Frisking the Fixtures – Gameweek One
Filed under: Frisking the Fixtures - Posted by: Paul
While Fantasy managers have been busy restructuring their EURO 2012 McDonald’s squads ahead of tonight’s quarter finals deadline, our heads were turned to domestic matters on Monday after the fixture list for the upcoming 2012/13 Premier League season was unveiled.
With our season ticker now up and running for the new campaign, we thought we’d cast an eye over the first six Gameweeks and give the fixtures their first frisk, with the release of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) player list now only a matter of weeks away:
The Strong
Man City
The champions are handed a dream start against Southampton in their opener, with Sergio Aguero already looking like a strong Gameweek 1 captaincy option. Bearing in mind they dropped two points at home all season last time round, you’d expect Roberto Mancini’s to see off QPR and Arsenal at the Etihad, while the return of Carlos Tevez towards the close of the previous campaign saw an upturn in away displays – affording Fantasy managers plenty reason for optimism, then, ahead of trips to Liverpool, Stoke and Fulham.
Chelsea
An obliging early schedule means the Champions League winners are likely to be heavily backed at the beginning of the new campaign. With Eden Hazard and Marko Marin already on board and the Abramovich cash certain to be splashed again, home games against Newcastle, Reading and Stoke look enticing. Their away fixtures could be tricky, though; an opening day trip to Wigan may prove difficult if the Latics can start off the way they finished last term, while derby visits to QPR and Arsenal should test the Blues’ resolve.
Man United
An opening fixture at Everton is far from enticing but United’s following three fixtures (FUL, sou, WIG) are likely to bring plenty of Fantasy investment for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. A Gameweek 5 trip to Anfield and a home clash with Tottenham see out their first six fixtures – arguably, then, the couple of Merseyside clashes look the only downside for last term’s runners-up. If United can replicate last season’s superb start, Wayne Rooney looking a strong captaincy option from Gameweeks 2-4.
Tottenham
The north London outfit face a tough opener away to Newcastle and head to Old Trafford in Gameweek 6 but in between those two fixtures, the prospects looks strong. From Gameweek 2-5, Gareth Bale, Rafael Van der Vaart and co face a run of matches (WBA, NOR, rea, QPR) that affords them the chance to pick up the points and makes the above-mentioned midfield duo decent armband alternatives.
Also Consider
Swansea – Michael Laudrup has been dealt a kind opening schedule as he gets acquainted with the rigours of the Premier League. The new Swansea boss takes his team to Loftus Road on the opening day of the season but is then handed three fixtures at the Liberty Stadium in the following four Gameweeks, as West Ham, Sunderland and Everton all make their way to Wales. With trips to Villa and Stoke also on the agenda, Laudrup looks to have the opportunity to get off to a prosperous start.
Aston Villa – Paul Lambert has been handed a decent set of first six fixtures to impress the Villa faithful. The midlanders face trips to two of the promoted sides, with an opening day fixture at Upton Park and a Gameweek 5 visit to Southampton on the agenda. Villa’s opening three home games see them play host to Everton, Swansea and West Brom – all will be targeted as the source of three points by the new man in charge.
West Ham – The Hammers are afforded the kindest schedule of any of the promoted sides over the first few games. Sam Allardyce’s men kick off the campaign with a home clash against Villa and, with travel-sick Fulham and Sunderland both rolling up to Upton Park by Gameweek 5, have a trio of favourable fixtures in front of their own fans. Trips to Swansea and Norwich – teams likely to still be finding their feet under new management – look enticing, given West Ham’s strong away form under Allardyce last term, with the visit to QPR in Gameweek 6 possibly their only real headache.
The Weak
Liverpool
The fixture list hasn’t been particularly kind to new Reds boss Brendan Rodgers. Liverpool face last season’s top three in their first trio of home fixtures, as City, Arsenal and United all roll up to Anfield by Gameweek 5. On the road, their season kicks off with a trip to West Brom – Steve Clarke will be desperate to continue the strong home form shown under Roy Hodgson towards the end of last season, while a visit to Sunderland looks tricky, given their upturn in Stadium of Light displays since the arrival of Martin O’Neill.
Southampton
Nigel Adkins’ side have been handed a trio of tough looking away fixtures in the first six Gameweeks. An opening day visit to the Etihad, in addition to trips to Arsenal and Everton, could well prove problematic for the Saints, making their home form vital to a decent start. Games against Wigan and Villa at St Mary’s could harvest the points, though a Gameweek 3 showdown against United will have many steering clear.
Reading
The Royals are another of the promoted sides that have been dealt a tough opening hand. Their first fixture of the season sees Stoke roll up to the Madejski – Brian McDermott will be keen to capitalise on the Potters clash before a Gameweek 2 trip to Sunderland. After that, it doesn’t get any easier, with Reading then squaring up to three of last season’s top six (che, TOT, wba, NEW). The new boys will need to be fast out the blocks or the honeymoon could quickly be over.
Also Be Wary Of
Newcastle – The Magpies face a tricky pair of opening fixtures – games against Spurs and Chelsea mean they are the only side to face two of last season’s top six in the first two Gameweeks of the new campaign. With a Europa League match in between those two games, Alan Pardew could barely have asked for a trickier start to 2012/13. A trip to Everton is also thrown into the equation in Gameweek 4, though their schedule begins to pick up the following week, with a home clash against Norwich preceding a trip to Reading.
Norwich – Chris Hughton’s first few fixtures in charge at Carrow Road look relatively unappetising. The Canaries first three away fixtures (ful, tot, new) pit them against teams with strong home records last time round and could see them struggle to pick up the points. At home, showdowns against QPR, West Ham may prove prosperous, though a Gameweek 6 clash with Liverpool looks a potential stumbling block.
QPR
Mark Hughes’ side look to have a favourable Gameweek 1 fixture with a home clash against Swansea on the agenda but their fixtures stiffen significantly afterwards. QPR then travel to Carrow Road for Paul Lambert’s first home game in charge of Norwich before embarking on a trio of fixtures (mci, CHE, tot) that will instill little confidence in Fantasy managers.
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June 21 at 6:21 pm
Horlicks esq. says:
Done then.
1st XI
Neuer
Lescott / Boateng / Jordi Alba
Iniesta / Schweinsteiger / Gerrard / Pilar
Gomez / Nani / CR7
June 21 at 6:26 pm
Spike says:
Looks ok but I’m still not convinced about Iniesta. I think Fabregas is a better option but that’s only an opinion
June 21 at 6:22 pm
Euro Fantasy League code: 8669-5262 says:
Hi, some people on here told me to stregnthen up on my defence and GK so i have come back with an improvised squad
Rui Patricio, Lastuvka
Gebre Selassie, Maniatis, Pepe, Lescott, Kadlec (incase they get a penalty)
Pilar, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Gerrard, Pirlo
Gomez, Nani, Ronaldo
Recommend any changes?
###
June 21 at 6:25 pm
Reedy - Caretaker Manager, Llareggub CF says:
You know what? I’d forgotten all about Kadlec! Has to be a consideration, I agree.
Team looks good btw.
June 21 at 6:24 pm
Horlicks esq. says:
Is Ronaldo vital?
Now thinking. Nani is enough Portugal cover?
June 21 at 6:24 pm
Fuzzy Warbelowski - Co-Manager, Poland says:
this game is about to get less fun. teams are too similar. its basically going to be who guessed right on CS investment and 3rd striker. next round will be twice as unimpactful.
not a complaint, ive enjoyed having a buffer until the next PL season, but I want to play FPL!!!! First thing i do when i bring up the site is check to see if the next 6 ticker has been updated. Im a fiend!
June 21 at 6:26 pm
Michael says:
I got ballotelli.
June 21 at 6:31 pm
Fuzzy Warbelowski - Co-Manager, Poland says:
red arrow time
June 21 at 6:27 pm
ManUFan says:
a 1-0 final would be funny
if you guessed right then you do well, if not, then you dont
June 21 at 6:25 pm
Batigol9 says:
Thoughts?
Rui Patricio – (Tzorvas)
Boateng – Hummels – Badstuber – J.Pereira – (Maniatis)
Özil – Iniesta – Pirlo – Cabaye – (Fortounis)
Ronaldo – Silva – N.Oliveira
I’m predicting clean sheets for Germany & Portugal as I think that is easier to predict than mis-firing strikers/midfielders in tight matches. The rewards are bigger too. The only player I potentially want is Gomez but I have reservations about him vs Greece. Klose would be so much better but Jogi won’t budge now.
June 21 at 6:27 pm
Reedy - Caretaker Manager, Llareggub CF says:
I’m glad I’m not the only one even thinking about dropping Gomez. I want him too but CR7 and double Spain attack is tempting me now. Oliviera a potential masterstroke, also.
June 21 at 6:31 pm
Batigol9 says:
Yeah, Oliveira comes on every game and looks dangerous. If Portugal are leading then the Czechs will push forward and get destroyed on the counter so he could get a late goal.
June 21 at 6:25 pm
Yidfan says:
Best midfielder for 8 million??
Alonso maybe?
June 21 at 6:28 pm
Reedy - Caretaker Manager, Llareggub CF says:
I’d say so
June 21 at 6:25 pm
ROBIN TO THE RESCUE says:
what abt this guys???
lastuvka neur
alba boateng barzagili gebre-selasssie maniatis
makos pilar pirlo ozil gerrard
torres gomez cr7
June 21 at 6:26 pm
Ron Swanson says:
Currently I have:
Rui Patricio, Chalkias
Lescott, Hummels, Limbersky, Alba, Maniatis
Ozil, Iniesta, Pirlo, Busquets, Hubschman
Ronaldo, Torres, Podolski
Is it better to have a second German defender (Boateng?) or stick with Portugal? I could downgrade Ozil to Schwein but apparantly he’s injured.
June 21 at 6:26 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - From Russia With Malafeev's Glove says:
Ditch Pirlo or Gerrard?
June 21 at 6:27 pm
Nitin Nagaraja: Come on you Rangers !! says:
Pirlo
June 21 at 6:27 pm
BOOM SHAKALAKA - THE OFFICIAL CO-MASCOT OF MEXICO says:
Gerrard
June 21 at 6:28 pm
Grounderz says:
Pirlo.
June 21 at 6:29 pm
Declan says:
Pirlo
June 21 at 6:26 pm
Grounderz says:
Anybody reckon Spain will concede against France?
June 21 at 6:27 pm
little_wizard123 says:
France haven’t exactly been scoring goals like some people predicted. I think Spain will keep the clean sheet.
June 21 at 6:29 pm
Grounderz says:
Many pundits predict a 3-1 or 4-2 scoreline and that France midfield have something to offer.
June 21 at 6:26 pm
The Super Ninja Shinji says:
Neuer Butland
Limbersky maniatis pereira alba boateng
makos gerrard pirlo busquets cabaye
gomez silva ronaldo
0.4m in the bank
any suggestions?
June 21 at 6:27 pm
Childish Gambino says:
Čech – Gebre Selassie, Sivok, Kadlec, Limberský – Plašil, Hübschman – Jiráček, Darida, Pilař – Baroš.
Portugal XI: Rui Patrício; Pereira, Alves, Pepe, Coentrão; Veloso, Moutinho, Meireles; Nani, Postiga, Ronaldo
No Kolar. Now that IS surprising.
June 21 at 6:27 pm
ManUFan says:
thanks
June 21 at 6:28 pm
Nitin Nagaraja: Come on you Rangers !! says:
Thanks, Demi!
June 21 at 6:28 pm
LawnDart says:
darida my new 4.0 filler
June 21 at 6:28 pm
little_wizard123 says:
Hmmm, could take Darida over Makos…
June 21 at 6:29 pm
jkisthe1 -Tointon Number 1 - AKA Kara says:
what’s the craic on Darida CG? More attacking than Makos?
June 21 at 6:29 pm
Spike says:
Thanks Demi and yes it is surprising as you say
June 21 at 6:32 pm
Reedy - Caretaker Manager, Llareggub CF says:
Timely, marvellous stuff as ever!
June 21 at 6:32 pm
Declan says:
Thanks Demi
June 21 at 6:34 pm
chazza says:
Brilliant, thanks.
June 21 at 6:28 pm
Nitin Nagaraja: Come on you Rangers !! says:
Darida bandwagon!
June 21 at 6:30 pm
Messimerized-Feel Free To Join These Euro2012 Leagues @ 33483-3827 & 33483-3828 says:
After Failed Kolar Bandwagon!
June 21 at 6:34 pm
Nitin Nagaraja: Come on you Rangers !! says:
June 21 at 6:37 pm
emperikal says:
LOL. ALL ABOOAAAARRRD. Its gotta work out at least once this tourney
June 21 at 6:28 pm
sean says:
anyone heard any updates on the schweinsteiger ankle injury ??
June 21 at 6:28 pm
jkisthe1 -Tointon Number 1 - AKA Kara says:
ok first and only team related question from me today
Pepe or Coentrao?
June 21 at 6:30 pm
★A-O-Chamberlain★ says:
Coentrão
June 21 at 6:30 pm
Grounderz says:
Coentrao.
June 21 at 6:30 pm
Declan says:
Pepe
June 21 at 6:29 pm
bobb2412 says:
another newbie question: what’s a ticker?
oh and what are these rotation spreadsheets or whatever they are that I’ve seen talk of? it all sounds very interesting!
June 21 at 6:36 pm
Man with no name says:
The ticker is up the page on the right hand side between the two ads. Click on it and it becomes all colourful, the bluer the box the easier the game, the redder, the harder
June 21 at 6:38 pm
bobb2412 says:
oo very useful, I like that a lot!
June 21 at 6:30 pm
ISHV (Team Avengers) says:
Any changes to the line up, suggestions?
Casillas Sifakis
Hummels Boateng Alba Barzagli Limbersky
Pirlo Ozil Busquets Pilar Makos
Gomez Ronaldo Torres
June 21 at 6:30 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - From Russia With Malafeev's Glove says:
Jiracek + Pilar
or
M’Vila + Pilar
I have Patricio + Pepe
June 21 at 6:31 pm
jkisthe1 -Tointon Number 1 - AKA Kara says:
Any Council members online?
June 21 at 6:37 pm
The Light Knight " I don't have tactics, I have Tic Tacs and that's how I stay fresh" says:
June 21 at 6:31 pm
markloe says:
I’m sure this has been asked several times today already but what’s the deal with Schweinsteiger?
June 21 at 6:32 pm
lateriser12 says:
Teams out?
June 21 at 6:32 pm
ManUFan says:
above by demi
June 21 at 6:33 pm
mouldy_uk says:
above
June 21 at 6:32 pm
ManUFan says:
any chance of a czech CS?
i dont think so, and can Gebre Selassie get an assist? i dont see his value
anyone think he’s worth it
June 21 at 6:32 pm
Corbz says:
Hey Guys,
Do you think Menez will play against Spain?
Thanks
June 21 at 6:34 pm
ManUFan says:
i dont know
but my question is
do you think france will score against spain?
June 21 at 6:36 pm
Lovzat says:
75% Blanc want speed on wing to counter attack spain.
Good pick if you want to gamble on France Imo.
June 21 at 6:33 pm
Roonatic says:
Thoughts on this team? I’m hovering around the 1000 mark, so this wildcard is pretty important.
Casillas Tsovaras
Maniatis Boateng Badstuber Alba Gebre
Fortounis Pilar Jiracek Ozil Iniesta
Ronaldo Gomez Torres
June 21 at 6:33 pm
UPTHESHAKERS says:
Quick question:
Cassano
or
Postiga ???
June 21 at 6:34 pm
Gargamel says:
Darida is 4m. Can’t go wrong.
Get on the wagon lads and ladies! VRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMM
June 21 at 6:36 pm
Reedy - Caretaker Manager, Llareggub CF says:
Strap in for da rida your life!!
June 21 at 6:37 pm
chazza says:
Haha
June 21 at 6:34 pm
Declan says:
http://www.soccerway.com/playe.....da/127888/
Vladimir Darida 4m option
June 21 at 6:34 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - From Russia With Malafeev's Glove says:
Iniesta + Busquets
or
Schweinsteiger + Busquets
June 21 at 6:36 pm
chazza says:
Iniesta (+ Busquets)
June 21 at 6:39 pm
BOOM SHAKALAKA - THE OFFICIAL CO-MASCOT OF MEXICO says:
thinking the same
June 21 at 6:34 pm
mouldy_uk says:
Darida in for Makos?
June 21 at 6:35 pm
Optimus says:
neuer / tzorvas
limbersky / alba /hummels / lescott / mantias
makos / inesta / gerard / pirlo / darida
gomez / cr7 / silva
bit week on the flanks but could get lucky with rbs..what ye think?
June 21 at 6:40 pm
Mull says:
Quality team. Imagine if Darida or Makos scores…
June 21 at 6:41 pm
Optimus says:
cheers mull