Ampadu, Mitoma & Wieffer: Top FPL Draft Double Gameweek 33 Waiver Targets

Three Must-Have Double Gameweek Waiver Targets

With six teams playing twice in Gameweek 33, Fantasy Premier League Draft managers face crucial waiver decisions that could define their season. Three players stand out as essential targets, each offering different paths to success in this pivotal round.

Leeds midfielder Ampadu tops the list as the premier defensive midfielder pickup, remarkably available in over half of all draft leagues despite posting 351 defensive contributions this season - the highest among all double gameweek players. At just 43.1% ownership even among top 100 managers, he represents exceptional value with fixtures against Bournemouth away and Wolves at home.

Brighton's Wieffer comes in second despite being owned in just one in eight leagues. I've championed this reliable defender all season, and his minimal 13% ownership among top managers creates a massive opportunity. Mitoma rounds out the top three as potentially the most in-form attacking midfielder available, though he carries higher risk-reward compared to the safer defensive options. His recent form shows 0.71 non-penalty expected goal involvements per 90 over the last five gameweeks, ranking fourth among all doublers.

Breaking Down the Double Gameweek Fixture List

Six teams feature twice in Gameweek 33: Bournemouth face Newcastle away then Leeds at home, Brighton travel to Chelsea before hosting Tottenham, Burnley visit Forest then City, Chelsea host Manchester United before Brighton away, Leeds welcome Wolves then visit Bournemouth, and Manchester City face Arsenal at home before Burnley away.

I particularly like Brighton's fixture pairing despite it not looking great on paper. Brighton should be favourites in both games given Tottenham's poor form and Chelsea's inconsistency this season. The data supports this view, with Van Hecke projected for strong returns in both fixtures and Kadioglu offering excellent attacking threat from defence.

Crucially, all these teams will blank in Gameweek 34, making this a tactical decision between short-term double gameweek gains versus next week's coverage. For managers trailing in their leagues, this represents a potential Hail Mary opportunity that could swing the title race.

My Personal Double Gameweek Strategy and Squad Planning

I'm currently running eight doublers in my nine-team league: Darlow in goal, Bogle, Truffert, and Van Hecke at the back, plus Bournemouth's Rayan and Scott in midfield, alongside Wieffer and Foster. Sitting third and 20-25 points off first place, this feels like my Hail Mary gameweek to catch up.

My strategy involves accepting minimal Gameweek 34 coverage - just a keeper, couple of defenders, mids and forwards - then making major waiver moves after this double gameweek plays out. For managers already holding 6-8 doublers, especially those with premium assets like Palmer or Haaland, you probably don't need to go much further.

The key consideration is league position and format. In smaller leagues, you can be more aggressive knowing quality players will still be available for Gameweek 34. Those in larger, competitive leagues need to balance the immediate double gameweek boost against having decent options when others are scrambling for coverage next week.

Premium Defensive Options Worth Targeting

Bournemouth's Hill emerges as a 'no-brainer' pickup if available, averaging 11.6 defensive contributions per 90 and needing just 10 to secure bonus points. At 93.1% ownership among top managers, he's likely taken but worth checking. His fixtures against Leeds away and Newcastle at home offer strong potential returns.

Brighton's Kadioglu provides similar value with more attacking threat, though fewer defensive contributions. At 94.1% top manager ownership, he's another premium option that combines reliability with upside. Manchester City's Ait-Nouri represents the safest route into City's defense, but ONLY IF O'Reilly faces fitness concerns, though his 13% start probability for the Burnley fixture limits appeal.

Leeds offer several defensive options led by Struijk at 74.5% top manager ownership and 260 defensive contributions. However, Bogle stands out as potentially undervalued at just 30.4% top manager ownership despite impressive underlying numbers - he averages 15 defensive contributions per 90 when he starts. Justin provides another entry point into Leeds' defense with similar reliability and projected returns against Bournemouth and Wolves.

Alex Scott and High-Floor Midfield Targets

Alex Scott emerges as the standout midfield option, combining 322 defensive contributions (third-highest among all doublers) with consistent minutes and 96% start probability for both fixtures. He's averaging 12.8 defensive contributions per 90 and has hit the bonus threshold in 13 games this season, yet sits at just 76.5% ownership among top managers - he should probably be owned much higher.

Pascal Gross represents another reliable option despite higher ownership, offering multiple scoring avenues through both attacking contributions and defensive work. For Burnley coverage, Anthony stands out as their key midfielder with nearly seven non-penalty expected goal involvements and over 200 defensive contributions across the season.

Among City options, I prefer Doku over Bernardo Silva, noting Doku's recent form including a goal against Chelsea. However, his 26% start probability against Burnley and 21% against Arsenal highlight the rotation risk that comes with City assets. The safer play remains targeting players with guaranteed minutes rather than chasing City's upside.

Mitoma Headlines Attacking Double Gameweek Options

Mitoma receives detailed analysis as the most exciting waiver pickup available, showing exceptional underlying numbers with 0.71 non-penalty expected goal involvements per 90 over recent weeks. This isn't form-chasing but recognition of genuine data strength that places him fourth in attacking form among all double gameweek players.

However, the risk-reward profile remains high - he could easily return just one point if substituted early, making him a calculated gamble rather than safe floor play. At 35.3% ownership among top managers and 67% start probability for the Chelsea fixture, he offers differential potential for managers needing upside.

Brighton's Hinshelwood provides another attacking route, ranking fifth in recent attacking form (0.69 per 90) and starting reliably in the number 10 position. At just 31.4% top manager ownership, he represents excellent value for those seeking Brighton coverage beyond their defense. Forward options remain limited, with rotation concerns affecting most available targets including Kroupi Junior despite his excellent underlying numbers.

Key Injuries Reshaping Player Values

Ekitike's season-ending Achilles rupture represents one of the worst possible injuries, likely keeping him out until next season and affecting summer draft rankings. This development significantly boosts Isak's value as he becomes nailed on for Liverpool's remaining fixtures.

Foden continues dropping in ownership as he remains outside City's first XI, falling to 60.8% among top managers despite his talent. Crystal Palace's forward situation between Strand Larsen and Mateta remains fluid, depending on Europa Conference League team selections - monitoring tonight's Palace lineup will determine weekend starter preferences.

Other notable injury impacts include Romero's season ending for Spurs, Joelinton picking up a suspension that hurts Newcastle's Gameweek 34 prospects, and Wolves keeper Johnstone likely out for the season, making José Sá a much safer goalkeeping option moving forward.

Getting Ahead of Gameweek 34 Planning

Smart FPL Draft managers should consider Gameweek 34 implications when making waiver decisions, particularly for bench players who might not feature in the double gameweek. I suggest swapping out players like Newcastle's Thiaw, who faces Arsenal away in Gameweek 34, for better single gameweek options.

Mavropanos deserves specific mention as someone worth picking up in Gameweek 33 to sit on the bench, then starting in Gameweek 34 when other managers scramble for coverage. His recent form shows 7.8 average points over five games, and West Ham's fixture against Crystal Palace followed by Everton at home offers strong potential.

The key strategy involves getting ahead of the curve since many managers will need major changes after using double gameweek players. Those making aggressive double gameweek plays should have contingency plans ready, while conservative managers might focus on players offering decent Gameweek 34 coverage alongside their double gameweek appeal.