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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paul
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June 21 at 6:44 pm
Mull says:
Schweinsteiger and Pilar
or
Darida and Ozil
June 21 at 6:45 pm
Beavis says:
Definitely B
June 21 at 6:45 pm
mouldy_uk says:
Schwein and Pilar
June 21 at 7:00 pm
Yidfan says:
A
June 21 at 6:44 pm
jkisthe1 -Tointon Number 1 - AKA Kara says:
screw it, Pilar out, Darida in, Makos stays. The extra cash in the bank will prove handy for upgrades next round.
June 21 at 6:45 pm
Beavis says:
I’ve got Pilar, Darida and Makos!
June 21 at 6:45 pm
mouldy_uk says:
Brave, like it
June 21 at 6:45 pm
Rukawa says:
big mistake
June 21 at 6:45 pm
Man with no name says:
That makes no sense, you will most likely be selling Pilar anyway so you would have the same money…
June 21 at 6:48 pm
jkisthe1 -Tointon Number 1 - AKA Kara says:
I had no plans to sell Pilar, he was only ever bench filler after today, him Makos and Limbersky were gonna be my 3 Fergusons after the semi’s. Would rather use my 8FTs to get in the players I think will be in the final as much as possible.
June 21 at 6:49 pm
Man with no name says:
Fair enough, Pilar is too expensive to be used as a bench filler
June 21 at 6:45 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - From Russia With Malafeev's Glove says:
Without having Ozil and Iniesta is this the best combo?
Pirlo Alonso Gerrard
June 21 at 6:45 pm
marr says:
Whos darida?
June 21 at 6:47 pm
Man with no name says:
Nobody, never heard of him,go away….
June 21 at 6:46 pm
Reedy - Caretaker Manager, Llareggub CF says:
Darida (C)?
June 21 at 6:50 pm
Declan says:
noice
June 21 at 6:46 pm
DreamingPixel says:
Sorry for the repost: do we know if Cabaye is fit?
June 21 at 7:10 pm
benchwarmer says:
yes
June 21 at 6:47 pm
FORCA INTER says:
Darida??what is going on
?
who is he
June 21 at 6:47 pm
Reedy - Caretaker Manager, Llareggub CF says:
God only knows!!
But for 4mil he gets in my team 
June 21 at 6:47 pm
Boing_Boing says:
4.0 mid playing for the cz in the rosicky role
June 21 at 6:49 pm
Mull says:
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Darida
June 21 at 6:51 pm
Messimerized-Feel Free To Join These Euro2012 Leagues @ 33483-3827 & 33483-3828 says:
June 21 at 6:51 pm
Declan says:
June 21 at 6:51 pm
Silly Sausage says:
Ha thanks
June 21 at 6:51 pm
FORCA INTER says:
thanks
June 21 at 6:47 pm
seanie3 says:
a) ronaldo & busquets
or
b) nani & iniesta
June 21 at 6:47 pm
Canadian Football says:
Hey guys….I am down to my last spot in my squad. My decision is really dependant on Boateng ‘s status……what is the chance of him NOT starting?????
Demi…you never seem to be wrong…..what is your take?
June 21 at 6:53 pm
Childish Gambino says:
80% sure he’ll start.
June 21 at 7:01 pm
Canadian Football says:
thansk Demi….you are the best!!
June 21 at 6:47 pm
seanie3 says:
Neuer, Tzorvas
Boateng, Alba, Selassie, Maniatis, Limberský
Gerrard, Pirlo, Busquets, Pilar, Schweinsteiger
Ronaldo, Torres, Gomez
Should I do
a) keep busquets
b) swap for cayabe
c) swap for navas
June 21 at 6:47 pm
Yidfan says:
a) Scweinsteiger and Darida
or
b)pilar and khaderia
June 21 at 6:52 pm
Yidfan says:
anyone please?
June 21 at 6:55 pm
Reedy - Caretaker Manager, Llareggub CF says:
Probably the former, I’m not sure what Khadeira will do
June 21 at 6:47 pm
Daniel - The Holy Grail is blue. Chelsea champions!!! says:
Ok last dilemma. Jiracek od M Villa? I have Pilar already
June 21 at 6:48 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - From Russia With Malafeev's Glove says:
M’Vila
e-mail your team comrade
June 21 at 6:49 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - From Russia With Malafeev's Glove says:
reading it now
June 21 at 6:49 pm
Yidfan says:
Jirackec just
June 21 at 6:49 pm
Ginkapo-There is no Arjen in Team..... says:
Jiraceck, have you got any decent subs though
June 21 at 6:48 pm
ROBIN TO THE RESCUE says:
1.barzagali+ozil+torres
or
2.abate+iniesta+silva
????
June 21 at 6:49 pm
Yidfan says:
i like 2 but not sure if abate will play
June 21 at 6:48 pm
deepblue says:
That’s it decided finally….
Hart, Chalkias
Maniatis, Limbersky, jordi Alba, Boateng, Tzavellas
Ozil, Gerrard, Schweinsteiger, Pilar, Makos
Gomez, Ronaldo, Rooney..
cmon guys, surely it’s a very stong team?? desperately need the boost..
June 21 at 6:53 pm
Drinky - Proud Co-Manager of England says:
Terrible… U will only have a 2 3 3 in next round… Change it and quick
June 21 at 6:48 pm
JWilson3 says:
Nani or Torres?
June 21 at 6:50 pm
The Shuffling says:
My question too.. I have plan to have C.Ronaldo and Iniesta too.
Doubt if Torres will start and how many minutes he will get if starts.
June 21 at 6:49 pm
Waldaz says:
Neuer Tzorvas
Coentrao Lescott Boateng Hummels Limbersky
Gerrard Iniesta Busquets Makos Darida
Nani Gomez Ronaldo
1.0 in the bank, do I do Lescott -> Alba?!
June 21 at 6:50 pm
Mull says:
Without a doubt.
June 21 at 6:51 pm
serktheturk says:
keep lescott, france will score vs spain
June 21 at 6:49 pm
Silly Sausage says:
Neuer ???
Hummels Alba Limbersky Selassie Maniatis
Gerrard Pirlo Schweinsteiger Darida ???
Silva Gomez CR7
9.5m left:
A) Cech &Fortounis
B) Tzorvas & Pilar/Jiracek
June 21 at 6:49 pm
Messimerized-Feel Free To Join These Euro2012 Leagues @ 33483-3827 & 33483-3828 says:
Makos & Badstuber
Or
Pilar & Boateng/Coentrao?
June 21 at 6:50 pm
The Parmtree- Isacki to go all the way!!! says:
Fill me in on Darida?
June 21 at 6:51 pm
Mull says:
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Darida
This is Darida.
June 21 at 6:51 pm
chazza says:
4.0m who starts in an attacking midfield position. Yes please.
June 21 at 6:52 pm
Sheffield Rules says:
4.0 starting for CZH. In Rosiky role
June 21 at 6:52 pm
Messimerized-Feel Free To Join These Euro2012 Leagues @ 33483-3827 & 33483-3828 says:
See Mull’s Post Above
June 21 at 6:50 pm
seanie3 says:
June 21 at 6:47 pm
seanie3 says:
Neuer, Tzorvas
anyone?? please help
Boateng, Alba, Selassie, Maniatis, Limberský
Gerrard, Pirlo, Busquets, Pilar, Schweinsteiger
Ronaldo, Torres, Gomez
Should I do
a) keep busquets
b) swap for cayabe
c) swap for navas
June 21 at 6:50 pm
Ginkapo-There is no Arjen in Team..... says:
JK that so isnt Kara
June 21 at 6:52 pm
jkisthe1 -Tointon Number 1 - AKA Kara says:
nope it isn’t any more. Need to think of a way to re-jig my name.
She is some Swiss model.
June 21 at 6:50 pm
UPTHESHAKERS says:
team sorted:
Neuer
Lescott, Pepe, Alba
Gerrard,Schweiny, Iniesta, Jiracek
Roanldo (C), Gomez, Postiga
June 21 at 6:51 pm
Meinhoff says:
Vladimir Darida:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ymLgY3Qm9s
Seems like a good young player. Him instead of Pilar + 1.1m
June 21 at 6:51 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - From Russia With Malafeev's Glove says:
Selassie or Abate?
June 21 at 6:52 pm
chazza says:
Selassie since he is 100% starting.
June 21 at 6:52 pm
Reedy - Caretaker Manager, Llareggub CF says:
Selassie for me
June 21 at 6:51 pm
JWilson3 says:
& chance of Torres starting?
June 21 at 6:53 pm
JWilson3 says:
I meant %
June 21 at 6:52 pm
FORCA INTER says:
lineups has been confirmed yet?
June 21 at 6:52 pm
LOCO ABREU says:
Hübschman» Darida and Boateng»Hummels? Or just Makos to Darida?
June 21 at 6:53 pm
Messimerized-Feel Free To Join These Euro2012 Leagues @ 33483-3827 & 33483-3828 says:
1st
June 21 at 6:52 pm
emperikal says:
Let me try this one more time
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 6:55 pm
Captain Shirokov says:
Why the fook does everyone have this Darida fella over Pilar?
June 21 at 6:57 pm
Silly Sausage says:
I considered Lescott but in the end thought DEF less potential than MID so Lescott to Selassie and get in Schwiny for Khedira??
Neuer Tzorvas
Hummels Alba Limbersky Selassie Maniatis
Gerrard Pirlo Schweinsteiger Pilar Darida
Silva Gomez CR7
Useful to have 4 players on bench in semis worth 4.0m
June 21 at 6:52 pm
Zong says:
Why is everybody favouring Makos over Fortounis again?
June 21 at 6:53 pm
Man with no name says:
Makos is sooooooo this morning
June 21 at 6:56 pm
Jonty:Germany co-manager says:
Quick guide to European languages.
Makos is Greek for this morning. Darida is Czech for this evening.
Fortounis is Greek for last week.
June 21 at 6:56 pm
Man with no name says:
June 21 at 6:53 pm
Reedy - Caretaker Manager, Llareggub CF says:
There’s a new kid in town, don’tya know?
June 21 at 6:53 pm
The Shuffling says:
Hi.. RMT please.
Neuer – Tzorvas
Hummels – Alba – Lescott – Selassie – Maniatis
Iniesta – Schwein – Pirlo – Pilar – Darida
Gomez – C.Ronaldo – ???
???
A: Torres or Nani?
B: Welbeck and use 1.0 to upgrade Lescott to Arbeloa?
June 21 at 7:06 pm
Bora says:
If you put Nani in will have the same team