Fixtures

Frisking the Fixtures – Gameweek 18 – The Strong

We analyse the strength of schedule over the next four to six Gameweeks in this evening’s article. Our first instalment casts an eye over those clubs with some favourable festive fixtures ahead, as United and Liverpool look to take advantage and stake a claim for inclusion in Fantasy managers’ plans.

Liverpool

“frisking

Granted, Brendan Rodgers’ outfit aren’t in the finest of form. But Sunday’s last gasp equaliser against a beleaguered Arsenal demonstrated the sort of grit and spirit that has been lacking from their displays recently, and the Merseysiders now have the opportunity to rebuild their season after a scratchy first half. Anfield encounters with Swansea and Leicester lie ahead, with promising away fixtures with Burnley, Sunderland and Aston Villa also in their next five.

Two clean sheets in their last five suggest that the Reds’ defence shouldn’t be overlooked, with the 5.8-valued Martin Skrtel the main candidate for investment after his late equaliser against the Gunners and bonus points in each of Liverpool’s last three shutouts. Kolo Toure, at 4.7, is the budget option, however, having started each of their last five in the league.

Further forward, a recent change of system by Rodgers has brought Raheem Sterling roaring back up our Watchlist – fielded in a central forward position, the youngster returned to scoring form with a brace in the Capital One Cup last week, and looks set to continue in that role across the festive period. Elsewhere in midfield, the likes of Phillipe Coutinho and Adam Lallana could also appeal after recently picking up their performances, whilst Jordan Henderson has settled well into his new role as a right wing back, registering returns in each of the last two matches in which the Reds have scored, and offers managers a more budget-friendly option at 6.0.

Man United

“frisking

Their winning run may have been halted by Villa on Saturday, but Louis Van Gaal’s side are certainly deserved of their spot in the top four at Christmas, with triumphs over Arsenal and rivals Liverpool in that streak highlighting their upturn in consistency. The Red Devils will be optimistic of returning to winning ways with a home clash against labouring Newcastle awaiting them on Boxing Day, whilst further Old Trafford meetings with Southampton and Leicester are also scheduled in the next six.

Nine big chances conceded in the last four Gameweeks is a greater total than any other side and, with just three goals against in that period, it’s fair to say that United have a lot to thank David de Gea for. The star attraction in the Reds’ rearguard, the Spaniard’s heroics means he’s just two points off the top of the FPL keeper standings, whilst the fit-again Jonny Evans, at 5.2, looks a guaranteed starter as long as he can maintain fitness.

In midfield, Angel Di Maria’s return to action at the weekend should see his 13.7% ownership increase, f he can replicate the form that earned him three goals and six assists in ten appearances prior to injury. Owners of Juan Mata will have been less than happy to see the Argentine take to the pitch against Villa; the Spaniard has impressed of late, grabbing two goals and an assist in Di Maria’s absence, but his minutes could now be severely under threat. Competition is also rife further forward, with Robin Van Persie (12.6), Radamel Falcao (10.5) and young James Wilson (4.4) all in the mix for starts across the festive schedule; the former’s three double figure hauls in his last five outings place him highest in our Watchlist, though should rotation strike, the assured minutes of United skipper Wayne Rooney will see his appeal increase, despite his more withdrawn role in recent times.

Sunderland

“frisking

The Black Cats are putting their early season blues behind them, with Sunday’s 1-0 Tyne-Wear derby win epitomising their current upturn in resilience. A tricky trio of fixtures against Man City, Liverpool and Spurs loom between Gameweeks 20-22, but the surrounding schedule looks decidedly glossier, with a home clash with Hull and trip to Aston Villa up next, and the visit of Burnley to the Stadium of Light lying in wait in Gameweek 23.

Costel Pantilimon’s installation between the sticks has proved a masterstroke from Gus Poyet, with the 4.5-rated keeper’s heroics earning the Black Cats four clean sheets in their last six outings – up against a Hull side that have notched just twice in their previous nine, the former Man City man’s form looks primed to continue. Adam Johnson underlined his worth with the winner against Newcastle, building on his assist in the previous Gameweek, and, now down to 6.0, the winger could prove a canny short-term option for Sunderland’s next two. Up top, Steven Fletcher has illustrated his explosive potential with two braces so far this season, but will need to rediscover his scoring touch to offer competition in the budget bracket.

Crystal Palace

“frisking

James McArthur’s unjustly disallowed headed strike against Man City last weekend rather summed up Palace’s lack of fortune in recent weeks. Certainly, it’s been all sizzle and no steak lately from their main men, whose underlying stats beggar belief that they have only scored two goals and are without a win in the last five. The fixture list is in their favour, however, with clashes against fellow strugglers QPR, Villa and Burnley on the imminent agenda, and should they finally turn their potential into points, a rise up the league table could be in store.

At the back, just one shutout in their last 11 league encounters is hardly encouraging, though their budget price tags ensure that investment doesn’t come with too much risk – the attacking threat of Brede Hangeland (4.8), who has notched twice already this season, make the former Fulham man the prime candidate here. Similar to Liverpool, the Eagles are struggling to merit consideration up top, and it is in the middle where the points could lie, with Yannick Bolasie and Miles Jedinak standing out with five assists and five goals respectively thus far. The former is undoubtedly the ‘sexier’ pick, with his neat touches and silky skills having warranted plenty of attention recently, though with 38 attempts on goal across the campaign (only five less than Alexis Sanchez, for example) the 5.5-priced winger has been unlucky not to add to his single strike. Given that both Bolasie and Jedinak are set to leave in early January due to international commitments, though, many may choose to look elsewhere for long-term investments.

 

Also Consider…

Man City 
A sixth straight league victory against Palace ensured that Manuel Pellegrini’s side kept pace with Chelsea, and remain just three points off of top spot ahead of the Boxing Day fixtures. The Blues now face two Etihad encounters with Burnley and Sunderland, in addition to a trip to West Brom in their next three, as their impressive form looks set to continue. At the back, the Citizens have conceded just once in the last five, and Pablo Zabaleta has underlined his appeal with a goal and an assist in two of his last three outings. Gael Clichy has overcome a foot injury and could return at left-back, offering a cheaper option at 5.6, though with Vincent Kompany possibly returning next week, the numerous options in the back-four suggest keeper Joe Hart could be the answer here.

With an injury crisis currently afflicting the Blues up front, their attacking potential lies in midfield; the 10.8 priced Yaya Toure has found the back of the net in four of his last six appearances, whilst David Silva’s brace last weekend assured the Spaniard’s status as a valuable differential with an ownership of just 7.6%. Toure’s upcoming Ivory Coast duties limit his appeal, as does his four yellow cards. For those contemplating James Milner in the new false nine system, it’s worth noting that Pellegrini is hopeful on Stevan Jovetic’s availability for Sunday’s clash with the Clarets after the forward returned to training earlier today.

Aston Villa 
The Villians have failed to concede more than once in a match since Gameweek 10, and with an upcoming schedule featuring home meetings with Sunderland and Palace and away days at Swansea and Leicester in the next four, that solidity could be set to continue. Alan Hutton and Ciaran Clark’s 4.3 price tags make the duo the preferred pair at the back, whilst Christian Benteke looks primed for investment after acquiring two brilliant goals and an assist in his last four since recovering from injury.

QPR 
The Hoops carried on their outstanding home form with a 3-2 win over West Brom last weekend, and with three Loftus Road clashes in their next five (CPL, SWA, MNU), their improving form could continue over the next few weeks. Cut-price favourite Charlie Austin was the hero once more against the Baggies, and the 6.0-priced forward has now notched eight goals in his last five home outings, ensuring his status as the number one budget striker out there right now. Midfielder Leroy Fer has also demanded interest after securing returns in three of his last five displays, whilst, at the back, Rob Green and budget defender Yun Suk Young could earn attention, with the Hoops’ three shutouts this season thus far coming at Loftus Road. At a price of 3.9, the Korean is hoping to recover from an ankle problem in time for Friday’s trip to the Emirates.

Hull 
Off-field disputes, suspensions and injuries have the Tigers failing to flatter right now, though they are presented with the ideal opportunity to overturn a ten-match winless streak thanks to meetings with Sunderland, Leicester and West Brom in their next four. Despite their lack of form, Steve Bruce’s side have conceded just four times in as many matches, and the likes of James Chester and raiding full back Andrew Robertson could be in the points soon enough. Further forward, the Tigers’ recent dire offensive form will seem them looking to Nikica Jelavic to rediscover his scoring form, though Abel Hernandez will also be feeling the pressure after failing to find the net since Gameweek 8.

1,329 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Don CR7
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Foster
    Naylor zab hutton
    Silva sanchez hazard siggy fab
    Austin Rvp (c)

    Bench:krul sakho wisdom dummett

    Sanchez & sakho > cazorla & bony or giroud? For a -4 ptss?
    Any thoughts?

    1. CrouchDown
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldn't get rid of Sanchez

      1. Don CR7
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Last game sanchez was so poor and maybe rested for this week.thats y thinking of cazorla who's in form and upgrading sakho to bony or giroud.

    2. Caesar, Hot Mustache
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I personally won't lose Alexis

    3. clooz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I agree with the rest. Don't lose Sanchez

      1. Don CR7
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Ok guys ty

  2. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    FPL Cup rival.

    http://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/2706457/event-history/17/

    Guess I have to keep Costa

    1. John t penguin
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      That has one of those crazy unpredictable score written all over it

  3. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    REPOST

    Need help here guys, only 1 FT and I'm not happy with a good few of my players for this GW, 0.2 in the bank any suggestions?

    Green
    Baines* Zaba Clyne
    Hazard* Sanchez Siggy* Downing
    Costa Austin Rooney*

    Subs: McCarthy, Boyd Hutton Jenkinson

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Rooney -> Giroud

  4. Dušan Citizen
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    With Fellaini still out, will Rooney again play as central mid or ADM will play on that position and Rooney more forward?

    1. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Rooney will continue in that role

  5. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Hart
    Baines Azpi Wisdom (Dummett Bartley)
    Hazard Sanchez Siggy Downing (Boyd)
    Costa Austin Kane

    Best move here lads?

    A Boyd to Sterling
    B Boyd to Cazorla
    C Boyd to Silva
    D Costa to Giroud
    E save

    thanks

    1. Jeremiah
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      E

    2. deathorglory
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Just did Boyd to Sterling.

      http://www.squawka.com/comparison-matrix#premier_league/2014/2015/raheem_sterling/126/126/534/0/p|premier_league/2014/2015/david_silva/126/126/308/0/p|premier_league/2014/2015/yaya_tour%C3%A9/126/126/555/0/p|premier_league/2014/2015/%C3%A1ngel_di_mar%C3%ADa/126/126/1846/0/p|premier_league/2014/2015/cesc_f%C3%A0bregas/126/126/306/0/p#chances_created/total_shots/key_passes/assists/shots_inside_area#90

  6. Team News
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    @SouthamptonFC 2m2 minutes ago
    BREAKING: We’re pleased to announce that #SaintsFC has reached an agreement for the signing of winger @ELJERO11ELIA.

    1. laGan1n1
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      new Mane

      1. Jimmers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Hope he's better than the old Mane

      2. Zasa
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        He was horrible at Juve from what I remember 😉

    2. MJ6987
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Why don't they just write his name???

      1. megatronaldinho
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        if he insists on having the digits 11 incorporated into his name i'd reckon that's probably his age

    3. Team News
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      @ELJERO11ELIA will join #SaintsFC on loan from @werderbremen until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move.

    4. Ludo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Not a bad signing for a bit of squad depth.

      1. Frank Black
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Years ago he was a good talent before the injuries and before Juve.

    5. Fais
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Anybody think this will impact tadic's game time?

  7. GST
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Merry Xmas ladies,

    I'm tempted with Oscar to Cazorla for FT

    But thinking I should keep Oscar in case Hazard is benched.

    What you think ?

    Front 7 are.......

    Yaya Hazard Oscar Eriksen

    Bony Austin Rooney

    1. AriseSirGiggsy
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Oscars a poor differential
      How about Sterling?

      1. clooz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Not a bad shout. I have Oscar as well. Also, thinking of Caz or saving.

  8. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Guys, im getting in Giroud (c) for a one week punt

    But who should i ditch for this gameweek?

    Austin
    Kane

    1. MJ6987
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Austin

    2. AriseSirGiggsy
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Austin

    3. Caesar, Hot Mustache
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      none

  9. OptimusBlack
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Costa out plz say Yeeees i wnat to do it but need some encouragement

    Costa >

    A- Giroud have Sanchez
    B- Bony have Siggy
    C- Benteke
    D- Kane

    1. AriseSirGiggsy
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      C or D
      Probably C

  10. Sterling Chap
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    My team...
    Guzan (Given)
    Baines Azpi Zaba (Dummett Moore)
    Downing Eriksen Sánchez Hazard (Boyd)
    Costa Austin Bony

    1FT 0.6 in the bank.

    Baines & Eriksen > Yaya & Taylor

    Is this a crazy move?

  11. AriseSirGiggsy
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Green
    Baines Chambers Dummett > DIMICHELIS (Yun, Saylor)
    Sanchez Hazard Fabregas Downing (Boyd)
    Benteke Bony Costa > ROONEY

    1.6ITB, 2FT

    Good move or no?

  12. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    right how to fund Sakho to Benteke on Sunday

    a) Rooney to a 9.5 striker
    b) Sanchez to Santi
    c) Yaya to Silva
    d) Baines to a 6.4 defender

    1. AriseSirGiggsy
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      U missed the Zabaleta boat
      D would have done

    2. Frank Black
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      There are no 9.5 strikers.
      Sanchez to Santi might not be that crazy.
      Yaya to Silva no until he leaves for the Cup.
      Keep Baines at least until friday/saturday.

      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        There are strikers for less than 9.5 though

  13. Journeyguy
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Has totalfpl gone down? anyone know where else I can track rises?

      1. AriseSirGiggsy
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        What he said

    1. AriseSirGiggsy
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Fantasyfootbalfix claim to be good

      1. Jimmers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Also fplstatistics.co.uk

    2. Forza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      fplstatistics.co.uk

  14. flippetyflop
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    For those of you like myself who feel Sanchez will be rested........do you have the balls to transfer him out, or is it better just to leave him in as 99% of sanchez owners will keep him?

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Well, I did it three weeks ago ...

    2. Compulsive Transfer Policy
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I got rid of Hazard for Cazorla. I don't want to risk Hazard not playing and was in need of a captain for this week.

  15. Wilshere Knowledge
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    My FPL cup opponent:

    Dead team, ranked 3m, started in gw6.

    Forster
    Clyne Azpi Baines Janmaat
    Sanchez (c) Hazard Boyd Siggy
    Costa (vc) Pelle

    😯 FML!

    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Lol

    2. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Noice!

    3. AriseSirGiggsy
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      You need sterling and / or rooney

    4. megatronaldinho
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      yowza. prepare yourself for some bitter, tear-flavoured eggnog. good luck tho. that's a toughie

  16. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Aren't Sanchez captainers scared of a 1 point cameo?

  17. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    one of my rivals is playing a dead team with triple arsenal defence (sczez, mert, debuchy), triple united attack (rooney, falcao, rvp) and triple chelsea midfield hazard, oscar and fabregas 😆

    1. AriseSirGiggsy
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Good cup side!

    2. copps
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      haha

  18. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Any thoughts on Yun -> Kolo Toure with 1FT out of 2 available? Not really got a pressing transfer, will play Hutton otherwise.

    1. AriseSirGiggsy
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Liverpools defence......

  19. AriseSirGiggsy
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Dummett > Dimichelis
    Costa > Rooney

    Yay or nay?

  20. AH 🙂
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    andros townsend at the darts getting booed HAHA

  21. nk25
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    http://i.imgur.com/RFDCyTG.jpg Guys my current team. What changes do i need? Im thinking about demichelis in and azpi out Yes or no lads? RMT and am i good to go this gw

  22. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Should I allow myself for a vanity Costa > Falcao move? It's Christmas, after all. Need to give myself a present.

      1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Lovely 😀 Are you captaining him, Doos? I am half-tempted, given his form, opposition, and seeming security of a start / minutes.

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Yep.

      2. AH 🙂
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Doos .

        Rooney -> Falcao (FT) ??

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Sideways. Both useless FPL options at the minute

        2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          No. 🙁

    1. SUPERMAN
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Just stick in Giroud.

      1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Already have three Arsenal (Alexis, Santiago and Callum).

        1. SUPERMAN
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Fair doos. Pardon the pun 🙂

          1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 5 months ago

            😀

  23. BMox81
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Haven't regretted many transfers this season but the two that have annoyed me have been getting Chadli in for 0 points in 3 games and my move for Clichy last week looks like it's going the same way because Kolarov is going to play again isn't he....?

    1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      It's anyone's guess. They offer totally different things so I think it depends on how Pellegrini & his staff see each opponent...

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Kolarov probably on 28th.

    3. copps
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      clichy could play this week and miss the palace game imo

  24. RSe
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    A) Siggy > Sterling/Cazorla/Silva
    B) Save FT

    already lost .1 on home, will be 0.2 by tomorrow. Im so undecided 🙁

  25. Kurtinho
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Drawn against a guy ranked 1.2m in the cup. But his side actually looks half decent this week! I'm not confident...

    1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Rank is (almost) completely meaningless for cup ties.

    2. Pasqualinho
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I don't look. I used to, but it influences my decision too much - so going out of the cup is not necessarily a bad thing. I guess I'm like a taller and better looking version of Arsene Wenger.

  26. JAC THE CAT
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Di Maria or Silva

    1. Milford
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I'm buying ADM now, but that is as a season keeper prospect.

  27. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Hm. May do Siggy to Downing after Friday's games. West Ham have 2 home games against Arsenal and West Brom.

    But it'd mean benching one of Downing Austin Carroll Bony. Bony benched vs Liverpool away probably the most logical but he'll definitely be in with a chance of scoring

  28. StreetsofRaith
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Foster (MCI)
    Bertrand (cry), Azpilicueta (WHU), Jagielka (STK), Clichy (WBA)
    Sanchez (QPR), Fabregas (WHU), Downing (che)
    Austin (ars), Costa (WHU), Rooney (New)
    Subs: Krul (inj), Hutton (swa), Ameobi (mun), Sigurdsson (AVL)

    1.3m in bank; 1FT. Top of mini-league, 2nd place doesn't have Fabregas

    Considering going for Fabregas or Sanchez cap with Costa backup

    Transfer options:
    1) Bank FT for next week
    2) Rooney to Giroud leaving 3.5m
    3) -4 for Rooney and Sigurdsson to Giroud and Silva leaving 1.3m
    4) other (?Man City defender or Hart)

    Wouldn't mind advice, cheers.

  29. Dušan Citizen
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Should I get rid of Rooney for -4 or just stick one more game and buy Benteke?

    Possible replacements now - Falcao, Giroud, Benteke.

    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I'm keeping this week

      Currently weighing up something like

      Rooney and Sakho to Benteke and Carroll (or any striker up to 9.5) on Saturday for free

    2. Sarri-ball
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I'm waiting 1 more week then

      Rooney to bentake