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. HVT
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Son/Kane > Salah/Antonio (-4)

    A - Yes
    B - No

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I am in the same boat myself. Currently at 50 50. Very difficult call especially that i won't captain Salah most probably

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

        I think I captain Mo, my other option is KDB and one is on pens and scores goals in games the other doesn’t.
        Adding to that I see the masses going with Mo and non ownership could be significant especially if the likes of Son/Kane don’t perform at Sheff Utd.
        Hos would you see that fixture going?

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

      I'm doing this.

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

      I’m doing this and one further, spending another 4 points to get vardy in for Adams

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

        V nice, can’t afford that move, I’d love to get rid of Che.
        It looks to me Bamford +1 which is either Kane or Vardy, maybe DCL at some point in the future.

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

      No

    5. Shalom
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

  2. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play Bamford or Maquire?

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

      Trick one. Perhaps maguire with the double

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

      14p V 8p in my book.

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

    Morning all. Best move?

    A. Son >> KDB
    B. Adams/DCL >> Antonio
    D. Both for -4

    1. BB
    2. TC
    3. None

    Johnstone*
    Robbo*, Dias*, Lowton*, Coufal*
    Salah*, Bruno*, Soucek*, Son, Raphina
    Bamford
    (McCarthy, Dallas, Adams, DCL!)

    1. T88MYE
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I would keep Son, Adams & DCL out.

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

      D1

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

        With DCL if I BB?

    3. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

        With DCL or Adams?

        1. Van der Faart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          DCL as hes injured anyway

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

        Not think KDB is essential this week and next. Spurs have Liverpool after the single

        1. Van der Faart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I'll probably be getting him for Salah next GW If I dont do that move this GW

  4. T88MYE
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    BB, -8 to upgrade bench or Save?

    DDG
    Dias, Stones, Justin
    KDB, Salah, Bruno, Soucek, Son
    Antonio, Watkins

    Steer* Dier, Dallas, Bamford

    0FT & .3ITB

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd save BB

  5. Lazaretti
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Son, Klich, Taylor -> Robertson, Mount, Soucek -8
    B) Son, Klich, Taylor -> Robertson, Mount, Bowen -8
    C) Son, Taylor -> Robertson, Mount -4

    Mount could be Barnes / Bowen too (6.8 midfielder)

  6. Zlatan F.C
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Son and DCL to KDB and Antonio for 04?

    1. Zlatan F.C
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      -4?

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

      Same above with either DCL or Adams

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

      Yes

    4. T88MYE
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What value do you have in Son? You’ll want him back at some point.

      DCL to Antonio and Son+4?

  7. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Salah or KDB this week?

    Held James through his injury as had other fires to put out. Do you think he'll play both DGW games?

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

    Narrowed it down to two possible changes for the DGW, any advise please?

    A) Bamford to Antonio

    B) Dier to Ogbonna

    Thanks

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm getting A in but for Adams, holding on to Bamford. Brighton play the style of football Leeds could exploit.

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

        Cheers, yeah that is true, just wish he had a dgw

    2. Ritchies Magic Hat
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B) but maybe Dawson instead?Bamford is worth keeping.

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

        Decent shout, cheers

  9. nicholasporteous
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Really want to improve this rabble, please any advice!

    McCarthy
    Stones - Cancelo - Robertson - Targett
    Salah - Bruno - Son
    Adams - Bamford - Kane

    (Peacock-Farrel / Rapinha - Bissouma - Phillips)

    Thinking:
    a) Adams+McCarthy -> Antonio+Martinez (-4)
    B) anything else to get a better bench!
    C) better DGW players?

    Thanks

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

    When you bench boost do you:

    A) pick your team as normal
    B) put 3 of your better players on the bench so if your ML rivals only look at your score in the table rather than your team they’ll then get a shock at the end of the gameweek when the boost actually happens...

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

      It really doesn't matter. Just make sure you hit the BB button if you are trying to be cute

  11. The Tinkerman
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Going to TC instead of BB now, genuinely tempted by TC Vardy, but De Bruyne is the obvious “safe” choice.

    Martinez
    Stones, TAA, Coufal, Justin
    Salah, KDB, Bruno, Soucek
    Vardy, Bamford

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

      Does the lack of goals not concern you with Kevin?
      Add in ne might be too tired to kick a pen and I’m not sure.
      Jamie doesnt really tire in my book and he certainly doesn’t give pens away.

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

      If I were to use TC it'd be on Salah.

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

    Is Dias worth the extra 0.8m investment over Stones?
    It would go a long way to strengthening the rest of my team in the coming weeks

    1. Pomp and Circumstance
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Stones is the best choice in Man City defence

  13. 272MK
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy price drop enables me to do

    Kane --> Vardy
    Son --> Debryune(C)

    Scared of rest potential tho.

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

      Same....mine requires a -8 though so I am not convinced

  14. mlm
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Tierney > Cresswell
    B) Wilson/Bamford > Antonio
    C) -4 for Both

  15. mr. inconspicuous
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bednarek to Stones or Saka to Gundogan/Soucek?

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

      Both, and Soucek

      1. mr. inconspicuous
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I only have 0.3 in the bank so only have exact funds for one of them. I’m leaning more towards Soucek and then just play Holding?

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

          Sounds reasonable

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

    Sorry....bottomed...Who is the best defender up to 4.8m to bench boost this weekend? Can't be West ham or dallas.

    Options seem to be slim.....

    A....holding v newcastle

    B....shaw v liv and fulham but potentially rotated for fulham

    C.....lowton v West ham and Liverpool

    D....someone else

    Thanks

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

      Coufal

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

      None of the above. I'd try and save a FT if you have a playing defender already there

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

        Already have 3 West ham. And I'm definitely playing bb as 14 players in place for it

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

          Sorry daft of me, didn’t read it properly. How about a Villa defender? They’ve games in hand so it’s an enabler to stocking up on their players.
          Targett or Konsa

  17. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hello guys. What would you do here?

    Pope
    Robertson, Dias, Coufal
    Grealish, Fernandes, Salah, Soucek, Son
    Bamford, Watkins

    Subs --- Meslier, KWP, DCL, Bernardo --- 1 FT, 0.6 ITB

    A) DCL & Bernardo -> Antonio & Stones (-4)
    B) Robertson, Son, DCL & Bernardo -> Cancelo, KDB, Antonio, Justin (-12)
    C) Somethinge else, what?

    1. Meme2011
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      personally i dont think thats terrible - i dont suppose you can afford would probably do DCL & Son for Antonio & KDB?

      1. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        That's not possible unfortunately

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

    Vardy dropping enables me to do ...
    Kane > Vardy
    Son > KDB

    Do it yes or no?

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have same quandary! Could just get em back on wc if needs be

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

        Yes WC in tact. I am leaning bit wards just doing Kane > Vardy as I’ve no FT

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

    Would you be comfortable playing Soucek week in week out regardless of the fixture?

    1. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

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

      Yes

    3. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yip

    4. HVT
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He’s not a 4th mid in my book

      https://youtu.be/Sn6JV7uC4T0

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

      Yes I've played him since GW1.

    6. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Best enabler in the game. Of course.

  20. Zlatan F.C
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    is Forster likey to play or is McCarthy back?

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

      He’s back

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

    Cancelo or Chilwell, for the double?

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

      Cancelo for me, them city fixtures are beautiful

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Can

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

    Best 6.2 defender, who isn't City, that has a double?

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Chilwell or cresswell

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

      Chilwell

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

      Cresswell

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

      Cheers

  23. Snooze ya lose
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is 9 dgw players enough, keeping son and Kane?

    Otherwise son, kane out for Kdb and vardy

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

      Go big or go home

    2. Meme2011
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I also have 9 and wondering the same...

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

      Son to KDB, keep Kane

  24. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any talk of Liverpool signing a centre half this month? Think the double will be Robbo's last hurrah in my team if they're likely to persist with the academy crap.

  25. balint84
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Chelsea def to City def for -4? Do it?

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No

  26. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What would you do?

    A. BB this week - Meslier Raphinha Dawson Anguissa

    B. WC 25 BB 26 FH 29

    1. Pomp and Circumstance
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      how many extra games might there be in GW 26?

      I think it's a good idea to keep the BB for later--there should be other good DGWs, so save for one of those (and then you can balance out the team more, possibly with WC, so to have a strong 15 players)

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

    Would you BB?

    McCarthy - Bamford - Mitchell - KWP

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

      Probably yeah. It'll allow you to concentrate on your first 11 moving forward

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

        Thanks!

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

    Haven’t taking -8 all season and normally try stay away from doing so.

    Is anyone taking -8 or maybe even more this week?

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Considering

    2. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      -8 would be my limit unless I couldnt get 11 out.

  29. Zlatan F.C
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Robertson to Cancelo worth it for -4?

    1. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      IMO do that move for free after the double

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

        This, my plan anyway

  30. shapply
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Coufal or... Dawson?