The results of the EFL Cup and FA Cup will shape Fantasy Premier League strategies, with Blank Gameweek 29 (BGW29) and Blank Gameweek 34 (BGW34) on the horizon.
Blank & Double Gameweeks Explained
- Blank Gameweek (BGW): Fewer than 10 fixtures, meaning some players score zero points.
- Double Gameweek (DGW): More than 10 fixtures, with at least one team playing twice.
EFL Cup Impact on BGW29 & DGW25
The EFL Cup final on March 16 (GW29) means two teams will have a blank fixture, along with their scheduled opponents. The affected matches will be two of:
- Arsenal v Chelsea
- Aston Villa v Liverpool
- Fulham v Spurs
- Newcastle v Crystal Palace
Who qualifies for the final determines DGW25 teams:
- Liverpool win SF → Liverpool & Villa get DGW25 & BGW29
- Spurs win SF → Spurs & Fulham get DGW25 & BGW29
- Arsenal win SF → Arsenal & Chelsea get DGW25 & BGW29
- Newcastle win SF → Newcastle & Palace blank in GW29
Key FPL Players Affected
- Mohamed Salah (DGW25, BGW29) – Popular Triple Captain choice
- Alexander Isak (60% ownership) – BGW29 if Newcastle reach the final
- Cole Palmer (64% ownership) – DGW25 & BGW29 if Arsenal progress
- David Raya, Saliba, Gabriel – Arsenal’s BGW29 depends on their SF result
FA Cup Impact on BGW34
The FA Cup semi-finals (GW34) will cause postponements, with at least four fixtures removed. Arsenal, Brentford, and West Ham are safe, but 17 teams remain at risk. Key matches that could blank:
- Liverpool v Spurs
- Man City v Aston Villa
- Chelsea v Everton
- Newcastle v Ipswich
Chip Strategy Tips
- Triple Captain: Ideal for DGW25
- Free Hit: Useful for BGW29 or BGW34
- Assistant Manager: If unused in DGW24, consider it in DGW25
With fewer blank and double Gameweeks this season, managers may need to rethink chip usage. Keep an eye on domestic cup results to stay ahead! Need a free tool to help you plan your chip strategy? Click here
