Frisking the Fixtures – Gameweek 23 – The Strong

This week’s perusal of the next four to six Gameweeks highlights strong fixtures for five of the sides currently battling to beat the drop. The potential of differentials looks a possibility, then, whilst United and Southampton also come out well as we frisk the fixtures once more.

Swansea

By his own admission, Michael Laudrup’s injury-ravaged side are starting to edge worryingly close to the drop zone now, with just one win from the last 10 games. Fortunately for the Swans, their next six fixtures are rated the best in the league by our ticker. Home games against Fulham, Cardiff and Crystal Palace combine with trips to Stoke and West Ham to make for a run that promises points at both ends of the pitch.

A defence with one clean sheet in thirteen games isn’t high on many Wildcard shopping lists but these fixtures could still bear fruit. Ashley Williams is the cheapest of the back four and has previously shown he can pick up bonus points in the event of a clean sheet. Michel Vorm is hoping for a return to put an end to the budget appeal of Gerhard Tremmel. In midfield, few have stood out, though Michu is edging toward a comeback in the next couple of weeks, whilst top, Wilfried Bony has scored three goals in three games to hand Fantasy managers an attractive third striker prospect ahead of these fixtures.

Aston Villa

Paul Lambert’s team did well to hold Liverpool to a draw and will be hoping to build on that confidence boost ahead of a nice-looking run of fixtures. Over the next six games, West Brom, West Ham and Norwich all visit Villa Park and with a trip to Cardiff also in the offing, the Villains could prove an unlikely source of points in the near future.

The big news from the Liverpool game was Christian Benteke’s second goal on the bounce – after a disappointing first half of the season, the big Belgian could be set to take the league by storm the way he did last season. In defence, Ron Vlaar is the pick of choice, especially with Nathan Baker out injured. Unfortunately, with six goals and four assists between them, the Villa midfield has been a Fantasy no-show so far this year.

Man United

Defeat at Chelsea had an inevitable air about it but the fixture list affords David Moyes reason for optimism. Over the next four Gameweeks, Cardiff and Fulham pay visit to Old Trafford and, with a trip to Stoke throw in, only the game at the Emirates looks daunting. Fantasy managers can be hopeful of points in defence and attack from those games.

United, of course, also have a blank Gameweek 28 on their agenda – their home match with City needs to be rescheduled after Manuel Pellegrini’s team reached the Capital One Cup Final last night.

The suspension of Nemanja Vidic until Gameweek 25 may dent the champions’ clean-sheet prospects, but for those managers looking to invest, Jonny Evans’ place ought to be secure, making him by far the cheapest route into the defence. In midfield, the star attraction also happens to be the cheapest option – Adnan Januzaj’s form has been impressive of late and many will be hoping Fantasy points aren’t far behind. In attack, Danny Welbeck has been profiting from the absence of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie but that situation may be short lived, with Moyes hopeful of a rapid return to the fray for Rooney.

Southampton

A bloody boardroom power-play culminated in the departure of the Saints chairman, but manager Mauricio Pochettino is staying put to help resurrect the challenge for their best ever finish to a top-flight season. The kind upcoming fixture list can only help matters, as next Gameweek’s clash with Arsenal is followed by four attractive-looking games against Fulham, Stoke, Hull and West Ham, though it should be noted that only the second of those is at St Mary’s.

Artur Boruc remains a well-priced option between the sticks, while Nathaniel Clyne looks like he may have lost his right-back berth to Calum Chambers, making Jose Fonte the next-best defensive option with security of starts. Dejan Lovren is set for spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury, affording Maya Yoshida or Jos Hooiveld the chance to come into consideration. In midfield, Adam Lallana has attacking returns from four of his last six Gameweeks whilst, up front, Jay Rodriguez continued to make a mockery of his price-tag by scoring his ninth goal of the season against Sunderland and remains the best value forward in the FPL game.

ALSO CONSIDER

Hull
Steve Bruce’s side looked comfortable in mid-table before a spate of losses brought them into slightly more perilous waters. They do have some decent-looking fixtures to help arrest that slide – visits to Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Cardiff City in the next six could be profitable, though they will need to deal with an away run that has brought just one win on the road all season. A second hamstring injury to James Chester has relieved us of a popular cheap option amongst Bruce’s backline regulars and hands Alex Bruce or Paul McShane the chance to stake a cut-price claim. In midfield, Tom Huddlestone is at the pricier end of budget punts, but the arrival of Nikica Jelavic from Everton could stir things up.

Norwich
A much-needed win at the weekend will have steadied Chris Hughton’s nerves and he can dare to hope for more of such tonic in the near future. Trips to Cardiff, West Ham and Aston Villa in the next six compensate for less inviting home games (NEW, MCI, TOT). John Ruddy was last week’s top-scoring goalkeeper, while Ryan Bennett scored his first goal for the club to take the same honour among defenders. Robert Snodgrass supplied the assist for that strike and will be looking to deliver the returns his talent has promised. Gary Hooper’s form has dipped since his Christmas goal-scoring streak, but still remains good value.

West Brom
The installation of Pepe Mel has brought its first point – a hard fought draw against Everton on Monday night. Those with knowledge of the Spaniard are expecting the focus to be on attack with a high defensive line to put pressure on the opposition. This could bring a few budget options to the fore ahead of four appealing fixtures in the next six – trips to Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Sunderland combine with a home game against Fulham to provide a differential source of possible points. A hamstring injury to Gareth McAuley brings Diego Lugano into contention as a cheap defender. The Baggies’ midfield is sadly lacking in Fantasy appeal, especially with the fall from favour of Stephane Sessegnon and Morgan Amalfitano, but the attack bustles with budget differentials – Matej Vydra, Victor Anichebe and Saido Berahino could all bring points if they can hold down a regular place in the side.