Frisking the Fixtures – Gameweek 31 – The Weak

Having analysed those teams with Strong fixtures yesterday afternoon, we turn our attentions to those clubs with less fortunate schedules. Two of our featured sides may have a pair of home games this week but tough times still look likely as we assess what’s to follow over the next four-to-six Gameweeks:

Southampton

The Saints face a trip to Tottenham this weekend at a time where many sides are bracing themselves for a pair of fixtures. Already, the likes of Jose Fonte, Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez have suffered significant sales as Fantasy managers part company with Mauricio Pochettino’s main assets in order to capitalise on the double Gameweek.

Southampton also pay visit to the Etihad in Gameweek 33 and travel to an improving Villa side a couple of weeks later. With a home clash against Everton also on their agenda over the next six, it leaves just a couple of favourable St Mary’s encounters against Newcastle and Cardiff – with other sides set for doubles in Gameweeks 34 and 37, the exodus is likely to pick up pace.

Arsenal

The Gunners’ title bid is set for a real test over the next few matches as they square up to three of the current top six over the upcoming three Gameweeks. A trip to Stamford Bridge is somewhat offset by the visit of Swansea for next week’s double but Arsene Wenger’s side then face City and Everton in back-to-back matches before the schedule take a real turn for the better in Gameweek 34.

Over the short-term, then, Fantasy managers may be somewhat cagey when it comes to investing in the north London club. Wojciech Szczesny, Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker face a challenging time to deliver the points, whilst Santi Cazorla and the erratic Olivier Giroud are likely to be overlooked for more consistent performers.

West Ham

One of only two sides to face a pair of home fixtures in double Gameweek 31, Big Sam’s troops welcome United and Hull to Upton Park with a an impressive record of just one goal conceded in the last three in front of their own fans. Certainly, the Tigers clash looks the most appealing of those two for owners of Adrian, though Allardyce’s decision to freshen up his backline saw James Collins drop out of last week’s 3-1 loss at Stoke.

A trip to Sunderland then precedes back-to-back games against title-challengers Liverpool and Arsenal – faith in Kevin Nolan could diminish over those matches, with the Hammers skipper perhaps sacrificed in midfield once the double is out of the way.

Be Wary Of…

Liverpool
A trip to Cardiff and home clash with Sunderland has understandably led to significant investment in Brendan Rodgers’ main men, with Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez carrying the hopes of many into the double Gameweek. After that, though, the Reds next three home games sees Spurs, City and Chelsea all roll up to Anfield – the latter two, in particular, could prove particularly testing for the free-scoring Merseysiders and will perhaps persuade Fantasy managers to carry one, or perhaps a maximum two players into that schedule. Rodgers’ side have the form to make a mockery of the fixture strength, though, with Suarez owners already eyeing up a Gameweek 35 trip to Norwich with anticipation, given his history against Chris Hughton’s side.

Newcastle
Similar to West Ham, the Magpies also play twice in front of their own fans next week. Palace and Everton both roll up to St James’ Park but Newcastle’s recent record without the injured Loic Remy is a real concern – they’ve failed to score in the last four games without the prolific Frenchman. Following the double, Alan Pardew’s side have tough trips to Southampton, Stoke and Arsenal and also entertain United, suggesting that points may be hard to come by at either end of the pitch.

Fulham
Felix Magath can breathe a sigh of relief after steering his side to their first three points since taking the helm last weekend but one look at the schedule suggest the Cottagers boss can quickly curb his enthusiasm. A trip to City this weekend is followed by games against Everton, Villa and Spurs in the subsequent four – few, if any, Fantasy managers will be backing Fulham over the run-in.