FANTASY WATCHLIST: FPL Double Gameweek 34
With nine Gameweek's left of the season there are lots still to play for with Fantasy Premier League players, and one such remaining hurdle is the upcoming double Gameweek's. The Premier League has announced some of its Double Gameweek fixtures, and as predicted Gameweek 34 will have an additional 5 matches, but only added onto the original 6 that it hosted due to the FA Cup semi-final ties at Wembley. Here's our top three picks from each of the sides playing twice - Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace, and Man United - just in case you're a strategist who'd like a second opinion before committing to transfers. All aboard.
Fantasy Premier League: Gameweek 30 Deadline
For the 2016/17 Premier League season, the FPL deadline will be one hour before the commencement of the week's first game. The Premier League website lists each FPL deadline, you can always ask on social media, and you can also view a real time countdown on our Weekly Hype page.
The transfer deadline for GW30 is Saturday 1st April 2017 at 11:30am.
Double Gameweek 34: A Fixture Nightmare
That's what we get for being good kids all year expecting good tidings at a time equivilant to that of a religious holiday for FPL players. We expected the world, but ultimately we have been left waiting and waiting to unwrap something good. The Premier League finally announced some Double Gameweek fixtures, but no it's not the song and dance many thought, instead it is a nightmare that has reduced DGW potential, but an opportunity to use the art of fantasy knowledge to gain leverage in your individual tables.
See below for the current Double Gameweek fixtures:
Out of the five fixtures added, only three teams are playing twice for DGW34:
When asking what our FPL community thought about the Gameweek, we have been receiving mostly negative feedback surrounding the Gameweek:
Our general gut feeling is that a Gameweek stacked with options is unwise, though 5 or 6 additions would be very welcoming as long as you play your cards right. 3 Man United players (Zlatan included) and a differential or two from Palace and Middlesbrough, should be enough to claw at least a few points back.
If you have the Triple Captaincy pick still available, there's still time to sleep on it as the Premier League still has to announced a rearranged tie for Arsenal vs. Southampton, which is prime real estate for Sanchez (if he's not injured). DGW37 fixtures will be announced prior to the Gameweek 31 deadline, which is ample time to chop and change on your decision making.
Bench Boost appears a must for DGW37 - With Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal, United, and Southampton, amongst the teams playing twice. A second wildcard should be played then, prior to Gameweek 36, which gives you time to activate the bench boost during DGW37.
Below we've listed some early contenders from the 3 teams that will be featuring twice - Palace, Boro, and Man United - for the 34th round of fantasy fixtures this season.
Feel we should add anyone to this list, or want your own GW34 suggestions? Discuss with us on our Twitter account, @RealHypeTrain!
Crystal Palace: Our Top 3 Picks
There is just not a lot of love for Crystal Palace in the FPL. It's a struggling, inconsistent side that are just not pulling it together this season, but there are a FPL gems in the team that on occasion we have adored. Patrick van Aanholt and Wilfried Zaha are two shining examples, and on his day Benteke takes plaudits. Palace are the only club in this list to feature a midfielder option, so Zaha is a definite inclusion to DGW34 squads and is the perfect fit for the 5th midfielder role.
Middlesbrough: Our Top 3 Picks
With visits to Bournemouth and Sunderland, two potentially hazardous slips await. Boro have been regarded as an FPL asset in its defensive potential, if you can even call it that this season, so their best points potential remains at the back. Valdes and Gibson are both assured starters for a Boro side fighting for its life, but a change in manager might given them an added steel away from home. Their options are cheap and disposable, so could become hidden gems over the course of the two games.
Man United: Our Top 3 Picks
United are perhaps the most obvious of the three teams to back on. With trips to Burnley and Man City away from home, it won't be an easy as most think for United to get results, but defensively they've enough for a few clean sheets, and Zlatan is always good for a goal.
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All aboard.
