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. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Give it 4 weeks. Aguero, Rooney & Sturridge will be the template

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

      It really won't

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

      Sturridge might not even get back in to the team.

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

      You're talking ARS

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

      Template is rarely three strikers that almost take up half the team funds!

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

        True dat. Rest of the team probably be £4.5m

  2. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Wildcarders talk to me. Goalkeepers? McCarthy looks like loosing his place, Speroni is back, WBA are in bad form and Myhill is transfer waiting to happen... Who have you gone for?

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

      Why McCarthy losing his place?

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

        Speroni is better?

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

          Is he?

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

          He's like 39, They need some new blodd

      2. Konig Luther
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Speroni is coming

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

      Courtois... a steal at 5.4

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

        Consider Mingerlet at 5.1

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          I'd rather spend less for a keeper

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

            Courtois/McCarthy for me.

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

            I think we all would.

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

      Schmeichel and Butland

  3. Conte Alighieri
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Hi, here is my team after using WC this week. To be honest I never thaught it is posible to make viable team with Sanchez, Aguero and Hazard, but this looks very promising. The only doubts are GK's, Deeney and should i keep Anya or get someone else? Every opinion is greatly appriciated.

    Guzan, Myhill

    Kolarov, Shaw, Azpi, Gomez, Targett

    Hazard, Sanchez, Coutinho, Mahrez, Anya (or some other 4.5)

    Aguero, Wilson, Deeney

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

      Hazard and Sanchez on the back of what? No goals or assists yet?

      1. Conte Alighieri
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Its two best players (+Aguero) in BPL we are talking about, do you rly think they wont score or asist in next GW's?

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

      I would downgrade Hazard and upgrade deeney
      You could go for pedro if you want chelsea cover and do deeney to diouf?

      1. Conte Alighieri
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I'll wait for Pedro a bit, it is always easyer to downgrade Hazard than upgrade Pedro

    3. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Westwood and Defoe then switch Defoe to Bojan once he is back fully fit

      1. Conte Alighieri
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Wow, don't know how I missed Defoe. Thanks, this is exactly what I'll do.

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

    play Williams/coates or Sinclair ?

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

      Sinclair

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

      Williams

  5. Saniul
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Could he not have scored one of these against that terrible Newcastle defence on Saturday when I had him as captain? *sniff sniff*

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

      You should have known better to captain him after 2 awful performances

      1. Whazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        captain hindsight much? He scored vs Newcastle too, was never offside

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

          Match report says otherwise.

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

      Steven Taylor looks like Beckenbauer compared to this lot.

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

      He kinda did but for that wrongful decision

  6. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Only went to walk the dog and missed a goal fest...scorers and assists for United ?

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

      rooney hattie
      herrera

      assist by mata/schwein/herrera/depay

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks.

          1. Dr Dream
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Thanks.

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

      They don't matter, Wakey. You should know this.

  7. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Who thinks herrera starts against swansea?

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

      No chance. Morgan has to play.

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

        He could play with him.

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

          They have to play Carrick or Schweini, and will he play as a 10? I doubt it.

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

            4-3-3

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

              That's what you want, but do you really think LvG will suddenly change the system?

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

                I think he could. 4-3-3 last season with Herrera and Mata worked well. Not sure how much longer he'll keep faith with Januzaj.

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

                  But then there's also Fellaini and Young that could come in for a 4231. I think you're giving LvG too much credit. 😉 Herrera should have played more last season, should have started this season, but he didn't.

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

                its not exactly a radical change between 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3

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

                  It's a pretty big difference, tbh. For the central midfield players, and the wide players.

            2. internal error
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              Do you think herrera will play? How much difference is he making tonight?

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

                Hope he does, but don't think LVG will. Hard to say given the abject opposition, but the attack is always more fluid with him rather than a 2-man midfield with 2 dm's.

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

              If only LVG dropped the idea of playing Adnan there.

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

      I'd imagine so.

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

      he should.

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

      He should. easily their best attacking milf.

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

        He is post op?

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

      yep.. scholes was bang on before the game when he said he wasnt suited to play in a 2 in the middle... moved forward 2nd half and goal and assist.. the number 10 position should be his

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

    Its Bruges guys...not a premier league team

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

      European Cup Finalists

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

        Forest > Brugge

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

        yeah in the 70s

  9. Jay_
      8 years, 9 months ago

      That should have been a pen for Everton

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

        Barnsley are better than Club Brugge at least.

        1. Jay_
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Yep. Much better game to watch all around

      2. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        LOL @ non-Rooney owners.

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

          Just took a -52pt hit for him.

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

            Too much, thought my 8 point hit was crazy

          2. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Low blow to the champ 😉

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

          You play CL qualifiers fantasy? That's a step too far even for me..

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

            😉

      3. Right boot
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Kasper

        Azpili, Kos, Cedric

        Yaya, Haz, Payet, Mahrez

        Tekkers, Rooney, Wilson

        Bench: Mignolet, Ritchie, PVA, Targett

        £0.9m in the bank and 1ft, any suggestions?

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

          get pig out

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

            That'll do pig

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

              good pig

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

          Hazard to Sanchez maybe
          or Kos to kolarov?

      4. Jazz!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Roooooneyyyyyyyyyy

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

          Rooney*

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

        Anyone doubling on Stoke defence?

        Not confident although theyre 5/4 for a cleanie.

        1. Jazz!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Play Muniesa + Butland this week and benching Darmian. Fingers crossed

          1. Jazz!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Playing*

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

        Gomis or Wilson for the next 4-5 weeks?

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

          Rooney

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

          Diouf

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

          I like Wilson.

      7. djenzio
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Sinclair also scored a hattie

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

          As did Defoe.

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

          Second one in a month

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

          Two actually, albeit one was in pre-season.. Might have to start him this week vs Sunderland.

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

          It's remarkable that Sinclair has any energy.

      8. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Payet + Gomis > Westwood + Rooney -8

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

          Kneejerk much?

          1. The 12th Man
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Lol

      9. Ayew Serious
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Anyone else watching Cska vs Sporting?

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

          APOEL vs Astana

        2. Konig Luther
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          yes. more or less

      10. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Brugge's best footballer in the arena tonight is still Michel Preud'homme.

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

          I'd rate them around MK Dons standard...

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

        everyone get Defoe, Sinclair and Rooney...hat trick heroes!!!

        1. Whazza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          What a bunch of legends

        2. Ayew Serious
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Im taking a 200 point hit

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

          Sinclair on my bench

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

          Don't forget the Leicester guy who isn't even listed 😉

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

            oh yeah!!

      12. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        How reliable is FPL statistics ..will mane definitely drop if he is on 98 % now..

        1. Egg noodle
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Very. yes

          1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Arggh just one more day..thanks

      13. Tabasco
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Aguero to Rooney
        Mahrez to Pedro

        Done.

        1. Ayew Serious
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Hahah

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

          Good man. No point waiting 😉

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

        I'm looking forward to this Gw. Just hope I can get it half right on wildcard...

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

        who thinks Sinclair will start vs Sun ??

        1. Ayew Serious
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Who cares?

          1. Whazza
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            I do.

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

            me (on my bench)

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

          unlikely

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

          I do, because Demi does.

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

        Nearly by Javier

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

          Not really. Poor effort.

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

            To high for him, no?

        2. Jay_
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Did you have to right Javier because his Spanish nick name or surname won't type on your phone ? (S5) genuine comment because that's what happens with me

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

              No, I just felt it was handier than Chicharito honestly 😉

              Intriguing question however. How do you mean it won't type in you're phone? Expand a little?

              1. Jay_
                  8 years, 9 months ago

                  Ha ha, some sort of auto correct or spell check setting that doesn't give an option to change, can't write ' Nacer' for example it comes out Chadlington

          • PDM TOP 1,000 any Season Le…
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            I do like the HOT TOPIC OPTION in the side bar comes in very handy .
            But is there an easy way to find older HOT TOPIC's ??

            1. Ayew Serious
              • 8 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              Go 2 very old posts and look at stickies?

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

            Is Anya worth giving a chance to as the filler, very rarely played 4.5 mid, or follow the crowd with Westwood?

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

              Westwood for me... I have no idea why though.

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

              Surely going with answers on here is following the crowd?

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

                Fair point

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

              Durban. I've even less idea !

          • JamieLfc
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Slowly the old template is coming back, just need Haz and Mané now

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

            United penalty.

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

            Well, no Mata on field so Hard to know who's the PK taker!

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

              Probably Rooney 😀

          • Wouter
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            So is Rooney essential now?