The results of this weekend’s FA Cup quarter-final matches will significantly impact Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers as they prepare for the final stretch of the season. Understanding how these results affect Blank and Double Gameweeks is essential for optimizing chip strategies and maximizing points potential.
Impact on Blank Gameweek 34 (BGW34)
The most immediate effect of the FA Cup quarter-finals is on Blank Gameweek 34 (BGW34). In Fantasy Premier League, a Blank Gameweek occurs when fewer than the usual ten fixtures take place, meaning certain teams do not play and their players earn zero points. This weekend’s FA Cup results will confirm how many matches will be removed from BGW34.
Currently, seven Premier League teams remain in the FA Cup quarter-finals. If they progress to the semi-finals, they will not play their scheduled Premier League matches in BGW34 since the FA Cup semi-finals take place on the same weekend. Importantly, their opponents for those fixtures will also be left without a game. This creates a significant hurdle for FPL managers who own players from these affected teams.
How Double Gameweeks Will Be Determined
Any postponed Premier League fixtures from BGW34 will need to be rescheduled, leading to additional Double Gameweeks (DGWs). A Double Gameweek occurs when a team has two matches within a single Gameweek, giving FPL managers a chance to benefit from players earning points twice.
Understanding the rearranged schedule will be crucial for planning chip strategies, particularly for those holding the Free Hit, Bench Boost, or Triple Captain chips. Many managers are considering using their Free Hit in BGW34 to navigate the missing fixtures without taking unnecessary point deductions for transfers.
Current Fixtures Confirmed for BGW34
As it stands, only four matches are confirmed to go ahead in BGW34:
- Chelsea vs Everton
- Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Leicester City
- Newcastle United vs Ipswich Town
All other fixtures remain uncertain, as teams involved in the FA Cup quarter-finals could still progress and cause further postponements.
Best Chip Strategies for the Run-In
With the information available so far, FPL managers have a few viable strategies to tackle the upcoming Gameweeks:
- Free Hit in BGW34
- If a significant number of key teams blank in BGW34, using a Free Hit could help managers field a full starting XI without taking points hits for multiple transfers.
- Wildcard Before a Major Double Gameweek
- Once the rescheduled fixtures are confirmed, using a Wildcard ahead of a big DGW can help managers build a squad filled with players who have multiple fixtures.
- Bench Boost in a Large DGW
- If a DGW features a high number of teams with two matches, activating Bench Boost can maximize points across all 15 squad players.
- Triple Captain for a Standout DGW Option
- If a premium player has two favorable fixtures in a DGW, the Triple Captain chip could deliver a massive haul
Key Takeaways
- The FA Cup quarter-final results will finalize the fixtures for BGW34.
- Teams reaching the FA Cup semi-finals will not play in BGW34, affecting their scheduled Premier League matches.
- Any postponed matches will later create additional Double Gameweeks.
- Managers should monitor these developments closely to make informed chip strategy decisions.
Staying up to date with fixture changes and planning accordingly will be crucial for success in the final stretch of the FPL season. With the right strategy, managers can turn potential fixture chaos into a major advantage in their leagues.
