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.
About The Author
paul
1,905 Responses to “Frisking the Fixtures – Gameweek One”
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Definitely. Subotic did brilliantly but even so Robben shouldn't have given him a chance. » -
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“I am happy with the way I’ve started, but on the other hand, I should have scored four or five more, so that’s something for me to work on.”
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June 21 at 6:37 pm
Declan says:
Darida scored vs Schalke in the Uefa Cup FWIW
June 21 at 6:38 pm
mouldy_uk says:
His goal record looks ok for his few appearances, possibly the best of the 4m mids
June 21 at 6:39 pm
Declan says:
Yep, just ditched Makos, now have Pilar and Darida
June 21 at 6:39 pm
mouldy_uk says:
Same
June 21 at 6:43 pm
7dbeckham23 says:
4 national team appearences, 2 goals, nawtt too shabby, i’m all IN
June 21 at 6:37 pm
Ron Swanson says:
Right! Decided!
Rui Patricio (Chalkias)
Lescott, Hummels, Boateng, Alba (Maniatis)
Pirlo, Iniesta, Ozil (Darida, Hubschman)
Ronaldo, Torres, Podolski
June 21 at 6:38 pm
jkisthe1 -Tointon Number 1 - AKA Kara says:
anyone considering Darida AND Makos. Darida over Pilar/Jiracek and using cash elsewhere?
June 21 at 6:39 pm
rulocal says:
Yep. May use funds to upgrade kedhira to schwein.
June 21 at 6:38 pm
Grounderz says:
Hmm… according to ESPN Soccernet gamecast, this is the Czech’s lineup. No sign of Darida…
Cech; Gebre Selassie, Kadlec, Sivok, Limbersky; Hubschman, Plasil, Kolar; Pilar, Jiracek; Baros.
June 21 at 6:39 pm
Childish Gambino says:
Its wrong.
People still doubting?!
June 21 at 6:39 pm
PanPan says:
bbc confirms that darida starts for czech
June 21 at 6:40 pm
jkisthe1 -Tointon Number 1 - AKA Kara says:
how dare you doubt CG. UEFA shows Darida starting.
June 21 at 6:52 pm
Grounderz says:
They effing changed it.
June 21 at 6:38 pm
ManUFan says:
pilar or jiracek or A. Diarra?
June 21 at 6:38 pm
Boing_Boing says:
Chances of Balzaretti playing anyone?
June 21 at 6:38 pm
rulocal says:
Might downgrade Pilar to Darida to upgrade Kedhira to schwein.
June 21 at 6:39 pm
Rukawa says:
Makos out
Darida in
DOne !!!
June 21 at 6:40 pm
Man with no name says:
Good job nobody else has thought of that…
June 21 at 6:48 pm
7dbeckham23 says:
Darida Plays right behind striker, Very very good choice for 4.0. I switched out Makos too!!
June 21 at 6:39 pm
Fuzzy Warbelowski - Co-Manager, Poland says:
well I dont see any german managers around. Poland announces its early team sheet
Casillas, Butland
Hummels, Boateng, Alba, Limbersky, Maniatis
Iniesta, Schweinsteiger, Pirlo, Pilar, Darida
CR7, Gomez, Welbeck
NO FRANCE
June 21 at 6:39 pm
suvoneel says:
is it me or anyone else also thinks that ronaldo will be a giant disappointment tonight???
though he is in my team btw but getting a last minute hitch to downgrade him…….please comment
June 21 at 6:40 pm
Messimerized-Feel Free To Join These Euro2012 Leagues @ 33483-3827 & 33483-3828 says:
Darida & Pilar Overkill?
Or go for Darida & Makos?
June 21 at 6:49 pm
7dbeckham23 says:
Darida& Pilar. Especially the fact that Darida plays right behind striker makes this even more appealing than makos
June 21 at 6:40 pm
seanie3 says:
a) ronaldo & busquets or
b) nani & iniesta
June 21 at 6:40 pm
Anonymous says:
Sky have reported 2 different czech line ups, which is right
June 21 at 6:40 pm
ManUFan says:
demis on previous page
June 21 at 6:40 pm
JWilson3 says:
Who will come on for Portugal first Varela or Nelson Oliveria?
June 21 at 6:40 pm
Optimus says:
sorry last post on last page
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 6:41 pm
emperikal says:
Looks great as its pretty similar to mine
June 21 at 6:40 pm
Eng-er-land expects...nothing says:
What’s the thinking on Walcott? Will he start v Italy?
June 21 at 6:40 pm
ManUFan says:
pilar or jiracek?
as my only czech players
June 21 at 6:42 pm
Messimerized-Feel Free To Join These Euro2012 Leagues @ 33483-3827 & 33483-3828 says:
Pilar.
Alternatively, you look at Darida for only 4.0 m
June 21 at 6:40 pm
emperikal says:
Final team check please!
G: Patricio – Tzorvas
D: Boateng – Hummels – Lescott – Maniatis – Limbersky
M: Iniesta – Gerrard – Pirlo – Khedira – Darida
F: Ronaldo – Gomez – Nani
June 21 at 6:44 pm
Optimus says:
i see what you mean
June 21 at 6:41 pm
seanie3 says:
Neuer, Tzorvas
Boateng, Alba, Selassie, Maniatis, Limberský
Gerrard, Pirlo, Busquets, Pilar, Schweinsteiger
Ronaldo, Torres, Gomez
Should I
a) keep busquets
b) swap for cayabe
c) swap for navas
June 21 at 6:41 pm
FORCA INTER says:
i just find CRO fantasy and it’s so cool
if i knew for this before i could won some crazy revards(every matchday TV)
the likes of Silva,Muller,Podolski,Nani are classed as MF players
June 21 at 6:41 pm
jkisthe1 -Tointon Number 1 - AKA Kara says:
CG you around?
June 21 at 6:43 pm
Childish Gambino says:
If you’re asking about Darida, i’ve never seen him play and i doubt anyone here has. He’s in Rosicky’s position though, behind the striker.
June 21 at 6:45 pm
jkisthe1 -Tointon Number 1 - AKA Kara says:
was also just gonna ask, Pepe or Coentrao. I think if Pepe hadn’t scored I wouldn’t be considering him. But there is the fact Coentrao is on a yellow, Pepe is not.
June 21 at 6:46 pm
jkisthe1 -Tointon Number 1 - AKA Kara says:
or get neither and bung in Boateng and triple on Germany rather than double on Portugal.
June 21 at 6:48 pm
little_wizard123 says:
Yellow cards have been wiped.
June 21 at 6:49 pm
Declan says:
incorrect
June 21 at 6:49 pm
jkisthe1 -Tointon Number 1 - AKA Kara says:
nope, get wiped after quarters
June 21 at 6:41 pm
mouldy_uk says:
Team is ready to ROCK!!!
Rui Patrício
Gebre Selassie / João Pereira / Hummels / Maniatis
Schweinsteiger / Darida / Iniesta / Pilař
Gomez / Cristiano Ronaldo (c)
Sifakis / Jordi Alba / Pirlo / Torres
June 21 at 6:42 pm
UKG says:
Is Torres going to start then??
June 21 at 6:42 pm
LawnDart says:
jiracek or pilar… who plays higher up the field?
June 21 at 6:43 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - From Russia With Malafeev's Glove says:
They both play wide in a 3 behind Baros. They both look lively in attack but Jiracek looks the slightly better goal threat.
June 21 at 6:43 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - From Russia With Malafeev's Glove says:
Khedira or Alonso?
June 21 at 6:43 pm
Ginkapo-There is no Arjen in Team..... says:
Alonso, he takes shots from range when the defence is too tight.
June 21 at 6:44 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - From Russia With Malafeev's Glove says:
Thanks mate. Do you think Iniesta + Alonso is too much Spanish?
June 21 at 6:45 pm
Ginkapo-There is no Arjen in Team..... says:
Yeah, theyre gonna struggle big time. I can see France winning
June 21 at 6:43 pm
Jedmonds13 - Václav Pilař > Lionel Messi says:
Like a dog without a bone
An actor out alone
RIDERS ON THE STORM
June 21 at 6:43 pm
Ginkapo-There is no Arjen in Team..... says:
So what happened in those two pages that passed whilst I was processing bids on fantasy pro. That was tedious
June 21 at 6:43 pm
Reedy - Caretaker Manager, Llareggub CF says:
Teamsheets out. Kolar doesn’t start for Czechs, Darida does!
June 21 at 6:48 pm
Ginkapo-There is no Arjen in Team..... says:
Ooh thats interesting, havent got any 4.0 mids and I aint gonna rearrange last minute. never works out
June 21 at 6:43 pm
Man with no name says:
Right, now everyone stfu about Darida,,,,,
Any more news on Boateng?
June 21 at 6:43 pm
Beavis says:
PB said he is probably starting.
June 21 at 6:43 pm
DreamingPixel says:
Is Cabaye fit?
June 21 at 6:43 pm
Horlicks esq. says:
Fabregas starting?