gameweeks

Gameweeks are a standard unit of time used in professional football leagues and related fantasy competitions to group matches into a discrete set during a season. In many leagues, a gameweek comprises a single set of fixtures in which every participating team plays one match, typically scheduled across a weekend. The exact number of gameweeks depends on the league format; for example, a 20-team league typically runs 38 gameweeks, one for each round of action, with several matches on Saturdays and Sundays and sometimes midweek fixtures.

Scheduling considerations include postponements for weather or cup obligations, leading to double gameweeks (when a team plays twice within one gameweek) or blank gameweeks (when teams have no league fixture in a given period). Standings to date are updated after every gameweek, affecting points totals, goal difference, and league position. Television rights, sponsor commitments, and the international calendar influence the frequency and timing of gameweeks.

In fantasy football and other fantasy sports, a gameweek represents a defined scoring period. Managers select a squad before the gameweek begins and earn points based on how their players perform in the actual matches. Transfers, captaincy, and chips may be used between gameweeks to optimize scoring, while double or blank gameweeks can create strategic considerations.

Overall, gameweeks structure the season, provide regular milestones for results and statistics, and guide planning for teams, fans, and analysts.