Fixtures

Frisking the Fixtures – Gameweek 6 – The Weak

On the back of yesterday’s look at the teams with the strongest upcoming schedules, our attention now turns to the sides who face more difficult fixtures over the next six Gameweeks. Both Manchester United and Arsenal feature this week, handing Fantasy managers some tricky decisions regarding the likes of the well-owned Matteo Darmian, Memphis Depay, Laurent Koscielny and Alexis Sanchez, while Everton’s testing start to the season continues over the next month or so.

Everton

frisking
Roberto Martinez’ side have done remarkably well to register eight points from their first five matches, given the opposition they’ve faced. Their task doesn’t get any easier over the next six Gameweeks, though, with Liverpool and Man United travelling to Goodison Park, while the Toffees also have to visit Arsenal, West Brom and Swansea, with the plum home fixture against Sunderland the only favourable match-up.

Phil Jagielka (5.4) and Seamus Coleman remain popular picks in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), with ownerships of 17.3% and 12.6% respectively, but clean sheets could be hard to come by, although having registered shut-outs in both of their away matches so far, the trips to West Brom and Swansea could yet yield some further defensive returns. Coleman is also a slight doubt for the trip to South Wales after picking up a hamstring injury in the 3-1 win against Chelsea.

Ross Barkley is the third most transferred player in so far this week with over 116,000 new owners, seeing his price rise to 6.8 in FPL. While there’s no doubting his form, having scored twice and provided three assists so far this season, the England international will be up against some strong defences over the coming weeks. Romelu Lukaku (8.2) has blanked in his last three outings, and could well continue to frustrate his 20.9% ownership with the schedule still not in the Belgian’s favour.

Arsenal

frisking

With away clashes at Chelsea and in-form Leicester over the next two Gameweeks, Arsene Wenger’s men certainly face a challenging time of it in the short-term. Chelsea may have started the season poorly, but having to travel back to London after playing in Croatia last night for a Saturday lunchtime kick-off is hardly ideal for the Gunners. The home form of Watford and Swansea means those matches won’t be straightforward either, while Man United and Everton also visit the Emirates.

On the back of three successive clean sheets, owners of Petr Cech (5.5), Laurent Koscielny (6.0) and Hector Bellerin (5.5) may well be happy to hold tight, particularly with United and Watford struggling for goals. Nonetheless, given their price tags, the trio may well struggle to provide value over the next six Gameweeks.

With Wenger rotating Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud in attack, it has dented the Fantasy prospects of both players, so regardless of the tough schedule, owning either looks unlikely to pay dividends. Alexis Sanchez (11.0) has severely underperformed so far this season, only registering a single assist, and is another who is unlikely to live up to his premium price tag. The likes of Mesut Ozil (8.4) and Santi Cazorla (8.3) are kinder on the budget, and are perhaps worth keeping if Fantasy managers have more pressing issues to fix in their 15-man squads.

Man United

frisking

With four away matches (sot, SUN, ars, eve, MCI, cpl) and a home clash against Man City in the next six, Louis van Gaal’s side appear unlikely to provide us with many Fantasy points over the coming period.

The Red Devils were dealt a huge blow in the week after Luke Shaw was ruled out for months with a broken leg. Up against some strong attacks such as Arsenal, Everton, Man City and Crystal Palace, the likes of Matteo Darmian (5.7) and Chris Smalling (6.2) certainly look dispensable at this point.

United have struggled for goals so far this season, and with Southampton and Arsenal keeping clean sheets in their last three matches, not to mention City’s record of having yet to concede, there’s no doubt those struggles could well continue unless new signing Anthony Martial (8.0) can help ignite the attack. Memphis Depay (8.4) again netted in the Champions League in midweek, but the Dutch international has been largely ineffective in the league, with now perhaps the time to make alternative plans. Juan Mata (8.6) has enjoyed a price rise on the back of a goal and assist in his last two appearances, but the Spaniard may struggle to maintain that form.

Be Wary Of…

Leicester
While the Foxes fixtures (sto, ARS, nor, sot, CPL, wba) only include a single encounter against one of the “big guns”, they do only face two home matches over the next six Gameweeks. So although faith in Riyad Mahrez (6.2) isn’t going to waver, it may be more difficult for Jamie Vardy (6.2) to maintain his excellent record of providing attacking returns in four of his five outings so far. Marc Albrighton (5.2) now also faces added competition from Nathan Dyer (4.8) for a place out wide following the latter’s winning goal against Aston Villa on his Foxes debut.

Claudio Ranieri’s side have yet to keep a clean sheet, so Kasper Schmeichel and Wes Morgan (both 4.5) don’t look worth persevering with given the upcoming schedule, with perhaps only the trips to Stoke and West Brom offering hope of a possible shut-out.

Southampton
While the Saints face four home matches (MUN, SWA, che, LEI, liv, BOU) over the next six Gameweeks, the quality of opponents means it may be best to ignore their Fantasy assets for the time being. The south coast club have kept three consecutive clean sheets, though, so Cedric Soares (5.0) may be worth holding, given he also provides an attacking threat from right-back. Jose Fonte (5.4), however, looks a tad expensive to carry over the coming weeks.

Graziano Pelle (7.9) has enjoyed playing at St Mary’s since moving to Southampton last summer, so the Italian could well still deliver a reasonable amount of points for his 12% ownership. Dusan Tadic looks to be coming back into the form which saw him rise to prominence this time last year, and looks well-priced at 6.9 in FPL, but Sadio Mane (7.8) may struggle to attract further investment until the fixtures improve.

Tottenham
Spurs are another side who face four home match-ups over the coming period, but with Crystal Palace and Aston Villa dangerous sides on the road, along with Man City and Liverpool visiting White Hart Lane, defensive returns for the likes of Toby Alderweireld, Eric Dier and Kyle Walker (all 5.0) may be hard to come by. Away trips to Swansea and Bournemouth should also test the Tottenham rearguard.

In terms of attacking prospects, they are perhaps somewhat brighter with the Palace, Bournemouth and Villa backlines all fairly suspect. With Harry Kane (9.4) yet to get off the mark this season, and Christian Eriksen (8.3) still bothered with a knee injury, there aren’t really any appealing options. Nacer Chadli (7.0) will likely struggle to deliver more points than the in-form Dimitri Payet (7.6) and Andre Ayew (7.3) over the coming period.

951 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gooner97
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Gerrard (BT pundit): "Wenger said he's made 6 changes & he's brought in the same amount of quality. I have to disagree." ‪#‎afc‬

    Ian Wright: "Bring your first team here, win the game & then take your players off." #afc

    Gerrard: "Arsenal still need a world-class CB, world-class CM & world-class CF. Wenger didn't deliver in the transfer window." #afc

    Ferdinand: "I think Wenger is hurting Arsenal by not giving Walcott a sustained period up front. Give him a chance to prove himself."

    Ian Wright: "They were struggling with 11 men. With 10 men, we knew it was going to be hard for Arsenal."

    Ferdinand: "Özil needs runners. He doesn't work with Giroud. Theo, Alexis work with him."

    Liam Brady on Arsenal: "They lose to teams that they shouldn't be losing to. It happens too often." #afc

    1. Red Star Toro
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Gerrard is such an attention who*e lately though.

    2. SHAMESHAMESHAME
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Wouldn't you be if you had a book out?

    3. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I fall asleep listening to him, he's as bad as Michael Owen.

      However they were all valid points, I was shocked how poor Arteta and Debuchy were seeing as they are 'experienced' players.

      If Giroud starts against Chelsea, I may just start supporting Ascot FC....

  2. Gazpilicueta
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    I was gonna do Coates and Pelle to Nyom and Benteke, but I am 0.3 mil short.....what would you do?

    A) third transfer, Hazard to Ayew to -4 points

    B) go for someone instead of Benteke (Gomis. Diouf etc)

    C) something else

    1. Pochecinno
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B

    3. witty
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

  3. Demí
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    @BBCRLSport 5m5 minutes ago

    Ranieri: "Everything Mahrez touches is gold. Everyone behind him is a player that works hard. Riyad is also a team player."

    Ranieri: "Nathan Dyer is OK. His head is OK. Everybody is good to play on Saturday."

    Ranieri: "I have one day more to think about Dyer. For this reason, I have to think. He can't play Tuesday."

    Ranieri: "I want to pay a pizza for a clean sheet. When we get one I pay for pizza and maybe a hot dog."

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Ranieri is awesome.

    2. Pochecinno
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Ranieri is class

    3. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      He didn't even need to add in hot dog at the end, it was awesome enough as it was. But he still did though. What a guy. 🙂

    4. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Anyone else still on Huth 😉

      1. Hooky
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        He looks like he enjoys pizza and hotdogs. CS incoming this week!

        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Me! 🙁

  4. Tadic is the new Eriksen
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Wouldnt want to be owning an Arsenal def over the next few weeks

  5. boombaba
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Best replacement for shaw?

    Already have kolorov.

    1. LC1
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Jonny Evans or Naughton/Williams if you don't have Swansea defender already

      1. boombaba
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I have Williams.

        Johnny nailed ? Dawson an option ?

        1. LC1
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah Dawson an option too but Jonny Evans is .2 cheaper.. I'm pretty confident he's nailed seeing as how well he played last game.

          Either of the two are a good choice.

        2. Return Of Chamakh
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Dawson a slightly better option I'd say if you have the extra 0.2, more goal threat and less likely to get injured all the time

    2. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Dawson

  6. Piggs Boson
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    How long do we give Sanchez? His fixtures are crap.

    1. Tadic is the new Eriksen
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I'm giving him until he is gonna price drop, whenever that may be

    2. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      2 weeks for me. Leicester and chelsea are much leakier than united and watford.

    3. Kavali
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      How long do we give Aguero? He will not have 90 minutes. Have both

    4. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      debating this myself, but probably gonna keep for Leicester then reasses

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Didn't he do much better at home last season?

        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          scored twice at Sunderland and Hull if memory serves me correctly

    5. President Giggs
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Until he gets injured for me

    6. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      He looked fumbly last night, if that is a word....

    7. Badluck Jonathan
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Already shipped him to matic for a hit. Form and fixtures while Sanchez has neither

  7. Giroud Depardieu
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Play:

    Payet (mci)

    or

    Targett (MAN)

    1. LC1
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Payet

    2. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Payet

    3. Zolo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Payet. Never bench attackers

    4. RiflaFC
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Payet, easy

      1. Giroud Depardieu
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks guys

    5. tomandrews123
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Ive got the same decision to make

      Targett for me - can see 0-0 all over that game.

      Would be swaying more towards Payet if Kompany is out.

  8. LC1
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Team completely decided apart form the following.

    Which one should I start;

    A) Azpi (ARS)
    B) Stoke (LEI)

  9. Tadic is the new Eriksen
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Peoples' thoughts on Yaya Touré (c)? Feels like a logical choice for me.

    1. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      It's what I'm considering. Lots of extra potential for points.

      1. Slartibartfast
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Could Sterling be a decent (c) option?

        I have Aguero too, but feeling very let down by him recently!

      2. st4rt__
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        What are you doing with Pedro, Jonty?

        1. J0E
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          transfering out for a MCI mid. Yaya and Silva top of my list.

    2. LC1
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Seems like a good choice.
      Most will be going for Aguero/Kolorov if they have them.

    3. Dynamic Duos
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I have Yaya but Coutinho (c) for me

    4. drokkeh
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I have Kun, Yaya and Kolarov.

      One of em.. not sure which yet haha.

    5. Paulie Walnuts
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Kolarov for me

  10. st4rt__
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Christ. I'm glad I only own Sanchez. I'd say I'm likely to bin him at one point but there's literally no one else who I've not got, that I'd fancy.

  11. Alittude
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    begovic and darmian

    or DDG and bellirin?

    1. Zolo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      DDG N Bellerin

      1. Alittude
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        thanks, awesome name!

  12. SHAMESHAMESHAME
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Hey Norwich fans (or anyone in the know) - what's the deal this week with Grabban?

    Fit and chance to play?

    1. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Looks like he is probably 3rd choice now behind Jerome & Mbokani.

  13. Bushiosboys
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    I had Shaw and Pedro. BAD WEEK, need to take a hit.

    Tempted with Pedro > Oscar
    Maybe his time to shine? How did he look last night as I didnt watch.
    Something is even telling me to captain him. He has a point to prove with Chelsea being so poor and him just coming back?
    Experts: talk me out of such madness...

    1. st4rt__
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Oscar's an extremely good punt if you fancy it, captaincy? No.

      1. Bushiosboys
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        You are totally right. What was I thinking. May go Wilson captain pick, safer surely.

    2. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      What's the rest of your midfield?

      1. Bushiosboys
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Myhill
        Francis Skrtel Kolarov
        Sanchez Sterling Mahrez Pedro
        Aguero Wilson Gomis

        Guzan Sinclair Cathcart Olsson

        As i say, something telling me to get oscar but I did this last year as i like him and he was terrible. I just so want to see something from Chelsea and noone else is doing it so think could be perfect time.....

        1. Hooky
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          I'd probably just play Sinclair rather than taking a hit. Pedro - Payet next week looks a good move with the Hammers fixtures.

          1. Bushiosboys
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            I know thats sensible, i know it is. Why so twitchy, dammit. Thank you for your sensible words.

  14. samcrow22
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    McCarthy
    Kolarov Williams Cameron
    Ozil Silva Mane Mahrez
    Diouf Aguero Gomis

    Any Suggestions?

    1. LC1
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      How much £ and do you have any FT?

      1. samcrow22
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        2.0m no FT
        also have adrian cresswell westwood and targert

  15. Bantchester United
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Quick A, B or C!
    Bassong >

    A) Dawson
    B) Evans
    C) Other - who?

    Other defence is bego + 4.0, cedric, Kolorov, Francis, azpi

    Thanks chaps

    1. LC1
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Evans

  16. Pochecinno
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Alex Neil has been duped:

    ALEX NEIL | "Brendan Rodgers has proven himself as a manager. He's done fantastically well over his career." #ncfc

    1. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      He's done well in his career of buying houses, as a manager he's poor, though possibly just out of his depth.

  17. The buck stops with me
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Pedro to Sanchez for free or save have 2 fts next week and play Westwood?

    1. st4rt__
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Save.

    2. Specialist
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Im in a similar boat and think I'm gonna save. If Pedro is out for just one week, he comes back ahead of some nice looking fixtures.

  18. President Giggs
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Looking for a Depay replacement, what do the members think of Mason and/or Shelvey looking at this?
    http://members.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/public-stats-tables/view/10995/

    1. Sparrow Army
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Coutinho

  19. BlzE_94
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    GTG? 1FT £2.5M ITB

    McCarthy
    Kolarov Darmian Richards Gomez
    Sanchez Sterling Mahrez
    Kun Gomis Wilson

    Bench: Ruddy Pedro Obertan Oxford

    Appreciate any thoughts 🙂

    1. Zolo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Looks good. Save

    2. Specialist
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Looks pretty good for this week. Sorting out Obertan and Oxford looks like a priority, but could wait until next week

  20. VRP
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Who to bench out of:

    A) Gomis
    B) Wilson
    C) Payet
    D) Ayew
    E) Sanchez
    F) Mahrez

    1. BlzE_94
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      C imo

    2. Specialist
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      C

    3. Zolo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      That is tough. Play AOA may be

    4. Sparrow Army
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Gomis or ayew

    5. T0RR3S
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      C or E

  21. Viper
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Huth, Darmian or Huth out for Dawson?

    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      One of the Huths

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Huth or Richards?

        I only ever get replies when I make a mess of the post 🙂

    2. Viper
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Damnit. Second Huth is Richards

    3. Specialist
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Huth, I think Richards is more likely to keep a clean sheet this week

  22. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Mane goes next week, who for

    a) Payet
    b) Shaqiri
    c) Palace mid
    d) Other (have 3x City)

    1. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      See how Payet looks vs City - his fixtures are good after this GW.

      1. The Rock
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Regardless of how Payet does vs City i would still bring him in..

        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          he looks the best, but the fixtures for Stoke and Palace are lovely

    2. Demí
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Payet the safe bet. Lens if you're feeling punty. Don't trust any of the Palace mids for consistency.

      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        what about the Shaq?

        1. Demí
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Not for me. Stoke flatter to decieve imo, but if he's gonna get points, it could well be in the next 3 games.

          1. JK - Cønt ⭐
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            ta

            Then I think unless something major occurs I will save this week and do

            Huth/Cedric and Mane to Dawson and Payet for free

            would like rid of Ruddy but maybe not worth the transfer?

  23. Walcott Rotation Explained
    Bolivian Seaman
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    When will Walcott play?

    This is not gospel

    I think he starts versus teams that park the bus and try to counter attack. Stoke was a perfect example. The consensus was that Arsenal would play Giroud for his physical presence, so why did Walcott start? It’s because Arsenal’s weakness is the counter attack, with Theo leading the line we can turn their counter attack into ours. This is what happened with his goal: their attack broke down and a hoof by Ozil set Walcott on his way with their defence struggling with his pace and ability to hang on the last defender. For all the deficiencies that Walcott has, he is a master of receiving through balls.

    Another reason is Giroud doesn’t do well against teams that park the bus. He holds up play, they drop off and we have to play in front of their bus. Last season near the end, Arsenal won 9 out of 10 with the same team but we got stuck against Sunderland (0-0) and Swansea (0-1). They parked the bus and tried to counter. It wasn’t fun watching as Arsenal fans, it’s happened so many times before. Even in the champions league against Monaco it happened again – the counter attack. So I think Wenger needed to make us more fluid (the Wenger filosofee) and has decided to play the striker to the situation. I think he wants a fast striker to hang on the last defenders against solid defences.

    If this all correct it could be a good competitive advantage in our fantasy world. Casuals will have him starting all the time, and using their weak benches when he doesn’t play, the experienced players with strongish benches who play him at the right time will get the most explosive points scorer in the game. Also, it’s good for one week punts.
    Another pro of this is that Wenger is stubborn. If Wenger has decided to pick and choose which striker to play in similar cirumstances, he will do it over and over again.

    Teams he starts against: Chelsea, Watford, Swansea, West Brom
    Teams he won’t start: Everton, Newcastle, Man Utd, Liverpool

    Next 6 fixtures: Walcott, not sure, Giroud, Walcott, Giroud, Walcott

    Tldr: Walcott starts against teams that defend heavily and try to counter attack, Giroud plays against teams that Arsenal find it relatively easy to score against and don’t counter attack.

    All this is pure guesswork and can change according to form. Giroud is playing poorly at the moment.

    1. Demí
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Great post

    2. Graceless Goof
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Excellent post

    3. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      As a frustrated Arsenal fan, this was a great read.

    4. Arctic monkeys
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Time to do Pedro to Walcott, and westwood to barkley then.

      With Yaya Mahrez and Sanchez as other Mids.

        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Fearsome midfield 5 there

    5. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      He can counter attack from the right just as well I think. Wenger just needs the balls to drop one of Ramsey/Ozil/Caz and play both Walcott and Giroud.

      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      This is an excellent post, I might have to create a "Walcott ticker" to go alongside my season ticker.

    6. Bangarang
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Good work, not sure I can justify having him in my team atm. but great knowledge for the future...

    7. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I think he'll do well this week...

    8. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Great post Seaman! 😉

    9. Ludo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Giroud started against West Ham, Palace, Liverpool and Dinamo Zagreb.

      Walcott started against Chelsea, Newcastle and Stoke.

      I'm not sure there's any sort of clear division between those two sets of teams. I get what you're trying to say, but conventional wisdom would actually suggest that you're better off playing a target man like Giroud against teams that park the bus, as their deeper defensive line won't leave room for a quick striker like Walcott to get in behind them. I think form and fitness will probably play a bigger role than Wenger's tactical whims in determining who starts up front.

        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Could be interesting to look at the centre bacnk pairings each have faced and see if there's anything there.

      1. Ludo
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Here's an alternative explanation, going off form rather than fixtures:

        After Arsenal fail to score in successive home matches against Swansea and Sunderland, Wenger hands Walcott a chance up front on the last day against West Brom, benching Giroud. Theo takes the opportunity with both hands, and bags a hat-trick. In light of that performance, Walcott then starts the FA Cup final, and he scores again.

        As a result of these performances, Walcott starts up front in the Community Shield. However, Arsenal struggle in the final third against Chelsea, and look much improved once Giroud comes off the bench to replace Theo. As a result, Giroud starts the league campaign as the main striker.

        However, the problem of scoring goals at home with Giroud up front continues in the first three games, as they blank against West Ham and Liverpool. This leads Wenger to re-instate Walcott up front for the next two matches, and they win both, with Walcott scoring their first home goal of the season against Stoke.

        Giroud starts against Dinamo Zagreb in a heavily rotated line up, also featuring the likes of Ospina, Debuchy, Gibbs and Arteta. He picks up a couple of silly bookings, and Walcott scores in his substitute appearance. It looks like striker position is Walcott's to lose.

    10. FBorges
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      This strategy could be gold if you have a strong 8th attacker with strong fixtures in the weeks where we would bench Wally...

      Girouds UCL suspension can be a problem though...

    11. Aguerrrooooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Teams he wont start: Newcastle? He did start against them...

    12. A.T
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Mmm. Interesting idea but I'm not sure I agree with it. Firstly the way to stop a counter attack is to regain possession of the ball before it has left your oppositions final third, once it has gone past that, ie the first couple of tackles, your chances are greatly diminished. I doubt Arsenal are being coached to break it down later to give Walcott an advantage. Also you could argue Arsenal have been susceptible to the counter due to the absence of a quality holding midfielder and the eagerness in the past of players like Ramsey and Wilshire or Cazorla to bomb forward in attack, thereby neglecting their defensive duties and team shape.
      For me I think it comes down simply to Giroud's form and Walcott's fitness or ability to play two games a week. Giroud has been in poor form for quite some time, forcing Arsene to play Walcott in that position. Anyway, time will tell. The game is all about opinions so I thought I'd stick my twopence worth in 🙂

    13. Barry Woj
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Hmmm so Walcott is there to counter the counter attacks?

      Maybe you're on to something but I would have said the opposite is true. Giroud plays against the defenses that sit deep due to his strength in the air and ability to hold it up and connect with others in the box. Walcott is best when he can make runs into the space behind the defensive line. Deep defenses just don't provide that kind of space. Counter attacks involve the attackers not the defensive back line.

      Walcott plays against the possession heavy teams that will compete for the ball and play further up the pitch leaving space in behind.

      Giroud plays against those that cede possession to Arsenal giving Walcott no space to work in.

    14. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Sorry, but don't agree with the logic.

    15. Donkey_Sanctuary
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      This is a really interested post, however I'm not sure it changes much.

      We are still left with a premium (8,5 so pretty much) midfielder who will sometimes play and sometimes won't

      So, you'd have to be willing to regularly have him on your bench which makes it not a viable strategy to own him imo. Unless you're willing to constantly use you FTs / take hits to get him in and out your team (which would also mean you would be on the wrong end of any price rises)

  24. boombaba
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone fancy creswell chances for points after this game week?

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yep

    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Quite a few, expect a bandwagon next GW.

  25. goriuanx
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Sakho's set to reject the 95k a week contract if he doesn't get first team football in the league. He's delayed contract talks for now. PSG, Bayer, Roma, BVB, Juventus are all interested in signing him.

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Mamadou Sakho?

      1. st4rt__
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Diafro.

        1. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Doesn't exist.

      2. goriuanx
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Yep

        1. The Count of Monte Cristo
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Liverpool have a long string of defenders:

          Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Gomez,
          Enrique, Toure, Sakho, Moreno
          Flanagan.

          Almost enough for 2 (albeit average) back fours.

          1. goriuanx
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Only 4 of those will be at the club next summer.

    2. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      tbf he's behind Lovren, fair play to him

      1. goriuanx
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        It's a whole BR/committee thing. Interesting to see how next few months pan out

    3. Zolo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      He is better than Lovren IMO and should start ahead of him.

  26. The Tinkerman
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Which to start:

    A) Darmain (sou)
    B) Muniesa (LEI)

    1. AJCash
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. Cristi@no R7
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Darmain

    3. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

  27. DwarfKing
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Is it worth keeping fonte or transfer? I'm playing sky so want something long term.

    1. Cristi@no R7
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      keep

  28. AJCash
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    What's the Hazard consensus? Shift to Sanchez, Silva?

    1. Cristi@no R7
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Silva

    2. Specialist
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Silva if it's for free

      1. AJCash
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        It would be. 1 FT. Are Concerns about De Bruyne taking points from Silva unfounded, do you think?

        1. Specialist
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Remains to be seen how they'll play together, but Silva is still going to be playing in an attacking position in a team that should score a lot of goals, so he's bound to get a lot of points on the way regardless of de Bruyne. Also I think he'll still have set pieces which is a bonus.

    3. Donkey_Sanctuary
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Make your own mind up!!

  29. Alittude
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    please help last time ill ask WC this or?

    Begovic
    Kompany Shaw Clyne
    Hazard Touré Mahrez Ayew
    Wilson Gomis Agüero

    subs -Schwarzer Gomez Gamboa Andreu

    to this

    De Gea (Mccarthy)
    Kolarov Bellarin Dawson (Gomez, nyom)
    Sanchez Silva Mahrez Ayew (westwood)
    Gomis Wilson Aguero

    mainly as one of my subs is not in the league, the other doesn't play and is about to drop. Injuries have cost me two hits already and im not keen on more so i would like to get this sorted asap!

    1. Donkey_Sanctuary
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Looks like a lot of your WC moves are a bit sideways (Kompany > Kolarov, Toure > Silva) and can't see you catching much rise in value so I would stick and save your WC for a bit later in the season

      The best move you're proposing is probably Hazard > Sanchez which you could do anyway

      You'd be keeping. Ayew, Mahrez and all your forwards

      You'd basically be using your WC to tidy up your backline and keepers

  30. Specialist
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Who to start?

    A) Westwood (WBA)
    B) Muniesa (LEI)

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A