FPL Gossip 31st March 2022: Five subs coming in, plus a north London Double Gameweek 36

FPL Gossip

Premier League set to introduce five substitutes rule

After several failed attempts, it’s being reported by The Times that the Premier League will allow teams to make five substitutes per match from next season. During ‘Project Restart’, all sides were able to make five changes and Jurgen Klopp, in particular, was pushing to make this permanent. European competitions still have this rule but mid-to-lower Premier League sides have long opposed it. To them, it gives the top clubs with deeper squads an even bigger advantage.

The rule change is expected to be voted on at a meeting of Premier League stakeholders today. Apparently, the decisive factor was the International FA Board’s decision to make the five-subs rule permanent. Now the Premier League want to fall in line with other nations.

For FPL managers, it reduces the chance of surprise restings leading to points returns luckily coming in from the bench. With an increase from seven to nine substitutes, the likelihood of a full rest lessens.

Tottenham vs Arsenal likely to create a Double Gameweek 36

As predicted by Legomane, it sounds like the previously-postponed north London derby will create a Double Gameweek 36. Sami Mokbel – chief reporter for the Daily Mail – believes that Premier League officials have relayed to Spurs and Arsenal that the aim is to play the game just before the penultimate weekend of the season. In fact, TV broadcasters want it as late as possible, knowing it could be crucial in the race for fourth place.

Therefore, FPL managers who are already planning their chip strategy can use this information. It would give Spurs a tough pair of Liverpool (a) and Arsenal (H), whilst the Gunners get Leeds (H) and Tottenham (a).

Elsewhere on Fantasy Football Community:

Meanwhile, check out the assessment of this Gameweek’s transfers so far. There is also a push towards a full-time four-man defence.