Our “Fixture Frisking” goes out with a bang this week, analysing the remaining games for all 20 Premier League teams to focus on the opponents, motivation and prospects for the season climax.

Our two-part article starts with those teams handed the most favourable conditions for Fantasy returns, and ends later this evening with those teams facing a rougher ride to the first tee of the summer…

West Ham

Final three fixtures: [BLA, wig, SUN]
Avram Grant’s men are fighting for survival with form faltering badly. Fortunately, the Hammers have, on paper, the best possible run of opponents to see them wriggle free of the relegation dogfight. With home games against Blackburn and Sunderland (as well as a trip to fellow strugglers Wigan), West Ham clearly have the fixtures and the motivation to tempt Fantasy investment, despite their plight. Last week’s Watchlist article revealed all you need to know on their key asset going into the final three and Thomas Hitzlsperger, along with striker Demba Ba, could yet provide major differentials.

Banker: Thomas Hitzlsperger Differential: Demba Ba

Wolves

Final three fixtures: [WBA, sun, BLA]
Like West Ham, Mick McCarthy’s Wolves are also looking to scrap their way out of trouble. Similarly, they couldn’t really have hoped for more assistance from the fixture computer. A home derby against West Brom and fellow strugglers Blackburn (as well as a trip to a shot-shy Sunderland) will give McCarthy hope that he can engineer an escape act, while Fantasy Managers may yet find some joy amongst the Molineux squad.

Banker: Jamie O’Hara Differential: Stephen Fletcher

Man City

Final three fixtures: [eve/TOT, STK, bol]
With four games in their final three weeks and the all important fourth place (let alone the chance to snag auto-qualification with third spot) still not yet tied up, City still have their eye on the ball and the fixtures to make investment a worthy consideration. Those who resisted the temptation to load up on City assets prior to the West Ham clash will surely be revising their targets for gameweek 36 and we can expect heavy investment in Roberto Mancini’s squad this week. Rotation appears to be a likely enemy however, with the Italian hinting that his lineup will see shuffling over the busy season climax and with the FA Cup Final looming.

Banker: David Silva/Yaya Toure Differential: Mario Balotelli

Tottenham

Final three fixtures: [BPL/mcy, liv, BIR]
Tottenham are of course the other side boasting a double fixture in the forthcoming gameweek and that will undoubtedly make them a popular source for end of season talent. The away days aren’t the best but the double and the home fixtures against Blackpool and Birmingham should see investment as Spurs remain highly motivated by fading hopes of a Champions League place and the battle for fifth with Liverpool.

Banker: Rafael Van Der Vaart Differential: Luka Modric

Bolton

Final three fixtures: [SUN, bpl, MCY]
If Bolton had something to play for, the scenario would be perfect for Fantasy investment. Sadly, the early aspirations of getting a Europa League spot have fallen by the wayside, while the mauling at the hands of Stoke in the FA Cup cost them entry via that route. We have to hope that Owen Coyle’s men aren’t simply going to coast to the finish line however, as they’ve got some of the better fixtures remaining. The trip to Blackpool and a home clash with a Sunderland absolutely ravaged by injury, look set to offer profits and if Daniel Sturridge can regain fitness, he will be back installed as a most-wanted transfer target.

Banker: Daniel Sturridge Differential: Gary Cahill

Sunderland

Final three fixtures: [bol, WLV, whm]
Sunderland have all but secured their Premier League status after a winter slump, but their squad is struggling to cope with an accumulation of injuries that now has them flapping just above the relegation drowning pool. If you can find a diamond in amongst the wreckage then their final three games against Bolton, Wolves and West Ham certainly aren’t the worst on offer, but finding that prospect looks tough. Could Nedum Onuoha provide an unlikely out-of-position option?

Banker: Stephane Sessegnon Differential: Jordan Henderson/Nedum Onuoha

West Brom

Final three fixtures: [wlv, EVE, new]
Roy Hodgson looks to have secured West Brom’s status as a Premier League outfit – a job very well done. Now the Baggies have three games where they can let the reins slip loose and allow their record goalscorer to fire them further up the table. Peter Odemwingie’s prospects remain strong with West Brom having scored in their last 9 league games, including 5 goals in the previous 3 away trips – comforting statistics for those pondering investment for the three fixtures that remain.

Banker: Peter Odemwingie Differential: Chris Brunt

Man United

Final three fixtures: [CHE, bla, BPL]
Gameweek 36 and the fixture with Chelsea is crucial, not only for United’s title prospects but also for Fantasy Managers planning investment or the pondering the merits of retaining the services of their players. The result against Chelsea will surely dictate how United approach their remaining games against Blackburn and Blackpool – if they can secure a win next weekend, then the foot could come off the gas ahead of a likely Champions League final. Owners of Wayne Rooney and those still clinging to Nani will be hoping that Chelsea get something at Old Trafford to keep United’s motivation and Fantasy prospects simmering.

Banker: Wayne Rooney Differential: Antonio Valencia

Wigan

Final three fixtures: [avl, WHM, stk]
The Latics are another side fighting for survival and another who have been given a helping hand by the campaign climax. Their opponents for these final three weeks has them face off against teams flirting with the top half. Visits to Aston Villa and Stoke, who could be found reveling in the comfort of safety, may provide Wigan with a decent platform for points, while the home clash with West Ham looks as vital as any fixture over the remaining weeks. Wigan have scored 6 goals in their last 3 matches so form looks strong enough. Attacking assets, with Charles N’Zogbia and Hugo Rodallega at top billing, could yet provide healthy end of season differentials.

Banker: Charles N’Zogbia Differential: Hugo Rodallega/Tom Cleverley

Newcastle

Final three fixtures: [BIR, che, WBA]
The trip to Stamford Bridge looks daunting, particularly if Chelsea remain in the title hunt. Home games against Birmingham and West Brom however, should provide Alan Pardew’s men the chance to ensure that they earn the point required to keep themselves out of the relegation mire. This weekend’s home clash with Birmingham looks a hum-dinger, but the smart money will be on three points there with attacking returns available for the likes of Kevin Nolan.

Banker: Kevin Nolan/Joey Barton Differential: Shola Ameobi