Full Breakdown
Premier League Reschedules Fixtures for FA Cup Impact
4/3/2026, 1:50:26 PM
Upcoming Double Gameweek 33 and Blank Gameweek 34
The Premier League has confirmed significant changes to the schedule for Gameweek 33 (DGW33) and Gameweek 34 (BGW34) due to the FA Cup quarter-finals. Clubs that advance to the semi-finals will have their matches in Gameweek 34 rescheduled to Gameweek 33, creating a double gameweek for those teams. This adjustment affects several clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and others, who could see their fixtures altered based on their performance in the FA Cup.
The matches in DGW33 are set to occur between April 21 and April 23, with final dates to be confirmed shortly. The FA Cup quarter-final matchups include:
- Manchester City vs. Liverpool
- Chelsea vs. Port Vale
- Southampton vs. Arsenal
- West Ham vs. Leeds
If Arsenal and Chelsea win their respective matches, they will both have a DGW33, followed by a BGW34, marking it as one of the most significant double and blank gameweeks of the 2025/26 Fantasy Premier League season.
Potential Outcomes Based on FA Cup Results
Arsenal and Newcastle
Should Arsenal defeat Southampton, they will face Newcastle in DGW33, while Newcastle will play Bournemouth. This scenario would lead to both teams having a BGW34.
Chelsea and Brighton
If Chelsea wins against Port Vale, they will have a DGW33 against Manchester United and Brighton. Brighton will play Tottenham Hotspur before hosting Chelsea.
Manchester City and Burnley
A victory for Manchester City over Liverpool would result in a DGW33 against Arsenal and Burnley. Burnley will play Nottingham Forest prior to hosting City.
Liverpool and Crystal Palace
Conversely, if Liverpool wins against Manchester City, they will secure a DGW33 against Everton and Crystal Palace, with Crystal Palace facing West Ham beforehand.
West Ham and Everton
West Ham can also achieve a DGW33 if they defeat Leeds United, leading to matches against Crystal Palace and Everton.
Leeds and Bournemouth
If Leeds wins against West Ham, they will have a DGW33 against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth.
Official Statements & Responses
The Premier League has indicated that the fixtures scheduled for Matchweek 34, from April 24 to April 27, are subject to change based on the outcomes of the FA Cup quarter-finals. New dates and kick-off times for any affected matches will be confirmed in the week starting April 6.
Criticism & Opposition
While the rescheduling aims to accommodate the FA Cup, some Fantasy Premier League managers express concern over the unpredictability of fixture changes, which complicates planning for player selections and transfers.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a lack of clarity regarding the exact dates for the rescheduled matches, as the Premier League has yet to finalize the schedule. Additionally, the potential impact on player availability and team strategies remains uncertain until the FA Cup results are determined.
Verbatim Quotes
- “MW34 fixtures subject to change Saturday 25 April 15:00 Bournemouth v Leeds 15:00 Liverpool v Crystal Palace 15:00 West Ham v Everton 17:30 Arsenal v Newcastle Sunday 26 April 14:00 Burnley v Man City 16:30 Brighton v Chelsea *teams in bold in FA Cup quarter-finals Any affected Premier League fixtures will be rescheduled to take place between Tuesday 21 and Thursday 23 April.” — Premier League Statement
