Millions of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are currently formulating their chip strategies, which they will likely finalize only after gaining full knowledge of both Double Gameweek 33 (if it indeed becomes a double) and Blank Gameweek 34.
The upcoming FA Cup fifth-round action will bring us closer to understanding the full details of the significant blank, but the complete picture may not be known for another month or so.
Blank Gameweek 34
Blank Gameweek 34 coincides with the FA Cup semi-final weekend. There are two Premier League matches where both teams have already been eliminated from the FA Cup:
Matches Going Ahead: Confirmed
One Team Still in the FA Cup
(these are bolded)
- Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace
- Brighton and Hove Albion vs. West Ham United
- Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford
- Southampton vs. Fulham
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Leicester City
Both Teams Still in the FA Cup
- Bournemouth vs. Manchester United
- Manchester City vs. Aston Villa
- Newcastle United vs. Ipswich Town
We’ll know more about the other blanks after the quarter-finals, which take place just before Gameweek 30. We could even learn about one or two blanks before Gameweek 28. For example, if Bournemouth and Manchester United both advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals (the fifth round is this weekend) and then draw each other, they’ll definitely blank in Gameweek 34. The same is true for Man City/Aston Villa and Newcastle/Ipswich.
Many FPL managers plan to use their Free Hit chip in this significant blank. However, if numerous "template" players suddenly become available for that weekend, it could also be navigated without using a chip.
Double Gameweek 33
It’s currently assumed, but not a given, that the postponed Gameweek 34 matches will move to Gameweek 33, forming the largest double of the 2024/25 season. Doubles being announced in Gameweeks 25 and 32 were previous curveballs thrown by the Premier League, so we can’t rule out something unexpected again.
We also can’t assume that we’ll have confirmation of Double Gameweek 33 by Gameweek 30. The midweek Gameweek 30 deadline comes just a few days after the FA Cup quarter-finals, not leaving much time to rearrange with all relevant parties.
Of course, clubs could already be working with the Premier League to prepare for this scenario, ready to act quickly. But it’s safer to believe that announcements will instead be made by Gameweek 31, when there’s still a two-and-a-half-week notice for supporters.
Within the Fantasy community, Gameweeks 30 to 32 are set to be a popular time for Wildcard usage. The latter gives more time to digest fixture information and is closer to a potential Double Gameweek 33 Bench Boost, allowing for more accurate decisions on fit, in-form players.
Remember to stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments as the season progresses to make the most informed decisions for your FPL team.
