FPL Dilemma: Isak or Watkins for Double Gameweek 25?

Ollie Watkins: A Tempting Short-Term Choice

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are abuzz with discussions about swapping Alexander Isak for Ollie Watkins as Double Gameweek 25 approaches. Watkins, priced at £8.9m, has been in electrifying form, netting two goals and providing one assist in his last four matches, accumulating 22 points. Villa's upcoming double-header against Ipswich and Liverpool, both at home, promises a golden opportunity for managers chasing immediate gains. Home fixtures often bring out the best in players, and with Watkins leading Villa’s attack, he's proving irresistible for many.

However, while Watkins shines brightly now, his appeal lies mostly in the short-term benefits he offers during DGW25. His current price and form make him an attractive option, but FPL is a marathon, not a sprint. As such, managers should weigh these instant benefits against potential long-term returns.

Alexander Isak: The Reliable Long-Term Star

On the flip side of this debate is Newcastle's Alexander Isak, carrying a heftier price tag at £9.5m. With nine goals in 12 games, Isak’s form is nothing short of impressive. Despite facing challenging fixtures against Arsenal and Manchester United, his ability to deliver consistent results makes him a tempting player to hold onto. Newcastle's attacking prowess ensures that Isak remains a crucial asset, even when up against the league's toughest defenses.

The decision becomes more complex when viewing it through the lens of long-term squad strategy. Swapping Isak for Watkins might bring a quick points boost in DGW25, but there's an undeniable risk of losing Isak's continued production over the season.

Adding to the complexity is Blank Gameweek 29 (BGW29), where teams like Liverpool, Newcastle, Villa, and Crystal Palace face empty schedules. Managers must consider their overall squad balance and seek to avoid ending up short when these key players have no fixtures. Here, the Free Hit chip could be a lifesaver, enabling managers to temporarily adjust their squads without permanent changes.

Thankfully, budget-friendly picks such as players from Bournemouth and Brentford emerge as steady, viable options through to Gameweek 29. They provide an affordable route to keeps points ticking over without compromising on player quality or squad depth.

Innovative strategies surrounding the Assistant Manager chip are gaining traction too. Deploying this chip on managers like Unai Emery or Arne Slot could potentially offset the risk of having players missing in BGW29. Proper use of this resource can allow managers to retain Isak while also capitalizing on Watkins’ DGW25 potential.

Ultimately, whether to field Watkins, hold onto Isak, or opt for a creative blend of both, relies heavily on the unique structure of each FPL team and the chips still up their sleeves. With careful planning and a sprinkle of creativity, managers can expertly navigate the turns and twists that Double and Blank Gameweeks throw their way.