Another week, another notch on the ticker passes by. That means that itβs time to consult the updated version in our sidebar and locate those potentially profitable streaks, with the fixture computer appearing to smile on some of the Premier Leagueβs “lesser lights” right now…
The Highs…
West Brom
Roberto Di Matteo’s side have been somewhat of a revelation, peaking of late with results at the Emirates and Old Trafford; they’ve also managed to keep an unbeaten home record. All of this without the performances last year’s player of the season Graham Dorrans can provide. With three reasonable home fixtures in the next six (FUL, MCY, STK) and three away trips which should spawn a few goals (blp, whm, wig), investment in their attacking players looks a very decent option. Indeed, City at home and Everton away are their toughest looking games in the next eight Gamweeks. The unassuming Chris Brunt has been picking up points consistently at only 5.4, James Morrison is even cheaper at 4.5 and Peter Odemwingie shouts out at only 5.2 up front. The latest on him is that heβs still struggling for the Fulham clash this weekend, so keep your ear to the ground on eyes on our team news and tweets for the latest before considering that move further.
West Ham
Slowly, slowly catchy monkey. Bottom of the table they may very well be, but West Ham are an improving side and have the fixtures to come in the next few weeks to go on building. Their next five Gameweeks hand them home ties against all three of this season’s promoted sides, as well as a trip to Birmingham (so-so, sure) and one to Arsenal (not one for the defenders, certainly). Scott Parker (5.4) is always the key figure in midfield, although Mark Nobleβs (5.4) spot-kicks are getting him noticed. Investment in the bargain strike-force of Victor Obinna (5.5) and Frederic Piquionne (5.1) is perhaps more likely, while Da Costa (4.8) is a growing presence at the back and thatβs beginning to interest the FPL Bonus judges.
Blackpool
Unfortunate in their defeat to Man City on Sunday, “plucky little Blackpoolβ are close to shedding that patronising label as they continue to put in displays of no-fear flowing football. We stressed it last week and we will emphasise it again – after a bout of away games, theyβve now got the fixtures on their side and are offering Fantasy Managers with decent potential in the budget bracket. Their attacking assets remain tempting, with Charlie Adam (currently in the Fantasy Premier League dream team), DJ Campbell and Luke Varney (both 4.5) all an ever-present danger to the opposition.
Also to consider: Bolton, Newcastle, Man United and, if you really need to gamble, Liverpool.
The Lows…
Sunderland
The Black Cats seem to have been stuck in a spell of testing opposition since day one. Not a week goes by without Steve Bruceβs side being flagged up in the worst possible way in our βfriskingβ. Away games at Newcastle, Tottenham and Chelsea continue to offer little encouragement for investment however, and while Darren Bent and Elmohammady seem to offers potential returns regardless of opposition, thereβs little doubt that theyβre getting little assistance from the fixture list. Form at the Stadium of Light is solid, but away from home things are pretty much disastrous. Three draws and a defeat this season fail to mask the fact that they’ve won just 2 of their last 33 away games – a staggering stat and one that will hardly fill Fanatsy Managers with confidence given their forthcoming schedule.
Blackburn
Last night’s 0-0 draw with the Black Cats signalled the start of a run of games that will test Blackburnβs progress and could have Fantasy Managers shedding any of their remaining assets. The spell starts with a trip to Anfield β a good time to pay a visit perhaps but even so, itβs hardly a potential Fantasy payday at either end of the field. This is followed by away games at Newcastle and Spurs and home encounters with Chelsea and Villa. Itβs tough to spot a clean sheet in that run of five, which means that owners of Chris Samba and Phil Jones will have to keep fingers and limbs crossed for attacking returns; not a great scenario.
Wolves
Horrible, just horrible. That’s a pretty kind way of describing the four fixtures about to wheel their way into Wolves’ line of sight this week. Given the form that Mick McCarthy’s men have shown against the “weaker” opposition, Wolves could well be about to sink further into the mire. It all starts with a trip to Stamford Bridge this weekend, before both Man City and Arsenal pop down to Molineux. With an Old Trafford trip to follow that, Wolves have basically got to play this season’s likely “big four”, including arguably the two toughest fixtures of the season. McCarthy is putting a brave Yorkshire face on the situation, but the HMS Wolverhampton is a sinking ship under fire right now.
Also be wary of: Stoke
