What they are
A blank gameweek is one where some teams have no Premier League match. Their players score nothing that week.
A double gameweek is one where some teams play two matches. Their players can score twice in the same week.
Why they happen
Most are caused by clashes with other competitions. When a team is still in a cup, or a match can't go ahead on its original date, the league match is moved. The gameweek it was moved out of becomes a blank for those teams. The gameweek it's moved into becomes a double. They tend to come in the second half of the season, once cup schedules are clearer.
How to prepare
- Watch the fixture grid. On our fixture difficulty page, a shaded cell means no game that week and a split cell means two games.
- Avoid a bench full of blanks. In a blank week you need 11 players who play. If many of yours don't, a Free Hit gives you a one-week replacement team.
- Load up for doubles. A double gameweek is the best time for Bench Boost and Triple Captain. Players with two games, especially two home games, are the strongest picks.
- Use transfers in advance. Bring double-gameweek players in a week or two early, so you're not forced into points hits.
Remember the chip cut-off
This season, the first set of chips expires at the Gameweek 19 deadline. If there's no double or blank before then, plan to use your first-half chips on the best available weeks rather than waiting. See our chips guide for when each one works best.
Last updated October 2026.