Frisking the Fixtures

Who has the best and worst upcoming FPL fixtures?

Our regular frisk of the fixtures sees us assess the Premier League clubs and players with – in theory – the strongest and weakest runs of league matches over the coming weeks of Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

The primary focus in this article will be on the next six Gameweeks but we will scrutinise the longer-term prospects where appropriate.

Our colour-coded Season Ticker is the primary source for this piece; using this tool as a Premium Member, you can sort by difficulty, rank by attacking and defensive potential or find budget rotation pairings. You can also set your own difficulty ratings, should you disagree with our own.

BEST FIXTURES

CHELSEA

Saturday’s comprehensive 7-0 win over Norwich City brought a hat-trick from Mason Mount (£7.5m), who had lost 390,000 owners since his previous start in Gameweek 5, rather than the much-bought Kai Havertz (£8.1m). The German was the only Chelsea starter to blank – a beautiful summarisation of what FPL is all about. However, those new owners could still benefit from Romelu Lukaku‘s (£11.5m) injury if Havertz delivers the goods against Newcastle United – a side yet to keep a clean sheet.

The Blues then face Burnley at home, completing the sequence of facing relegation zone sides. After that are two games that seem difficult at first but, looking deeper, still present strong attacking fixtures. Leicester City haven’t kept a clean sheet since Gameweek 1 and conceded twice in each of the four games preceding Sunday’s 2-1 win at Brentford, whilst Manchester United have let in 11 goals from their last three matches in all competitions.

Six clean sheets have been kept from nine attempts. Although their three goals conceded is the league’s lowest, Chelsea are bettered by several sides in terms of shots conceded, shots conceded in penalty area and expected goals conceded (xGC). The other defensive issue is guessing who will play for Thomas Tuchel. Only Ben Chilwell (£5.8m) and Trevoh Chalobah (£4.9m) have started the last two league matches, with Marcos Alonso (£5.8m) and Andreas Christensen (£5.1m) waiting to step in.

BRENTFORD

Another side facing the bottom three in succession is Brentford. The newly-promoted side have impressed many over early matches, despite the last four fixtures being against teams from last season’s top six. Before that, the Bees won two and drew two of the first five and many FPL managers will be hoping that Ivan Toney (£6.5m) is joined by Bryan Mbeumo (£5.6m) in attack, should the Frenchman recover from the hamstring issue that forced his half-time withdrawal at the weekend.

Mbeumo is a cheap midfielder, playing as a striker. his expected goals (xG) tally of 3.47 is the best of all sub-£7.5m players and only beaten by six of any price. Only two goals have been scored, although an incredible six shots have hit the woodwork. Toney only has an assist from the past four gameweeks but is on penalty duty.

Burnley (a), Norwich (H) and Newcastle (a) present three of the four worst xGC numbers, conceding a total of 434 shots so far – an average of 16-per-match. Norwich have only scored twice, with them and Burnley having the lowest team xG numbers of 7.29 and 8.78, boding well for Ethan Pinnock (£4.7m) and Pontus Jansson (£4.7m). Beyond that, Everton have just conceded five times at home to Watford, Tottenham have let in 13 from their last six and Leeds United’s defence is the only one competing with the bottom three for worst back line.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Kane and Wilson enter FPL differential conversation ahead of Gameweek 9 5

Between defensive woes, two successive defeats and the drop in form of Harry Kane (£12.1m), Tottenham’s imminent clash with Man United will be an interesting battle to see which club is most in crisis right now. For owners of Kane and Son Heung-min (£10.2m) – who is still managing to have a good season – the fixture defies its red colouring on the ticker. Then it’s a trip to Goodison Park and a stretch of fixtures that exceeds the four shown in blue above. Between Gameweek 12 and Gameweek 22, Spurs only face one of last season’s top four.

This gives an opportunity to those with plenty of money in the bank from selling Lukaku or Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.5m), as the temptation to get either Son or Kane strengthens. Defensively, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men started the season with three clean sheets but have none since, yet the cheap prices of Eric Dier (£4.5m) and Sergio Reguilon (£5.1m) could persuade FPL managers to grab one for these opponents.

NORWICH CITY

Top of the fixture ticker are Norwich, although with an asterisk that they’re bottom of the league, winless and with only two goals so far – it would an incredibly maverick move to go for forward Teemu Pukki (£5.8m). A decent £4.5m bench option could be Mathias Normann who, since his Gameweek 5 debut, comes top for goal attempts (11) at his price point. Their defence did keep consecutive clean sheets against Burnley and Brighton, before returning to normality with the 7-0 crushing at Chelsea.

Whilst one perspective is that Leeds (H), Brentford (a), Southampton (H), Wolves (H) and Newcastle (a) are good fixtures for Norwich, the other is that managers should target assets from these five teams because they are about to have a very promising opponent.

WORST FIXTURES

WATFORD

Is now the time to sell Everton's value-for-money FPL midfielders? 1

Just when it seemed that Watford’s early mid-table position was about to collapse, new manager Claudio Ranieri watched his side overturn a 2-1 deficit at Everton into a remarkable 5-2 win inside the last 15 minutes. The Hornets are now in 14th place and will be thankful for a six-point gap over the relegation zone, knowing that the home match against Southampton is followed by Arsenal (a), Man United (H), Leicester (a), Chelsea (H) and Manchester City (H).

Some of these sides’ weaknesses were mentioned above but, make no mistake, they will still be tough challenges for Watford. Emmanual Dennis (£5.2m) delivered 12 points in his 26-minute cameo but is suspended for Gameweek 10, whilst Joshua King (£5.5m) added a hat-trick to his brilliant record versus Everton to bag his first goals of the season. Star man Ismaila Sarr (£6.2m) wasn’t involved in any of the five at Goodison Park and his price drops are expected to continue when FPL managers see these fixtures. At the back, Watford join Newcastle in still not having collected any clean sheets.

WEST HAM UNITED

Vestergaard injury latest as Antonio and Benrahma haul again 2

The time might have felt right to ditch Michail Antonio (£8.1m), having blanked in consecutive matches and with Liverpool (H), Man City (a) and Chelsea (H) on the horizon. Then the striker netted the winner against Tottenham to join Jamie Vardy on 57 points as the joint-second highest FPL scorer behind Mohamed Salah (£12.9m). Many managers have other fires to put out right now, with Mbeumo, Jamie Vardy (£10.8m) and Raphinha (£6.7m) potentially injured and Ronaldo losing form, meaning Antonio’s goal should see him survive a cull.

However, team mate Said Benrahma (£6.5m) may be one of those fires. After delivering a goal, an assist and 12 points from the first pair of matches, he he since been involved in one goal from seven. It isn’t for a lack of trying – his four games since scoring in Gameweek 5 have amassed 16 shots, a number only topped by Salah throughout the league.

Again, the Mbeumo and Raphinha situations could spare him an abandonment, but patience must surely be thining amongst his 33.7% ownership. Defensively, the Hammers have followed a leaky start by keeping two successive clean sheets. Aaron Cresswell (£5.5m) added an assist on Sunday. However, it’s ill-advised to purchase one with these upcoming fixtures.

FPLMarc Newcastle fan that spends far too much time thinking about FPL.

1,574 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Original Sin
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Is Henderson going under the radar? He is not a bad pick for 5.0 million, isn't it?

  2. Drogo
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Havertz just rubbin' it in, thanks!

  3. Cok3y5murf
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Havertz owners killing it in fantasy efl cup... Congrats

    1. el polako
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Ouch...
      That's just mean.

    2. PartyTime
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Lol

  4. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Can’t sell Havertz now… In form!

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      The Kai is the limit

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Yeah hatrick confirmed at the weekend.

    3. Lord.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Captain oh my Captain.

  5. Hits from the Bong
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    A. Ronaldo+Williams to Hwang+TAA
    B. Ronaldo+Raphina to Hwang+Son
    C. Stick

    Sanchez
    Cancelo Rudiger Livramento
    Salah Foden Raphina Gray
    Ronaldo Vardy Antonio

    Steele McArthur Duffy Williams
    0.5 itb 0ft

    1. Boberella
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      A

  6. BENOIT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Final pieces of a WC for a draft league...

    A) Maddison & Pukki
    B) Smith-Rowe & Ihenacho

    Which option?

    'A' more nailed I guess...

    1. That Was Easy!
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Think B is the ticket there.

    2. Hits from the Bong
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      B) but rather Broja or Hwang if getting a cheap striker

      1. That Was Easy!
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 days ago

        For a draft league, so I assume they aren't available? If so, would also suggest those two!

        1. BENOIT
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 days ago

          Yep, those 2 unavailable

  7. That Was Easy!
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Anyone tempted by a James > Chilwell move? On the surface I'd say it's sideways, but surely Chillwell is the one to own? Thoughts? I suppose Azpi's availability and CHO also starting today puts James in contention for a start at the weekend, but that is 3 in a row.

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Chillwell is the guy to own, I had to do Alonso to chilly at weekend.

      1. That Was Easy!
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 days ago

        It's an annoying transfer, but I went with James on the WC and feel like I want to correct that decision sooner than later, especially with no apparent needs for transfers in the near future, except Havertz out in a few weeks.

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 days ago

          It sure is, always best to bite the bullet and fix mistakes asap, Havertz will be out for me soon too

          1. That Was Easy!
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 6 days ago

            I do think James might be set to start again...he's not done one bit of running in this back 4.

            1. Salah’s Sonnet
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 6 days ago

              He could very well start again at weekend

    2. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Im thinking this, between James and Azpli. Currently leaning to transfer James out. If Raphinha and Vardy are fine, I might do it

    3. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Both are great options if you can stomach some benchings.
      Chilwell actually been a big outperformer: James has mins per xGI of 178 this season, only beaten by TAA, while Chliwell is at 325.

  8. Ginkapo FPL
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Raph to Kai for the weekend?

  9. El Matador
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Havertz what a troll

  10. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Will Tuchel and Bielsa give much away re Azpi and Raphinha in the post match interviews I wonder

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Surely we get Raph news. I’d imagine it’s just extended rest for Azpi, unless I’m missing an injury?
      Not sure how I feel about James starting today, hope he gets subbed

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 days ago

        I read on Twitter Azpi is shoulder but nothing confirmed and most saying it’s minor

        Not a good sign James is starting is it… it’s making me consider James >> Chilwell !!

        1. FPL_Crisis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 days ago

          Good luxury I guess but annoying making defender switch especially for teammates.
          I’ve got Armstrong fire to put out, could do this move if I went Hwang over Toney instead

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Tuchel maybe not
      Bielsa is normally very good

  11. Original Sin
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Havertz scored but don't think he looked that impressive though. No? Maybe this goal will help him getting back his confidence

  12. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    A) Alonso>Chillwell tonight
    B) Wait for Raphinha injury news and drop more value on Alonso

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      A

  13. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Saka completely nailed.

    Pepe woeful, slowing down all the attacks, having a shocker (again). Really thought this could be his breakthrough season. Will be lucky to get half of his transfer fee back when he’s sold.

    1. Arteta
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Emery wanted Zaha back then and it looks like he was right. I had high hopes for Pepe so it's hard to see him still struggling in his third season here.

      1. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 days ago

        He was so right, I also wanted Zaha. Would have been the far better fit.

        Was glad when we signed Pepe though but he really hasn’t lived up to the hype there was 2 years ago. Arteta, Ljungberg, Emery have all benched him. They’ve obviously seen it.

  14. ZeBestee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Did not watch first half, how did Havertz play?

    1. Amartey Partey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Had a couple of good chances. Could have had 2 or 3 goals.

      1. ZeBestee
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 days ago

        Thanks. Better than how he played during weekend then?

  15. JONALDINHO
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    7 goals at the weekend. Havertz not involved in a single one. 1 goal in a match that doesn’t matter and he scores. Peak FPL ladies and gentlemen

    1. That Was Easy!
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      If anything, I am still happy I own him.

    2. ZeBestee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      The thing is he did not have a good game at the weekend, will be interesting to watch the second half.

    3. Amartey Partey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      It's probably happen this weekend.

  16. Amartey Partey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    It really won't surprise me if Norwich v Leeds game is 0-0 this weekend.

    1. ZeBestee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Yeah Leeds huffing and puffing without end product. Possible.

      1. That Was Easy!
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 days ago

        May stick Normann ahead of Livramento to potentially sneak a FK goal or assist against a tired Leeds

        1. ZeBestee
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 days ago

          Leeds press well but they don't have players who can finish, without Raph and Bamford on the pitch. You might be lucky, happens once in a season.

  17. Saviour22
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Thought's

    Ramsdale
    Taa cancelo dias James
    Raphi Salah Mbuemo B silva
    Lukaku Antonio Maupay

    Wch player to get rid of

    1. ZeBestee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Wait for Friday. Kaku might just be near return if what Tuchel said pre gw9 game is anything to go by.

      1. Saviour22
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 days ago

        Wch player to get rid of
        Raphi injured Mbuembo injured too James doubtful as playing EFL cup
        Lukaku injured

  18. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Trying to find any more news on Vardy ? Any up to date news please?

    1. Rainer
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Won't be risked tomorrow.

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 days ago

        You think plays at weekend ?

        1. Saviour22
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 days ago

          Wch player to get rid of
          Raphi injured Mbuembo injured too James doubtful as playing EFL cup
          Lukaku injured

          1. artvandelay316
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 6 days ago

            Get rid of one of the players and get another one to replace them.

            1. Saviour22
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 6 days ago

              From ur point of view wch player should be

        2. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 days ago

          Think he’ll be fine for weekend, it’s being blown out of proportion imo

          1. Stranger Mings
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 6 days ago

            Yeh must hsve good chance

        3. Rainer
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 days ago

          Hard to know. Daka & Nacho are very capable replacements and the old chap isn't getting any younger.

          We'll hear from Rodgers 3 times before the deadline, they are early KO and iirc there's a good Leicester ITK (Sam Martin or something similar) so we should know before the deadline...

          1. Stranger Mings
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 6 days ago

            Thanks v helpful - although I may end playing it safe snd going Jesus instead

            1. Jeremy Corbyn
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 6 days ago

              How is that playing it safe?

              1. Stranger Mings
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 6 days ago

                Going for Jesus in case Vardy out injured

  19. FOO FIGHTER
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Did Havertz not score vs Malmo?

    Mickey mouse cup with a 2nd string Soton team.

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      He did score.

  20. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Havertz sucking us in again, giving us false hope only to have our dreams shattered again at the weekend

  21. Bounce
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Who would you get rid of first?

    A. Sarr
    B. Gray

  22. bitars
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    If Azpi is out would you go for Chilwell or Reece James?

    1. Rainer
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Chilwell

    2. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Chilly

    3. I Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Chilwell

  23. Rainer
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Another Gelhardt chance to earn a start vs Norwich...

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      4.5 v tempting

  24. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    white injured

  25. Rainer
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    White in pain...

    1. Rainer
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Chambers on.

      Some teams will be like an Xmas tree this GW!

  26. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    White injured, Chambers on.

    Oh I do hope Vardy is out...

  27. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    goal chambers

  28. FOO FIGHTER
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Soton goal.

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Lol, only saw the score now. Thought it was Havertz 1-0.

  29. Rainer
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Chambers wagon!

  30. Louis99
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 days ago

    Thoughts on this first WC draft?

    Sanchez - Foster
    TAA - Chilwell - Cancelo - Livra - 3.9
    Salah - Son - Foden - Havertz - ESR
    Antonio - Hwang - Toney

    0.2ITB

    Maybe Havertz > Mount and upgrade elsewhere?

    Thanks!

    1. JPSpurs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      Looks ok but would worry at the back without another sub that plays - Chilwell and Cancelo both being rested is not beyond doubt

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 days ago

        Manquilo could be an option