The Double GameWeek

The thing is, are you going to take advantage of the double game week? Well for starters it depends on what Fantasy Football platform you're playing on. The only ones where this will properly work is Fantasy iTeam, the official FPL game. If you're using The Sun's Dream Team or Sky this may not be for you. Most probably know what I'm on about but if you don't then here goes:

The double game week occurs when fixtures are moved around because of European fixtures, or domestic cup replays etc. because of this players from the team basically end up getting a 2-for-1. A buy one get one free if you will. So essentially you can transfer in a DGW player, they can get more points than normal, then you can transfer them out at the end of the game week, basically getting free points.

The reason I'm discussing this is because, guess what? GW1 of this season sees a DGW for Chelsea and Aston Villa. Now, I'd advise getting as many points on the board at the start of the season as possible, I started Fantasy iTeam in GW6 last season spending most of the time playing catch up. So a double game week is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of this supposed loophole.

However, it's never as simple as it seems, with Villa facing tough opening fixtures it may be an idea to avoid picking Guzan or any defender, the obvious choice for many seems to Benteke, but I remain sceptical on that*.

Players from the Chelsea team look a safer bet for bringing in the points. I personally have Mata as my captain to hopefully have quadruple points from the first GW. But of course the danger lies in Mourinho and how he chooses to rotate his squad. Whether it will be Torres, Lukaku or Ba leading the line or a combo of the two. The midfield choices could also be complex. Whether Essien will come back into the team and will Luiz be playing as a CB or CM this season? The safest choices probably remain at Hazard and Mata but they will of course set you back quite a bit.

If you're playing on FiT you can wait to see how Chelsea line up for their first game, however with FPL you don't have that luxury, unfortunately. May your best judgement be with you.

*It is guaranteed that Benteke will score at least 5 goals in his opening two games

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New Kids On The Block

Last season several of the new signings brought over from Europe set the Premier League alight. Hazard, Cazorla not to mention Michu. So I thought it would be an idea to look at a few of the reasonably priced newbies to see if we can find the next Michu.

Emanuele Giaccherini MID 5.9mil SUN

A 28 year old Italian international, brought in by Di Canio presumably to play behind Sessegnon although he can also operate on the wing. Giaccherini featured heavily in Italy's Confederations Cup campaign playing in all 5 matches chipping in with a goal and 2 assists. He joins from Serie A champions Juventus, featuring 52 times for them but with many appearances coming from the bench.

Verdict: Could turn out to be a good signing but risky for the price

Paulinho MID 6.0mil TOT

This lad may be more familiar to you, he featured heavily in Brazil's Confederations Cup exploits
scoring 2 goals and also scoring against England in the 2-2 friendly. His success will depend on how Villas Boas employs him in the Spurs midfield. Whether Bale stays or goes will also impact his attacking role. Either way he'll definitely pitch in this season with a few assists and goals.

Verdict: Possible success story, especially if Bale vacates to the Bernabéu. Good choice if in need of a cheapish midfielder.

Andreas Cornelius FOR 7.4mil CAR

The young Dane has only had one full professional season in Denmark, managing to find the net 18 times. It was rumoured that some of the Prem's bigger clubs were looking at Cornelius before he was snapped up by Malky Mackay. He's also featured for the Danish national team 7 times scoring once in a World Cup qualifier. At a towering 6ft 4in he'll also dominate in the air, this could turn out well depending on how direct Cardiff decide to play their football.

Verdict: Looking for a cheaper striker who won't be chosen by many? It's a risk, especially with a newly promoted team.

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