FA Cup results change Fantasy Premier League games in April 2026

FA Cup quarter-final results mean some Premier League teams will play two games in Gameweek 33, while others will play none in Gameweek 34. This is a big change for Fantasy Premier League managers.

LATEST: The approaching slate of matches in Fantasy Premier...

The approaching slate of matches in Fantasy Premier League presents a complex strategic puzzle, largely dictated by the outcomes of the FA Cup quarter-finals. The consequences ripple through upcoming gameweeks, with the potential for Double Gameweeks (DGW) and Blank Gameweeks (BGW) altering player availability and team valuations significantly.

LATEST: Implications for Gameweek 33 and 34

Even Green Party voters oppose Zack Polanski's plans to reduce the speed limit on Britain's motorways to 55mph, poll shows - 1

The crucial determinant for DGW33 and BGW34 hinges on which Premier League clubs advance to the FA Cup semi-finals. This scenario directly impacts team schedules, potentially causing matches to be rescheduled into DGW33 and subsequently creating gaps in BGW34.

Even Green Party voters oppose Zack Polanski's plans to reduce the speed limit on Britain's motorways to 55mph, poll shows - 2

A significant number of clubs now face a Double Gameweek 33 and a Blank Gameweek 34. This situation arises from FA Cup progression, leading to fixtures being condensed or postponed.

LATEST: Arsenal's exit from the FA Cup means they,...

Even Green Party voters oppose Zack Polanski's plans to reduce the speed limit on Britain's motorways to 55mph, poll shows - 3

  • Arsenal's exit from the FA Cup means they, alongside Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, West Ham United, and Leeds United, are key figures in shaping the DGW/BGW landscape.

  • If Manchester City reaches the FA Cup semi-finals, their fixture against Burnley would be moved, granting both clubs a DGW33 and a BGW34. This could involve matches against Arsenal and Burnley for City.

Similarly, Liverpool's progression could lead to a DGW33...

  • Similarly, Liverpool's progression could lead to a DGW33 and BGW34 involving Everton and Crystal Palace.

  • JUST IN: Chelsea's potential advancement, facing Manchester United and Brighton,...

  • Chelsea's potential advancement, facing Manchester United and Brighton, also creates DGW33 and BGW34 scenarios.

  • The cumulative effect of multiple clubs reaching the semi-finals could lead to as many as four matches being removed from Gameweek 34, intensifying the significance of DGW33 and BGW34.

  • JUST IN: Strategic Maneuvers for FPL Managers

    The unfolding fixture congestion prompts a reassessment of Fantasy Premier League strategies, with particular attention paid to the use of player chips.

    Many managers are reportedly considering or enacting a...

    Even Green Party voters oppose Zack Polanski's plans to reduce the speed limit on Britain's motorways to 55mph, poll shows - 4

    • Many managers are reportedly considering or enacting a 'Wildcard' strategy in Gameweek 32. This move allows for squad reconstruction, prioritizing players from teams with upcoming Double Gameweeks.

    • A popular chip strategy involves using the 'Wildcard' in Gameweek 32, followed by a 'Bench Boost' in Gameweek 33, and a 'Free Hit' in Gameweek 34. This approach aims to maximize points from DGW33 and mitigate losses during BGW34.

    • Teams like Brighton, Leeds, and Manchester City are noted for supplying multiple players potentially involved in DGW33. Chelsea and Bournemouth are also highlighted.

    Recent Matchups and Player Performances

    Amidst the broader fixture concerns, individual match previews and player considerations continue.

    UPDATE: The upcoming fixture between Chelsea and Manchester City...

    • The upcoming fixture between Chelsea and Manchester City is a focal point for Gameweek 32 scout reports.

    • Danny Welbeck registered a notable points haul in Gameweek 32, following strong performances in the preceding week.

    FLASH: Manchester City are slated to host Crystal Palace in Gameweek 32.

  • Manchester City are slated to host Crystal Palace in Gameweek 32. Reports indicate strong recent form from City players, with defenders like Gvardiol showing consistent returns.

  • JUST IN: Background: The Mechanics of Blank and Double Gameweeks

  • Newcastle United presents opportunities, with players like Bowen and Saint-Maximin being flagged for consideration due to form and fixture ease, barring matches against top-tier opponents.

    • A Blank Gameweek occurs when at least two top-flight clubs do not have a Premier League fixture scheduled.

    A Double Gameweek happens when a team has...

  • A Double Gameweek happens when a team has two league matches within the same gameweek, often due to fixture rescheduling, commonly stemming from cup competitions. The FA Cup semi-finals play a pivotal role in defining these for the latter stages of the season.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: How do FA Cup results affect Fantasy Premier League games in April 2026?
    The FA Cup quarter-final results on March 16-17, 2026, will decide which Premier League teams play twice (Double Gameweek 33) and which teams have no game (Blank Gameweek 34) in April 2026.
    Q: Which teams might have a Double Gameweek 33 in Fantasy Premier League?
    Teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Brighton, Leeds, and Bournemouth could have a Double Gameweek 33 if they win their FA Cup matches and their league games are rescheduled.
    Q: Which teams might have a Blank Gameweek 34 in Fantasy Premier League?
    Teams that reach the FA Cup semi-finals may have their league games moved, leading to a Blank Gameweek 34 for them and their opponents. This could affect up to four matches in Gameweek 34.
    Q: What are Fantasy Premier League managers doing to prepare for these changes in April 2026?
    Many managers are planning to use their 'Wildcard' chip in Gameweek 32 to pick players from teams with upcoming Double Gameweeks. Some will then use 'Bench Boost' in Gameweek 33 and 'Free Hit' in Gameweek 34 to score more points.
    Q: What happened in the FA Cup quarter-finals that affects Fantasy Premier League?
    Arsenal was knocked out of the FA Cup. The results for Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and other Premier League teams in their quarter-final matches will determine the schedule for Gameweeks 33 and 34.