The Scout's guide to Blank and Double Gameweeks in 2024/25 Fantasy

The Scout's guide to Blank and Double Gameweeks in 2024/25 Fantasy

Get the key dates for Blanks and Doubles to help plan ahead and inform your chip strategy

The Scout's Guide to Blank and Double Gameweeks in Fantasy Premier League 2024/25

Stay ahead of the game by planning for the critical Blank and Double Gameweeks in the remainder of the 2024/25 Fantasy Premier League season. Here's everything you need to know about these key fixtures and how to manage them.

What are Blank and Double Gameweeks?

• Blank Gameweek (BGW): When fewer than 10 matches are scheduled, and at least one team has no fixture. Players from these teams will not earn Fantasy points.
• Double Gameweek (DGW): When more than 10 matches are scheduled, and at least one team plays twice in a single Gameweek, giving players more chances to score.

Key Dates for Blank and Double Gameweeks

Blank Gameweek 29

Confirmed Blank: Liverpool and Newcastle United

Due to both clubs reaching the EFL Cup final, both Liverpool and Newcastle will have a Blank Gameweek 29 (BGW29). Liverpool’s match against Villa has been moved to Double Gameweek 25, while Newcastle’s fixture with Palace is rescheduled for DGW32.

With Salah and Alexander Isak among the most-owned players, using the Free Hit chip could be a viable option for navigating this reduced Gameweek. However, consider holding the Free Hit until Gameweek 34, when a larger BGW is expected. Managers are also looking to use free transfers to reduce the number of BGW29 players and save the Wildcard for Gameweek 30.

Double Gameweek 32

Confirmed Double: Newcastle

Newcastle’s EFL Cup involvement has reshuffled their schedule. Their matches against Manchester United and Crystal Palace have been moved to DGW32, both at home. Meanwhile, Palace will face Manchester City and Newcastle in their double.

This is a prime opportunity to deploy your Triple Captain chip on Isak, who leads all forwards in attacking returns (goals + assists). Alternatively, use the Assistant Manager chip for Eddie Howe or Oliver Glasner for four matches across three Gameweeks.

Blank Gameweek 34

Confirmed Blank: FA Cup Semi-Finals

BGW34 coincides with the FA Cup semi-finals, potentially causing a major shake-up in the Premier League schedule. So far, nine clubs are already out of the FA Cup and will play as scheduled in Gameweek 34: Arsenal, Brentford, Chelsea, Everton, Leicester City, Liverpool, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United.

However, 11 clubs could still be involved in the FA Cup fifth round, leading to postponed fixtures for any teams advancing to the semi-finals. This could result in the largest Double Gameweek of the season, making it an ideal time to play your Bench Boost chip and maximize points from 30 players across your team.

Possible Fixtures at Risk in BGW34:

• Chelsea vs Everton
• Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur

FA Cup Fifth-Round Draw:

• Aston Villa vs Cardiff
• AFC Bournemouth vs Wolves
• Crystal Palace vs Millwall
• Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich
• Man City vs Plymouth
• Man Utd vs Fulham
• Newcastle vs Brighton
• Preston vs Burnley

Should any of the remaining FA Cup ties lead to upsets, fixtures that were scheduled for BGW34 could stay on track. For example, if Bournemouth defeats Wolves, their match against Leicester will remain in BGW34. Similarly, if Man Utd beats Fulham, the Cottagers' match with Southampton will remain in BGW34.

Strategy Tips:

• Free Hit: Consider using it in BGW34, as it could be the largest Blank Gameweek of the season.
• Wildcard: Use your Wildcard in Gameweek 30 to manage your squad for upcoming fixtures.
• Bench Boost: The ideal time to play it will be in the aftermath of BGW34, when a massive DGW is likely to follow.

Stay ahead of the curve and get your Fantasy Premier League strategy locked in with this guide to Blank and Double Gameweeks. Your planning could make all the difference in your final rank!