There’s nothing like a double gameweek to whet the appetite. This morning has brought confirmation of FOUR as the Premier League begins to whip the fixture list back into shape.
Liverpool were first to alert us. The Anfield club have this morning confirmed their home fixture with Fulham, originally due to take place in Gameweek 34, will now occur on May 1, affording both clubs a double gameweek 36 and, subsequently, a blank Gameweek 34.
It’s something of a surprise, with many expecting the fixture to simply be moved into the midweek slot for Gameweek 34 but, nevertheless, it now adds an intriguing twist to the end of the season and give Fantasy managers plenty to mull over.
Liverpool will now face (nor, FUL), while Martin Jol’s side have (eve, liv) on the agenda. While many will look to grab Anfield assets, with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez both producing the goods in the Reds’ previous double gameweek, Fulham’s prospects look comparatively bleak.
With just eight goals on the road this season, the Cottagers travel to two of the four tightest defences in the Premier League – hardly the most enticing of schedules for us to take advantage of. It leaves owners of Clint Dempsey in something of a quandary, then – Fulham have (CHE, blank, WIG, eve & liv) between Gameweeks 33-36. The home clash with Wigan in Gameweek 35 stands out but, with a derby against Chelsea and blank gameweek prior to the Latics clash, then the trips to Everton and Liverpool, there are plenty tactical decisions to be made as we plot to get the most out of our squads over the final hectic month.
Aston Villa were next to issue an update. The club’s official website have announced their game at home to Bolton, originally scheduled for Gameweek 32 but cancelled due to Fabrice Muamba’s collapse at Tottenham in the FA Cup, will now take place on Tuesday April 24, giving both clubs a double Gameweek 35.
Alex McLeish’s side now have back-to-back home matches (SUN, BOL) on their agenda, while the Trotters can look forward to (SWA, avl) in their bid to beat the drop. Right now, Bolton have a blank gameweek preceding this, with their home match against Spurs yet to be rescheduled, while Villa travel to Old Trafford prior to their couple of home fixtures.
Bolton have now confirmed their home match with Tottenham will be scheduled for Wednesday May 2, meaning both sides have a double Gameweek 36. Incredibly, this gives Owen Coyle’s side back-to-back double Gameweeks, with (sun, TOT) this time round, while Spurs face (BLA, bol), with plenty investment sure to come the London outfit’s way.
The likes of Ryo Miyaichi will surely see investment for the Trotters, while Gareth Bale, Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Emmanuel Adebayor will be drafted in by many a Fantasy manager with such favourable fixtures for Harry Redknapp’s side.
Chelsea have also got in on the act. The Stamford Bridge outfit have rescheduled their home clash with Newcastle for Wednesday May 2,affording both clubs a double gameweek 36. With two home clashes, Chelsea (QPR, NEW) look primed for investment, with Juan Mata likely to lead the charge, while the Magpies have (wig, che) to consider, for the likes of Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba.
There is now one outstanding fixture as, of yet, unscheduled from Gameweek 34, then. As we explained in yesterday’s article, the remaining game is:
- Stoke vs Everton
We’ll bring you more as we get it.
