Strategies for Using the New Assistant Manager Chip in DGW25

LEICESTER, England — In Double Gameweek 25 (DGW25), both Liverpool and Aston Villa will play two matches, making this an optimal time for Fantasy managers to utilize the newly introduced Assistant Manager chip. This chip allows players to select a real-life Premier League manager and accrue points based on the manager’s team’s performance over a three-Gameweek span.

More than 416,000 managers backed David Moyes in DGW24, and many are now considering a switch to either Arne Slot or Unai Emery as their Assistant Manager for the upcoming weeks. The significance of this strategic decision lies not only in the immediate benefit of Liverpool and Villa’s fixtures but also in the potential points accrued from multiple matches.

In DGW25, Liverpool will host Wolverhampton Wanderers before visiting Villa, while Aston Villa will entertain Ipswich Town and then face Liverpool. This means if managers activate the Assistant Manager chip now, they stand to gain from four matches across the next three Gameweeks. The success of this chip relies on how well the chosen manager’s team performs during this period.

The Assistant Manager chip’s scoring system awards points as follows:

• Team win: 6 points
• Team draw: 3 points
• Goal scored: 1 point per goal
• Clean sheet: 2 points
• Table bonus: Extra 10 points for a win or extra 5 points for a draw when facing a team ranked five places higher in the Premier League.

Slot is currently the leading Fantasy manager, boasting a tally of 193 points, trailing only Mohamed Salah in total points. His recent performance includes a string of successes that have boosted his score, with 10 points achieved for wins over Brentford, Ipswich, and Bournemouth.

Emery, on the other hand, has had a rocky few weeks, accumulating just 14 points in his past three matches. His recent results highlight the instability of Villa’s form, underscoring concerns that might deter some managers from selecting him. He earned points primarily from a table-bonus draw against Arsenal and has struggled in subsequent matches against West Ham and Wolves.

Despite these disparities, some analysts believe that Emery’s potential at home could warrant consideration, given Aston Villa’s robust home record this season. They have secured 23 points at Villa Park, winning six and drawing five in their last twelve matches.

Managers can switch their Assistant Manager after DGW25, allowing them to capitalize on favorable fixtures in later Gameweeks. Potential options to consider include Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth, who has beneficial matches coming up, as well as Vitor Pereira of Wolves, although he poses a higher risk for those aiming for table-bonus points.

As DGW25 approaches, Fantasy managers face strategic choices that could shape their seasons. The two approaches center on selecting a well-performing top-five manager to maximize points versus opting for a riskier pick that could offer substantial table bonuses. With the option of utilizing chips effectively, managers must weigh their priorities as the fixtures unfold.

Ultimately, the decisions made now could significantly impact overall standings as the season draws closer to its climax. As noted, navigating the complexities of upcoming Blank and Double Gameweeks requires foresight, especially with the looming EFL Cup final that will empty teams’ lineups in Gameweek 29.