Fixtures

Frisking the Fixtures – Gameweek 4- The Weak

While the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool featured in our look at the teams with the strongest upcoming schedules, our focus this evening turns to those sides who face a more difficult time over the next six Gameweeks. The coming period is particularly interesting, with some teams facing four home fixtures, while others, such as Manchester United, are handed just two matches in front of their own fans.

CRYSTAL PALACE

frisking

Alan Pardew’s side have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, picking up six points from their three matches, but the next trio of fixtures (che, MCI, tot) don’t look very helpful for the Fantasy prospects of the likes of Jason Puncheon, Yohan Cabaye and Scott Dann.

Puncheon (6.0) has registered two assists so far this season, but with the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Nathan Redmond performing so well, there are certainly plenty of alternatives in the budget price bracket for us to consider as possible replacements. Cabaye is slightly pricier at 6.6, and has failed to provide attacking returns in his last two outings, having produced a 10-point haul on the opening day against Norwich. Playing in the double-pivot also lessens the Frenchman’s Fantasy appeal right now, so with three difficult fixtures to come, this could be a good time to consider selling the former Newcastle man. Chelsea have conceded seven goals so far this season, though, and Palace will fancy their chances of finding the back of the net against the champions on Saturday, with their pace on the counter-attack likely to cause Jose Mourinho’s side some problems at the back.

The south London outfit have yet to keep a clean sheet so far, so while Alex McCarthy (4.0) and Joel Ward (4.5) are kind on the budget, the pair are probably best kept on the bench for the next three Gameweeks, with the Eagles schedule turning more favourably from Gameweek 7 onwards (wat, WBA, WHM). Scott Dann, available at 5.0 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), once again highlighted his attacking potential with a goal and an assist in the 2-1 victory against Aston Villa, and is probably one you have to consider starting most weeks, given it’s difficult to predict when those attacking returns will come.

EVERTON

frisking

After facing City on Sunday, the upcoming schedule (tot, CHE, swa, wba, LIV, MUN) doesn’t get any easier for Roberto Martinez’ men. Forward Romelu Lukaku has been the subject of a second price rise this week, now setting us back 8.2 in FPL, but with the fixtures very much in the favour of the likes of Liverpool’s Christian Benteke, and with cheaper options such as Bafetimbi Gomis, Mame Biram Diouf and Callum Wilson all facing more favourable schedules, the Belgian might have his work cut out to justify the levels of investment in the short-term, at least

Likewise, while Ross Barkley has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, scoring twice and also providing an assist, the 6.6-valued midfielder was fairly quiet against the powerful City backline, and will face similarly difficult challenges over the next six Gameweeks.

The Everton backline was very impressive against Southampton in Gameweek 2, but further shut-outs may be hard to come by, given the quality of upcoming opposition. Phil Jagielka (5.5) and Seamus Coleman (6.0) have ownerships of 19.2% and 13.4% respectively in FPL, and look unlikely to provide great value for money until the fixtures turn for the Toffees from Gameweek 11 onwards, particularly if John Stones departs before the transfer window closes.

NEWCASTLE

frisking

While Steve McClaren’s side face four home fixtures (ARS, WAT, CHE, NOR) in the next six Gameweeks, there’s little doubt the Magpies will find it difficult to add to the two points they’ve accrued so far. The former England boss will have taken many positives from the goalless draw against United last time out, but with matches against last season’s top three in the next five Gameweeks, further clean sheets for the likes of Tim Krul (4.5) and Steven Taylor (4.0) appear unlikely, while the latter could lose his place in the starting XI, with right-back Daryl Janmaat returning from a one-match ban this weekend. Taylor and Chancel Mbemba look set to battle it out to partner Fabricio Coloccini at the heart of the defence, with Mbemba very much the favourite.

None of Newcastle’s attacking assets have an ownership of higher than 4%, and having scored just twice in the three matches so far, along with the difficult fixtures that lie ahead, that’s hardly a surprise. Georginio Wijnaldum (7.0) looks to have settled well in the North East, but it’s hard to press his claims ahead of the likes of Andre Ayew and Xherdan Shaqiri at similar prices for the time being.

Aleksandar Mitrovic performed well on his first start against United, but the 6.3-priced forward still has plenty to prove stepping up from the Belgian league, and with Papiss Cisse to compete against for a starting berth, it’s probably best to look elsewhere for forwards in our three-man frontlines until a clear first choice emerges and the schedule eases from Gameweek 9 onwards.

BE WARY OF…

Man United
With three favourable matches out of the way, the upcoming schedule for Louis van Gaal’s side (swa, LIV, sot, SUN, ars, eve) looks much tougher, with just two of the next six at Old Trafford. The big positive for the Dutch boss has been the Red Devils’ three clean sheets and while shut-outs look harder to predict over the upcoming period, owners of Matteo Darmian (5.7), Chris Smalling (6.1) and Luke Shaw (5.6) will probably be happy to hold tight.

It’s further forward where the question marks lie, with just two goals scored in the first three Gameweeks. Wayne Rooney has seen his price drop to 10.4 this week, with just a single assist to his name so far, and further sales look on the cards. Memphis Depay and Juan Mata (both 8.5) have also struggled to make much of an impact, and unless the return of Marouane Fellaini (6.5) from suspension reinvigorates United in the final third, it looks best to avoid their attacking assets at this point.

Southampton
Having conceded five goals in their first two matches, Ronald Koeman opted for a 3-4-1-2 formation against Watford on Sunday, and duly managed to tighten things up at the back with a clean sheet in the goalless draw at Vicarage Road. If he sticks with this more defensive system, the likes of Graziano Pelle may become a less attractive option, particularly up against some traditionally strong defences in the next five Gameweeks (wba, MUN, SWA, che). Providing he shrugs off injury, though, Sadio Mane’s (7.9) move up front last weekend should boost his prospects.

That switch of formation does enhance the prospects of Cedric Soares (5.0) though, with the Portugal international playing out-of-position as a wing-back, and looking very dangerous in his forays forward down the right flank. Clean sheets do look slightly more likely than goals over the coming period, with West Brom and United, in particular, struggling to find the back of the net.

1,914 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Tadic is the new Eriksen
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Yaya to Herrera (-4)

    1. BobbyV
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      All day everyday

  2. Hy liverpool
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Bar 3-2 Everton !! wow

    1. Breadbin
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Stones fault again.

  3. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    What a ball schweini. Louis, please don't drop Anders.

    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Brilliant ball!

    2. Tommytour
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Janazaj is our weak spot

    3. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Was a reason why Bayern let him go. Over the top.

  4. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Danny Graham would have got a brace tonight 😀

    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Buy Balotelli wouldn't

  5. Root
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Rooney bagonwheel

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Bagel or bacon?

      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Bagel with Bacon

        1. Louis99
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          And a wagon wheel for afters

        2. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Realised as soon as I had posted 😉

  6. Cerylin
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    guys, which one this week?

    A) Cech -> Butland

    B) Azpi - > Kolarov

    C) Depay -> Yaya

    D) Hazard -> Sanchez

    E) Hazard -> Silva

    F) Pelle -> Wilson

    1. addictedtofpl
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Azpi to Kolarov

    2. fishnil
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      B

  7. Long Juan Silva
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Herrera is United's best midfielder after Schneiderlin. Schweinsteiger, Blind, Fellaini, Carrick, Mata all too slow

    1. The Train Driver
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Fifa is not real football you know?

      1. Long Juan Silva
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        What are you on about?

    2. I-Taught-Danny-Welbeck-How-…
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Herrera better than Schneiderlin. Schweinsteiger way above both.

  8. The Raging Bull
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Belter of a game at Barnsley 3-2 now.

  9. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Rooney you tease

  10. Wilshere Knowledge
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    This is probably the worst defending I've ever seen.

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah , stroll in the park against this lot

    2. Long Juan Silva
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      You clearly don't play Sunday league 😉

  11. Sweetpea
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Why did he take Herrera off?

    Just come on??

    1. Breadbin
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Did something against the philosophy.

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Yellow probably.

    3. KingNidge
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      on a yellow and job done

    4. Tommytour
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      He started

      Think I will go Myhill mate

      1. Sweetpea
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Oh right.

        Think he'll get bonus and he's 0.5m cheaper than defenders.

    5. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      He's Dutch. Doesn't need to explain to mortals.

  12. Long Juan Silva
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Striiiiiiiiiike

  13. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Utd forgot to turn off all out attack.

    1. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      😆

  14. parkerdip
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Thankfully this is not FPL. Its just like Rooney to start scoring now most have sold

    1. Holy See
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Bentdner could score v this mob. Whilst juggling on a unicycle.

  15. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Can't get the Club Brugge v Manchester United for free on BT Sport Showcase (Freeview Channel 59), Rye or RTE, so have turned my attention to FPL.

    How are Depay and Shaw doing ?.

    1. The Train Driver
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Shaw has been great, love seeing him play! Depay has been meh, done some real good things but a few bad decisions as well.

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks planning to do Depay - Pedro this week

    2. Kered
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Depay is running around everyone on his wing..creating a lot of chances. Shaw is doing his thing, can't say anything overly special.

  16. Epic Fail
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    "Its easier than it looks".

    What's wrong with Michael Owen? Just appreciate the effort.

    1. GuyIncognito
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Michael Owen = my cue to listen to the game in French.

  17. Harper (No more Penandes)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Remember how important they were saying that Fellaini goal would turn out to be...
    Yep.

  18. Louis99
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Why has my previous post vanished from the top of this page?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Poor top comments get removed.

      1. 4vets
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Reported!

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Removed and placed at the bottom of the previous page.

    2. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Because it's now bottom of the last page.

    3. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      So you would feel better. No post below it now 🙂

  19. No Pirlo No Party
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Sakho or Deeney to Wilson?

    or is Kolarov higher priority?

    1. addictedtofpl
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Kolarov

      1. No Pirlo No Party
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks mate. I think this makes sense. Koscielny to Kolarov after news.

  20. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Is Colin Farrell playing for Bruges ?

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I don't see any look-a-likes with him in the team,
      Which player are you referring to, Vazquez?

    2. Long Juan Silva
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Yep. Brendan Gleeson is in goals.

    3. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Will Farrell is

  21. Del Griffith
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Rooney looks like going on a scoring run now ffs

    1. Sif
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      2 from the next three at most. Sunderland however...

    2. Jax
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      brugge aren't swansea

  22. parkerdip
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Although I don't know why people are considering moves after tonight. People were hot on Depay last time and he did nothing on his next EPL game.

  23. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Might do the UEFA CL fantasy this year.. Anyone know if it's up and running yet?

    1. Tommytour
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Better do it before it crashes

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Even when it's up it's not running.

    3. Parm
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      It never is. That's the problem.

  24. PogChamp
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    So many bitters in here lol.

  25. The Raging Bull
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Everton losing 3-2 validates how poor Southampton are currently.

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      made changes though

  26. Fanta sea
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    The bandwagon is strong..

    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Rooney eats Wagon Wheels for breakfast.

  27. skodaole2
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Need some opinions... Would you bench

    A) Muniesa or Shaw
    B) McCarthy or Myhill??

    About the keepers, I dont believe anyone will get a cs, but maybe McCarthy will get more saves. Thoughts?

    1. addictedtofpl
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Would play Shaw and Mccarthy
      West Brom do look weak upfront but i think they might just nick one or two whereas Shaw has a better chance of Baps if united manage a CS

  28. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Are we witnessing the start of the Southampton declyne?

    1. t4thomas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      We are about 3 games into that.

    2. PINKFISH (SANCTIONED AND GA…
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      yes. but it's not perma-frost

    3. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      They reall Sc(die)erling. I tried

    4. Sweetpea
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Nice pun

      1. t4thomas
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Are you shaw?

    5. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Still a Long time til that happens.

    6. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      The starting point for any good side is a solid defence.

      It was said on here they won't become a bad defensive side overnight but I disagreed.

      Take out Foster, Clyne, Toby, Schniederlin, Bertrand (short term). They are basically all the players that made them solid.

      That's becoming defensively poor overnight, that's losing the key personnel that made them so tight.

    7. Fifa las vegas
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Me no know

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

    Lazio red card. Need a goal with 20 mins left.

  30. PINKFISH (SANCTIONED AND GA…
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Get the Everton game on.

    Crazy good !

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Hows Crowley been playing?