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. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Martinez
    Robbo Cancelo Taylor
    Salah Bruno Son Soucek
    Vardy Bamford Adams

    Ramsdale Holding Ayling Anguissa
    0ft 0.1itb

    A) Adams to Watkins -4
    B) Ayling to Furlong/Lowton -4
    C) no hits

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

      C

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

      C and maybe play Holding for Adams

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

      no hits or may be A but doesnt look good

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

      C

    5. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hmm thanks was thinking A could be worth it.

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

    Do you think Team A will beat Team B by 12 points? Yes or No

    A. Salah (C)
    Salah (MUN + BUR)
    Grealish (mci + NEW)
    Antonio (BUR + WBA)
    Zouma (ful + lei)

    B. KDB (C)
    Son (shu)
    Saka (NEW)
    Kane (shu)
    Holding (NEW)

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

      Uhh close. I would say 10-15pts. Think outside dgw, what team will be better for gw20, gw21... And Jack is 1 card away from susp

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

        Yeah, Jack makes me worry.
        Will bring Spurs Duo in gw25/26

    2. McSauce
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think B outscore A

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

        Cheers

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

      Yes unless Spurs considerably up their attacking threat.

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

      Yes I think it will.

      I think Salah is the best captain this week.

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

    Any reason not to do Son / Laca >> Salah + Antonio (-4) today?
    - ideally would like to wait till tomorrow but son price drop and Antonio price rise means a 0.2m swing
    - whats the benefit of waiting till tomorrow? Incase antonio is injured or someone in my team becomes covid positive?

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If you can still do the trades with the 0.2 swing, I would wait until the last minute

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

    Should i transfer out Kane-Dier-Saka for double gamers(-4)? Or even one more for -8? BB activated

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

      for who?

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

        Vardy-gazi-diaz for example

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

          Its close I guess decide it yourself

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

    RePost (bottomed)
    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)

  6. Muchentuchel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    should have kept my FH. Got barely more points (50) than teams with only 5 players. This game fks me up every time no matter what I do.

    What would you do for dgw? Had 13 DGW players before the fixture changes, now I only got 6 left. No City players at all, because I don't rely on City and they were supposed NOT to have DGW.

    Any ideas ?

  7. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What do this with this? I have 2.1m ITB so 0.2m off Son --> KDB which is the obvious move.

    Fabianski
    Cancelo Chilwell Coufal
    Salah Bruno Son Soucek
    Adams Kane Bamford

    A) Son & Kane --> KDB & Vardy (-4)
    B) Fabianski, Son, Adams --> Johnstone, KDB, Antonio (-8)
    C) Mitchell, Son, Adams --> Stones, KDB, Davis (-8)

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

      A - Spurs fixtures are not ideal after 19

    2. McSauce
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      ye I agree with that but jesus two of them are on fire and I lose 0.5m in value

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

        Che Fixtures also V.poor

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

        Understandable it is a tough decision but it's a DGW and both players have good fixtures. Son and Kane can be bought back with two transfers if you don't have enough itb later

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

      A

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

    Any takers for Kane to Vardy(-4)?

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

      I've got way too much value tied up in Kane to do it. If I didnt I would

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

        You think Vardy (-4) over the two games will outscore Kane? Surely it's got to be points over value?

  9. Danno - Emre Canada
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Morning all, Vardy and Soueck or Foden and Werner?

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

      Vardy and Soucek for me

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

      Vardy and Soucek

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

      Vardy and Soucek

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

      V & S

    5. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      V & S

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

      V - S

    7. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers V&S it is. Good luck all.

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

    A) Son, Kane, Brewster + 8 points
    B) KDB, Antonio, Watkins

  11. borispkpk
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    3.3ITB

    Martinez
    Dallas Robertson Coufal
    Salah Son Bruno Grealish Soucek
    Kane Bamford

    Foster - Davis, Pieters, Johnson

    Do I really need KDB? If yes, how can i get him?

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

    Pick one:

    A) Holding + 4 points
    B) Cresswell

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

      B

    2. LC1
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

      B

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

    I am in a bit of a predicament. I have just played my free hit and now done a -12 for this double gameweek. I want to know if in my situation it is worth playing a wildcard or just leaving my team as it is.

    Martinez (Meslier)
    Cancelo, Coufal, Chilwell (Mitchell,Clyne)
    Bruno,Salah,KDB,Soucek(Smith Rowe)
    Vardy, Watkins,Bamford

    I want to double up on city defence and get rid of fodders that arent needed (meslier and clyne) to free up more space to maybe even bring in tierney for future gameweeks. Do I go for the wildcard having just done my free hit and done -12

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

      I guess keep the WC and use it in fuutre Doubles

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If the wildcard is just to wipe out the -12 i would save it

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

      Maybe I do a TC to try and make up the minus points..any suggestions?

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

        Yes but who is the clear TC this GW?

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

          Thats the problem.. Im not keen on KDB after what happened this gameweek and Im not sure that Liverpool are as sharp as before with their current form

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

            Yes so better avoid that too

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

      No. I’d rather use free transfers and a couple of hits to navigate the next few gameweeks than to WC now. A lot can and will likely change for the next set of dgw

  14. LC1
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi all,

    My last decision for DGW weekend is whether to play Dallas or RJames** or remove either for a -4 to bring in Stones.

    Any recommendations are much, much appreciated!!

    My team;

    Martinez**
    Cancelo** Coufal** RJames**
    Salah** Bruno** Grealish** Son
    Vardy** Antonio** Bamford**

    4.0 Dallas Mitchell Bissouma

    0.6 ITB.

    Thank you 🙂

    1. LC1
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bamford not a DGW, sorry.

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

      that hit doesn't look good

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

    Would you BB with triple Leeds?
    I’d probably need to take at least -8 as I have non playing keeper, DCL and had planned Son to Kdb.
    Otherwise I’d play both Bamford and Rodrigo benching DCL.
    Still worth doubt Son to Kdb? 2.3m itb
    Son vs Liverpool next week too

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

      Save BB

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

        If saving, would you still do Son to Kdb?

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

          Tough, maybe i will. Since i have same plan to move Son for Salah

  16. BoomXhakaLaca1
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Do I bench boost this:
    Martinez/steele(to be replaced)
    Dallas, KWP, target, zouma, Chillwell
    Salah, rashford, soucek, son, saka
    Bamford, kane ,DCL(to be replaced)

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

    Maguire to Cresswell worth a -4? Worried about Maguires 4 yellows

  18. WD27
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone triple capping. Who you on?

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

      Salah but waiting till last minute

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

        why so..isnt the current form of liverpool a bit of a worry

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Vardy, but will probably end up on Salah

  19. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on Charlie Taylor...any change he plays this gw?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      12:30 presser

  20. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    DCL to Antonio -4? and bench Dallas?

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

    Adams + Son > Vardy + Soucek -4

    Worth it?

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

      Yep!

    2. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, Vardy has Leeds in 2 GWs time where he can be given the armband.

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

      It would probably pay immediately in DGW19 and I like Vardy's fixture after DGW19 so yes

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

        Not hugely keen on Everton away. But the Leeds game, yes.

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

      Two good players with two more fixtures, yes I think it is worth it

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

      Yes

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

      Leaning towards similar moves myself (DCL+Son>Vardy+Soucek -4)

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

    Which combo you'd order ?
    A) Cavani and Salah.
    B) Vardy and Foden
    C) Werner and Sterling !
    ???

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

      B

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

      b

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

    McCarthy
    Justin / Coufal / Maguire
    Bruno / Mane / Salah / Son / Soucek
    Bamford / Wilson

    1. Dallas 2. Taylor 3. DCL

    0,6£ ITB (1 FT)

    A) Son & DCL --> Foden & Vardy (-4)
    B) McCarthy --> Fabianski etc.
    C) DCL --> Antonio etc.
    D) Taylor & DCL --> Dias & Antionio etc. (-4)
    E) Other?

    TY Guys for your help! 😉

  24. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Logged off early last night after no show for Tierney...
    Feel like I really wasted the free hit, but no Villa pushed me into it

    Anyone had a really big gain from it?
    I reckon I gained maybe 12 points

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

      Would have got 34 with one FT
      Got 47 with FH 🙁

    2. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      40 points gain

    3. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Just proved to myself again what I've known for ages - chips are vastly overrated and rarely deliver to promise and expectation.

      A certain TC comes to mind, but there's plenty of examples...

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

        This is very true

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

      I got 63 points compared to 25 without so pretty happy with that

    5. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Little gain, but a little green arrow.

      Look forward, not back!

    6. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      FH 57 points with Kane (c)

      Original team would have been 24 with KDB (c)

      Happy with 33 point gain.

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

      got 53 points on FH
      only had 3 sgw players otherwise who scored 11 (lets say 13 if I captained Bruno)

      obviously i'd have used my FT & probably a hit which would have got me 8 more points (-4 for hit)

      so a gain of 36 points

  25. unclesbasement
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Amy tripple cappers for this dgw? If so who and why (or why not)

    1. Thomas Jerome Newton
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Who's Amy Tripple? 🙂
      I wanted to BB but have injuries and doubts so may use my triple captain on KDB. Because I'd want to use it on a double GW and not sure going to get such nice couple of fixtures together down the line.
      Really do want to bench boost though....

  26. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any KDB news that we missed?
    Are his minutes limited in DGW?

  27. RustyBz
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which one wins?

    A) KDB (TC) + Salah - 8 pts

    B) Salah (C) + Son [no KDB]

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

      You can out it this way:

      A) 6 games from KDB -8
      B) 2 games from Salah + 1 game from Son

      should be A then

  28. Migs1906
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Want to bring in Coufal FT, currently on:

    Holding Dallas AWB Stones Dias

    Want to keep my City double up.
    Holding and Dallas on SGW but decent fixtures. Both have a tough run in the coming weeks.
    AWB has DGW but has liverpool.

    So Dallas/Holding/AWB/Hold FT to Coufal?

  29. eririi
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How many DGW players is enough to bench-boost? 13?

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

      I'm prob going to BB with 11. Depends on the 13

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

        My plan is this team
        McCarthy - Johnstone
        Justin - Stones - TAA - Coufal - T Silva
        Bruno - Maddison - Salah - Mount - Soucek
        Bamford - Cavani - Antonio

        But have to take -8 to get there
        DCL -> Cavani
        Adams -> Antonio
        Alioski -> Stones

        Is it a viable tactic?

  30. unclesbasement
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any tripple cappers for this dgw? If so who and why (or why not)

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

      KDB would be the only one, I am not though due to how tired he looked in final 15 mins vs Brighton?