FPL Double Gameweeks: Guide for Fantasy Football Enthusiasts

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is a thrilling game that keeps football fans engaged throughout the Premier League season. One of the most exciting and strategic aspects of FPL is the occurrence of Double Gameweeks (DGWs). These periods offer FPL managers a chance to maximize their points by selecting players who are playing two fixtures in one Gameweek. In this guide, we’ll delve into what Double Gameweeks are, why they are so important for FPL success, and how to make the most of them.

What are Double Gameweeks in FPL

A Double Gameweek (DGW) refers to a Gameweek in which a team plays twice. In FPL, this typically happens when a fixture is postponed for any reason (e.g., cup commitments, bad weather, or logistical issues) and is rescheduled to a later date. To accommodate these postponed fixtures, a Double Gameweek is created, allowing players from those teams to play two matches within the same Gameweek.

The concept of DGWs can make a significant impact on your FPL strategy. Managers often focus on these Gameweeks to maximize their potential points, as players with two matches can earn more points through goals, assists, clean sheets, and bonus points.

Why Are Double Gameweeks Important in FPL?

Double Gameweeks present a unique opportunity for managers to earn a substantial amount of points in a single Gameweek. Since teams with a Double Gameweek have two chances to score points, it’s an opportunity for FPL managers to target players who are likely to be involved in multiple games. Here are a few reasons why DGWs are so important:

Maximized Point Potential

Having players in your FPL team who are scheduled to play twice gives you twice the chance to rack up points. This means more opportunities for goals, assists, clean sheets, and bonus points from the same player.

Strategic Planning

Double Gameweeks give FPL managers a chance to make up ground on their competition, especially in mini-leagues. If you plan your transfers well and select players with good fixtures, you can potentially gain a lot of points, particularly if your competitors overlook or fail to take advantage of DGWs.

Optimizing Transfers

FPL managers often make key transfers during DGWs to capitalize on extra matches. Players who have favorable fixtures in these Gameweeks can be valuable assets to own, and by using your transfers wisely, you can make the most of these periods.

Bench Boost and Triple Captain Chips

Double Gameweeks are the perfect opportunity to use chips like “Bench Boost” and “Triple Captain.” The “Bench Boost” chip allows you to earn points from your entire bench if they also play, while the “Triple Captain” chip triples the points of your selected captain. Using these chips during a DGW can yield huge rewards.

How to Prepare for Double Gameweeks in FPL

Preparation is key when it comes to making the most of Double Gameweeks. FPL managers need to plan ahead in order to maximize their points and stay ahead of the curve. Below are some steps to prepare for a DGW:

Monitor Fixture Postponements

The first step in preparing for a Double Gameweek is to keep an eye on fixture changes. Postponements often happen due to cup competitions or adverse weather, and FPL will announce rescheduled matches. Make sure to stay updated on fixture changes through official Premier League communications or trusted FPL resources.

Assess Player Form

Once the fixtures for the DGW have been confirmed, assess the form of the players involved. Look for players who are in good form, as these individuals are more likely to perform well in the upcoming matches. Players from teams with a strong attacking or defensive record are prime candidates to include in your squad.

Plan Transfers Early

Planning your transfers in advance is crucial to avoid knee-jerk reactions that can leave you with less optimal players. If you know a DGW is approaching, consider making transfers that help build a squad tailored to those fixtures. Sometimes, you may need to take hits (i.e., making more than one transfer for a -4 point penalty), but it can be worth it if it results in bringing in high-potential players for the DGW.

Focus on Teams with Strong Fixtures

Not all Double Gameweeks are created equal. Some teams might have difficult fixtures in their DGW, making it less appealing to invest in their players. Focus on teams that have relatively favorable fixtures, and prioritize players who have good attacking or defensive potential.

Consider the Fixture Congestion

In certain seasons, teams playing in DGWs may also face tight schedules with multiple matches within a short period. This can lead to fatigue or rotation risks. Be mindful of teams with congested fixtures, as players may not feature in both games, especially if the manager rotates their squad.

How to Maximize Your Points During Double Gameweeks

Once you’ve prepared your team for a DGW, the next step is to optimize your strategy during the Gameweek itself. Here are some tips on how to maximize your points:

Use the Bench Boost Chip

The Bench Boost chip is ideal for Double Gameweeks, as it allows you to earn points from players on your bench if they play. For instance, if you have a few players who have a DGW but are on your bench, activating the Bench Boost chip ensures you get points from those players, increasing your total score for the week.

Activate the Triple Captain Chip

For Double Gameweeks, using the Triple Captain chip on a player with favorable fixtures and good form can result in a massive points boost. Choose a player who is likely to play both games and has a good chance of returning significant points, such as an in-form striker or a high-performing midfielder.

Prioritize Key Players

Look for players who are in form and have a high chance of getting involved in the game. These could be star players from top teams or key men in teams with favorable fixtures. Players like Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, or Kevin De Bruyne are often popular choices in DGWs.

Keep an Eye on Injuries and Rotations

Before finalizing your team for a Double Gameweek, check for any injury updates or news on potential squad rotations. If a player is injured or at risk of rotation, it might be worth avoiding them in favor of someone more reliable. You don’t want to waste a valuable Double Gameweek slot on a player who won’t feature in both matches.

Don’t Overlook the Captaincy

Selecting the right captain is vital in any FPL Gameweek, but it’s especially important in DGWs. With more games comes a greater chance to pick up points, so choose your captain wisely. Opt for a player from one of the teams with the most favorable fixtures who is likely to play both matches and be involved in the majority of the attack or defensive actions.

FAQs 

What is a Double Gameweek in FPL?

A Double Gameweek (DGW) occurs when one or more teams have more than one match scheduled in the same Gameweek. This typically happens when a match is postponed and later rescheduled, creating a scenario where a team plays two games instead of one.

How Do I Benefit From Double Gameweeks?

DGWs give players the chance to score more points. Players in your squad who have two matches in one Gameweek have more opportunities to score goals, provide assists, keep clean sheets, and earn bonus points, all of which contribute to higher scores. Therefore, targeting players from teams with a DGW can be a key strategy.

Are All Teams Involved in Double Gameweeks?

No, not all teams participate in Double Gameweeks. Only teams with postponed fixtures that have been rescheduled are involved. When DGWs are announced, you’ll typically see a list of teams playing twice during that specific Gameweek.

How Do I Prepare for Double Gameweeks?

To maximize your DGW potential, plan your transfers ahead of time. Focus on bringing in players from teams with favorable fixtures during the DGW. Keep an eye on injuries, form, and potential rotation risks to make sure your players will feature in both matches.

To Conclude

Double Gameweeks are an exciting and strategic part of the FPL season. They present opportunities to maximize points, surge up the rankings, and gain a competitive edge in your mini-leagues. By planning ahead, making informed transfers, and using your chips wisely, you can take full advantage of DGWs and significantly boost your overall performance in Fantasy Premier League.

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