Fixtures

Sizeable Double Gameweek a possibility if fans return to Premier League matches

Should it get the green light to go ahead, the planned return of fans to Premier League matches could have major repercussions for Fantasy managers.

Providing the United Kingdom government’s four-step roadmap to easing COVID-19 restrictions remains on course, each top-flight club will enjoy one game in front of a predominantly home crowd before the end of 2020/21.

This won’t happen before May 17th and, as things stand, only Gameweek 38 falls after this date.

And so, in order for all 20 Premier League sides to be able to welcome back supporters through their gates, Gameweek 36 and/or 37 will likely have to move.

THE CURRENT SITUATION

The current schedule is fairly serene-looking.

Gameweek 32 will see Tottenham Hotspur play twice, with Crystal Palace blanking.

Gameweek 33 will see Spurs, Manchester City, Southampton and Fulham all blank, thanks to the clash with the EFL Cup final.

Only two previously postponed matches remain outstanding: Southampton v Crystal Palace and Aston Villa v Everton.

WILL GAMEWEEK 36 OR 37 MOVE?

This is where it starts to get complicated.

As it stands, Gameweek 36 is a midweek round of fixtures, with Gameweek 37 scheduled for a weekend.

Above: Gameweeks 35-38 as it stands (graphic courtesy of Legomané)

Martin Ziegler of The Times initially reported that the 36th round of matches would catapult into the free midweek after Gameweek 37.

The Athletic have since suggested that rounds 36 and 37 would each simply shuffle forward a few days, with Gameweek 36 taking place on the weekend of May 15/16 and Gameweek 37 in the following midweek.

DOUBLE GAMEWEEK 35?

SouBur Sunday

Whichever of the above scenarios pans out, a free midweek will suddenly appear after Gameweek 35.

That gap could be used to incorporate Southampton v Palace and Villa v Everton, for starters.

Those two matches could theoretically be absorbed after Gameweeks 33 and 34, of course, but UEFA Champions League and Europa League games fall within those weeks and – generally speaking – the respective competitions tend not to clash.

A BIGGER DOUBLE GAMEWEEK 35…?

It doesn’t end there.

The FA Cup final will involve Chelsea and Leicester City and clashes with – as it stands – the Gameweek 37 fixtures.

If things stay as they are, then any affected Premier League games would very likely move back a few days to the free midweek and still fall within Gameweek 37.

But in any of the two scenarios above involving Gameweek 36/37 shifting, then the postponed league matches would seemingly also have to be swallowed up by Gameweek 35.

And so, up to eight teams could potentially have a Double Gameweek 35 and up to four teams could potentially have a blank in Gameweek 36.

Moderator Legomané has represented the two possible scenarios below in ticker form to give an idea of what Gameweek 35 and beyond could look like.

CHIP STRATEGY

The current world number one answers your questions

Much talk has raged this week of the ‘Wildcard in Gameweek 31’ approach but another Double Gameweek would put the cat amongst the pigeons.

An eight-team Double Gameweek is Bench Boost or Triple Captain territory, with a Wildcard potentially used in Gameweek 34 to plan for it.

The problem is: it’s all theoretical at this stage and subject to change.

Confirmation is still awaited not only from the Premier League shareholders but also the UK government, with any setback in the roadmap to lifting restrictions meaning that the notion of fans returning would be shelved.

Then there are the fixtures themselves, with none of the eight double-headers shown in Legomane’s graphic particularly appealing, other than perhaps Crystal Palace’s.

It’s all (educated) conjecture at this point but, with Friday’s FPL deadline approaching, many Fantasy managers will face a chip-related dilemma or two ahead of Gameweek 31 without knowing the full picture beyond it.

798 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Dirty Harry
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Quick vote peepz?

    1. Mendy Bruno Iheanacho
    2. Leno Maddison Vardy

    I have the exact money to roll with either of the two above.

    ____ (Forster)
    TAA Azpi Reguilon (Coady Holding)
    Salah ____ Son Jota Lingard
    Kane ____ (Vydra)

    I feel Vardy/Maddi could return more than Iheanacho/Bruno for the run in.
    Leno has better fixtures, though Mendy better back line in front.

    1. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      1

      1. HammersXI
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Depends if you’re chasing or wanting to keep it safe. If you’re chasing 2 is worth a punt

        1. Dirty Harry
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Chasing, currently 250k so behind a bit.

          My reasoning is, how nailed is Nacho. Vardy should be nailed and on pens. Bruno whilst on pens and involved they don't have as good as a run in.

          The Maddison pick is a little 50-50. Could also be Mount

          1. HammersXI
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Tbh are you thinking Leicester will storm the last few games? Neto is another one you can take a look at. Saka and mount are options. I do agree Nacho pick is questionable but he’s on fork atm over Vardy

    2. AlpoShearer
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      1

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      1 for me , on balance

    4. Die Hard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      1

  2. HammersXI
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On a WC now and planning to BB next week. Would like to know your thoughts:

    Martinez (Forster)
    Rudiger Holding Trent Coady Dias
    Mount Jota Bruno Salah Lingard
    Bamford Kane Nacho

    2.9m ITB

    1. AlpoShearer
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Perhaps more Spurs?

      1. HammersXI
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I have 2 spurs already tho. Planning to do Forster -> Lloris for my FT. Kinda most intent on using Forster for this week and then swapping him out

    2. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      are you set on keeping Martinez and Bamford? Bad fixtures for both.

      1. HammersXI
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I would want Bamford after the tough 3.. the issue with Bamford is that I’ll lose 0.6m by selling him now. I’m on the fence on Martinez, his DGW is his only positive atm

        1. FPL_DON
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          bamford will likely drop, although I dont hate keeping him I think I'm going to sell tonight before price drop!

          1. HammersXI
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Dropping now wouldn’t affect my selling value. Another option is if I change to Lacazette and bench Nacho. But my bench will be incredibly strong this week tho I’m only BB next week

  3. AlpoShearer
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Play one?
    A. Veltman (EVE)
    B. Aina (WOL)
    C. Shaw (tot)

    1. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Shaw

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Shaw

  4. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Tierney and Dallas out for Rudiger and Azpilicueta (-4)

    4 of my defenders are either red flagged, playing MCI away or LIV away.

    1. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I guess you’re not on a wildcard. Would spread the risk with Coady / Fofana / Holding

    2. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      yep

  5. boroie
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On WC and I need to gamble. 2nd in my Mini League but 60 points behind the leader. He has Martinez, Dallas, Cancelo, Stones, Digne, Perreira, Son, Lingard, Salah, Raphinha, Fernandes, Watkins, Kane. So need to avoid as many of these as possible. How’s this looking?

    Leno
    TAA(VC) Rudiger Semedo
    Sterling(C) Mane Jota Neto
    Kane Vardy Ihenacho

    Forster; Coady Holding Jorginho

    Then swap Sterling out for Son, and captain Son (as my rival will nearly certainly TC Kane) next week for the DGW.

    Thoughts?

    1. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Unsure about the Sterling move. It could rly pay off but his minutes look very questionable recently. I would say play your own game over captaining / having all different players than your rival. There’s still some time to go this season

      1. boroie
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Agree that Sterling is definitely a massive gamble.

        Although I’d be shocked if he didn’t play the full 90 this weekend given he didn’t play either the game last weekend nor the Champions League game. And against a leaky Leeds defence it could bring me back into contention if it pays off.

        Rival has been consistently gaining a bigger and bigger gap. His team is extremely strong and he still has chips left which I don’t. I feel like the only way that I am catching him at this stage is by taking risks.

        1. HammersXI
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          He has only played 3/6 games recently with others playing all. Something just feels off with him atm. Would rather go Mahrez or Kdb over him honestly.

          1. boroie
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            I would be very surprised if KDB and Mahrez start against Leeds. With the league nearly wrapped up, I think both will be rested for Dortmund and the likes of Aguero and Sterling will be given game time here.

  6. boroie
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A- Christiansen
    B - Rudiger

    1. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      b

  7. waldo666
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Can someone please tell me if I'm WCing this week or not?

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No .

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        OK then, best work out what I am doing in that case, cheers!

  8. boroie
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Best differentials from now until the end of the season?

    Rival is 60 points ahead and has Martinez, Dallas, Cancelo, Stones, Digne, Perreira, Son, Lingard, Salah, Raphinha, Fernandes, Watkins and Kane so I need to avoid as many of these as possible.

    1. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Neto / Saka / Mount / Coady / Nacho and the list goes on.

    2. Como Park Rambler
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Liverpool

  9. Manani
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mount or Pierera?

    Unsure about Mount minutes, but with his form, surely he gets his starts?

  10. kobewan
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Kane's DGW32 looks like a better TC option than all the other DGW mentioned above

  11. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I’m aware that it’s far fetched but thoughts? Thanks.

    GW31- Antonio Auba to Vardy Jota -4
    GW32 Bamford to Kelechi
    GW33 Stones Son to Bruno and Philips -4

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      To plan in 2 lots of hits at this stage is a bit mad imo

  12. jia you
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Sterling averaging 1.33 points per game over the past six GW and at least one idiot on here is captaining him 😉

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      If I punted on him for 1GW because I think he has good chance of starting, I def wouldn’t cap him!

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Don't blame you, my season is over anyway (plenty thanks to him) so just going to punt on him out of spite lol

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Nothing like a spiteful punt

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

      Leeds the perfect team to change that

      1. HammersXI
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        If he even starts. He’s starting to seem out of favor

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

          He will 100% start. 3rd highest scorer ever under Pep does not suddenly get dropped for all time

          1. HammersXI
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            He has not starting 3 out of the last 6 games, excluding champions league. And came off the bench for the other one. Those are enough to put me off. Rotation means 1/2 games out not 4-5 games

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

              good news that people are put off, more upside for those that go for it

              1. HammersXI
                • 11 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                I mean sure whatever floats your boat. I’ve been burnt by sterling multiple times and at that price it seems like a scam. Would rather take a punt on aguero or mahrez

  13. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    RP from a previous page.

    Which combo looks best on WC? Too many viable options!

    A) TAA, Son, Fofana, Iheanacho, Vydra
    B) Phillips, Sterling (then switch to Son in 32), Dias, Iheanacho, Vydra
    C) TAA, Maddison, Dias, Iheanacho, Wood
    D) TAA, Jorginho, Dias, Vardy, Davis (No Son)

    Mendy, Forster
    XXXX, Rudiger, Shaw, XXXX, Coady
    Salah, Jota, Lingard, Bruno, XXXX
    Kane, XXXX, XXXX

    E) TAA, Sterling (change to Bruno in 32), Son, Iheanacho, Davis, Dias, Holding - no Coady or Bruno from skeleton squad above

    Cheers!

  14. trasbash
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On a WC. Please RMT.
    Mendy / Forster
    TAA, Rudiger, Coady, (Holding, Shaw)
    Salah, Son, Jota, Neto, Gundo,
    Kane, Laca (Natcho)

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Looks good, personally couldn't go without Bruno

      1. trasbash
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I was really torn about Bruno but as I’ve got my BB left I wanted to get some good coverage. Worse case I could get him in for Son.

    2. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Laca looks very tempting suddenly..

  15. FPL_DON
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    what time are price changes? Apologies for the rookie question!

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      About 55 minutes away

      1. FPL_DON
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        thanks mate

  16. Puyol Pants Up
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is anyone here going WITHOUT Salah on WC?

    I feel like Jota + TAA is enough, personally would wanna use that Salah money to get Vardy + Laca over Ihenacho.

    1. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Currently I’m on that. It might really well change... I just don’t know if doubling up being worth it now. My team is above.

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Leaning to it if I do go through with WC, probably leave Trent out too and just go Williams.

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

      either i keep son and switch to salah in 33 or just have kane and get salah now - undecided

  17. Cheeto__Bandito
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which Scores more?

    A) Sterling (C), Salah -4
    B) Jota, Salah (C)

    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      b

      1. Manani
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I'd go B even without the -4

  18. MikeLowrey
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC Draft?

    Mendy, Forster
    TAA, Dias, Rudiger, Saiss, Holding,
    Salah, Son, Jota, Lingard, Pereira,
    Kane, Laca, Nancho

    0.3 ITB

    1. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Would like to know why Periera over Neto and Mount. Besides that, it looks very template for WC and solid IMO. Am considering Laca myself atm.

      Ballsy going without Bruno for the next 3, but if you think salah will easily outscore him then sure

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

    First WC Draft, let me know what y'all think.

    Mendy - Forster
    Phillips - Reguilon - Coady - Shaw - Ruddier
    Salah - Jota - Bruno - Lingard - Smith-Rowe
    Lacazette - Kane - Vardy

    Planning to do Salah - Son for DGW32.

    will you change anything?

  20. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thinking about Son to Salah this GW and back to Salah to Son next. All on free transfers. Crazy smart or just crazy,

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      don't do it.
      i had son and wildcarding this week. I'll either keep son and move to salah for gw33 or just get salah now.
      chasing some rank so going Kane only

  21. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Save pick City mids for this weekend.. Anyone..?

    1. evilfish
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not sure safe pick and City go together. Sterling had a rest but who knows?

    2. 3 A
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I hope for the ones who just sign a new contratct. A marvellous captain, a maverick playmaker, the best midfielder and creator in the league. Hope he starts. Cant guessing Pep btw.

      1. Taegugk Warrior
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        me too... tempted to bring him in my WC Team just for this gw.. and swap him with Bruno next gw

      2. HammersXI
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I’m hoping he doesn’t as a leeds fan

  22. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    a. Mendy, Shaw, Rudiger, Holding, Coady, Philips
    b. Leno, Stones, Rudiger, Konsa, Coady, Philips

    bbgw32 probably

  23. evilfish
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Jamés for a one week punt before swapping for Son? If no then who? Must cost no more than Son as have no spare coin.

    1. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Pulisic?

      1. evilfish
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Worth considering, thanks.

  24. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Why i don't see KDB in majority of WC Team...? Did i miss something..?

    1. evilfish
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      For me personally, I want Kane and Son for the double. Then both Spurs and City blank and I don't want to be in a position where I have 3 expensive players that are blanking. Also other premiums like Salah and Bruno are more nailed on.

      1. Taegugk Warrior
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        i mean if we can accomodate KDB just for this week only and swap him to Bruno next GW. Would you do it. or it's better to straight chose Bruno this GW...?

        1. evilfish
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I think that is viable, yes. I wouldn't do it myself because I want to swap someone for Son next week, but if you want KDB in and feel he will start and haul, then yeah I'd go for it.

      2. 3 A
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        What Son offer recently except some chances and yet another one or two pointer?

        1. evilfish
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          14 points in the last double, then a 5 pointer and then got injured. So I want him again for this double.

  25. kobewan
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    any update on Antonio, looks like they need all the scans they can get

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I haven't seen anything new since yesterday.

  26. Ragabolly
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Risers: None

    Fallers: Bale (9.3) Foden (6.0) Lookman (5.0) Smallbone (4.3)

    1. 3 A
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Cheers

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Excellent, cheers Ragabolly.

    3. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      The tragedy of Bale

  27. Reeker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which?

    1. Dallas to Trent (benching AWB)
    2. Raphinha to Jota (bench Bamford, have Salah)
    3. Save FT (play AWB and one of Bamford/Raphina)

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      3. AWB and Raph

      1. Reeker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Currently on this. Both could get points and Villa aren't a bad side.

    2. Reeker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Actually I'd play AWB over Bamford in option 1

  28. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Nailed LEI def..?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Fofana

  29. Jonesfromthere
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone else gonna punt on Jesus? Can see him starting most prem games given their schedule

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      How can you see anyone starting in Pep’s side?

    2. GREEN JUMPERS
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Thinking about Sterling and putting the armband on him. Talk me out of it.

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Never ceases to amaze me this site hehe

      2. Alisson WondHaaland
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I did it in GW 18 and ended up with -2. I wouldnt be surprised one bit if he gets another cameo on the weekend

    3. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Who do u move to after this week?

  30. Silencetheweak
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Some advice needed, should I WC or wait base on my team below???

    Marti (McCart)

    Stones Rudiger Konsa (Lasc, Dallas)

    Son Gundo Salah Bruno Saka

    Kane Antonio (Bam)

    - Chasing
    - left WC & FH
    - 0.1m itb
    - 1FT left

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not a bad time really considering you still have a FH which you could utilise for the DGW.