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. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who is the most nailed City defender for the double?

    My instinct is telling me Cancelo gets rested for one of the games with Walker, Mendy, Zinchenko ready to slot in.

    1. The Mighty Whites
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd say Stones and Dias

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Stones and Dias

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

      Just buy Cancelo. Don't overthink.

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

      Dias most nailed but I would say Stones and Cancelo are close. If he needs to freshen up then those two will be benched

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

      There are other gameweeks after the double. Cancelo is the best long term option. Unless on FH of course.

    6. Heisenberg W. W.
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think Walker and Mendy will be getting game time and City's CB pairing seems to be the most consistent pick. On that notion, if DGW is your main priority then avoid Cancelo unless you want him long term

  2. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Think it's worth a -4 to bring Soucek in for Raphinha?

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Most here will say no but I would punt on it.

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

      Not imo. Leeds still have a great fixture this week

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

      Tough one - both have great fixtures but I think I would go with Soucek due to the haul he can get in those two games

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

      How many points expected from Soucek? One return in two games? (12-4) pts probably no gain if Raphinha scored. Which one do you want long term?

  3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Does it look ok? The only decision that's left is the 3rd defensive spot. Taking a punt on Vardy captain.

    Martinez
    Stones Coufal Cresswell/ James
    Salah KDB Bruno Son Soucek
    Vardy(C) Bamford

    Steere Holding Mitchell Davis

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

      I wouldn't take a punt on James. Prefer to see him playing in 2-3 games in a row before going for him. Prob play 1 out of the 2 games

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Makes sense. Thanks

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

      Play Cresswell

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

    A Kane to Vardy. FT
    B. Son to Pogba/Foden FT
    C Both for -4
    ?????
    Thx GL
    Meslier
    Cresswell Ogbonna Cancelo
    Kdb Bruno Grealesh Son
    Antonio Watkins. Kane
    (Tierney ESR Holding) 0.0 itb 1 FT

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      I would want to triple up in City players but would prefer to keep Son over Kane for the next few fixtures. Prob A

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

      A

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

    RP - I'm pretty certain I'll be doing Balbuena and Son to Dawson and Salah (-4)

    I am unsure whether Kane to Vardy (-4) is worth it. Any thoughts? If I do this change, Dawson can be upgraded to Cresswell.

    Martinez
    Stones Cancelo Coufal Balbuena*
    KDB Bruno Soucek Son*
    Bamford* Kane*
    (Johnstone Raphinha* Rodrigo* Holding*)

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

    Taylor to which City defender? Thinking long term and taking into account value and surety of starts please,

    A. Cancelo
    B. Dias
    C. Stones

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

      C

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C

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

      C

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

    Who to pick?
    a) Raphinha
    b) Holding

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      the attacker - A

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

    A) Watkins+Cresswell
    B) Justin+Antonio

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

      A) if you don’t already have Coufal.

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

    3. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A.

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

    Would you rather bench boost:

    A) Antonio, Anguissa, Stones (-4)
    B) Antonio, Soucek, Lowton (-8)

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

        Cheers.

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

      A

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

    Hi all appreciate your kind advice.

    A) kdb + stones (-4)
    B) son + Trent (save a free transfer)

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

      A

    2. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      I like A as a midterm move for next 4-5 weeks.

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

      Cool, I’d captain kdb too. A it shall be

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

      A will probably work out long term.

  11. Pether
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Brewster + Son -> Antonio + Foden backwards?

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

      Yes

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

      Yes

    3. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

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

      Yep

    5. Pether
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks guys

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

    Kane, son, Dallas to Antonio, kdb, cancelo worth a -8?

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not a chance

    2. white heart pain
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nope

    3. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

  13. Gunner1290
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What option this week:

    A) Saka
    B) Soucek -4

    1. white heart pain
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Saka

    2. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

      B

  14. RedJive79
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Am I GTG? Thanks.

    Martinez
    Coufal / Diaz / Holding
    KDB (c) / Son / Salah / Bruno / Soucek
    Bamford / Kane

    Steer / Struijk / Brewster / Mitchell

    1. white heart pain
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yep

    2. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Gtg

    3. RedJive79
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks!

  15. Tosa86
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    My actual WC draft for DGW19::

    Martinez - forster
    dallas - cancelo - WalkerPeters - cresswell - struijk
    kdb - fernando - son - soucek - smith rowe
    vardy - kane - bamford

    any feedback for a long term plan?

    Mitchell or strujik?

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bam to Antonio/Watkins? Not keen on the lack of Salah but I understand that people have lost faith

  16. white heart pain
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play Holding OR Bamford?

    1. Nüno Vippan
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bamford

    2. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bam

    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bamford

    4. white heart pain
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Newcastle are pretty bad

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

    A) Son & Adams to Mane & Antonio (-4)
    B) Kane Son & Adams to Salah Vardy Antonio (-8)

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Neither

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

      Mane will be in the points for sure

  18. Ibra
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which duo looks better?

    A) Cresswell + Antonio (already have Balbuena)
    B) Stones + Wilson (already have Dias)

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

      B

    2. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

  19. Pengen
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thought on my current FH draft?

    Fabianski
    Coufal Stones Dias
    KDB Rashford Fernandes Soucek
    Vardy Kane Wilson

    Obviously Im missing Salah, although finding it hard to get him in.
    As well as no other premium forward excites me except SGW Kane

    Bench full of fodder, 0.3 ITB

  20. Nedvěd11
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Figured that I wont BB after all....

    Martinez
    Cancelo, Coufal, Dallas
    Bruno, Sterling, KDB, Son, Soucek
    Firmino, Bamford

    Sub: Nyland, Dier, Taylor, Brewster.

    Any advice:

    A) Cresswell for Taylor in 4-4-2 for Soucek for -4?
    B) Antonio in for Bamford for -4?
    C) Fabianski in for Nyland for -4 to play instead of Martinez...

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

      A, It improves your team since Taylor is bad and you won't want him anyway.

    2. white heart pain
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      8 double GWs + son and bams
      If you want more DGWs go Dalls > Dawson

  21. FPLord
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Do you think it is worth to do Struijk, Son, DCL > Cancelo, KDB, Antonio for -8? It would mean that I have to bench Justin or Bamford, but I feel I need City for the upcoming fixtures. Better to take the hits now then wait, right?

  22. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kane + Son out for Salah + Wilson (-8)?

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

      Not worth it imo

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

      I think No

  23. Kaptenen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What do you think?

    A) Kane & Grealish --> Antonio & Salah
    or
    B) Son & Robertson --> Salah & Stones

  24. Gunner1290
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who would you rather have for the coming games:

    A) Saka
    B) Rafinha

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

  25. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bench 1:

    A) Soucek
    B) Coufal
    C) Bamford

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C like me

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

      Thats hard but probably C

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

      C in this case

    4. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks, was on C.

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

    Current bench :

    Fabianski*, Harrison, Gibbs*, Lewis*

    To BB or not?

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nope

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

    RePost
    DDG Johnstone
    Cancelo Stones Coufal AWB Dier
    Salah Fernandes Son Smith Row Soucek
    Kane Wilson Antonio

    1 FT and 0 itb

    1. Kane + Son to Salah + Bamford (-4)
    2. Kane + Son + Dier to Salah + Bamford + Chilwel (-8)

    (Bench Boosting)

  28. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Grealish+ Taylor+ Bednarek -> Salah+ Mitchell+ coufal (-8)
    Yay or nay?

  29. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    "I think I want to have a bit of fun at this stage."

    I agree. Decordova-Reid here we go.

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

    Feel like keeping Kane although Vardy has a double.

    Thoughts?