With the introduction of our new and improved Next Five Ticker, we thought we’d also introduce a new weekly regular going to deliver our brief assessment of the fixtures to come and the teams likely to benefit. Here’s the first instalment then, listing those teams blessed with a “strength of schedule” to admire and those where the fixture computer simply says “no”.
The Highs…
West Ham
On paper, West Ham have the most appealing set of opponents in the forthcoming Gameweeks (stk TOT FUL wol NEW), however, that obviously comes with a pinch of salt given recent performances. If they can improve from their worst league start ever they may be ones to watch out for. In attacking terms the Hammers continue to create chances, belying their two goal tally, and this gameweek where they will face a Stoke defence that’s yet to keep a clean sheet. Returns for Scott Parker and the mis-firing Carlton Cole this weekend may just nudge them onto our Watchlists given the run of three home games to follow.
Blackburn Rovers
Sam Allardyce’s side appear to provide a much more tantalising option in the low-mid range bracket. Their spate of fixtures in the immediately appealling, starting with the Gameweek Five fixture against Fulham who will travel to Ewood without the goal threat of Bobby Zamora. Rovers have won this fixture for the past two seasons, keeping two clean sheets in the process so the omens for investment in the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Samba look good. Attacking options are perhaps more of a punt but the name of Nikola Kalinic is likely to appear on our Watchlist once updated later today.
Birmingham City
Birmingham present another source of mid-price talent with a kind run of forthcoming games. The derby match with West Brom could prove unpredicatable although the form guide already points to a low-scoring affair. The trip to the Emirates in Gameweek Eight is a distraciton but around that Alex McCleish’s side have three strong home fixtures which should see them offer returns at both ends of the field.
Also consider: Man City and Man United
The Lows…
Sunderland
Sunderland’s upcoming schedule is simply awful. Steve Bruce will be looking aghast at the fixtures in front of him and hoping to god that the new partnership of Asamoah Gyan and Darren Bent can click quickly and deliver goals, while their back four can be patched up to keep a string of illustrous opponents at bay. The home clash with the free-scoring might of Arsenal starts proceedings over this ominous period – solace can perhaps be taken in the fact the Black Cats haven’t lost in this fixture since the 07/08 season although Al-Muhammadi owners will surely be fidgeting regardless.
Wolves
Mick McCarthy’s side lost their first game of the season last week and now enter a more treacherous period of fixtures that warrants a cautious approach when it comes to investing in their Fantasy wares. They too will be able to take solace in the fact that their opponents this week (Tottenham) were unable to get the better of them last season, as Kevin Doyle inspired Wolves to the win. With Harry Redknapp’s men in recovery mode from their Champions League tie, Wolves might just fancy the task again but confidence in returns from their squad will be dipping ahead of this fixture and the run that follows.
Blackpool
The Tangerines have won two of their first three away games this season, but the path ahead looks like results could very well emulate that unfortunate third result (6-0 in Arsenal’s favour back in gameweek 2). Recent investors in Blackpool’s dirt cheap defence will surely be forced to bench their assets this week for the trip to Stamford Bridge and a meet with seemingly unstoppable Chelsea scoring machine. Following that, Blackpool appear to be at the foot of a mountain of tricky fixtures which could threaten to bring them back down to earth with a bang. Ian Holloway will need to be at his inspring best to steer them through the choppy waters and the bargains amongst his recently reinforced squad look best avoided.
Also avoid: Aston Villa and West Brom