Fixtures

Frisking the Fixtures – Gameweek 16 – The Strong

After the hectic Christmas schedule was inaugurated with our first midweek set of matches, our regular assessment of the fixture list for the next four-to-six Gameweeks spans the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day games. First up, a look at those teams with pleasant-looking schedules – a handful of teams targeting Champions League places arrive on our radar, whilst some budget-price considerations from the other end of the table also rear their heads:

Everton

everton16
A well-deserved point at the Emirates underlined the Toffees’ strong form – Roberto Martinez’ side have only lost one of their matches all season. With three home games in the next four, along with visits to Swansea, Stoke and Norwich in the next six, many Fantasy managers are even considering a Toffees triumvirate.

Five clean sheets in the last seven games makes investment in Everton’s defence a smart move. Tim Howard sits top of the goalkeeper rankings in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, whilst Seamus Coleman and Phil Jagielka are first and second for defenders respectively. Further up the field, the picture is a little murkier. On-loan Barcelona starlet Gerard Deulofeu has caught the eye but his classification as a forward means his only Fantasy impact is to dent the appeal of Kevin Mirallas. Martinez continues to use Ross Barkley a little too sparingly for comfort, whilst Romelu Lukaku has attacking returns in all but three of his 11 games.

Man United

united16
A miserable week for David Moyes saw United’s form wane once again but they may be buoyed by a splendid set of forthcoming Christmas fixtures. West Ham are the only visitors to Old Trafford in the next four games but, given United’s dismal form in front of their own fans, that’s no bad thing. Trips to Aston Villa, Hull and Norwich look profitable and, after that, a home game against Swansea could also deliver points.

Many may wish to steer clear of a defence with one clean sheet in 11 games, but for those who believe the tide will turn, Jonny Evans is well priced and, despite a rest against Everton, is thought to be in favour – his stock has been boosted by the fact that Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Chris Smalling all missed out on last night’s Champions League win over Shakhtar through injury. Similarly to last term, United’s midfield has failed to come to the Fantasy party this season, despite flashes of potential shown by Adnan Januzaj. Thankfully for Fantasy managers, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are now both back from suspension and injury.

Newcastle

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Newcastle remain inconsistent, with a win at Old Trafford following a hammering by Swansea. However, three home games in the next four, combined with a trip to Crystal Palace means the Magpies are a potentially profitable outfit for Fantasy managers with plenty of differential appeal.

A clean sheet at Old Trafford hints at potential defensive returns – particularly if Tim Krul can continue his recent level of shot stopping which has delivered two double-figure hauls in five. In defence, Mathieu Debuchy has a history of attacking intent, whilst in midfield, Yohan Cabaye’s one-match ban is an irritation for owners and suitors alike, given that he has delivered a goal or assist in all but three of his last 11 appearances. Meanwhile, Löic Remy has suffered a rare pair of blanks recently but many will expect to see him return to form.

Norwich

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Three wins in the five games since the mauling at the Etihad have steadied the Canaries’ cage and given Chris Hughton reason to be chirpy. They now have three home games and a trip to Sunderland in the next four to capitalise on that form, whilst a trip to Crystal Palace could also prove profitable.

Two clean sheets in three games make a solid case for Norwich’s cut-price defensive assets, especially as they rotate well with those of Crystal Palace. Martin Olsson appears to be the most secure option after Michael Turner’s surprise omission for two of the last three games. In midfield, former Everton target Leroy Fer has emerged as a strong differential with three goals and an assist in his last five games. Additionally, at 4.6, Nathan Redmond could offer a budget midfield option, at least until Anthony Pilkington and/or Robert Snodgrass return from injury.

ALSO CONSIDER

Cardiff City
The loss to Crystal Palace was a bitter blow for Malky Mackay’s team, but they will take heart from the prospect of some winnable fixtures over the next six – West Brom, Southampton, Sunderland and West Ham all pay visit to the Bluebirds. David Marshall has proven a popular replacement for the injured Artur Boruc, while Ben Turner is the defender of choice. With a goal and three assists, Pete Whittingham has emerged as the safest midfield option, but Cardiff attacking points seem generally hard to come by.

Hull
A hard-earned point at Swansea on Monday evening underlined the gritty determination that may keep Steve Bruce’s side in the Premier League. Three favourable fixtures in the next four (STO, wba, FUL) look good for points, particularly at the back – James Chester is now 3.8 due to his early-season injury. Robbie Brady presents a conundrum for his owners, though. Once the budget midfielder of choice, his protracted recovery from a hernia operation has left him off form and out of favour. Danny Graham opened his account for the Tigers against his old club, but it is unlikely to persuade Fantasy managers to exchange their big-hitting strikers for him.

Sunderland
Having come within a goal of claiming points against both Chelsea and Tottenham, Gus Poyet will be looking forward to some better fixtures to try to haul his team out of the mire. With Norwich and Aston Villa rolling up to the Stadium of Light and trips to West Ham, Cardiff and Fulham, Fantasy managers scouting for differentials may be tempted by the Wearsiders. The goalkeeper situation is a little murky – with Kieren Westwood nearing fitness, Vito Mannone will be hoping to retain his place. However, Wes Brown appears to have caught his manager’s eye and presents a budget-friendly option, while Phil Bardsley has scored twice in the last five. In midfield, Adam Johnson opened his account for the season against Spurs though doesn’t seem nailed on under the new manager, while Steven Fletcher looks a first-choice pick up top, regardless of whether Poyet rolls out a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1.

1,318 Comments Post a Comment
  1. sinik
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    ok so let's say there are no injuries today..0 FT, 0.7m itb

    Howard
    Burner, Terry, Coleman
    Ravel, Silva, Hazard, Ramsey
    Lukaku, Suarez, Aguero

    Lewis; Januzaj, Mertesacker, Clyne

    I think I should stick. Agreed?

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  2. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    I love Demi's team news. He's not afraid to take a few punts. Before it seemed to be just a case of getting last week's line-ups and factoring in injuries and suspensions.

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    1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I might propose to him.

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      1. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        just make sure the wedding is before 2pm

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        1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          I've got big plans for him for after the wedding though. 🙁 Might have to just make it a weekday.

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  3. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Who is best C for 2night matches ?

    Reus or Lewandowski

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    1. chrisjdgrady
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I'm on lew over reus

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  4. mucka
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Is Ozil > Hazard a stupid move.
    I can't afford Hazard any other way without taking an 8 pointer.
    My reasoning behind maybe not getting him is Palace haven't been that bad against the top teams.
    3-1 Lpool, 2-0 Arsenal with a late goal and 2-0 v united (no thrashings) and since Pulis they have become better defensively, along with the fact i think he maybe rested in Swansea game which is imbetween games against Arsenal and Liverpool. So yes or no?

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    1. Pepereina Pizza
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I would wait it out. Ozil is class. Even breaking even on a hit is improbable. IMO

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  5. Professor Abel X
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Sorry if this has been asked already, but Suarez being awarded the 4th goal.... any chance of getting those points?

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    1. The Sarjeant
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      No.

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  6. Rodders
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Who would you choose for the next 3 games?

    Sissoko, Ravel, or Shelvey?

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    1. Link
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Tough....and a good job we're not talking about a beauty pageant with those 3.

      Sissoko for fixtures, Shelvey for form I guess.

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  7. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Colonel, thanks for the update on Oscar, I hadn't seen anywhere that he'd trained, etc.

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      1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Hadn't seen that, cheers. Wonder how FPL decides to change flags, there hasn't been any official word from the club that he's fit.

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        1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          i need to know this too, since they have gerrard on orange despite no confirmation.....

          r5eally want oscar, but its a risk

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  8. Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Granville you make it through to the next round of the cup?

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  9. le NEW POST
  10. Cravex
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    g.johnson + cuthino -> distin + silva .. a good move?

    currrent mid field is hazard - ramsey - cuthino - walcott ( i like this punt)

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  11. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    any love for dejagah?

    trivia: dejagah was part of the wolfsburg team who won the bundesliga

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  12. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    UCL Captain - opinion pls, thx

    Go for Reus today ag OMarseille away?
    last match Reus had 9 pts (1 gol, 1 pen earned)

    or keep 10 pts of CRonaldo from yesterday (missed pen)

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  13. Jackson123
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Play Brunt(car) or Burner(WBA) ???

    Brunt right?

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    1. Bridge
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Brunt

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  14. Hot Sauce
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Advice please. Thanks

    A. Özil and Cabaye 1.3 in the bank.
    B. Oscar and Walcott. 0 in the bank
    C. Silva and Cabaye 2.5 in the bank.

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    1. Bridge
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      C - better fixtures

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  15. Bridge
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    How's this look chaps?

    Mignolet
    Terry, Coleman, Williams
    Hazard, Silva, Ramsey, Sess
    Suarez, Aguero, Rooney (c)

    (Davis, Barkley, Rosenior, Ward)

    Cheers.

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  16. Jackson123
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Aguero Suarez Lukaku...... Who to captain?

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  17. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Captaincy this week?

    I'm on Aguero. Think the game will be high scoring, and he's rested for it too. 3-2 City

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