EFL Cup Semifinals Set Stage for FPL Chaos in Double Gameweek 25

LIVERPOOL, England — The outcome of this week’s EFL Cup semifinal second legs will determine which Premier League clubs face a Double Gameweek 25 (DGW25) in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), creating significant implications for managers’ strategies. Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Newcastle United are at the center of the fixture reshuffle, with their performances in the cup ties directly impacting league schedules.

Liverpool, trailing 1-0 to Tottenham after the first leg, could secure a DGW25 if they advance to the EFL Cup final. Their potential double would include a home match against Wolverhampton Wanderers and an away trip to Aston Villa. Villa, in turn, would host Ipswich Town in their other DGW25 fixture. However, if Tottenham progresses, they and Fulham would instead have a DGW25, facing Manchester United at home and Fulham away, respectively.

In the other semifinal, Arsenal must overturn a 2-0 deficit against Newcastle to reach the final. If successful, the Gunners and Chelsea would also have a DGW25, with Arsenal traveling to Leicester City and hosting Chelsea. Chelsea’s other fixture would be away to Brighton & Hove Albion. Should Newcastle advance, they would have a Blank Gameweek 29 (BGW29), while Arsenal and Chelsea would miss out on a DGW25.

The fixture changes have left FPL managers scrambling to adjust their chip strategies. The Assistant Manager chip, which allows managers to select an additional coach for a gameweek, has gained prominence. Managers could activate the chip ahead of DGW24 to maximize points over the next three gameweeks. Popular choices include Liverpool’s Arne Slot and Everton’s David Moyes, with potential switches to Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou or Fulham’s Marco Silva in DGW25.

Mohamed Salah (£13.7m), Liverpool’s star forward, could be a prime candidate for the Triple Captain chip if the Reds secure a DGW25. Salah has previously delivered double-digit scores against both Wolves and Villa this season.

The EFL Cup semifinal second legs will take place on February 5 and 6, with Arsenal visiting Newcastle and Liverpool hosting Tottenham. The results will finalize the DGW25 schedule, leaving FPL managers with limited time to adapt their strategies.

As the drama unfolds, FPL managers are advised to monitor the outcomes closely and prepare for potential points hits to capitalize on the double gameweek opportunities. The fixture chaos underscores the unpredictable nature of the Premier League season and the strategic depth required to excel in FPL.