This morning has seen a couple of fixtures, which were previously affected by FA Cup and Carling Cup schedules, afforded new dates that will have significant bearing on Fantasy managers’ thinking.
Following on from last night’s rescheduling of the Villa v Bolton match to Gameweek 29, Everton have this morning confirmed their Merseyside derby with Liverpool has been switched to Tuesday March 13.
The game was originally set to take place in Gameweek 26 but was cancelled due to Liverpool’s Carling Cup Final with Cardiff- it will now be played in Gameweek 28, affording both Merseyside clubs the opportunity of a double Gameweek.
Liverpool now have (sun, EVE) on the agenda, while David Moyes’ side face (TOT, liv). Tricky fixtures for both sides, no doubt, but Fantasy managers will be keen to get in on the action. With Sergio Aguero facing a trip to Swansea, his dire away form may see the Argentine shipped out for Luis Suarez as frontlines are re-adjusted on the back of this morning’s announcement. Liverpool’s fixtures look particularly enticing from Gameweek 30 onwards, and many Fantasy managers may bring forward their plans a little earlier than anticipated now.
The likes of Leighton Baines will no doubt find himself the subject of investment, too, with the Toffees current five-match unbeaten run indicative of an upturn in performance which has seen them defeat both City and Chelsea, while recording clean sheets in both games. It’s also worth noting that Steven Pienaar will be unavailable for the Spurs game, due to the conditions of his loan deal, leaving the South African with just the trip to Anfield as his only option.
The downside is that, at present, both sides still have a blank Gameweek 29; Liverpool’s trip to QPR and Everton’s home clash with Arsenal have yet to be granted a new date. The fixture list is quickly being settled, though. Blackburn have also announced this morning that their home game with Sunderland has been set for Tuesday March 20, which falls into Gameweek 29.
At present, then, there are now only three games yet to be afforded a new date for that particular gameweek, though this could increase to four if Chelsea win their FA Cup replay with Birmingham. It’s clear, however, that our previous worries over Gameweek 29 are now being resolved, allowing Fantasy managers the chance to plan in advance once again.
