will BB

      1. Sloane426
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Still have wildcard. Used free hit

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

          Will leave then BB for future DGW with WC GW before

          1. Sloane426
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks

  19. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any Sterling owners around? Y'all planning to stick? Should be starting the next 2. But with Pep you never know.

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

      Yes have no other options after he was already benched

    2. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He will prolly start next game but rest the next

  20. Amey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    McCarthy Bamford Dallas Yedlin

    Would you take any hits on this bench & play BB??

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dallas> Coufal maybe?
      Or Mcarthy> Fab?

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

        Sorry.
        Should have posted starting 11 as well.

        Martinez
        Cancelo Stones Coufal
        Salah Bruno KDB Son Soucek
        Watkins Wilson

        McCarthy Bamford Dallas Yedlin

        Thinking about selling Son for Grealish/Rash with the FT.

        1. Weeb Kakashi
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Keep Son. Use ft to upgrade Mcarthy and Dallas for a hit.

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

            McCarthy Dallas >> Areola Dawson can work ....

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

              Areola or Johnstone?

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

                WBA are incompetent completely

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

                Tbh when I watched fixtures closely I prefer Johnstone now

        2. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Grealish on 4 yellows, Son has a great fixture and was so unlucky not to haul this week.

          I would save the FT and BB what you have for maybe 10-20 points (maybe bring in Targett) because we rarely have a playing bench most weeks anyway so this is as good as it gets unless you WC/BB later in the season

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

      Dallas to WHM might work

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

        Dallas to Dawson is possible.

        McCarthy Bamford Dawson Yedlin

        You think it's decent bench ?

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

          If you can somehow fit Bamford in starting XI, then I would avoid BB. Otherwise Bamford and Yedlin are good bench players for BB plus anything from mccarthy and Dawson will be a bonus.

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

            No I don't think i can fit Bam bam in 11.
            Either BB or TC KDB or No chip.

            Team posted above. Can do one FT Son to Rashy and TC/C KDB and chill as well. Maybe since I planned for BB for long I may be stubborn here

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

      Tricky
      If you plan to use BB with WC then hold. But sometimes we waste WC just because of that

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

        I have this huge bench for long time. Agree with WC point

  21. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Captain
    1. Salah
    2. KDB
    3. Bruno

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

      KDB

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

      KDB

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

      2

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

      KDB it is then. Cheers

  22. Going Home
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi guys. Which of the following is best going forwards (don’t want to get rid of Kane, son or Vardy)

    a Salah and Bruno (save FT)
    b Salah and KDB
    c Bruno and KDB

    If a, is it worth doing McCarty to Martinez or Riedewield to ESR?

    Cheers all!

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

      Would prefer all 3 but right now I'd say KDB and Bruno are essential

      1. Going Home
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Can’t have them all sadly. Cheers

  23. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A or B?
    A. Keep KDB (c)
    B. KDB -> Salah (c) for free

    Ta.

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

      Why even have KdB if transfer him out before such DGW

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

    Thoughts on this FH19 draft?

    Fabianski
    Cresswell - Coufal - Stones - Justin
    KDB - Salah - Bruno - Gundo
    Vardy - Werner

    Yes I know Timo's in there... I like the punt with Ziyech back and Fulham well suited to his pace.

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

      Timo is pathetic tbh.

      Love everything else !

    2. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Good all round team. Only dont like Justin.
      Can afford Antonio?

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

        Could downgrade Cresswell to a 4.7 and go Gundo -> Antonio. Issue is then I'm down to 2 City and don't see a decent option at 4.7.

    3. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Love it!

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

    BB GTG ? thoughts ?

    Martinez
    Dias, Stones, Coufal, WBA
    Salah, KDB, Bruno
    Wilson, Bamford, Antonio

    bench McCarthy, Son, Dallas, Saka

  26. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you BB this?
    I'm taking an additional hit for BB but it is to get Soucek who I want long term anyway

    Forster, Holding, Rodrigo and Bamford/Soucek

    I'm thinking BB and get it out of the way...

  27. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What to do with this mess

    Mcarthy
    Dias zouma.coufal
    Salah kdb bruno soucek
    Bamford watkins kane

    Steer dallas mitchell podence

    Have 0 in bank. And used ft

  28. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    For the double & beyond?

    A. Soueck & Lowton
    B. Saka & Soucek

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      prefer Soucek to Soucek myself... far better player!

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        *Soueck
        ... what a fail sigh

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          A

        2. Weeb Kakashi
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          So check it again.

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            my wit is long lost now

    2. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

    3. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Fail.

      B is supposed to be Saka & Alisoki

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        then def A. mate!

  29. jia you
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez back in for Lloris on FT... locked and loaded, good luck for the GW all...GTG?

    Martinez
    Maguire Cancelo Dias Coufal
    KdBTC Bruno Rashford Son
    Antonio Lacazette
    (Forster Neto Holding Brewster)
    0.6

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

      No hits is an advantage. Many will be on -4's and 8's including me.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        true hopefully can have a good GW

    2. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I would have Done lloris> Areola/Johnstone and Lacazette> Werner.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Werner... not for me

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

      No Salah. lit.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        no Liverpool, hopefully they will stumble for a little while longer 😉

  30. Henning
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Good morning.

    Bednarek Adams and Steer to Antonio Stones and a dgw keeper for - 8 and play BB ?

    Martinez Steer
    Taa Justin Bednarek Coufal Dallas
    Son Barnes Salah Fernandes Soucek
    Bammford Vardy Adams