[sbu_large_image] Fixtures
6 December 2008 0 comments
Mark Mark
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Man United’s postponed home games against Wigan and Fulham have been rescheduled, handing them two double gameweeks early next year. Let’s take a look at how these currently fall – be warned though, you might need a pen, paper and and the patience of a saint…

Let’s get the easy one out of the way first. Wigan’s trip to Old Trafford has been slotted into January 14th and falls in gameweek 21. United also play Chelsea at home in that week.

Now then – Fulham’s visit to Old Trafford now falls on February 17th, which is currently in gameweek 25. This situation is far less straightforward though, because the FA Cup fifth round (on February 14th) splits the first fixture of that gameweek on February 7th. United already take on West Ham at Upton Park in that game and should United and Fulham fail to make the FA Cup fifth round, presumably, the game will move to Saturday February 14th.

If United or Fulham get through to the fifth round (quite likely I would say), then the FPL will have to make a decision where to place this United vs Fulham fixture. They may well choose to shift it along and start gameweek 26 early. United currently face Blackburn at home in that gameweek.

In short though, United look set to play an additional game in both January and February of next year. Given that their fixtures are already strong around this period, it seems that New Year investment in Ferguson’s men is very much on the menu. Ronaldo goes without saying but the likes of Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Berbatov and Rooney are also likely to be in demand. Players such as Carrick, Fletcher and Park could also be worth a look given that they are likely to play at least one of the two fixtures in those double gameweeks.

As for their opponents – while investing in a side playing against United is hardly a recommended act, Wigan will play Spurs (H) and United (A) in gameweek 21, while Fulham would face Wigan (A) and United (A) in gameweek 25 and United (A) and West Brom (H) should the FPL shift to gameweek 26. Investment in attacking players such as Valencia, Zaki, Bullard and Johnson could be worth considering around that time then. I’ll be certain to bring you more on these double gameweek opportunities nearer the time though.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

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