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

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

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

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

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.