Fixtures

Five Premier League teams avoid UCL play-offs – but Newcastle face two extra games

28 January 2026 297 comments
Skonto Rigga Skonto Rigga
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Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur joined Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) round of 16 on Wednesday.

Those four clubs all tasted victory in their final league phase matches, securing places in the top eight. Arsenal, who beat Kairat Almaty, were already home and hosed.

That means automatic qualification for the knockout rounds for the five aforementioned teams.

But for Newcastle United, they’ll have to go through the play-offs.

The Magpies secured a creditable 1-1 draw in the Parc des Princes but it wasn’t enough for a top-eight finish, with Eddie Howe’s side instead ending up in 12th.

WHAT ARE THE FPL IMPLICATIONS?

Five Premier League teams avoid UCL play-offs - but Newcastle face two extra games 5

Above image from Legomane. Click to expand.

From a Fantasy perspective, it means Newcastle have two extra fixtures to squeeze in on either side of Gameweek 27.

Expect plenty of rotation from Howe in the weeks ahead, especially with an EFL Cup semi-final second leg and an FA Cup fourth-round tie to contest.

The Magpies will be the only Premier League team playing twice a week, every week, till Gameweek 29 (and potentially beyond).

As for Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City and Spurs, great news. They have no European involvement on either side of Gameweek 27, surely lowering the risk of domestic rotation.

For City, it’s a double whammy. Not only do they get two welcome midweek breathers in February, but their Gameweek 27 opponents are Newcastle – who will be contesting a play-off on either side of that fixture.

Chelsea have a plum home fixture against Burnley in Gameweek 27, so what could have been a teamsheet minefield (had the Blues been in the play-offs) will likely not be so problematic.

It’s worth mentioning that Gameweek 26 or 27 could yet be a Double Gameweek for Arsenal (and Wolves) or Chelsea (and Everton). Whoever triumphs in the Arsenal v Chelsea EFL Cup semi-final – the Gunners are the big favourites given their first-leg advantage – will have their Gameweek 31 fixture postponed. That fixture could then shift to a midweek after Gameweek 26/27.

Newcastle (and Sunderland) and Man City (and Palace) can’t double in Gameweek 26/27, no matter what happens in their EFL Cup semi-final.

There’ll be more reaction to come from Wednesday’s fixtures in our Scout Notes.

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297 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Vasshin
    • 7 Years
    2 days, 1 hour ago

    Probably good results today for premier league, but bad for us fantasy managers as less chance of blanks and doubles 🙂

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    1. jacob1989
      • 3 Years
      2 days, 44 mins ago

      Cl and pl football not really related in scheduling.. Besides, prefer really not much blanks and dgws... Level playing field

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  2. Babit1967
    • 9 Years
    2 days, 1 hour ago

    Chalobah not first choice or just rested tonight? Looking at a Chelsea defender to bring in.

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    1. tbos83
      • 5 Years
      2 days, 1 hour ago

      Rested surely

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  3. Tonyawesome69
    • 7 Years
    2 days, 1 hour ago

    May be worth noting Arsenal/Wolves or Chelsea/Everton have the possibility of a double in 26 (BGW31) depending on who progresses to the EFL Cup final.

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  4. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 8 Years
    2 days, 1 hour ago

    Hall, Gakpo > Cash, Mbeumo 2FT’s?

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    1. HellasLEAF
      • 16 Years
      2 days, 1 hour ago

      Why Cash.

      Nay.

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  5. The Mandalorian
    • 13 Years
    2 days, 1 hour ago

    Arsenal and Bayern can only meet in the final.

    Top 2 seeds go either side.

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  6. The Mandalorian
    • 13 Years
    2 days, 1 hour ago

    Liverpool struggling in the league against low block teams.

    In the UCL they are better against ball playing teams who give them space to attack.

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    1. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      2 days, 1 hour ago

      The quality in the CL is absolutely pitiful, that’s why

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      1. jacob1989
        • 3 Years
        2 days, 40 mins ago

        This same qarabag team was not beaten by chelsea.. so the quality of CL is so pitiful? Stop thinking only football exists only in england. Its a global sport.

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        1. x.jim.x
          • 11 Years
          2 days, 34 mins ago

          Spurs finished 4th btw

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          1. jacob1989
            • 3 Years
            2 days, 30 mins ago

            Had easier schedule. They will be knocked out in r16 almost certainly

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            1. x.jim.x
              • 11 Years
              2 days, 24 mins ago

              They beat Dortmund, Frankfurt and Villarreal, but lost to West Ham and Bournemouth. Sums it up.

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  7. martynteresa
      2 days, 1 hour ago

      Frimpong subbed off on 4 minutes. Anyone see it???

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      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 1 hour ago

        pulled his hammy

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    • HellasLEAF
      • 16 Years
      2 days, 1 hour ago

      Bruno, Watkins, Enzo or Haaland for C

      And don't say Haaland because I'm not picking him this week. But I'll place him there out of respect.

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      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 1 hour ago

        I would expect an early sub for Enzo before Arsenal EFL cup SF

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      2. The Big Fella
        • 9 Years
        2 days, 55 mins ago

        Haaland

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      3. jacob1989
        • 3 Years
        2 days, 39 mins ago

        I am considering rogers.

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    • jacob1989
      • 3 Years
      2 days, 1 hour ago

      For those telling j pedro will be rotated. Chelsea into round of 16 which dont start till beginning of March

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      1. g40steve
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 1 hour ago

        He can haul even with limited minutes, Palmer was back with vengance

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      2. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 1 hour ago

        Good chance he is rested at the weekend before Arsenal EFL cup SF. Delap likely starts against WHU

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      3. fedolefan
        • 11 Years
        2 days, 1 hour ago

        Do you think he's going to play 6 games in 16 days? Do you think he rests against Arsenal in the carabao cup 2nd leg? If your answer to either is no, he will be rotated in one of the PL games?

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        1. jacob1989
          • 3 Years
          2 days, 36 mins ago

          Chelsea are in top 5 race. He May get rested 1 of the next, 4 games but unlikely more

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    • FantasyClub
      • 5 Years
      2 days, 1 hour ago

      Is it worth taking a punt on Palmer for the next month on WC?
      Or stick to Enzo?

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      1. g40steve
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 1 hour ago

        Shhhh 😉

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      2. jacob1989
        • 3 Years
        2 days, 37 mins ago

        No.. too costly for limited minutes

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    • Atimis
      • 9 Years
      2 days, 1 hour ago

      Enzo worth getting this week or could be with limited minutes?

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    • Letsgo!
      • 9 Years
      2 days, 1 hour ago

      Will u sell bowen for jpedro
      Or just sort out konate first to chalobah?
      I will need to start hall if i dont do the 2nd option

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      1. chilli con kone
        • 12 Years
        2 days, 1 hour ago

        Chalobah

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    • sirmorbach
      • 9 Years
      2 days, 1 hour ago

      Saka to Rice or roll?

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      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 1 hour ago

        roll

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    • OffsidePenalty
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 days, 1 hour ago

      1 ft. Best option?
      A) Wilson to Mbeumo
      B) Thiago to J. Pedro
      C) Ekitike to J. Pedro

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      1. g40steve
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 1 hour ago

        C

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      2. chilli con kone
        • 12 Years
        2 days, 1 hour ago

        Not keen on any of these. B if you intended to reverse it in 28

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      3. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 1 hour ago

        roll

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    • chilli con kone
      • 12 Years
      2 days, 1 hour ago

      As a Palmer owner (don’t ask), is this the perfect outcome for the weekend in that he got some decent time off the bench and potentially ready for a start at the weekend?

      I was set to sell him for Enzo but would rather have 60mins of Palmer than 90mins of Enzo

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      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 1 hour ago

        I don't see why Rosenior would risk starting Palmer v WHU before Arsenal EFL Cup SF.

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    • The Mandalorian
      • 13 Years
      2 days, 1 hour ago

      For those interested

      UCL Knockout path to Final

      https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/standings/bracket/

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      1. Travel Notes
        • 3 Years
        1 day, 18 hours ago

        It's a shame everything is so weighted and predictable in 'cup draws'.

        Much more exciting when no-one knows who they might get drawn against, 'minnows' have an outside chance, and 'top teams' can knock each other out.

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    • The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      2 days, 1 hour ago

      I was waiting for the CL to have more information despite losing value because of it. I now have the following choices I think:
      1) Foden and Konsa to Chalobah and Enzo
      2) Konsa and Ekiteke to Chalobah and Pedro but lose the 0.1 on Foden (he will likely start at the weekend as Doku had to come off)

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      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        2 days, 55 mins ago

        #1 looks good

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    • Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      2 days, 1 hour ago

      Palmer rests or has limited minutes from the bench vs. WHU, starts against Arsenal.

      Rosenior on whether he held back Cole Palmer through fitness or for impact: "It is a combination of both. There was no way Cole could have started and played 60, 70, 80 minutes. I knew Napoli had injury problems and felt we would get stronger over time in the game. We need to look after him and the way he has managed himself in the last two weeks was magnificent and we hope we can see him fully fit."

      https://x.com/i/status/2016642141628379381

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      1. RICICLE
        • 3 Years
        2 days, 32 mins ago

        Glad I sold

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    • leo_messi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 days, 1 hour ago

      Gordon and Kelleher to Enzo and Sanchez for free and BB this 4:

      Verbruggen (EVE) Alderete (BUR) Nunes (tot) Kroupi (wol)

      Yes or no??

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    • The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      2 days, 56 mins ago

      Are other Ekitike owners holding or selling? Any Liverpool fans out there with advice?

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      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 13 Years
        2 days, 54 mins ago

        Hold this week. Came off early today having played really well.

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      2. Mr Turnip 1
          2 days, 41 mins ago

          I sold early this week because it was my favourite way to Bruno F, but I think he’s a good hold

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          1. jacob1989
            • 3 Years
            2 days, 33 mins ago

            Fixtures dont look great. And i ran out of patience. Sold for j pedro

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        • tucaoneo
          • 7 Years
          2 days, 26 mins ago

          I was hesitant and missed the price swing of him and JP. Might as well hold one more GW.

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      3. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 13 Years
        2 days, 55 mins ago

        Saka to Semenyo or save.
        Already have Rice.

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        1. Jigger & Pony
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 days, 52 mins ago

          Get Semenyo

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      4. Brosstan
        • 11 Years
        2 days, 53 mins ago

        How many months in a row can a player be "not ready to play 60 minutes" yet constantly play a little bit?

        The way Chelsea are managing Palmers injury is clearly terrible

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        1. x.jim.x
          • 11 Years
          2 days, 31 mins ago

          And yet they’ve won 4 games on the bounce without him getting reinjured so can’t be that bad

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      5. Jigger & Pony
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 days, 53 mins ago

        Which attacker to own for the next 4 GWs?

        A. Pedro
        B. Watkins
        C. Thiago

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        1. hazza44
          • 13 Years
          2 days, 48 mins ago

          A or Evanilson

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        2. jacob1989
          • 3 Years
          2 days, 33 mins ago

          B

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      6. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 days, 49 mins ago

        So potentially open to a DGW26 for Chelsea and Everton if Chelsea can win at the Emirates in the EFL cup

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        1. Yes Ndidi
          • 6 Years
          2 days, 22 mins ago

          That would liven things up a bit.

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      7. hazza44
        • 13 Years
        2 days, 49 mins ago

        Which 3 to play this week?
        A) Timber (lee)
        B) Cash (BRE)
        C) Tark (bha)
        D) Mane (BOU)
        E) Bowen (che)

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        1. Jigger & Pony
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 days, 45 mins ago

          ABE

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        2. Amartey Partey
          • 6 Years
          2 days, 43 mins ago

          C, D, E

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        3. Mr Turnip 1
            2 days, 40 mins ago

            A B C

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        4. DALEDOBACK
          • 6 Years
          2 days, 48 mins ago

          Did 4 transfers for free.

          Ekitike, Foden, Saka and Miley to João Pedro, Bruno F, Mbuemo and Semenyo.

          Leaves me on this. Any thoughts appreciated.

          Verbruggen
          Gab Alderete O Reilly
          Mbuemo (B)runo Semenyo Rogers Rice
          João Pedro, Haaland

          Dub Thiago Konate Rodon

          1.1 in the bank.

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          1. Jigger & Pony
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            2 days, 44 mins ago

            Nice team

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          2. Amartey Partey
            • 6 Years
            2 days, 42 mins ago

            Thiago might haul. You never know with that guy.

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          3. Gommy
            • 15 Years
            2 days, 29 mins ago

            J Pedro potentially rested at the weekend for the EFL semi v Arsenal midweek. Delap could start.

            Thiago on penalties and always a threat. Villa hit with injuries in midfield (Tielemans/McGinn/Kamara) might have an impact.

            Other than the decision on those two, you’re looking good.

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            1. DALEDOBACK
              • 6 Years
              1 day, 23 hours ago

              Thanks all, appreciated

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        5. Amartey Partey
          • 6 Years
          2 days, 41 mins ago

          Start Timber or Alderete?

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          1. Mr Turnip 1
              2 days, 39 mins ago

              Timber

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          2. moz_1983
            • 13 Years
            2 days, 39 mins ago

            1. Cherki /Reijnders
            2. Ekitike / Watkins

            ...for the next handful of games?

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            1. Mr Turnip 1
                2 days, 37 mins ago

                1. Neither? Otherwise Cherki
                2. Very close, both minutes risks, both high ceiling, go with your gut

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            2. Letsgo!
              • 9 Years
              2 days, 37 mins ago

              Will u start foster or garner?
              Any chance foster will start for burnley?

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              1. Amartey Partey
                • 6 Years
                2 days, 29 mins ago

                Garner. Defcon beast.

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            3. matthew_1991
              • 11 Years
              2 days, 36 mins ago

              Palmer to Bruno for a -4?

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              1. Amartey Partey
                • 6 Years
                2 days, 30 mins ago

                Nope. Palmer had a rest and plays West Ham next at home.

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                1. Gommy
                  • 15 Years
                  2 days, 25 mins ago

                  Not a guarantee at all. Palmer could easily have his minutes managed once more, in prep for the SF v Arsenal midweek.

                  May be given 60 mins at best.

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                  1. Amartey Partey
                    • 6 Years
                    2 days, 23 mins ago

                    Yup, he will probably come off around 65 mins. I'd wait to do the transfer next week and avoid the hit.

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                2. matthew_1991
                  • 11 Years
                  2 days, 6 mins ago

                  That’s what I’m thinking, Palmer does have nice fixtures coming up, maybe Rogers to Bruno then..

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