The Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season is full of twists and turns, but nothing causes more planning headaches than Double and Blank Gameweeks. These unique Gameweeks can make or break your season, depending on how well you prepare.
A Double Gameweek (DGW) occurs when a team plays twice in a single Gameweek, offering a huge opportunity for FPL managers to earn extra points.
Conversely, a Blank Gameweek (BGW) happens when a team does not play at all due to scheduling conflicts, often caused by cup competitions.
Understanding these Gameweeks and knowing how to navigate them effectively is crucial to achieving a high rank in FPL. This guide will provide all the necessary details, strategies, and best practices to help you plan like a pro.
What Are FPL Double and Blank Gameweeks?
FPL Double and Blank Gameweeks are critical phases in a Fantasy Premier League season, influencing player selection, chip usage, and overall ranking. These Gameweeks occur due to fixture rescheduling, typically caused by domestic and European cup competitions.
Double Gameweek (DGW)
A Double Gameweek happens when a team plays twice in one Gameweek. This means players from that team have two opportunities to earn points, making it a golden chance to capitalise on extra fixtures.
‘For example, if Manchester City has two fixtures in a DGW, investing in key players like Erling Haaland or Kevin De Bruyne can lead to massive point hauls.
Blank Gameweek (BGW)
A Blank Gameweek occurs when a team has no fixture at all. This usually happens when a club progresses in cup competitions, causing their Premier League fixture to be postponed.
In these cases, managers must plan accordingly to ensure their squads still have enough active players to score points.
Managing these Gameweeks effectively is essential for maximising points and avoiding unnecessary transfer hits.
When Are the FPL Blank and Double Gameweeks in 2024/25?
As the FPL season progresses, several blank and double gameweeks will impact Fantasy Premier League managers’ strategies. Based on current projections:
- Blank Gameweek 29
- Double Gameweek 32 & 33
- Blank Gameweek 34
- Double Gameweek 36
Which Teams Have Double and Blank Gameweeks in 2024/2025?
The fixture schedule is constantly changing, and keeping up with it is crucial. Below is a breakdown of confirmed and potential Double and Blank Gameweeks for the 2024/2025 season.
Double Gameweeks in 2024/2025
| Gameweek | Fixture |
| DGW32 | Newcastle v Man Utd |
| DGW32 | Man City v Crystal Palace |
| DGW32 | Newcastle v Crystal Palace |
Blank Gameweeks in 2024/2025
| Gameweek | Fixture at Risk | Postponed If… |
| BGW34 | Arsenal v Crystal Palace | Crystal Palace win FA Cup QF |
| BGW34 | Bournemouth v Man Utd | Bournemouth win FA Cup QF |
| BGW34 | Brighton v West Ham | Brighton win FA Cup QF |
| BGW34 | Man City v Aston Villa | Man City or Aston Villa win FA Cup QF |
| BGW34 | Nottingham Forest v Brentford | Nottingham Forest win FA Cup QF |
| BGW34 | Southampton v Fulham | Fulham win FA Cup QF |
How Should You Approach Double Gameweek 32?
DGW32 presents a great opportunity to earn extra points by bringing in players from Newcastle and Crystal Palace, as they both have two fixtures in this Gameweek.
Fixtures in DGW32
Newcastle:
- Home vs Manchester United
- Home vs Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace:
- Away vs Manchester City
- Away vs Newcastle
Key Players to Target in DGW32
- Alexander Isak (£9.3m, Newcastle): The Newcastle forward is leading the charts for attacking returns and is a prime candidate for the Triple Captain chip.
- Kieran Trippier (£6.8m, Newcastle): Offers both defensive solidity and attacking potential with assists from set-pieces.
- Michael Olise (£5.9m, Crystal Palace): A budget-friendly midfield differential option who could provide attacking returns.
Captaincy and Chip Strategy for DGW32
- Triple Captain: A great opportunity to use this chip on a Newcastle attacker like Isak.
- Bench Boost: If your squad has several DGW players, activating this chip can maximise points.
- Transfers: Prioritise Newcastle assets due to their favourable fixtures.
What Is the Best Strategy for Blank Gameweek 34?
Blank Gameweek 34 (BGW34) presents a unique challenge for FPL managers as several teams will have no fixture due to the FA Cup semi-finals.
This can leave squads short on active players, making it crucial to plan in advance. The right strategy will depend on your current team structure, available transfers, and remaining chips.
1. Assessing Your Squad in Advance
The first step in preparing for BGW34 is evaluating how many players you have available. If you already own key assets from teams that will play in BGW34 (such as Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Tottenham, Wolves, Leicester, Newcastle, and Ipswich), you may not need to make drastic changes.
However, if you have multiple players from teams affected by the FA Cup semi-finals, you will need a plan to ensure a competitive squad.
2. Free Hit Chip – Is It the Right Time to Use It?
One of the most effective ways to navigate a Blank Gameweek is by using the Free Hit chip. This allows you to field a full starting XI for one Gameweek without taking point deductions or making long-term changes to your squad.
When to use the Free Hit in BGW34:
- If you have fewer than 7-8 active players in your squad.
- If key assets like Erling Haaland, Bukayo Saka, or Kevin De Bruyne are missing due to postponed fixtures.
- If you want to take advantage of teams with good fixtures in BGW34 without committing to them long-term.
If your squad already has 9-10 active players, you may be able to navigate BGW34 using free transfers instead of the Free Hit.
3. Planning Transfers to Avoid Taking Hits
A well-planned approach is to gradually bring in players who will feature in BGW34 rather than making last-minute panic transfers. Targeting players from teams like Liverpool, Chelsea, and Newcastle in the weeks leading up to BGW34 can ensure you have enough active players without needing excessive -4 or -8 point hits.
4. Holding Premium Players for Future Double Gameweeks
BGW34 is tricky because some top teams will not play, but these teams are likely to have Double Gameweeks later. Instead of selling premium assets like Haaland or Saka, it may be better to bench them for one week rather than wasting transfers.
5. Finding the Right Captaincy Choice
With fewer fixtures in BGW34, picking the right captain becomes even more important. Players from teams like Liverpool (Mohamed Salah), Tottenham (Heung-Min Son), or Chelsea (Cole Palmer) could be excellent captaincy choices due to their strong fixtures and reliability.
When Should You Use Your FPL Chips for Maximum Points?
Using chips effectively can make a significant difference in overall rank. The best time to activate them depends on the fixture schedule.
| Chip | Best Time to Use |
| Triple Captain | DGW32 (Isak, Haaland, or another premium asset) |
| Bench Boost | A major DGW, likely after BGW34 when postponed fixtures are rescheduled |
| Free Hit | BGW34 if your team lacks playing assets |
| Wildcard | Before a DGW to set up for maximum returns |
Understanding when to deploy these chips will give managers the best chance of maximising their scores.
Which Players Are the Best Picks for Double and Blank Gameweeks?
Choosing the right players for DGWs and BGWs is essential.
Best Picks for DGW32:
- Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne, Bruno Guimarães, Michael Olise
- Forwards: Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak, Callum Wilson
- Defenders: Kieran Trippier, Ruben Dias, Joachim Andersen
Best Picks for BGW34:
- Midfielders: Mohamed Salah, Cole Palmer, James Maddison
- Forwards: Ollie Watkins, Darwin Núñez
- Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell
Having a mix of DGW players and BGW coverage will help managers maintain a strong squad throughout these unpredictable Gameweeks.
What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid in FPL Double and Blank Gameweeks?
Navigating Double and Blank Gameweeks in FPL can be challenging, and many managers make costly mistakes that negatively impact their overall rank. Understanding these pitfalls and planning strategically can help you maximise points while avoiding unnecessary risks. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid during these crucial Gameweeks:
1. Overloading on Double Gameweek Players Without a Long-Term Plan
While it may be tempting to fill your team with as many Double Gameweek players as possible, this strategy can backfire if those players have poor fixtures or do not fit into your team beyond that specific Gameweek. Many managers make the mistake of bringing in too many short-term players only to struggle in the following weeks when they have difficult matches or no fixture at all.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Prioritise players who have a good run of fixtures beyond the DGW.
- Avoid taking excessive hits (-8 or more) just to bring in DGW players.
- Consider whether the player is worth keeping in your squad after the DGW.
2. Ignoring Fixture Congestion and Rotation Risks
During Double Gameweeks, teams play twice in a short period, increasing the likelihood of player rotation. Managers often overlook this factor and bring in players who may only start one of the two matches, significantly reducing their expected points.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Focus on nailed-on starters rather than rotation-prone players.
- Consider teams with fewer squad rotation tendencies.
- Pay attention to press conferences and injury reports before making transfers.
3. Using Chips at the Wrong Time
Chips like Triple Captain, Bench Boost, and Free Hit can be game-changers in DGWs and BGWs, but many managers waste them at suboptimal times. Playing a Triple Captain chip on a player with a tough fixture or using a Bench Boost when your bench lacks strong DGW players can limit your points potential.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Save Bench Boost for a Gameweek where you have a strong squad with multiple DGW players.
- Use Triple Captain on a player with an excellent fixture and minimal rotation risk.
- Deploy Free Hit strategically, particularly in a Blank Gameweek when your team lacks enough playing assets.
4. Taking Too Many Points Hits
Many FPL managers panic before DGWs and take excessive -4 or -8 point hits to bring in additional DGW players. While a well-planned hit can be beneficial, excessive hits can backfire, especially if the new players do not perform as expected.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Only take a hit if the incoming player is likely to score at least 4-6 extra points.
- Prioritise high-impact players rather than chasing DGW fillers.
- Plan transfers in advance to avoid unnecessary last-minute hits.
5. Ignoring the Impact of Blank Gameweeks
While Double Gameweeks attract a lot of attention, Blank Gameweeks can be just as important. Some managers fail to prepare for Blank Gameweeks, leaving their squads with too few active players. This often results in a major point loss.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Check the fixture schedule in advance to see which teams will miss a Gameweek.
- Use Free Hit if necessary to navigate a BGW with minimal disruption.
- Make transfers leading up to a BGW to ensure you have enough playing assets.
How Can You Stay Updated on Fixture Changes?
Tracking fixture updates is crucial for staying ahead in FPL. Some of the best resources for real-time updates include:
- Fantasy Football Hub: Offers fixture analysis and chip strategies.
- Official FPL Website: Provides updates on rescheduled and postponed matches.
- Twitter Accounts: Follow FPL experts and analysts for real-time news.
By keeping track of fixture changes, managers can adjust their squads accordingly and take advantage of DGWs and BGWs.
Conclusion
Planning for Double and Blank Gameweeks is essential for long-term FPL success. By preparing in advance, using your chips wisely, and selecting the right players, you can maximise points and gain an advantage over your rivals.
Make sure to stay updated with fixture changes and adjust your strategy accordingly. With the right approach, you can navigate these tricky Gameweeks like a pro.
FAQs About FPL Double and Blank Gameweeks
What is the difference between a Double and Blank Gameweek in FPL?
A Double Gameweek features teams playing twice, while a Blank Gameweek includes fewer fixtures due to postponements.
Should I use my Free Hit or Wildcard for BGW34?
The Free Hit is ideal for BGW34 if your squad lacks enough players.
Who are the best captaincy options for DGW32?
Alexander Isak, Erling Haaland, or Kevin De Bruyne are strong choices.
Is it worth taking hits to bring in DGW players?
A -4 hit can be beneficial if the incoming player plays twice and is a long-term asset.
Where can I get real-time updates on FPL fixture changes?
Follow Fantasy Football Hub, the official FPL site, and Twitter accounts of trusted FPL analysts.
