There’s an air of anticipation around the site this morning, as the 9am release of the 2011/12 Premier League fixture list allows us to start our Fantasy preparations for the season ahead in earnest. We’re still 3 or 4 weeks away from the publishing of the official Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Player Lists but, nevertheless, Fantasy managers can begin to pick apart the schedules and pencil in those players with strong starts to the season.
Gameweek 1 will see Man United begin their title defence away to West Brom, while second-placed Chelsea travel to Stoke City. Liverpool new boy Jordan Henderson hosts old club Sunderland, with Spurs-Everton the biggest tie of the opening weekend.
As for the new boys, Brendan Rodgers takes Swansea to Eastlands to face Man City, Norwich make their way to Wigan, while QPR are the only promoted side at home, playing host to Owen Coyle’s Bolton.
Last season Chelsea were quickest out the blocks thanks to a kind first five fixtures, with Didier Drogba racking up 55 pts and Florent Malouda 49 pts as Carlo Ancelotti’s side marched onto gameweek 6 with fifteen points already in the bag. Who will do the same this time round?
At first glance, Chelsea again look good, hosting West Brom, Norwich and Swansea in gameweek 2, 3 & 6 respectively, though have a trip to Old Trafford sandwiched in between in gameweek 5. United, on the other hand, have been handed a tricky first few weeks- their first three home games see Fergie’s side take on Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea. Arsenal also face a tough start; away to Newcastle on the opener, followed by Liverpool at home and that aforementioned trip to Old Trafford, the beginning to their season may not bring a smile to a certain Mr Wenger’s face this Friday morning. Wigan will find themselves subject to Fantasy investment, with matches against the three promoted sides in the first three weeks: (NOR, swa, QPR) will see bandwagons aplenty for Charles N’Zogbia.
We’ll have a far more in-depth article on the matter to follow from Andy but for now, though, enjoy the morning; FPL 2011/12 is one step nearer.
