Fixtures

Frisking The Fixtures – Gameweek Fifteen

Clear your slates, pull out your “Season Ticker” and prepare for a whistle stop analysis of those sides that can look forward to calm and choppy waters courtesy of the Premier League fixture computer…

The Highs…

Liverpool
While Roy Hodgson’s side are lacking the considerable drive of Steven Gerrard from midfield, they dominated lowly West Ham on Saturday and will go into their next bank of fixtures with some confidence. Those fixtures look remarkably kind after Gameweek 15’s trip to White Hart Lane. This weekend will be a huge test of Liverpool’s progress but, following that, Anfield clashes with Villa, Fulham and Wolves – all sides currently struggling for form, appear to give Hodgson’s outfit the a platform to make progress and for the likes of Paul Konchesky, Glen Johnson and particularly Fernando Torres, to blink brightly on our Fantasy Radars.

Blackburn
Rovers have won three of their last four and have scored no less than 8 goals in that run, while Sunday’s win over Villa brought a first clean sheet in six. Sam Allardyce’s side have form then and now also have a set of forthcoming fixtures to push on further. They need to get a daunting Old Trafford trip out of the way this coming Gameweek, but can then find comfort in Ewood Park encounters against Wolves, West Ham and Stoke over the four that follow. Watch for Chris Samba, Morten Gamst Pedersen and even David Dunn once Gameweek 15 is out of the way.

Sunderland
For weeks on end Sunderland had to bear the brunt of my aspersions in this article, as they were constantly cast in the midst of an awful spell of fixtures. That ends here. Besides a game away at Old Trafford in a month’s time (a game which Darren Bent scored a brace in last season), opponents really begin to soften up for Steve Bruce’s side. Home games with West Ham, Bolton and Blackpool in the next six promise to bring profits, while trips to Wolves and Fulham also look far from daunting. Darren Bent is finally getting some help with the goalscoring stakes and he and the record signing Asamoah Gyan who will be most appealing to Fantasy Managers, although Danny Welbeck’s brace last night would have raised some eyebrows. Sunderland also have something to offer defensivley however, with Craig Gordon a budget keeper option and Michael Turner in front of him, a reliable lynchpin. The injury to Titus Bramble, announced by Steve Bruce last night, does cast doubt over a reshuffled back four however.

West Brom
Not only are West Brom sliding down the table but they’re in frankly awful form right now – one point from their last five tells the tale. The only bright spark on the horizon is the calendar of games in front of them that gives them a good chance to rectify their recent slump. Their next three home fixtures (NEW, WOL, BLA) will be key matches and Roberto Di Matteo must get results from these. Peter Odemwingie has taken the mantle of chief penalty taker and continues to impress and is a cheap option at only £5.1m. Once fit, Chris Brunt at £5.7m seems to offer the most assurances, while those looking for budget defenders can at least gain regular game-time from Gonzalo Jara and Gabriel Tamas.

Also to consider: Bolton – we mentioned that you needed a Bolton player in last week’s Frisking and so it turned out. The Trotters continue to have an easy time of it in weeks to come so this particular horse has far from bolted. Everton – three home games in the next six against West Brom, Wigan and Birmingham all promise returns. Fulham – struggled against City but Craven Cottage encounters with Birmingham, Sunderland and West Ham offer the platform for a recovery and mid-price returns. Man City – the next two against in-form Stoke and Bolton will be tough but they look the most testing couple of fixtures in the next six for City. Wolves – form is stuttering but the Wanderers do have a rather handy set of fixtures (SUN, bla, BIR, wba, WIG) to give Mick McCarthy the opportunity to turn the ship around.

The Lows…

Chelsea
Carlo Ancelotti’s men have seemed to hit a brick wall of late. The Blues have only won one of their last four fixtures with just a single goal – coming from the scarcely selected combination of Michael Essien and Salomon Kalou. The next five fixtures for the Blues sees them travel to St. James’ Park, White Hart Lane and The Emirates, throw in tough home games against Everton and United and it’s obvious that Chelsea are now feeling the pinch from their easy opening to the season. Heavy investment in the expensive duo of Didier Drogba (£13m) and Florent Malouda (£10.3m) will certainly see plenty of questions raised about value for money, with the likes of Carlos Tevez and Tim Cahill looking tempting alternatives. Likewise, those who own budget busting defender Ashley Cole (£8.4m) off the back of one clean sheet in five, will surely be assessing their options.

Arsenal
The Gunners are in a bit of a pickle right now, form at home seems hard to come by having lost to both Newcastle and Spurs in their most recent fixtures. Successive victories on the road against Wolves and Everton have however, kept them afloat. In theory, Arsene Wenger’s side should dispose of Fulham and Stoke who arrive at the Emirates next, but such is the home form, you can’t necessarily take returns in those games for granted. Forthcoming away fixtures meanwhile, look far more testing. Trips to Villa and United come next and following that run, the Gunners will host Chelsea. Investors need be cautious then, although there’s argument to say that a certain Cesc Fabregas is a fixture proof proposition.

Aston Villa
Gerard Houllier has inherited a side with a truly bright future ahead of them but, unfortunately, the short-term brings a slew of fixtures which can only be described by one word – tricky. Gameweek’s 17 and 18 offer some comfort (WBA and wig) but the opponents around that spell all currently have aspirations near the top of the table (ARS, liv, TOT mcy). Bargain buy Marc Albrighton remains the most selected Villa asset at 8.4% ownership. Given his price, his owners might want to hold firm but there seems little appeal within the rest of Houllier’s squad.

Be wary of: Newcastle – Chris Hughton’s men seem to have taken a mantle that Wigan will happily hand over, they’ve become consistently inconsistent and are hard to nail down. Investors in Carroll won’t be looking to jump ship any time soon, but beyond that tread lightly. Blackpool – much like Carroll before him, Charlie Adam will probably have to do very little for quite a while before people consider offloading, he offers extreme value, but buying into Blackpool looks a risk right now. West Ham – They’re in poor form, they’re bottom of the table and they’re fixtures are not good. It’s as simple as that.

Andy Leicester won the Premier League. Leicester. Premier League. What is this life? Follow them on Twitter

450 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Nibbsy
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Please can I get opinions on the following options:

    a) Play Samba away to United

    b) Play Konchesky away to Spurs

    c) Elmo - Salcido (or other <5.0 def) 4 pt hit

    Thanks.

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    1. mackay007
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Play Konchesky, dont take a hit for a defender and wouldn't risk Samba at OT

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 4 months ago

        KOnchesky 1 point make the hit. But be careful for whom.

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    2. Nibbsy
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers. it would be Konch if either of them.

      Thinking Salcido if anyone as Fulham is the only defence I trust that I can afford (and don't already have covered).

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    3. Eatspressure
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Wouldsnt be touching Fulham defenders, nani to run amok on Blackburn (he hasnt looked fullt fir bit like cesc but getting there), Konch all the way

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    4. Daniel777
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      get Coleman he is cheap and at home to West Brom , offers potential point returns at both ends of the field

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    5. Peter Griffin
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      c) - you're going to have to transfer Elmo out at some stage anyway because he has lost his place in the team so you might as well do it now when you need a defender

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  2. emperikal
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone else having a ridiculous time setting up their CL line-ups with so much uncertainty with line-ups?!

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    1. DickFranDyke
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Yup,so many doubts it's killing me.

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    2. Waldaz
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Bloody russian teams.

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 4 months ago

        Can we help emperikal?

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        1. emperikal
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 4 months ago

          I'll throw a few question marks out there 😉

          1. Nani - rested?
          2. VDV/Bale - knocks?
          3. Drogba/Kalou - will both start?
          4. Who will Barca/Real put on the pitch with El Classico on the horizon

          Here's my squad ATM

          Wiland -Rh
          Bruma - Smalling - Maxwell - Rada - F. Coentrao
          Nani (?) - VDV (?) - Coutinho (injured) - P. Hernandez - Nasri
          Ronaldo - Drogba (C) - Bojan

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          1. emperikal
            • 13 Years
            13 years, 4 months ago

            Ryzhikov is my 2nd keeper

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            1. FPL Daniel
              • 14 Years
              13 years, 4 months ago

              Nani playing 70% chance,
              Yeah both knocks, Bale more likely to play,
              Drogba/Kalou see below,
              First squad for both Barsa and Real IMO. (Benzema starting)

              Cheers,

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              1. FPL Daniel
                • 14 Years
                13 years, 4 months ago

                Drogba to Messi is obvious IMO.

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                1. emperikal
                  • 13 Years
                  13 years, 4 months ago

                  Do you think Messi will play for sure?

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  3. herman murman
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    if bramble is injured, could this impact the amount of minutes elmo gets. What i mean to say is, could he get a game!!

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    1. Nibbsy
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Seems unlikely, Elmo is a right mid, Bramble is a CB. Surely another CB will just play?

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      1. Jas aka The age of Ozil is …
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 4 months ago

        John Mensah comes to mind ,if he's fit

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  4. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    trying to join ur fantasy cricket league jamsiep did u get my email?372.com??

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    1. herman murman
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      A game i have no understanding of.. I might join. I would probably do well seeing i know a bit about football and am totaly sh1t at FF!!

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  5. Silva is Gold.
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Chances of city clean sheet and Kolarov Playing?
    And chances of Chelsea clean sheet with Alex playing?

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    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Che no CS. City probably. Both will play.

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  6. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Please vote for today captain in Cl.

    Nasri braga (A) or,
    Kalou ZILINA (h)

    Cheers,

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    1. Silva is Gold.
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Kalou I fancy this week for a Chelsea turn around.

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    2. Jas aka The age of Ozil is …
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Nasri even though he won't play the whole game...Do you have walcott?

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    3. Waldaz
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Kalou surely.

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      1. Waldaz
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 4 months ago

        Is he a definite starter by the way?

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        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 4 months ago

          Kalou is definite starter. He had interview on the main page and its like a rule. I think he will start and really struggling. Kalou can have a storming game but Arsenal also want to win to repay for frustrating Tot clash. Plus I am not assured that Nasri will start but probably he will start with Fabre benched, he in the center with penalty duties. At the moment the armband is at Nasri.

          Should I changed it?

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          1. Waldaz
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 4 months ago

            If he starts then you only have to think it's Zilina. At home. Enough said.

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            1. FPL Daniel
              • 14 Years
              13 years, 4 months ago

              Ahhh I hate when my favorite team is giving me fantasy headaches 🙁 It so hard when trying to decide with feelings included.

              p.S. Che fan 🙂

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              1. Waldaz
                • 14 Years
                13 years, 4 months ago

                I might ditch Drogba for him, no chance of Drogs starting right?

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                1. FPL Daniel
                  • 14 Years
                  13 years, 4 months ago

                  There is chance but I think it will be Kalou, Kakuta and Sturridge. Not worth to make the hit cause if he plays it could be huge point haul. If I had Drogs I presume would play the opposite and give him the armband. You can change it tomorrow.

                  Just a thought.

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                2. emperikal
                  • 13 Years
                  13 years, 4 months ago

                  Really no Drogs?

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                  1. FPL Daniel
                    • 14 Years
                    13 years, 4 months ago

                    Think this way. You are Ancelotti, u have a striker with recent malaria and u play against the worst CL side in ages, which just concede it 7 from France team, which always struggle for goals. Would you risk injury and play the Drogs or give the chance to the youngsters?

                    P.S. We r already top of the group. Miracle is needed for we to slip.

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                  2. Waldaz
                    • 14 Years
                    13 years, 4 months ago

                    Hence my Drogba to Kalou move, missing tonight goalfest could be a disaster.

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                3. FPL Daniel
                  • 14 Years
                  13 years, 4 months ago

                  Everybody of thinking ditching the Drogs u know that is on your own risk right? Just to be clear. I am giving only my opinion.

                  Cheers and good luck.

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                  1. ToonTom
                    • 14 Years
                    13 years, 4 months ago

                    Haha shameful demonstration of people's lack of willingness to take responsibility for their own actions their MF! Bless you for saying so though....like the warning at the end of a morgage advert!

                    Maybe Mark should put up a disclaimer?!

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  7. boomtown
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    will tevez go up overnight then?

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    1. Team Hayemaker
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      sure

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 4 months ago

        yeah

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        1. boomtown
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 4 months ago

          when will he actually go up?

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        2. Ole Gunnar Kush
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 4 months ago

          will Carroll?

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        3. boomtown
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 4 months ago

          you making any changes this week danielmf?

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          1. FPL Daniel
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 4 months ago

            FPL or UCL?

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            1. boomtown
              • 13 Years
              13 years, 4 months ago

              FPL pal

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              1. FPL Daniel
                • 14 Years
                13 years, 4 months ago

                I think I am gonna improve my defense. You are not my mini league competition undercover right???

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                1. boomtown
                  • 13 Years
                  13 years, 4 months ago

                  lol no pal

                  am on 740 ish so way off you just thought your team looked decent

                  i hooked drogba last night and was thinking of whether to put tevez in for a 4 point hit before the rise.

                  my team is

                  foster/robinson

                  dann coleman vidic bardsley simpson

                  vdv fab nani malouda lee

                  elamnder carroll piquionne

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  8. Ole Gunnar Kush
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    The Albrighton news has just f#$ked me up!will Brunt play this weekend?

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  9. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Damn I haven't still made up my mind. Kalou or Nasri. Last time when I had the dilemma I went for Eto and went in top 40. Hoping for similar scenario 🙂

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  10. Daniel777
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    has anyone heard of ubecha.com you can put a fiver in and pick a fantasy team just for 1 gameweek and the person with the most points takes the money which is a guarenteed 100

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    1. ToonTom
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Think Ive heard it mentioned on here before...

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  11. ToonTom
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Evening all...

    60+ in a GW and down overall..an odd season this definately is!

    Thinking Alex or Mummy out this week...looking at Bardsley or Kolarov in....make sense to anyone?!

    Any thoughts?

    Cheers

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    1. PFOR
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Yep. Couldn't fault you there.

      Not a 4 point hit though

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  12. tornadoamr
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    foster of gordon?
    cash is not a prob

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    1. suddenorgan
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      who's your other keeper?

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