Navigating Blank and Double Gameweeks in FPL

Blank and Double Gameweeks are two of the most important and potentially game-changing parts of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season. Managing your team around these special Gameweeks can make or break your season. Let’s dive into how to prepare, when to use your chips, and how to maximize points during these crucial weeks.

What Are Blank and Double Gameweeks?

Blank Gameweeks: These occur when certain teams don’t play during a Gameweek, usually due to scheduling conflicts such as cup matches or postponed games. This means some of your players may not have a fixture, reducing your ability to score points if you don’t plan accordingly.
Double Gameweeks: These happen when a team plays twice in one Gameweek, often to make up for postponed matches. Players in teams with two fixtures have the potential to earn double points, making them gold mines for FPL managers.

Strategies for Blank Gameweeks

Plan Ahead: Blank Gameweeks are typically announced in advance, so you should look at your team and plan transfers accordingly. Avoid having too many players from teams that won’t play, and bring in players who are guaranteed to feature.
Use Your Free Hit Chip: The Free Hit chip allows you to make unlimited transfers for one Gameweek, then revert back to your original team the following week. This is perfect for Blank Gameweeks when you need a short-term fix to cover for missing players.
Bench Depth Matters: During Blank Gameweeks, your bench can become critical. If several of your starting players don’t have fixtures, you’ll rely on your bench to step in. Make sure you have active, budget players who will start for their teams, even if they aren’t star performers.
Avoid Point Hits: It’s tempting to make multiple transfers to cover Blank Gameweeks, but point hits can backfire. Try to limit the number of -4 point deductions by planning transfers well in advance and using the Free Hit wisely.

Strategies for Double Gameweeks

Target Double Gameweek Players: Players with two fixtures have a much higher ceiling for points. Prioritize bringing in key assets from teams that play twice, especially if they’re involved in attacking or defensive positions. Doubling up or tripling up on teams with favorable fixtures is often a great strategy.
Bench Boost Chip: The Bench Boost chip is ideal for Double Gameweeks. It allows all 15 of your players (including your bench) to score points in that Gameweek. If you’ve filled your bench with players who also have two fixtures, the points potential can be massive.
Triple Captain Chip: The Triple Captain chip, which triples your captain’s points, is best used in a Double Gameweek. A captain playing twice has twice the chance to deliver points. Make sure your chosen captain is a reliable starter in both fixtures to maximize returns.
Rotation Risks: Be aware that even in Double Gameweeks, not all players will play the full 180 minutes across both matches. Teams with packed schedules, or those involved in multiple competitions, might rotate key players. Focus on nailed-on starters to minimize the risk of rotation.

When to Use Your Chips

Free Hit for Blank Gameweeks: If several of your key players are missing due to a Blank Gameweek, the Free Hit is your best option. It allows you to bring in players who have guaranteed fixtures without long-term commitment, then return to your original squad the following Gameweek.
Wildcard for Double Gameweeks: If you’ve planned far enough ahead, you can use your Wildcard before a Double Gameweek to overhaul your team and load up on players with two fixtures. This lets you optimize your squad not just for the Double Gameweek but for future Gameweeks as well.
Bench Boost for Double Gameweeks: Activate the Bench Boost when your squad is full of players with two fixtures. You’ll want to use this chip when you’re confident your entire squad will start in both matches.
Triple Captain for Double Gameweeks: The Triple Captain chip is ideal for Double Gameweeks when your top player is likely to play two matches. This gives your captain two opportunities to score big, maximizing the impact of the chip.

How to Plan Ahead for Blank and Double Gameweeks

Monitor Fixture Announcements: Keep an eye on official FPL announcements regarding postponed matches and rescheduled fixtures. Blank and Double Gameweeks are typically known well in advance, so use this information to your advantage.
Build Slowly: Rather than making multiple transfers in a single Gameweek, start preparing a few weeks in advance by gradually bringing in players who will have Double Gameweeks. This will help you avoid points hits while still setting up for the big weeks.
Be Flexible: Plans can change quickly, especially with postponed fixtures or sudden injuries. While it’s important to plan ahead, stay flexible enough to react to unexpected developments.
Don’t Overcommit: While it’s tempting to fill your entire squad with Double Gameweek players, remember that they’ll eventually return to normal schedules. Ensure your team remains balanced with players who have favorable fixtures beyond the Double Gameweek.

Conclusion

Blank and Double Gameweeks are critical parts of the FPL season and can be your biggest opportunity to climb the rankings. By planning ahead, using your chips wisely, and targeting key players for these Gameweeks, you can make the most of these pivotal moments. Keep an eye on fixture announcements, stay flexible, and use your Wildcard, Free Hit, Bench Boost, or Triple Captain to maximize your points potential.