FPL Double Gameweek: what it is and how to use double gameweeks
What is a Double Gameweek in FPL and how to get the most points out of double gameweeks?
What is a Double Gameweek in Fantasy EPL?
Double Gameweek (DGW), or double game week, is a Fantasy Premier League round in which one or more teams play not one, but two matches of the English championship.
In a standard game week each Premier League club plays once. However, matches are sometimes postponed due to calendar clashes with national cup tournaments, European competitions, adverse weather conditions, or other circumstances. Rescheduled fixtures are given new dates later. If such a match is scheduled in a game week in which the team already has one fixture, a Double Gameweek occurs.
For FPL managers this is an additional opportunity to earn points. Players from teams with two matches can earn points twice for appearances, goals, assists, clean sheets, and other game actions.
However, it is important to understand: DGW does not guarantee a successful performance from a player. Two difficult away matches may be less appealing than a single home fixture against a manageable opponent.
How does Double Gameweek work?
The main feature of DGW is that the results of both matches are counted within a single FPL game week. All points earned by the player are summed.
For example, if a player has played two matches, scored a goal in the first meeting and provided an assist in the second, he will receive points for both scoring actions. Similarly, points for minutes played, clean sheets, saves, bonuses, and other metrics are counted.
Key features of a double game week:
Two matches instead of one. Players of the team get an additional opportunity to earn points.
Combined result for the week. Points from both fixtures are added together and count towards the final result of a single Gameweek.
Additional chances for the captain. If the selected captain plays in both matches, his points for the entire week are doubled.
Opportunity to use chips. DGW often becomes a suitable moment for Triple Captain or Bench Boost.
Example of point scoring in DGW
Suppose a striker played two matches within a single game week. In the first meeting he played more than 60 minutes and scored a goal, and in the second he again spent more than an hour on the pitch but did not record any scoring actions.
Action | First match | Second match |
|---|---|---|
Appearance and more than 60 minutes | 2 | 2 |
Scored striker's goal | 4 | 0 |
Total | 6 | 2 |
The player's total result — 8 points for the Double Gameweek, not counting possible bonus points and other credits.
If this player is set as captain, his result will be doubled: 16 points. When using Triple Captain — tripled: 24 points.
Thus, captain selection in a double game week can have a particularly large impact on the team's result.
How does Double Gameweek differ from Blank Gameweek?
DGW and Blank Gameweek (BGW) are two concepts closely linked to each other. They arise due to changes in the Premier League calendar and fixture rescheduling, but represent opposite situations.
Double Gameweek — a team plays two matches within a single game week.
Blank Gameweek — the team does not play any match in a specific game week, so its players do not score points.
Rescheduling a single fixture can affect several game weeks at once. For example, if a match between two clubs is postponed because one of them is playing in the FA Cup semi‑final, both teams may have no game in the original week. This creates a Blank Gameweek. When the postponed match is assigned to another week, those clubs may have a Double Gameweek.
Feature | Double Gameweek (DGW) | Blank Gameweek (BGW) |
|---|---|---|
Number of team matches | Two | Zero |
Points‑scoring opportunity | Two games | None |
Main manager task | Use the extra match | Reduce the number of players without a game |
Useful chips | Triple Captain, Bench Boost | Free Hit |
Primary risk | Rotation and a congested schedule | Team players will not earn points |
Sometimes, in a single game week, there can be teams with two matches, clubs with one fixture, and teams with no game at all. Therefore, when planning your squad it is important to look at the schedule of all 20 Premier League participants, not just the list of teams with DGW.
How to properly prepare for a Double Gameweek?
The main task for the manager is to identify in advance which players can truly provide extra value thanks to the two matches. Simply loading up on as many DGW players as possible is not enough.
1. Consider the schedule of both fixtures
The first thing to look at is the opponents in the double week. Two matches against strong opponents can be less advantageous than a single match against a favorable opponent.
Assess not only the strength of the opponents but also the venue. A home game against a weak defense can be especially attractive for attacking players. At the same time, two away games can significantly lower expectations for some players.
Useful to consider:
Difficulty rating of upcoming matches (FDR).
Number of home and away fixtures.
Reliability of opponents' defenses.
Attacking potency of teams.
Likelihood that a player will get enough playing time.
You shouldn’t automatically favor a player with two matches just because of the extra fixture. Sometimes a quality player with one convenient match can score more points.
2. Monitor playing time and rotation
One of the biggest problems of a Double Gameweek is the risk of rotation. Teams that have to play two matches in a short period may change their starting line‑up to spread the workload among players.
Pay special attention to players from clubs that are simultaneously involved in European competitions and domestic cups.
Before making a transfer, check:
Has the player been in the starting lineup in recent matches.
How regularly he plays 60 minutes or more on the field.
Whether the team has alternative players for his position.
Whether rivals for a spot in the starting eleven are not returning to the squad.
Whether the player has any injury or suspension.
A player who is highly likely to play both matches is often more interesting than a player with higher attacking potential but uncertain playing time.
3. Don't forget about Blank Gameweek
Planning a double gameweek should not be limited to just the next Gameweek. Be sure to study the calendar several weeks ahead.
A team that has two matches in one gameweek may be without a game in another. If you select too many players from such a club, you could face serious problems within a week.
Determine in advance how many players from your squad are likely to miss the next gameweek. Consider whether you can replace them with regular transfers or will need a Free Hit.
4. Evaluate not only the number of matches but also the expected points
Two matches are an additional opportunity to score points, not a guarantee of a high result. When selecting players, consider their individual statistics and role in the team.
For attacking players it is useful to analyze:
xG — expected goals.
xA — expected goal assists.
xGI — expected total goal involvement.
Number of shots and created goal-scoring opportunities.
Participation in set pieces and penalties.
For defenders, the likelihood of a clean sheet, the team's defensive reliability, involvement in attacking actions, and statistics that can yield extra points are important.
One should also not forget the player's price. If two players have comparable prospects, the cheaper option can allow strengthening other positions.
Which chips are best to use during a Double Gameweek?
Double Gameweeks are considered one of the most attractive periods for using special FPL chips. However, each has its own purpose, and the suitable choice depends on the squad composition and schedule.
In the 2026/27 season, managers receive two sets of four chips: Wildcard, Free Hit, Triple Captain and Bench Boost. One set is intended for the first half of the season, the second — for the period starting from Gameweek 20. Unused chips from the first set are not carried over to the second half of the season. Only one chip can be activated in a single gameweek.
Triple Captain — triple captain
Triple Captain — one of the most popular ways to use the chip in a Double Gameweek.
In a normal gameweek, the captain’s points are doubled. When Triple Captain is activated, they are tripled. If a player has two matches, his total points from both fixtures are counted.
It is best to pick a player who:
Has a stable place in the starting lineup.
Regularly plays at least 60 minutes on the pitch.
Participates in most of his team’s attacks.
Takes penalties or set pieces.
Gets good chances for goals and assists.
Has two reasonably favorable fixtures.
However, you shouldn’t pick a captain solely based on the number of games. A striker with two tough fixtures and a risk of rotation may be a less attractive option than a player with higher individual potential.
Bench Boost — bench strengthening
Bench Boost allows the points of all 15 players in the squad, including the four substitutes, to be counted.
Therefore, a Double Gameweek can be an excellent opportunity to activate this chip. If most squad members have two matches, the potential number of playing minutes and scoring opportunities increases significantly.
However, for effective use of Bench Boost it is important that all players have a realistic chance of getting on the pitch. You should not activate the chip if the bench contains injured players, footballers with doubtful playing time, or cheap backup options that barely ever feature.
The ideal scenario is having 15 players, each with a good chance of getting game time. The situation is especially attractive when most of them are playing in the Double Gameweek.
Free Hit — temporary squad overhaul
Free Hit allows you to change the squad unlimitedly for a single gameweek without losing points for transfers. After the gameweek ends, the team reverts to its original squad.
This chip is especially useful if a Double Gameweek coincides with a Blank Gameweek for several other clubs. For example, your squad may contain many players who have no match in a given week, while at the same time there are attractive options with two fixtures.
Free Hit allows you to temporarily assemble a team with many players from clubs involved in the DGW, and then return to the previous squad for the next gameweek.
However, using it solely to add a few players with two matches is not always justified. Assess how much your regular squad falls short compared to the potential squad on a Free Hit.
Wildcard — complete squad overhaul
Wildcard allows you to make an unlimited number of free transfers, keeping the changes in the squad for subsequent gameweeks.
This chip can be used one to two weeks before a major Double Gameweek to prepare the team in advance for a period with many postponed matches.
The advantage of this approach is that you not only pick players with two fixtures, but also can shape the squad with future gameweeks in mind.
For example, you can acquire several players from teams with DGW while simultaneously getting rid of players who are injured, have lost their starting spot, or have an inconvenient schedule.
But you shouldn’t build the entire squad solely around a single gameweek. After the DGW ends, the team should remain competitive.
Comparison of chips for Double Gameweek
Chip | What it's good for | When especially useful |
|---|---|---|
Triple Captain | Tripling the captain's points | When a reliable player with high potential has two matches |
Bench Boost | Counting points of all substitutes | When all 15 players have good prospects of scoring points |
Free Hit | Temporary squad change | When the Gameweek has many teams with a Double Gameweek and at the same time clubs with a Blank Gameweek |
Wildcard | Ongoing team overhaul | One or two Gameweeks before a big DGW, if the squad needs serious changes |
Important: In a single Gameweek you cannot use Triple Captain and Bench Boost simultaneously or combine any other set of chips. Choose the one that can bring the most benefit to your team in that specific Gameweek.
Should you bring in players with a Double Gameweek for transfer penalties?
Not necessarily. One of the most common mistakes made by FPL managers is changing the squad too actively before a double Gameweek, picking up players with two matches at any cost.
Each extra transfer beyond the available number of free transfers usually costs four points. If you make two extra transfers for the sake of a DGW, your total is reduced by eight points.
Therefore, before each such decision you need to assess the expected benefit of the transfer.
Suppose you already have a quality defender with a single home match against a team that rarely scores. You are considering replacing him with a defender from a club with a DGW, who has two tough away fixtures.
The mere fact of having two matches does not mean the second player will bring more points. If the potential increase is small, a transfer with a penalty may be unprofitable.
Before picking a player with a DGW, ask yourself a few questions:
How likely is he to start in both matches?
How tough are the opponents he will face?
What are his individual stats and role in the team?
Will he be able to earn points after the double Gameweek ends?
Does the expected increase justify the loss of four points for the transfer?
The main principle — a player's quality and prospects are more important than the sheer number of matches.
Common mistakes when preparing for a DGW
Even experienced managers can mismanage transfers and chips before a double Gameweek. Here are some mistakes best avoided.
Buying players solely because of two matches. A footballer may have weak stats, tough opponents, or inconsistent playing time. The DGW alone does not make him a good pick.
Ignoring rotation. Two matches in a short period increase the likelihood of changes in the starting lineup. This especially concerns clubs involved in multiple competitions.
Forgotten Blank Gameweek. A team may have two matches in one Gameweek but not play in another. If you don't consider the schedule, you may face a shortage of players the following week.
Using multiple transfers with penalties. You shouldn't pay four or eight points just to increase the number of players with a DGW. First assess the real expected gain.
Activating a chip too early. Not every double gameweek is suitable for Triple Captain or Bench Boost. Sometimes more advantageous opportunities arise later.
Ignoring subsequent gameweeks. Players bought for a single DGW may become unnecessary already the next week. This is especially important to consider when using a Wildcard.
FAQ: frequently asked questions about Double Gameweek
What is a Double Gameweek in FPL?
A Double Gameweek is a gameweek in which one or more Premier League teams play two matches instead of one. Players' points from both fixtures are combined within a single Gameweek.
How are points awarded to players during a DGW?
Players earn points for each of the two matches according to standard FPL rules. Minutes played, goals, assists, clean sheets, saves, bonus points and other actions are taken into account. All earned points are added together.
Are the captain's points doubled in a Double Gameweek?
Yes. If the captain plays in both matches, his total points for the gameweek are doubled. With Triple Captain they are tripled.
Which chip is best to use in a Double Gameweek?
Most often, Triple Captain and Bench Boost are considered for double gameweeks. The former allows tripling the captain's points, the latter adds the points of all bench players to the total. Free Hit and Wildcard can also be useful if the schedule and team situation make their use justified.
Can Bench Boost and Triple Captain be used together?
No. In Fantasy Premier League you are allowed to activate only one chip within a single gameweek. Therefore you must choose between increasing the captain's points and gaining points from the bench.
Is a Double Gameweek always more profitable than a regular week?
No. Two matches provide additional opportunities to score points, but much depends on opponents, playing time, rotation and the player's form. Sometimes a player with a single fixture has higher prospects than a player with two matches.
Why is Double Gameweek often associated with a Blank Gameweek?
Both situations usually arise due to Premier League match postponements. When a fixture is moved from its original gameweek, the involved teams may end up with a BGW. After a new date is set, the postponed game can sometimes create a Double Gameweek in another week.
When is it best to use Triple Captain?
It's better to choose a gameweek where one of the most prolific and reliable players in your squad has two matches with good prospects of scoring points. It's important to consider not only the number of fixtures but also the likelihood of starting, the opponents and the player's individual scoring potential.
Is it worth picking players with a DGW for a four- or eight-point penalty?
Only if the expected gain from the transfers justifies the point loss. You shouldn't swap quality players with a good schedule solely for players with two matches. Assess the prospects for several gameweeks ahead.
