Fixtures

Frisking the Fixtures – Gameweek 1 – The Weak

Having analysed the sides with the most favourable opening to the new season, we now turn our attention to the teams who face a treacherous path over their initial four-to-six Gameweeks.

Newcastle’s new head coach Steve McLaren has been handed an unwanted baptism of fire back in the top flight, while West Brom and Everton also look to have been handed starts that looks set to curb any initial Fantasy investment in their squads.

NEWCASTLE

frisking

After a catastrophic second half of the 2014/15 campaign, the fixture list appears to have handed the Magpies little respite.

An opening day home clash with Southampton is followed by trips to Swansea and Manchester United, with Arsenal visiting St James’ Park in Gameweek 4. While there should be some new faces in the squad by the time the upcoming campaign kicks-off on August 8, it’s very unlikely that we’ll be looking to invest in their Fantasy assets given the degree of difficulty of their opening four fixtures.

This will at least give Fantasy managers the opportunity to observe how the Magpies will set up under McLaren, and get insight into his first choice XI.

Should Tim Krul be priced at 4.5 as he was last season, he looks a viable option as a rotational keeper, although with Bournemouth and Norwich facing easier starts, there could be better alternatives out there. Daryl Janmaat will likely be the prime defensive target once the season is underway. He registered eight assists last term and offers the potential of attacking returns. The potential lack of defensive points during the opening month looks likely to delay any interest, however.

Further forward, Papiss Cisse scored 11 goals last season, despite missing chunks of the season due to injury and suspension. However, with the fixtures and new squad additions in attack expected, Cisse, along with promising starlet Ayoze Perez, will be way down on our pre-season pecking order.

WEST BROM

frisking

With home clashes against last season’s top two, in addition to the visit of Southampton in the opening five Gameweeks, many may choose to initially avoid Tony Pulis’ side in the quest for mid-price options. Nevertheless, the Baggies could provide us with stronger potential on the road: they managed shut-outs in four of their nine away matches under Pulis’ guidance and with trips to Watford, Stoke and Aston Villa on the agenda, further clean sheets could be in the offing.

Given their form under the former Stoke boss, few, if any of the West Brom first choice defence are set to be priced under 5.0 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL). Combined with the tough Hawthorns schedule, that could temper early interest in their defensive ranks.

Ben Foster is expected to be out until October, so the valuation of back-up goalkeeper Boaz Myhill could hand us a cheaper route into the Baggies backline, though reports linking Crystal Palace understudy Wayne Hennessey with a move to the Hawthorns need to be monitored.

In attack, investment in Saido Berahino appears unlikely given that a price hike from his starting value of 5.5 last season is expected, while the current midfield potential also looks sparse. Chris Brunt’s appeal is likely to remain diminished – the Irishman seems poised to continue as a midfielder across the Fantasy games, despite being fielded as a left-back on several occasions by Pulis last time out.

EVERTON

frisking

The Toffees are poised for a horrendous opening run of matches which, given Everton’s patchy for under Roberto Martinez in 2015, is likely to see Fantasy managers steer clear until the schedule lifts around Gameweek 11.

After opening the season at home to Watford, Everton then face all of last season’s top eight and a trip to West Brom in the next nine fixtures, suggesting few Fantasy managers will be sniffing around Leighton Baines, Seamus Coleman and Romelu Lukaku from the offset.

There was a distinct lack of consistency among Everton’s midfielders last season, so the luxury of taking a “watching brief” over the opening month of the campaign could be a handy luxury. Ross Barkley and new signing Tom Cleverley may offer potential, while Kevin Mirallas, should he stay at Goodison Park, could yet provide a viable option in the mid-price category.

BE WARY OF…

Crystal Palace
Following his return from the African Cup of Nations, Yannick Bolasie was played a part in ten of Palace’s 21 goals, so the DR Congo international is a name on the radar of many a Fantasy manager heading into the new season. Favourable clashes at Norwich and at home to Aston Villa in the first three Gameweeks offer hope he can maintain that form, but a swift exit strategy may be required given that Alan Pardew’s men then face away trips to Chelsea and Tottenham, sandwiching a home encounter against Manchester City, while a home fixture against Arsenal is also less than favourable. The Eagles kept just two clean sheets following Pardew’s arrival at Selhurst Park, so aside from Scott Dann’s clear threat from set-pieces, we’re not expecting much from the Palace backline.

Chelsea
While it is difficult not to envisage Jose Mourinho’s side getting off to a strong start, there is little doubt they face the toughest opening schedule amongst the expected title contenders. Certainly, an opening day fixture at home to Swansea looks promising, given they scored nine goals against Garry Monk’s men last season, while trips to the Etihad and the Hawthorns may well prove profitable for Chelsea’s defence. Mourinho is often content to take a point from away matches against his rivals, whilst the Baggies may be happy to sit deep in a similar fashion when the champions pay visit. With a home clash against Arsenal on their agenda over the first six, the Blues’ schedule is rated second worst overall in our ticker and some may subsequently be hesitant at starting the season with a full set of Chelsea charges.

Watford
The Hornets first three home clashes on their return to the Premier League sees them face a trio of strong travelling defences, as West Brom, Southampton and Swansea all pay visit. Watford will also make trips to Everton and City in the opening six Gameweeks, so goals could be hard to come by early on for the likes of Troy Deeney. At the other end it’s likely that most, if not all, of Watford’s backline will be available for 4.5 in the FPL, providing some decent rotation options, though fellow new boys Bournemouth and Norwich have far more inviting opening fixtures and will likely provide stronger alternatives.

Liverpool
With the Reds defensive starters likely to come in between 5.5 and 6.0 in the FPL, the difficulty of their away fixtures will deter many from considering the Liverpool rearguard. Trips to Stoke, Arsenal and United in the opening six Gameweeks look unlikely to yield clean sheets, given they conceded 13 goals across the corresponding matches last season, so while the home clashes against Bournemouth, West Ham and Norwich are very favourable, the likes of Martin Skrtel or Simon Mignolet could be overlooked by many. The prospects in midfield are slightly rosier, with Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho battling for our attention, whilst James Milner could also come into the reckoning, depending on his starting price. We’ll be looking for some clarity in attack over pre-season, though, with the arrival of Danny Ings and Divock Origi adding to Brendan Rodgers’ options in the final third.

952 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Zombie
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    So we still haven't hit 12 hours a page. Poor performance!

  2. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    My little accu from page 1 came good after Englands ladies gave me a heartattack.
    333£ from 50£ get innn

  3. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Morning ladies

    1. The Nuttman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Morning.

    2. Lucy.
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Morning!

    3. Pasqualinho
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I'm no lady.

      1. Lucy.
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I get called 'lads' all the time. I'm enjoying this 😀

        1. andy85wsm
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Did you know.....in Ireland they refer to both men and women as lads

          1. Lucy.
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            ... Not sure if you're pulling my leg but I guess that would be similar to how we now seem to refer to everyone as 'guys'.

            1. Camp No No
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              Or like my boss seems to now refer to everybody as 'w*nkers', or is it just me...

              1. The Nuttman
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                8 years, 9 months ago

                😆

              2. Lucy.
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 9 months ago

                😆

            2. andy85wsm
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 13 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              Nope, not pulling your leg.

              I started my training at my job with another english girl and she got a bit offended when the trainer called everyone lads.

              It's common over here.

              1. Lucy.
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 9 months ago

                Well you learn something new everyday!

        2. Pasqualinho
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          I've no objection to being feminized. It's just that I think I've earned the title 'Duchess' at the very least. Although I fear LR may bypass that and refer to me as an Old Queen.

          1. Camp No No
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            😆

          2. Lateriser 12
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Duchess it is.

          3. Lucy.
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            😆

            1. Kane Toads
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              Hey Lucy, a great Soton article earlier on. Many thanks!

              1. Lucy.
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 9 months ago

                Glad you enjoyed 😀

  4. Moin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Who's gonna be your captain in GW1?

    I might go with a Saints player...Mane maybe or J Rod (depending on Pre-Season)

    1. The Sarjeant
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Benteke.

      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Thought about him as well...but I am planning a 3-5-2 this time..

    2. The Nuttman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Aguero.

      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        won't even start

        1. Bojan Horsemack
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Plenty of time post-Copa America. Five weeks even if Argentina reach the final.

    3. Doolittle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I'll probably go straight in with Walcott and ruin my season when he comes off the bench in the 89th minute.

      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I will also probably get wally straight in my team..but not (c) him

    4. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Costa

      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        good pick

    5. Nickofoz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Hazard probably

      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Isn't he a slow starter?

        1. Beavis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Got 3 assists or something in GW1 in his first season didn't he?

          1. Moin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Don't remember..

          2. Black Knights
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Yeah wasn't it 6 assists in first 2 GWs (3 games)?

        2. Nickofoz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          I'm not really sure whether that's an actual thing or a coincidence. Same goes for Ivan

          1. Moin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            yeah..worth a risk though..

    6. Bojan Horsemack
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Considering all the above. Haz maybe. Or does he start every season slowly?

    7. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Ollie Gru

    8. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Cech

    9. Kane Toads
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I'm tempted with Mane.

    10. Lucy.
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      If J-Rod proves fitness in pre-season, I'll be tempted.

  5. Doolittle
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    BBC:

    Posted at 09:31
    Liverpool are "close to an agreement" for Brazilian playmaker Roberto Firmino, according to football website Globoesporte.

    It claims Liverpool are ahead of Manchester United and Manchester City in the race to sign the 23-year-old from German side Hoffenheim for about £18m.

    1. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      They're probably ahead of United because United aren't in for him.

    2. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Strange if true from a Firmino point of view, would have thought he would have liked being in a CL outfit.

    3. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Why do papers always have to link players with multiple clubs ? I bet City scouted him once a couple of years ago

      1. Doolittle
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I know, every player that is linked with a top 6 club is immediately linked with every other one.

    4. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      He does realize Liverpool already has 4 decent strikers and he'll be the 5th one to join

      1. andy85wsm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Decent eh....

        1. Lucy.
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          I'm not sure who he's talking about...

          1. andy85wsm
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            😀

        2. Moin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          just trying to talk polite about Liverpool players

      2. Doolittle
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        ...do they?

        1. Moin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          well they were all decent before they joined Liverpool apart from Balotelli 😆

      3. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Because he's not a striker?

        1. Moin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          sky sports I remember mentioned him as striker hence I remember it that way

          1. Lateriser 12
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Lol but he's not. More of a #10

            1. The Nuttman
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              This.

              1. Camp No No
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 9 months ago

                Have you consulted BR for this?

            2. Lucy.
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              This is also true.

            3. Billy Gilmore
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              Yeah, another midfielder to shoe-horn into the side.......

    5. MADCHESTER UTD
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I suppose firmino if Liverpool get him will be a sterling replacement. I think they should try and get Walcott personally to replace him. if sturridge stays fit next season then a 4-3-2-1 formation with Henderson, milner, can as the 3, coutihno and firmino or Walcott as the 2 and sturridge up front would be a good team

    6. heraty88
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Hes not the type of striker liverpool need. They need an out and out proven 16-20 goal a season player. Would be good sterling replacement, but is he not similar to coutinho? and both will be looking for the space in the hole behind striker

      1. MADCHESTER UTD
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        rogers should maybe get dzeko as part of the deal. I know he's not rated by everyone and last season he wasn't great but I do think he's capable of 20+ goals playing every week

  6. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan may stay at the club under new coach Thomas Tuchel, according to the player’s agent.

    But Gundogan’s agent – and uncle – Ilhan Gundogan, told Sueddeutsche Zeitung the 24-year-old could be set to make a U-turn and commit to the Bundesliga side.
    "This is clearly an option again,” he said.
    "There are several things in favour of Ilkay finding back to his old level and doing that in a familiar, comfortable environment."

    1. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Seems to have been very greedy in negotiations with other clubs if journos are to be believed.

  7. MADCHESTER UTD
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    i know it's early days and we will have more of an idea once transfer window has shut but who do you have a gut feeling about that is going to have a great season? I really think rooney will shine this season and think de pay will hit the ground running. I fancy deeney to be this seasons Charlie Austin; a regular goal scorer in a struggling team and also have a feeling ramsey will have a goal scoring season like he had 2 years ago

    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      you have a lot of feelings man...

      1. MADCHESTER UTD
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        ha I know it's obvious to say hazard, aguero etc but Ive been burnt loads of times by picking my teams(in various competitions) based on the star performers from the season before. all too often the top points scorers don't fare too well the season after, usually because of injuries; RVP, sturridge, aguero in the past.

    2. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Yep. I'm putting some money on Rooney top scorer if we sign a couple of mids.

      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Reckon LVG won't shift him to mid again?

        1. Lateriser 12
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Not if we sign mids. He's only back up.

    3. Mr. Grv
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Yea , Rooney is gonna be the top scorer this year. Both of us united fans are unbiased 😀

    4. Doolittle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Ozil, especially if Arsenal buy a striker. His movement, ability to create space, and passing are astonishing, and with Sanchez and Walcott (if he stays fit) drawing defenders away, and a full season in the league now that he seems completely settled, he could run riot.

      Similarly, I think Sanchez will be even better than last season, and am excited to see if Walcott can nail down a place. Basically, if Arsenal solidify in midfield/defence, and buy a top striker, I think they'll do very very well.

      In contrast, I expect Kane to struggle more than last season.

      1. Doolittle
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I'm not even an Arsenal fan!

    5. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I think Wally will shine this year...

    6. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Ramsey an alternate to Alexis.
      Deeney the jury is out and I don't know enough about him apart from stats.
      Garbutt on loan at Bournemouth from Everton who rate him highly.
      Oviedo at Everton who can play midfield when he belongs as Baines understudy.
      Rooney will cost less and will not be playing so many midfield roles.

    7. heraty88
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Rooney would be a must have if he goes back up front. Should get loads of chances,

      1. MADCHESTER UTD
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        agreed. if de pay settles straight in, di maria hits the form we know he can and with mata, carrick or Herrera setting rooney up then he get a hatful

  8. AK ⭐
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Do we have any Rotational spreadsheets around here? Don't have the link anymore.

  9. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    James Pearce ( Echo)- "Liverpool are prepared to bide their time in their pursuit of Southampton right back Nathaniel Clyne. However Clyne has his heart set on a move to Anfield ahead of Old Trafford, and the Reds hope a compromise can be reached"

    1. Lucy.
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I wonder when Liverpool will stop using us as an incredibly expensive feeder club.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        apparently the Echo have no longer have any direct ties to Liverpool

        1. internal error
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          *Echo no longer have

          1. internal error
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            ahhh misread your post. Ignore

            1. Lucy.
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              I was pretty confused 😛

  10. Mr. Grv
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Yea , Rooney is gonna be the top scorer this year. Both of us united fans are unbiased 😀

    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Costa IF Fit throughout the season, could become the top scorer

      1. Lucy.
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        A kind of massive IF.

        1. Moin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          yup

  11. The Gambler.
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    newpost.com

  12. The Sarjeant
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    I haven't got many fantasy football lovers following me on Twitter - @TheSarjeant, I'll follow back!

  13. MADCHESTER UTD
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    what about kane for top scorer (especially if he does go utd)? if he stays at spurs then he wont be rotated as much as the likes of strikers in top 4 clubs with the likes of bony, dzeko, RVP, falcoa, remy etc warming the bench. I know its unlikely these players will be at the same clubs but then the replacements will still be good strikers

  14. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Stekelenberg to Soton on loan.
    Good option until FF is back fit?

  15. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Need to get my U21 teams in early for semi's

    Thinking 6 Danes including a block D, with a mix of Germans, Danes and Portuguese in attack.

    Busk
    Vestergaard, A Christensen, Scholtz
    Meyer, Can, B Silva, Mario, Hojbjerg
    Volland (c), Fischer

    Subs Beraldi*, Korb, Guerreiro, Snric*

    Have 2.5m ITB and one free transfer left, which i'm thinking of saving for the final.

    Other than the two non playing subs, anything obviously wrong ?.