Frisking the Fixtures – Gameweek 9
Filed under: Frisking the Fixtures - Posted by: Paul
Back after the two-week international break, we roll out our regular once again. The fixture list continues to smile kindly upon City and Everton, while Newcastle and Stoke look primed for investment. At the other end of the scale, Liverpool, Swansea and West Ham are facing a potentially tricky run of matches over the next four to six Gameweeks:
The Strong
Newcastle
The injuries are beginning to ease for Alan Pardew ahead of a strong run of fixtures. The Magpies now have three home fixtures in the next five (WBA, WHM, SWA) in addition to a trip to Southampton and with Tim Krul, Fabricio Coloccini and Danny Simpson back on board, and Steven Taylor edging towards full fitness by coming off the bench at Sunderland, investment in the Newcastle backline looks an intriguing proposition.
Hatem Ben Arfa has scored or assisted three of his side’s four home goals thus far and is the stand-out midfield option, while Demba Ba’s prospects up top will see many clamber on board his bandwagon. The Senegal striker has played a part in seven of Newcastle’s nine goals to date and is clearly integral to their chances of success; Papiss Cisse and Shola Ameobi look set to vie for the other attacking slot in the 4-4-2.
Man City
The champions showed their mettle at the Hawthorns last time round, coming back from a goal down to end West Brom’s 100% home record despite being reduced to 10 men. City now have three home games in the next four (SWA, TOT, AVL), though the threat of rest and rotation throughout the squad is a real concern.
Carlos Tevez has producing attacking returns in six of the first eight Gameweeks, though he’s failed to find the net since Gameweek 3; Edin Dzeko, on the other hand, has scored three times in just 17 minutes of action over the last three matches and must be pushing for a starting berth. Sergio Aguero owners will surely hold firm; despite the fact he has been benched for the last two games, he has still scored or assisted in the last three, while David Silva is rumoured to be in contention for a return for this week’s Champions League clash with Ajax. At the back, Vincent Kompany seems the only reliable contender as Mancini looks to build on a run of three back-to-back victories.
Stoke
After a horrendous run of fixtures, Tony Pulis’ side have finally turned the corner and look set for plenty Fantasy investment over the next few Gameweeks. The Potters have four home matches in the next six (SUN, QPR, FUL, NEW) in addition to trips to Norwich and West Ham – affording them the perfect opportunity to bounce back from last week’s Old Trafford defeat.
With just one goal conceded in their first three home games, Stoke’s defence offers strong options at the back. Asmir Begovic and Marc Wilson, at 4.6 and 4.5 respectively in Fantasy Premier League, are cheaper alternatives to 5.5 Robert Huth, while in midfield, Michael Kightly has now joined Jon Walters on 34 FPL points and is 0.9 cheaper. Peter Crouch has scored all three of Stoke’s goals at the Britannia this term and has had a hand in five of their eight strikes so far – a clear indication of his importance to their attacking potential.
Everton
The fixture list continues to smile kindly on the blue half of Merseyside, offering David Moyes a chance to consolidate Everton’s fourth place in the Premier League. The Toffees have three home matches in the next five (LIV, SUN, NOR) and also face trip to Fulham and Reading, suggesting Steven Pienaar’s owners will stick with the South African in spite of his one-match suspension for the Liverpool game. Marouane Fellaini could return this weekend; the club were optimistic of his chances in an injury update last week, while Leighton Baines and Nikica Jelavic are the other two obvious candidates. Kevin Mirallas, with a goal and two assists in his last four, has also been a key performer of late and seems to have nailed down the role on the right flank; his FPL classification as a forward is the main drawback, however.
Also Consider…
Arsenal – Three home games in the next four (QPR, FUL, TOT) look enticing for Arsene Wenger’s side, though the Gunners also have a trip to United amongst that trio of London derbies. After a strong defensive start, Arsenal have now conceded in each of their last five matches – investment in their backline looks a little risky, though Thomas Vermaelen is always capable of producing the goods in attack. Santi Cazorla continues to look the most obvious candidate for returns – Gervinho appears to be consigned to a right wing role once again, with Olivier Giroud likely to continue in the lone forward role, with Lukas Podolski out on the left.
Southampton – Nigel Adkins’ side have four home games in the next six (TOT, SWA, NEW, NOR) as they look to recover from their Upton Park mauling. With 24 goals conceded already – seven more than any other side – investment at the back looks decidedly dodgy, though Rickie Lambert’s owners will be hoping he returns to the first XI; he has averaged 6.5 FPL points per home game thus far. Adam Lallana has now produced attacking returns in each of the last four Gameweeks.
Reading – Similar to Southampton, Brian McDermott’s side have the fixtures but have been far from convincing in terms of form. Still without a win this term, the Royals brace themselves for three home games in the next five (FUL, NOR, EVE), with trips to QPR and Wigan also thrown into the equation. Jobi McAnuff looks a strong cut-price option in midfield; coming in at 4.8 in FPL, he has provided assists for four of his side’s eight goals so far. Up front, an injury to Noel Hunt saw McDermott move back to 4-4-1-1, with Danny Guthrie returning at Liverpool but bearing in mind Reading scored twice in Gameweeks 6 and 7 with a 4-4-2, an attack-minded formation looks essential for the Royals to prosper. Hunt has scored twice this term – the same number as Pavel Pogrebnyak – despite featuring for 215 minutes in comparison to the Russian’s 530.
The Weak
Liverpool
With just one fit senior forward available for selection, Brendan Rodgers’ side now embark on a run of games which sees them hit the road in four (eve, che, swa, tot) of the next six Gameweeks. Liverpool also face home clashes with Newcastle and Wigan but, aside from the 5-2 win at Norwich, they have struggled for goals, with just five strikes in the other seven games hardly enticing to investors. The likes of Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling could suffer, though the latter’s minimal price tag is likely to persuade his owners to hold, particularly on the back of his winner against Reading last weekend.
Swansea
After a superb run of opening fixtures, the schedule now starts to stiffen for Michael Laudrup’s men. Swansea square up to City, Chelsea and Newcastle in the next four, though a trip to Southampton in Gameweek 11 offers the prospect of points. The likes of Angel Rangel, Michel Vorm and Ashley Williams could well struggle for returns, bearing in mind that the Welsh club have now conceded in their last six, though Michu’s owners may decide to help after the Spaniard was handed the lone forward role against Wigan last weekend, with Danny Graham dropping to the bench.
West Ham
The Hammers will be buoyed by a fourth win of the season last weekend which lifted them into the top six but Sam Allardyce’s side could well have their work cut out to stay there. While a trip to Wigan this weekend should hold little fear for the Londoners, they then face four of last season’s top five in the following five Gameweeks (MCI, new, tot, mun), with a home clash against Stoke offering some respite in what looks a tough run of fixtures. Kevin Nolan has produced the goods at home but has returned just a single assist on the road thus far, while West Ham have found just one clean sheet in their three away games to date.
Also Be Wary Of…
QPR – Bottom of the table and still without a win, Mark Hughes’ side are faced with a run of four tricky looking trips in the next six Gameweeks. QPR travel to (ars, sto, mun, sun), with a definite possibility of leaving empty-handed in all those visits. Home clashes against Reading and Southampton will be targeted as must-win games for the Loftus Road outfit, with the likes of Adel Taarabt and Bobby Zamora key to their side’s home prospects if Hughes is to engineer a climb up the table.
Aston Villa – Paul Lambert will be desperate for a home win against former club Norwich this weekend before the schedule turns nasty for the midlanders. Villa will then travel to Sunderland before facing (MUN, mci, ARS) but with a single goal in their last three and one clean sheet accrued all season, it’s difficult to justify investment in any area of their squad at present.
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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.”
Robin Van Persie talks about his early form at United ahead of his first Manchester derby
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October 22 at 9:21 pm
gormdubhgorm (Oscar The Crouch) says:
Correction on article McAnuff costs 5.1m not 4.8m, in fpl.
October 22 at 9:23 pm
JKisthe1 - Los Colchoneros 2 - The Revenge says:
It’s not wrong, they just mis-spelt Kebe
October 22 at 9:24 pm
MataUnreal says:
And despite falling .4m he is still Reading’s most expensive player
October 22 at 9:26 pm
Bemba Da says:
surely reading good investment next 3-4 gws?
October 22 at 9:27 pm
Milanista says:
7 games, 3 points, 8 goals scored and no clean sheets. Surely good investment…
October 22 at 9:28 pm
JKisthe1 - Los Colchoneros 2 - The Revenge says:
unless it’s Kebe
October 23 at 7:05 am
Nick says:
+1. Liking his 0.1% ownership as well
October 22 at 9:25 pm
Milanista says:
Correction on article, it says McAnuff “looks a strong cut-price option”, should say naff.
October 22 at 9:23 pm
JKisthe1 - Los Colchoneros 2 - The Revenge says:
Evening lads.
What have I missed today? Fergie’s comments on Rafa are encouraging.
October 22 at 9:23 pm
Bemba Da says:
yes they are
October 22 at 9:26 pm
Spike says:
Yeah but he also said Ferdinand will be dealt with over the T shirt row but now he has changed his mind
October 22 at 9:26 pm
Milanista says:
Or the praise given to a player that’s about to be benched.
I see De Gea is back.
October 22 at 10:01 pm
Back on the horse says:
Armstrong got stripped of his 7 Tours de France victories
October 23 at 8:49 am
Manamongst says:
He’s a douche. Especially if he cheated all 7 (which I find hard to want to believe).
October 22 at 9:23 pm
Bemba Da says:
Don’t do it often but can someone do a once over on my team and see how it looks for coming gw’s please?
Begovic Mcarthy
Mcartney Hughes Baines Gorkss Simpson
Pienaar Bale Mata Nolan Sterling
RVP Ba Tevez
Been tinkering with it but I am worried Mcartney and Simpson are possible not nailed on players? Anyone advise?
October 22 at 9:25 pm
The EJJ says:
I think Simpson is, they have no other RBs…. I think.
October 22 at 9:26 pm
Bemba Da says:
they have tavanier or something like that I think, hopefully simpson won’t play in europe Thursday night
October 22 at 9:23 pm
MataUnreal says:
Guys, thought it’s interesting hearing everyone talk about Tevez and why people are getting him out. Too many had him in the first place is my first suggestion…not that he wasn’t essential for a while…he was and he has been…and may remain so. But an interesting thing to me is how he hasn’t scored in something like 4 GWs and still performed well…that is encouraging and satisfying for owners. However, it is worth noting that his last goal was the flukiest goal in the history of football. Dzeko literally kicked the ball at Tevez and it bounced in the goal.
What I’m aiming to get at is Tevez is not being utilised as a standard striker. And we all know why…he offers a lot more than that. As do all of the City strikers indeed but Tevez possibly more so than the others…he offers so much creativity and flair. He is also on set pieces a lot and seems to be best at making himself a menace for the opposition.
Right now I feel without Silva being the backbone of creativity…Tevez has stepped up a bit to fit that role in the team as it’s badly needed.
But ultimately my point is that in a way there is two sides to this story. Owners are getting rid because he is not scoring goals…simple as that and they are seeing other strikers score goals. Perhaps the more serious players are seeing his worth and continuing to believe he is a bargain so therefore are sticking. And so far that has made complete sense…to add to that he has stayed largely free of rotation.
The big question is will Tevez start scoring goals more often? No doubt he is capable…but is he doing so in the City team lately? No he isn’t. And is that a concern for Mancini? Dzeko has saved City in their last 2 away games and salvaged a victory out of nowhere. Sure, he seems like a perfect super sub…but when it’s so vital to be winning games will Mancini not grow frustrated if Tevez isn’t scoring? And will that same question be asked by owners in FPL if he misfires again against Swansea?
Dead God what a rant.
October 22 at 9:27 pm
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
Go watch the highlights. My suggestion.
October 22 at 9:29 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
He is, isn’t he? No, he won’t… but yes, he can. Should be, might be, maybe not.
October 22 at 9:30 pm
Pratik says:
I like reading your posts….And since you’re online so often, it’s really hard to ignore them. Loved the line at the end, which did summarize the post. But if Tevez doesn’t fire against Swans (and that’s if he get to play), I sure can see Dzeko starting next week.
I don’t know whether you think the Mata-thing is going to happen to you next week with Dzeko, but I still wouldn’t go near him, YET.
October 23 at 9:08 am
Manamongst says:
I’m sticking as I don’t panic with attacking players when they flip-flop with an alternate. Especially when they need less than 30 minutes to knock a brace. It almost doesn’t matter in this case. Because Mancini knows a fresh world-class striker against a 65th minute defense is pretty much cake in most cases.
October 22 at 9:33 pm
Spike says:
Is that not Tevez at the top of the strikers points table
October 22 at 9:35 pm
GREENDREAMS11 says:
i think you are still trying to find yourself justification for the Dzeko move. Just go for it dude. If he gets a start on Saturday which is a possibility then you’ll be the one laughing. Tevez is, and will continue to be a bargain at his current price. I dropped him 2 weeks ago and got lucky but am thinkink of putting him back in now. Dzeko could be a great shout if called upon by Mancini.
October 22 at 9:36 pm
Mr. Ivan Astichestikof says:
He will use Tevez in most PL games because of his graft. When he gets knackered he will be subbed. Would you leave him out?
October 23 at 3:14 am
masyuris says:
Is it possible Tevez, Aguero and Dzeko play together from start??
Joe Hart
Zabaleta – Lescott – Kompany – Clichy
Barry – Yaya Toure
Tevez – Silva – Aguero
Dzeko
October 23 at 8:58 am
Manamongst says:
Two things on Tevez:
-he’s due a big one…regardless of impending rotation and higher goal scoring form of teammates.
-I agree he’s being utilised differently. But he is an all overscorer…flukiest of goals included. He’s getting zeroed in on his current role.
October 22 at 9:23 pm
Moves Like Agger says:
What is the criteria for getting bonus points? All I know is that shots off target are awful for the PPI score but what other factors are taken into account?
October 22 at 9:23 pm
Triggalicious says:
Does anyone know where I could buy a good gameweek for? I’d pay anything!
October 22 at 11:20 pm
Kendog says:
Goodgameweeks.net
Credit card needed, no bpay
October 22 at 9:24 pm
Whirl says:
Was planning on transferring Cole out but with Pienaar suspended is it better to use my trade on Kacaniklic to Sterling avoid playing a 4-3-3?
October 23 at 9:14 am
Manamongst says:
I would say no. For pienaar Kaca is due…and this week looks assist rich for him.
October 22 at 9:24 pm
★A-O-Chamberlain★ COYG ★ says:
Need advice on two things guys:
1) Is it worth doing Ben Arfa to Mata now?
2) Which one of these;
A) Rooney
B) RVP
C) Aguero
Thanks
October 22 at 11:20 pm
Kendog says:
All are good options. It is really pick and choose and hope for the best
October 22 at 9:25 pm
Wild Rover says:
Noob Host
October 22 at 9:25 pm
Matthew says:
New Post
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....-the-brink
October 22 at 9:27 pm
In Tommy We Trust says:
Love this article. Still think it’s the best of the week. Confirmed in my head that even with Johnson attacking threat he is the one to go, question is for who?
A) Lescott
B) Vertonghen
C) Santon
D) Wilson
E) Any suggestions
Cheers
October 23 at 2:40 am
RedForLife says:
B.
October 22 at 9:31 pm
lord_trumpington says:
Is Mata gonna rise tonight? Thinking about using my ft to do Yaya>Mata
October 23 at 2:40 am
RedForLife says:
Yes.
Just brought him in for Michu as had no cash to play with.
October 23 at 2:43 am
Jeezy01 says:
Current team with 1 FT & 2.6 in the bank:
Begovic (McCarthy)
Baines, McAuley, Riise (O’Brien, McCartney)
Michu, Santi Cazorla, Sahin, Mata (Sterling)
Ba, Tevez, Berbatov
I’m locked on going Michu -> Bale
Is it worth doing McAuley -> Simpson/Wilson for the 4 point hit? Since they good fixtures coming up..
I definitely want to get McCartney out next Gameweek though for one of Simpson/Wilson.
Thoughts? Thanks!
October 23 at 2:53 am
RedForLife says:
Usually not worth a -4 for a def.
October 23 at 4:46 am
Jeezy01 says:
Fair enough, The only thing i’m not happy with is my defense atm.. Any suggestions??
Possibly McAuley & McCartney -> Simpson & Wilson.. worth using some future FT’s?
October 23 at 6:23 am
Lucky_2010 says:
yeah unless those def had attacking threat with return with goal/assist or cs probably (but) it’s risk to take hit unless mid/fwd just my thought then …….
October 23 at 9:05 am
The HiTmAN says:
RMT For Next Gameweek =)
Jaaski (Ruddy)
Clark(If Fit), Hughes, Baines (Cuellar, Demel)
Sterling, Hazard, Carzola, Bale (Britton)
Torres Lambert & Tevez(c)
3.7 in bank
What would you do?
October 23 at 10:00 am
shirtless says:
Two frees and nothing pressing this week.
Sticking with Carlos at present, at least for Swansea, as I figure he’s still scoring points and at 9.0m still the cheapest way in to City. All others are fine except maybe Torres? But happy to stick for a while yet, may well sell in time to get Bale in mid as I have Mata too, but would like to weigh up the RVP/Rooney situation first.
Maybe Clyne needs to go? Saints are shit – Bale may well rip them apart. So as Pienaar is benched this week was thinking…:-
Clyne>Wilson and double on Stoke vs shot shy Sunderland (have Shawcross and Demel at 4.0m)
Good move and two frees again next week?
October 23 at 12:01 pm
olidooley says:
My team:
Bego (Foster)
Olsson, Hughes, Wilson (Gorkss, Fonte)
Santi, Mata, Bale, Walters (Sterling)
Suarez, Ba, Tevez
1) Who to captain (thinking Santi)?
2) Suarez to Rooney (or leave until next week)?
3) Walters or Sterling to start?
Thanks for your opinions…..
October 24 at 7:12 pm
StayupPompey says:
Berbatov + Tamas(for money reasons obviously, Yahoo FF)?
or
Crouch + Wilson
Berba has potential to rack up plenty of points but Fulham aren’t all that impressive away.
October 25 at 12:58 am
Tozier says:
RMT please guys:
Jaaskelainen (Davis)
Figueroa, Hughes, Baines (Bertrand, Rangel)
Cazorla, Mata, Nolan, Ben Arfa (Pienaar)
Aguero, Ba, Crouch(c)
October 25 at 12:49 pm
cafc says:
I have Aguero, Fletcher, RVP
Should I do:
- Ba for Aguero
OR
- Crouch for Fletcher
???????
October 25 at 5:04 am
dush64 says:
Would you guys play Nolan (wig) or Michu (mci) this week?
October 25 at 12:58 pm
RamaJama says:
Injury news on Gibbs, Demel and Fellaini?
Hope at least one of them will start as Kacaniklic is my sub…