Fixtures

Frisking the Fixtures – Gameweek 21 – The Strong

Having refreshed the overall ratings that help power our Season Ticker on Monday, we now take time to offer an assessment of those teams who present the kindest schedule over the next four-to-six Gameweeks.

Faith in Arsenal’s key assets looks destined to be rewarded with strong returns, while West Bromwich Albion have the platform to deliver outstanding value from back to front, given their forthcoming run of opponents.

Arsenal

(swa, BUR, WAT, che, HUL, sot)

The next three home fixtures jump off the page when assessing the Gunners’ upcoming schedule.

From an attacking perspective, Arsene Wenger’s side will take on Watford and Hull City, who feature among the seven teams conceding the most goals and allowing the most shots inside the box over the last two Gameweeks.

Burnley, meanwhile, have conceded 11 times in their last five away matches, so you have to fancy the Arsenal attack to enjoy plenty of success at the Emirates over the next month or so.

But attacking returns are also likely to come on the road, given that Swansea City and Southampton lead the way for goals conceded over the past four Gameweeks with 11 and 10 respectively, leaving only the trip to Stamford Bridge as a testing fixture.

Despite a recent move to the flank, Alexis Sanchez should remain a key target, while Olivier Giroud is in great form and also looks a viable option, although the Frenchman may be a slight rotation risk, particularly in away matches, where pace could be favoured in attack.

Now down to his initial starting price of 7.5, Theo Walcott could also come into contention again if he shrugs off a calf complaint that has seen his miss each of the last three.

At the other end of the pitch, the prospects remain just as bright.

Watford, Hull and Swansea are all averaging less than a goal per match over the last four Gameweeks, while Burnley sit in the bottom five for both total goal attempts and shots inside the box over the same spell.

The Southampton clash also appears reasonably favourable given that Saints have only managed four goals in their last six at St Mary’s, so Hector Bellerin, providing he recovers from an ankle problem, or perhaps the cheaper Shkodran Mustafi, could bank at least a couple of clean sheets.

Southampton

(bur, LEI, swa, WHM, sun, ARS)

For Southampton, it’s the away fixtures that stand out as being potentially profitable.

Swansea and Sunderland both remain in the bottom three and continue to look vulnerable at the back, having shipped 11 and nine goals respectively in their last four matches.

Burnley represent a slightly trickier away trip, given the Clarets’ form at Turf Moor but Sean Dyche’s side have only managed one clean sheet in their last 10.

The home fixtures are also fairly reasonable, with goals a strong possibility against a West Ham United side that’s allowed the second highest number of shots inside the box over the last four Gameweeks.

None of Southampton’s attackers are currently in great form, though, with midfielder Jay Rodriguez appearing the best option at this point, given his “out of position” potential playing as a central striker.

From a defensive standpoint, the away fixtures to Swansea and, to a slightly lesser extent, Sunderland, again offer plenty of appeal: the Welsh side have scored only once in their last two home matches.

Sunderland do offer more of a threat with the in-form Jermain Defoe in their ranks, though, while Burnley’s home form means that they could stretch the Saints rearguard.

The home clash with Leicester City could remain a kind fixture, however. The Foxes have only scored three goals in their last four encounters and will be without Algerian pairing Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani due to their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.

As already mentioned, the Saints defence has been more obliging of late, and with Jose Fonte out of favour, it’s doubtful whether the 5.8 investment in Virgil van Dijk can be fully justified.

Maya Yoshida, at just 4.2, could be a far more palatable option should Fonte remain frozen out – the Japan international has now started three of the last four.

West Bromwich Albion

(tot, SUN, mid, STO, whm, BOU)

The Baggies’ forthcoming home fixtures are particularly strong, although their schedule as a whole remains kind following Saturday’s trip to White Hart Lane.

All three visitors to the Hawthorns – Sunderland, Stoke City and Bournemouth – have been among the leakiest defences over the past four Gameweeks, so Albion, who have scored 13 goals in their last five home matches, have to be backed to tally attacking points.

West Ham and Middlesbrough also both feature in the top three for shots conceded inside the box over the last four Gameweeks, so the likes of Matt Phillips and Salomon Rondon have the platform to continue to provide excellent value over the next month.

With four goals and seven assists in the last ten Gameweeks, Phillips is now the top value midfielder in the FPL game – still priced at just 5.8, he’s been acquired by a massive 175,000+ since the last deadline has passed,

The prospects also appear strong at the back, although Tony Pulis’ side have surprisingly only managed one clean sheet in their last 17 matches.

There’s no real standout fixture that offers obvious clean sheet potential, although Middlesbrough continue to struggle for goals.

The goal threat offered by both Chris Brunt and Gareth McAuley offers the alluring potential for attacking points, though, so they remain healthy options for the forthcoming spell.

With a share of set-piece duties, Brunt’s appeal remains strong even if utilised in defence, though should Allan Nyom be cleared to return after refusing to take part in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Northern Ireland international is likely to be moved into the attacking midfield roles, boosting his points potential even further.

Also Consider

Crystal Palace
The Eagles’ upcoming schedule (whm, EVE, bou, SUN, sto, MID) throws up plenty of decent fixtures, although arguably only the Sunderland match-up offers big potential.

The fixture list remains positive all the way up to Gameweek 27, though, so we are likely to see Palace remain in our thinking, particularly if Sam Allardyce can begin to show progress.

The Eagles boss has demanded that his side start to tighten things at the back, and with keeping clean sheets set to be a priority, the likes of Scott Dann and James Tomkins offer some appeal in defence.

Goals may be harder to come by if Allardyce shifts to a more defensive mindset, while Christian Benteke, the obvious attacking option, is also dealing with a shoulder injury and will have to produce returns without the creativity of Wilfried Zaha due to the latter’s AFCON involvement.

Everton
The Toffees away fixtures (cpl, sto, mid) look pretty favourable over the coming period, but only a home match-up with Sunderland looks to be an obvious source of returns.

Everton also host Man City on Sunday, but given that Romelu Lukaku has already scored against the Citizens this season, his 24% owners will be confident he can maintain the sort of form that has served up four goals and an assist in the last six Gameweeks.

Leighton Baines has also caught the eye of late, and while a clean sheet is unlikely this weekend, there may be one or two in the offing over the next six Gameweeks. Attacking returns for Baines also remain on the menu, particularly with the left-back reclaiming spot-kick duties from Lukaku.

Manchester United
Following Sunday’s huge clash against Liverpool, Jose Mourinho’s side face four soft fixtures, including two plum ties at Old Trafford, before taking on rivals City in Gameweek 26.

Those two home clashes, against Hull and Watford, could well see Zlatan Ibrahimovic rack up further double-digit scores to offer a strong captaincy option.

The underlying numbers also indicate that Paul Pogba could be set to profit, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan will be hoping to push on and stake a claim for our five-man midfields over the latter half of the campaign.

Clean sheets will also be expected in those home match-ups, although the trips to Stoke and Leicester appear trickier in that respect.

With Eric Bailly away at AFCON, Phil Jones looks likely to retain his place in the starting XI to offer strong value for his 4.9 price tag over this period.

975 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Hull have one recognised centre-back starting tonight & David Meyler at right-back. They have only named six subs. #mufc

    Stan or Fraser definitely IN

    1. Monkey Hanger
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      0-10?

  2. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Stomach bug for the big man Zlatan. Get well soon before i substitute you for Giroud

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I'm hearing it might be man flu.

      RIP.

      1. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        i think he should make it in time.

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I'm guessing you're female?

          1. Ayew Serious
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            On a fantasy football site. The odds are low

          2. ZeBestee
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            insult

      2. Darthshearer
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Pmsl

    2. JAC THE CAT
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Long time until his next game, I bet he will be fine.

  3. JAC THE CAT
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Who do we think will be on pens for Arsenal at the weekend?

    1. dhamphiir
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Giroud

    2. 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Gru

    3. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Giroud of course.

    4. Klopp For The Kopps 😆
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Everyone is Saying Giroud
      Don't know Why?

      1. Jazz!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        He's taken them before

        1. Klopp For The Kopps 😆
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Even with Sanchez and Ozil on the Pitch ?

          1. Monkey Hanger
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Ozil would be ahead of Giroud. Isn't going to play though, is he?

            1. VS10_
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Özil ahead of Giroud on penalties? Not sure what world you are living in.

    5. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Giroud is number 2 after Santi i think. Unfortunately Sanchez is not one for penalties

    6. Monkey Hanger
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Giroud.

    7. JAC THE CAT
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks all 🙂

    8. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I believe the only one ahead of Gru on Spot Kicks is Carzorla and he is out

  4. Ayew Serious
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Gabriel Jesus 9.0, Barton 4.5

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Bargains

      1. Ayew Serious
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Not sure :/

      2. Manic Miner
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Crouch at 4.7

    2. Ayew Serious
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Lookman 5.5. These are weird prices

    3. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      dial-up?

      1. Ayew Serious
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        No. Just reflecting

        1. Phil Dagger ⭐
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Gestede 5.0 could be good if he starts

    4. Monkey Hanger
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Gestede 5.0.

      1. Ayew Serious
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        🙂

    5. JAC THE CAT
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I doubt they will have many takers

    6. Dark_Mata
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Tempted by Jesus?

  5. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Please let Rooney get the record tonight and not on the weekend

    1. JAC THE CAT
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Good luck on that

    2. Ayew Serious
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Or if he could get suspended indefinitely for a drop kick on the ref and never break it

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Lol. That would be good

  6. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Morgan Schneiderlin is finally expected to complete a £22m move from Man Utd to Everton within the next 48 hours. (Source: Telegraph)

    1. JAC THE CAT
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Would be a very decent signing

      1. Dark_Mata
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Certainly would

    2. Klopp For The Kopps 😆
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Can take Baines now 🙂

  7. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    #Chelsea decided to recall Nathan Ake from his loan at Bournemouth due to growing concerns over the fitness of Marcos Alonso. [Standard]

    1. Dark_Mata
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Hmmmm the plot thickens

    2. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      It is understood that Marcos Alonso has been struggling with a muscular discomfort in his upper leg since he signed for #Chelsea. [Standard]

    3. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      While the problem was not serious to begin with, it has been getting worse for Marcos Alonso over the past month. [Standard]

  8. New Post
  9. PvA
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Zlatan "ill"

    Ake recalled because of Alonso's growing injury concern

    ... just when I thought I was GTG

    1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Zlatan should good be good to go by weekend with the flu- he is superhuman
      Alonso- didn't know he was badly hurt?

  10. Greek Flair
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Does anybody else think its about time to get Giroud in? Surely he's nailed on in the short term?

  11. Goonie Goon
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Fwd line Defoe - Ibra - Costa,

    Who would you guys remove for Giroud?

    Thx

    1. Fitzy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      None of them.

    2. Goonie Goon
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Even if fixtures for Arsenal look good?

    3. Thoughtopsy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I have Defoe - Giroud - Costa

  12. Thoughtopsy
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    WC this week but not sure on what team? Any help appreciated