FPL talking point: How to navigate a double gameweek
Erling Haaland and Manchester City face two double gameweeks before the season ends
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Published
Six teams play twice in gameweek 33, creating crucial decisions for Fantasy Premier League managers as the season reaches its climax.
With fixtures piling up, is this the moment to deploy your remaining chips?
FPL expert Gianni Buttice and the FPL podcast team break down the key considerations heading into gameweek 33.
Should you be using a chip this week?
FPL Gianni: This is the season's only major double gameweek, making chip activation essential to capitalize on six teams playing twice. Around 500,000 managers already used their Wildcard in gameweek 32 to prepare for a Bench Boost, potentially fielding 15 players with double fixtures.
Both the Wildcard and Free Hit remain strong options. Ideally, you'll deploy one of these full-squad reset chips in either gameweek 33 or 34—maintaining a competitive team across both weeks without one is nearly impossible.
Remember: teams doubling in gameweek 33 blank in gameweek 34, so a reset becomes necessary.
If you're holding the Triple Captain chip, another double gameweek opportunity arrives in gameweek 36 when Erling Haaland likely doubles again.
Statman Dave: My recommendation last week was clear: if you have your Wildcard available, activate it in gameweek 32, build a squad of 15 players doubling in gameweek 33, then deploy your Bench Boost.
Alistair Bruce-Ball: I can't effectively Bench Boost since I didn't Wildcard last week, so I'm leaning toward the Free Hit. Dave's point stands though—Free Hit gives you 11 starting players, while Bench Boost delivers 15.
I'll save my Bench Boost for later, possibly that gameweek 36 double when Man City and Palace both play twice.
Who are the best budget options?
FPL Gianni: Bournemouth, Brighton and Leeds all face favorable double gameweek fixtures and provide excellent affordable assets.
With a home match against Wolves and momentum from Monday's impressive Old Trafford victory, Leeds look particularly appealing.
Defensively, Jaka Bijol (£3.9m) consistently delivers defensive contributions, while Jayden Bogle (£4.4m) operates with a winger's average position and provides quality delivery into the box.
Up front, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.6m) hasn't found the net in seven league matches, but his underlying numbers and eye test suggest a breakthrough is imminent.
Statman Dave: Calvert-Lewin could be the perfect differential for this double. Stick with him—he might be the ace up your sleeve.
Who are the best Man City players to pick?
FPL Gianni: Erling Haaland (£14.5m) is the obvious captaincy choice this gameweek, and for good reason. With a double fixture that includes a visit to Burnley, he's essential.
Given the title race could be decided on goal difference, expect Pep Guardiola's side to go all-out in attack. They've never been ones to hold back.
For those on Free Hit or Wildcard, the Antoine Semenyo (£8.2m) versus Rayan Cherki (£6.3m) debate is worth considering. You might even fit both alongside a triple City attack. Semenyo brings more goal threat, while Cherki excels as a creator and assist provider.
The Frenchman has been impressive recently and could be argued as City's standout attacker over the past two months, though he's still prone to early substitutions.
Both are nailed-on starters, but Semenyo has completed 90 minutes in eight of his 10 league appearances since joining Manchester City. Cherki, by contrast, has only finished a full match three times all season.
Statman Dave: Cherki is City's most influential player in the final third right now, but he's a playmaker rather than a finisher.
If Nico O'Reilly is ruled out and you've banked transfers, Cherki becomes a very attractive differential option.
Will the flagged O'Reilly play?
The 21-year-old O'Reilly (£5m) has enjoyed an outstanding season, delivering consistent attacking returns with nine open-play goals to his name.
To put that in perspective, popular FPL picks Cole Palmer (£10.5m) and Bukayo Saka (£9.8m) have managed five and seven respectively.
The full-back is currently yellow-flagged after being substituted against Chelsea with what appeared to be a hamstring issue.
Guardiola's pre-match press conference will be crucial for clarity on O'Reilly's availability, particularly ahead of the Arsenal clash where he's expected to play a vital role.
When City defeated Arsenal four weeks ago, Guardiola spoke about fielding "the tallest team as possible." At 6ft 4in (1.93m), O'Reilly fits that blueprint perfectly for this weekend's fixture.
That said, he could be rested for the midweek trip to Burnley. It's possible.
Chris Sutton: There's zero chance O'Reilly will be fit for the Arsenal game. You can't recover from a hamstring injury in that timeframe.
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