Fixtures

Frisking the Fixtures – Gameweek 25 – The Weak

Having assessed those boasting prime platforms for strong returns in the coming Gameweeks, we now turn to assess those on far more shaky foundations. The in-form Black Cats and Arsene Wenger’s title chasing charges feature amongst those blessed by few favours from the fixture computer.

Sunderland

sun25

The transformation under Gus Poyet has been remarkable: unbeaten in their last four, fresh from a 3-0 triumph at St James’ Park, Fantasy managers should be carefully running the rule over their mid-price assets. The fixture list strongly suggests we should cool our boots, however, with newly acquired prize possessions – Vito Manonne and Adam Johnson are perhaps set for a barren run as Poyet’s men come back down to earth with a proverbial bump.

The Gameweek 28 blank is the first consideration – around that we have three evil away fixtures at City, Arsenal and Liverpool. It’s hard to imagine the Black Cats’ rearguard standing up to that assault, making home matches with Hull and Palace precious intervals in what is a harrowing schedule. Johnson’s form could carry him through, although he will have to add the “fixture proof” attribute to his growing reputation as a Fantasy asset if he is to live up to his recent level of investment.

Arsenal

ars25

With the Gunners now firmly under threat from City and Chelsea in the title race, Arsene Wenger’s men are on the eve of their most testing run of fixtures with Liverpool, United and Spurs on the horizon in the next six. A trip to Stoke offers little respite, making the Emirates meetings with Sunderland and an off-colour Swansea all the more vital.

Fantasy managers are perhaps likely to hold firm in the hope that Wenger’s men can weather the approaching storm but, defensively, returns look unlikely beyond the two aforementioned home encounters. In attacking terms, there is still much to be optimistic about, with the Liverpool, United and City defences all having apparent cracks to expose.

Fulham

ful25

It seems highly unlikely that Fantasy managers would dare knock on the door at Craven Cottage, even to consider the newly acquired talents of Kostas Mitroglou. There’s little question that the form of Rene Meulensteen’s side is faltering badly, just in time to coincide with a run of opponents that will likely leave them rooted to the bottom of the table come mid-March. United, Liverpool and Chelsea loom in the next three, surely consigning Fulham to scrap for points in the away trips to West Brom and Cardiff.

Also be wary of…

Man United
The blank in Gameweek 28 already prompts the need for caution when considering United’s assets and form would suggest that they are unlikely to make light of a testing run of matches heading into March. Three away trips follow the Old Trafford encounter with Fulham, with Arsenal, Palace and West Brom amongst the most stubborn home defences in the league.

Crystal Palace
While Tony Pulis’ rearguard resources have served us well in recent weeks, they look set to be stretched by forthcoming encounters with Everton and United, while trips to Swansea and Sunderland, plus a Selhurst Park meeting with in-form Southampton, also suggest that clean sheets will be hard to come by.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

2,281 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gimli son of Gloin
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    To the men above who slated Ryan Gosling I'd strongly recommend watching Blue Valentine and Half Nelson... he's brilliant in both.

    Open Controls
    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      What men above? 😉

      Open Controls
      1. Gimli son of Gloin
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        😐 😐

        Open Controls
    2. FortunesAlwaysHiding
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Place beyond the pines and Only God Forgives are decent too.

      Open Controls
      1. Werkself
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Ides of March.

        Open Controls
      2. Pepereina Pizza
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Place beyond the Pines looks really cool.

        Only God Forgives seems like the same plot structure as Drive. Not that it would make the movie better or worse.

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

          It's nothing like Drive plot wise. Very good but in a different way. More going on under the surface.

          Open Controls
      3. Gimli son of Gloin
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Not mad on Only God Forgives.. Place Beyond the Pines was excellent though.. one of the best films in better films of it's year.

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

          Yep brilliant film seen it twice and think it's about time for a third. Can't wait to see more from the director. Two incredible films so far

          Open Controls
    3. In Tommy We Trust
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Will my experience be enhanced with or without the wife 😉

      Open Controls
      1. Gimli son of Gloin
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Haha.. He plays pretty underwhelming characters in both actually.
        Nothing that should get her heart racing too much.

        Open Controls
      2. Torres76
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Eva Mendes gives everyone a happy ending

        Open Controls
    4. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      He's brilliant. Drive, Place beyond the pines, Gangster Squad and Ides of March, all brilliant!

      Open Controls
  2. Torres76
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Seriously may have screwed up selling Ade this week for Dzeko. Followed the bandwagon.

    Should have gone JRod

    Now with SDS up front!

    Open Controls
    1. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      4th in the watchlist 😯

      Open Controls
      1. Torres76
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers mate. Feels like the rotation is going to kill me

        Open Controls
  3. Torres76
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    I'm sure Aguero is back in training according to the Daily Snail website... If so, It needs about three transfers to get him back in...

    Open Controls
  4. white lightning
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    My team for gw25 & I'm quietly confident.

    Mannone
    Terry, Azpi, Parr
    Y. Toure, Lallana, Miralles, AJ
    RVP (c), Suarez, Sturridge

    Boruc, Noone, Kosc, Chester

    Open Controls
    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Me too...And I only have four of these 😛

      Open Controls
      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Same here WR. 🙂

        Open Controls
  5. Pepereina Pizza
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Is anyone else's team 11 home matches?

    XD

    Open Controls
    1. money face bandwagon
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Mean no city cover. I will rather haf only 9 home matches :p

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

        i have silva on the bench (may put him in - he needs to earn it)

        Open Controls
    2. Gimli son of Gloin
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      10..Silva away to Norwich is hardly bad though

      Open Controls
    3. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      9+ Kolarov and Mirallas. Happy with that 🙂

      Open Controls
    4. Whitman2013
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      i believe the pope's is 😀

      Open Controls
    5. Sleep Talk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Yep! 😀

      Open Controls
    6. ALegendJ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      9+ Dzeko and Mirallas, cant complain 😀

      Open Controls
  6. Lizard Lips
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    City will be tough as so much rotation for Barca. Will not be good.

    Any recommendations to my team.

    Want to do Koscielney to Kolarov but fear for his gametime.

    Open Controls
    1. Whitman2013
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      then go for chelsea def? Cahill maybe? ivan?

      Open Controls
      1. Lizard Lips
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah, Cahill might be the one. Might just go for Reid and then improve my midfield.

        Open Controls
    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I wouldn't worry too much worry about lack of Man City players. All of the forwards are a rotation risk, the defence is leaking goals and there are lots of good alternatives to Yaya and Silva. I'm not selling Kolarov but I wouldn't be in any rush to buy in before the dgw.

      Open Controls
  7. In Tommy We Trust
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Night lads, In a bit and if i'm not around before Gw25 have a goodun 🙂

    Open Controls
  8. Lizard Lips
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    What are HBA owners doing? Punted him but he's not doing much despite being in the hole.

    Open Controls
    1. Lizard Lips
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Probably the only one who punted him in!

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

        He is fantasy garbage as far as I'm concerned. So much potential but rarely delivers

        Open Controls
        1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          The self proclaimed Balon d'or contender?!!? Surely not. Seriously, he's a lot of hot wind and the sort of player I despise. Not what you want when the Geordie chips are down.

          Open Controls
  9. Mighty
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Which option is best:
    1. Adebayor and cheap mid for 8th attacker
    or
    2. Lallana and cheap forward for 8th attacker?

    Open Controls
    1. Whitman2013
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      cheap mid surely?

      Open Controls
      1. Mighty
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Why surely?

        Open Controls
  10. kings of kafiristan
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Who to bench:

    A) Gerrard
    B) Adebayor
    C) Eriksen
    D) Ward

    Open Controls
    1. lifes a pitch
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      B

      Open Controls
      1. Whitman2013
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        a or c?
        surely a striker is more likely to score than a mid?

        and as for gerrard

        arsenal have not lost in 7 years at anfield and suarez hasnt ever scored.... so that may be gerrards assists gone?

        or maybe its due.

        Open Controls
    2. Lucas Leiva
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Ward.

      Open Controls
  11. lifes a pitch
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone see Barca's 2nd goal against Sociedad...lol

    Open Controls
    1. Whitman2013
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      no, what was the final score? i saw it was 1-0 at ht
      and whats lol about it haha

      Open Controls
      1. lifes a pitch
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        2-0, daft goal. put sky sports news on

        Open Controls
  12. Whitman2013
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    has everyone gone to sleep its so quiet tonight.... more so than usual?

    Open Controls
  13. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Would you play Coleman (tot) ahead of anyone in these?

    Cahill (NEW)
    Fonte (STK)
    Ward (WBA)

    Open Controls
    1. Whitman2013
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      hmm maybe ward.... but probably not...

      not fancying a 4 man defence?

      i would be benching coleman but alot of people wouldnt

      apparently its "never bench never captain" 😛

      Open Controls
    2. Scratch
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Probably not, think Everton have a poor record at WHL.

      Open Controls
    3. Lucas Leiva
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Always risky benching a player like Coleman, them three look like a better chance of cleanies though.

      Open Controls
      1. Whitman2013
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        surely not.... a liverpool player complimenting a toffee??

        😛

        Open Controls
    4. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks. It's probably too early to bring in Cahill.

      Open Controls
  14. Scratch
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    So damn indecisive this week !

    Ozil & Januzaj -->

    Yaya & Barkley
    or
    Silva & Adam

    Open Controls
    1. Whitman2013
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      puncheon instead of barkley or adam?

      yaya may be asked to defend more now that fernandinho is out.... dont quote me though haha

      if it was me, i would go silva as he is more of a differential

      but yaya's set peieces will get him points

      Open Controls
      1. Scratch
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah I was dead set on Silva but then I remembered Yaya's on pens now. And looking at Yaya's record this season he has a habit of b!tchslapping weaker teams like the ones in City's next 3. Really can't decide.....

        I like Puncheon but Palace don't really score that many.

        Open Controls
        1. Whitman2013
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          now those are very valid points!

          lowest scorers in all 4 leagues no less.

          Open Controls
  15. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    George McCartney at 4.0 nailed on for the next 3 months?

    Open Controls
    1. Sleep Talk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Is O'Brien out for 3 months? Also, how will the new guy Armero fit in? Is he a threat?

      Open Controls
      1. Elniñorules
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Yep, out for 3 months.

        Maybe but O'Brien started ahead of hiim didn't he.

        Open Controls
        1. Elniñorules
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          *McCartney

          Open Controls
    2. Lucas Leiva
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Would have thought Armero would have a lot of them minutes.

      Open Controls
    3. FortunesAlwaysHiding
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      We've just signed Armero, a left back from Napoli. I'd tread a bit lightly there. McCartney has been playing well though and has given Allardyce no reason to drop him.

      Open Controls
      1. Elniñorules
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Ah cool. Will monitor his minutes this week.

        Looking for an Evans replacement and Hammers coverage at 4.0 could be gold. Might go Reid instead.

        Open Controls
        1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          Oh, definitely go with Reid. He's the jewel in the crown as far as Hammers defenders go. You'll thank me for it. 🙂

          Open Controls
  16. lifes a pitch
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Yaya & Barkley

    Open Controls
    1. lifes a pitch
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      @ Scratch

      Open Controls
  17. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Hazard or Mata for captain this week ?

    Open Controls
    1. Whitman2013
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      haz out of those two but ill be probs punting of rvp.

      Open Controls
      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers.

        Open Controls
    2. lifes a pitch
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Mata for you. RVP for me. Lets hope Utd get some goals.

      Open Controls
      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers.

        Open Controls
        1. Tribecca
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          Mata

          Open Controls
  18. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    nasri talking about his injury on monday:
    "in 10 days back training with the team, then in 2 weeks time maybe be on the bench and start to come back"

    Open Controls
    1. Whitman2013
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      unless jovetic takes his place.

      Open Controls
    2. FortunesAlwaysHiding
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      What an assuming ass. The arrogance of the man knows no bounds.

      Open Controls
      1. Hubert
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        He did say maybe

        Open Controls
  19. FortunesAlwaysHiding
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Looking at either Snodgrass or Noone to rotate with Puncheon for my draught league team. An opponent has Zaha so can't choose him. I like Noone's rotation with Punch but prefer Snodders as a player. Who would you plump for here?

    Open Controls
    1. Whitman2013
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      i come from near norwich so my heart says the norwich player lol

      but i think noone is at the centre of most good things cardiff do... probs go for noone....
      if nothing else when you hear "goal at cardiff" on final score or soccer saturday you wont be quite so nervous worrying and hoping its not zaha. 😛

      Open Controls
      1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Will go with Noone and then look at Snod after the Spurs game if nobody's picked him up.

        Open Controls
  20. BigManBakar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Risers: Azpili, Cahill
    Fallers: Aguero,Welbeck

    Open Controls
    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Oops just missed it. Its probably better to wait on the Evans prognosis anyway.

      Open Controls
    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Fallers : Giggs, Michu, Soldado

      Open Controls
  21. Pleased To Michu
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Hey guys, is the team good to go?

    GK: Mannone
    DEF: Fonte Ward Azpi
    MID: Silva Mata Eriksen Hazard
    FWD: Sturidge J.Rod Suarez
    subs: (Marshall) 1.Mutch 2.Mertesacker 3.M.Olsson

    Open Controls
    1. Whitman2013
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      as an arsenal fan i hope your front line dont do to well 😛 sorry to say

      but no seriously great team

      could be hitting close to 100 with a bit of luck.

      Open Controls
      1. Pleased To Michu
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        i hope arsenal dont keep a clean sheet 😉

        Open Controls
        1. Whitman2013
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          ha no i bet!!!
          i would say its unlikely at best 😛

          Open Controls
    2. lifes a pitch
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      good to go. maybe not best week to have S&S

      Open Controls
      1. Whitman2013
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        hmm maybe not but over the season should gain a bucket load.

        Open Controls
        1. lifes a pitch
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          no doubt about that. I might get Sturridge or Benteke for Giroud depending on how they all perform

          Open Controls
  22. TheSteel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    i have no City coverage and a pivotal head-to-head against my main rival in my $ ML. Should i get Negredo in for Sturridge or Ade. Other forward is Suarez. cheers

    Open Controls
  23. Mourinho The no1
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    GW25:
    Mannone
    Az - Ward - Fonte
    Mata - Puncheon - Yaya Touré - Hazard
    Suárez - Lambert (C, I´m feeling crazy) - Sturridge

    Thoughts???

    Open Controls
    1. Tribecca
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Good punt on lambert!

      Open Controls
  24. lifes a pitch
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    would Yaya(c) be crazy, i reckon there will be a serious backlash after the defeat by Chelsea.
    Was on RVP(c)...gonna have to sleep on it

    Open Controls
    1. Pleased To Michu
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      rvp(c)

      Open Controls
    2. Whitman2013
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      not crazy no risky yes... its good you have so many options

      i am sure you will do just fine!!!

      Open Controls
  25. Chu Young Ping Pong
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9P2mrb-liM

    Epic own goal 😆 😀

    Open Controls
    1. tw
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      😆

      Open Controls
    2. Test Eagles
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Oh dear

      Open Controls
      1. Whitman2013
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        finish

        Open Controls
    3. lifes a pitch
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      thats the one i was on about. jokes.

      Open Controls
  26. FortunesAlwaysHiding
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    What's the funniest thing to have happened to you as far as fantasy football is concerned?

    My housemate and fellow fantasy football player picked Walters for 'that game' last season. Imagine my pleasure when I overtook him in our mini league. 🙂

    You?

    Open Controls
    1. Pleased To Michu
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      not me, but one of my mates in gw 3 did a 36 pt hit, he forgot to press the wildcard lol.

      Open Controls
      1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Wow! What a way to ruin your season. So early too!

        Open Controls
    2. Test Eagles
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Watching my best mate make 8 transfers for a -24 point hit halfway through the first game of a game week coz heis captain and vice captain both didn't start. Of his 8 changes, 2 didn't play the next week and one got a red card!

      Open Controls
    3. Mourinho The no1
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I didn´t play the GW1, I forgot it. 😀

      Open Controls
  27. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Good morning all 🙂

    Open Controls
    1. Whitman2013
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      morning and night 😛

      Open Controls
    2. Test Eagles
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Good day to you TM

      Open Controls
      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        In less than 2 hours it will be 🙂
        How's your day going?

        Open Controls
    3. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Good evening and goodnight TM. 🙂

      Open Controls
      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Have a good sleep ILF 🙂

        Open Controls
        1. In Like Flynn.
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          Nearly there TM, Trying to sort out my Metro teams transfers. Can barely keep my eyes open.

          Open Controls
        2. In Like Flynn.
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          It's no good I have to sleep. Cheers.

          Open Controls
  28. Whitman2013
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    night lads 🙂

    Open Controls
  29. lifes a pitch
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Night all

    Open Controls
  30. In Like Flynn.
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Just before I go,

    What is Villa's current back four?

    Open Controls