Fixtures
3 November 2017 497 comments
James H James H
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With each team having played out ten matches, the home and away split evens out over the next six Gameweeks.

However, this still represents a crucial turning point in the season, with Southampton’s hugely favourable start to the campaign, for example, about to come to an abrupt end.

There are also more crunch matches between top six rivals to come, which limits the potential of Manchester United and Arsenal players in particular.

Here’s our regular summary of the teams with those weaker schedules, following our assessment of those with favourable fixtures yesterday.

West Ham United

(LIV wat LEI eve mci CHE)
The Prospects – Goals
Given their indifferent form and a gruelling run of opponents, particularly at home, there’s likely to be little interest in West Ham’s attackers during this period.

Liverpool’s porous defence away from home, having shipped 15 goals on their travels, does offer some hope this weekend, though.

Similarly, Watford lead the way for goals conceded at home, with 11, potentially providing another decent match-up.

But Leicester City are expected to be more resolute under new manager Claude Puel, and while Everton are vulnerable right now, they could be a different proposition come Gameweek 14.

It’s difficult to see West Ham getting much too joy from the Manchester City and Chelsea fixtures, with the Blues’ backline expected to have N’Golo Kante back to protect them, perhaps even for Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.

The Prospects – Clean Sheets
The defensive prospects appear even gloomier.

Liverpool arrive at the London Stadium on the back of consecutive 3-0 victories and looking to take advantage of an injury-ravaged Hammers backline.

Slaven Bilic’s men then travel to Watford, to face a side who have struggled at home, though they still possess plenty of attacking threat under Marco Silva.

Leicester were hugely impressive against Everton last weekend, while despite their struggles, the Toffees have scored two goals in two of their last three encounters at Goodison Park.

It’s fair to say that a trip to the Etihad Stadium offers barely any chance of defensive returns, while a match-up with Chelsea is another unfavourable clash.

The Turning Point
Gameweek 18 marks the point at which Hammers assets will be back on our radars, as they embark on a 10-match run that includes just one testing fixture.

Verdict
West Ham players have barely featured in the thoughts of Fantasy managers, and there certainly looks no reason to change that stance over the coming period.

Arsenal

(mci TOT bur HUD MUN sot)

The Prospects – Goals
Seven goals in two matches suggests that the Arsenal attack is beginning to flourish, but a run of tough opponents at home is a concern.

Spurs, Man United and Liverpool are among the next five visitors to the Emirates Stadium, with the potential for goals surely limited against those first two opponents.

The short-term prospects are also a concern, with Man City allowing just seven shots on target over the last four Gameweeks, while Burnley have kept clean sheets in three of their last four at Turf Moor.

The Huddersfield Town clash stands out as a plum fixture, with the Terriers conceding 10 goals over the last four Gameweeks.

The Prospects – Clean Sheets
The Gunners have conceded against both Everton and Swansea City, which provides little confidence that they can accrue many clean sheets during this spell.

Over the next two Gameweeks, Man City and Spurs are both fancied to register against Arsene Wenger’s rearguard.

The trip to Turf Moor will present a different type of test, although the Clarets have only netted three goals in five home matches.

Huddersfield have failed to score in four of their last five, and should certainly present a good opportunity for defensive points.

But Man United will pose a counter-attacking threat at the Emirates, before the trip to Southampton offers a second strong opportunity for a shut-out, although Saints are surprisingly joint-third for penalty area shots over the last four Gameweeks, with 37.

The Turning Point
The schedule does begin to ease from Gameweek 16 onwards and, despite those home meetings with Liverpool and Chelsea, Arsenal assets should be back on our radars during that stretch.

Verdict
Given his form and more affordable price tag, it may only be owners of Aaron Ramsey who will be content to hold during this tough spell.

Other Arsenal attackers appear unlikely to live up to their premium price tags, and with clean sheets prospects thin on the ground, there also looks little appeal in owning any members of the backline, though some may be willing to gamble on further attacking returns from Sead Kolasinac.

Southampton

(BUR liv EVE mci bou ARS)
The Prospects – Goals
Mauricio Pellegrino’s men have only scored nine goals despite a very generous start to the campaign, and this demanding run of fixtures is hardly conducive to improving that record.

The away trips looks particularly troublesome, with Liverpool conceding just once at Anfield so far, while Man City are still limiting their opponents to very few chances.

The Bournemouth clash offers some hope, as the Cherries have mustered just one shut-out, although they have only conceded three goals over the last four Gameweeks.

The home encounters against Burnley and Everton look crucial, then, though the Clarets are notoriously difficult to break down, while changes are underway at Goodison Park, potentially making that match-up trickier than it currently appears.

A home fixture with Arsenal is also likely to limit the potential of the Southampton attack, with the Gunners only allowing eight shots on target over the last four Gameweeks.

The Prospects – Clean Sheets
While Saints’ strength lies at the back, the fact that they face all of last season’s top six before the turn of the year severely limits the potential of their defence.

During this spell, much will rest on those Burnley and Everton fixtures. Both clubs sit in the bottom six for the fewest big chances created over the last four Gameweeks, with four and two respectively.

The other home encounter, against Arsenal, offers little promise – the Gunners have registered more shots (81) than any other side over the last four Gameweeks.

The next two road trips are particularly tough.

Liverpool have produced more shots (111) in home matches than any other team, while Man City lead the way for home goals with 21.

Bournemouth have only scored three times at the Vitality Stadium, though, and provide a reasonable match-up.

The Turning Point
Arguably, Saints have the most testing run prior to the availability of the second Wildcard in Gameweek 21.

The fixture list begins to turn from Gameweek 22 onwards, with only a couple of tough home matches interrupting a serene run.

Verdict
Once Gameweek 11 is out of the way, there looks to be no appetite to keep hold of any Southampton assets.

Defenders have been popular options during the opening months of the campaign, but a mass exodus now appears inevitable.

Also be wary of…

Manchester United
In the short-term, this remains a mixed period for Jose Mourinho’s men, including matches against Chelsea, Arsenal and the Manchester derby – clashes that will likely decide their title credentials.

The performance and tactics on show at Stamford Bridge will go a long way to confirming the Fantasy potential over this spell, although the three fixtures between Gameweeks 12 and 14 dangle the prospect of improved returns.

We should also be aware that the spell from Gameweek 17 to 21 appears kind enough to encourage investment. Phil Jones and Romelu Lukaku remain the standout Man United options.

Huddersfield Town
The visit of West Bromwich Albion, followed by a trip to Bournemouth, will be cited as crucial fixtures for David Wagner and provide some relief from what is a taxing mid-term schedule.

Match-ups with Man City, Arsenal and then Chelsea follow, ensuring that, if we’re still holding Terriers assets, we will need rotation options to work with them.

But broadly speaking, it’s unlikely we’ll be seriously considering Huddersfield players as budget options until at least Gameweek 16.

Newcastle United
Rafa Benitez’s side have struggled for a cutting edge and are in danger of treading water after an encouraging start. The weekend meeting with Bournemouth now looks vital.

Goals against Man United, West Brom and Chelsea in the next three away matches could be hard to come by, given the Magpies’ current plight.

In terms of the defensive prospects, the Watford match-up is a worry as they have travelled well this season, while if last weekend is anything to go by, Leicester’s counter-attacks will also be difficult to keep out.

Rob Elliot will perhaps have to rely more on save points to keep ticking over, while it may be best to look elsewhere for cheap defensive options.

West Bromwich Albion
Like West Ham, the Baggies are struggling for form at a time when injuries are taking their toll.

The fixture list offers little assistance, with the weekend trip to Huddersfield appearing a crucial encounter for Tony Pulis’ side.

Clashes with Chelsea and Spurs then follow, before a brief respite in the form of back-to-back home matches with Newcastle and Crystal Palace. But they follow that with another chastening spell against Liverpool, Man United and Arsenal.

It could be a while before we revisit Pulis’ charges.

497 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. SBCFIFA
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Can you use Free Hit and Bench Boost in the same gameweek?

    1. Pep says
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Ahhh....... NAH

    2. SAY MY NAME
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      one chip per gw only

  2. The Scottish Loveknot
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Please help, 2FT to use.

    Elliott - Foster
    Cedric - Davies - Monreal - Clark - Lowe
    Carroll - Salah - Gross - Sterling - Brady
    Jesus - Morata - Kane

    Was thinking of:

    Out - Clark, Brady and Jesus
    In - Otamendi, Richarlson and Vardy

    Yes or No?

    Cheers

    1. alexmj
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      No. One transfer and save the other for after IB.

      Foster to Pope? Or Otamendi for Davies/Monreal.

    2. SAY MY NAME
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      good moves i'd say, although you may want 2 x ft over the IB, Brady and Clark should go, Cedric will need to go next week, and Davies looks like permanent rotation risk - Jesus might surprise us all and get 90 mins, less of a priority on that transfer, especially as he could still score a brace as a late sub

    3. Pep says
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldn't be getting Ota when he's a card away from suspension and facing 2 decent attacks in the next 2 games

  3. Nobodinho
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Bench Jones or Mee?

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Mee

  4. Henning
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Good to go? Do i have the right Bench?

    Elliot

    Davies Yoshida Jones

    Silva Eriksen Gross Salah Richarlison

    Kane Jesus

    Bench: Foster Abraham Lascellec Zanka

    1. Pep says
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Yup. Hopefully all 3 won't he required

      1. Henning
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Have 0.4 in The bank and 1 ft, should i use it somewhere or save it?

        1. Pep says
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 5 months ago

          @Henning. Nah, bench is solid this week. Save the free and assess over the break with this weekend's team sheets to work with

          1. Henning
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 5 months ago

            Thanx

  5. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Who to bench?

    Jones (che)
    Davies (CRY) afraid of 1 pt cameo
    Mee (sou)

    Thanks.

    1. Mesh
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Davies

  6. My Name Is Prince
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Should I just sell Davies tonight? Either for Jones or Daniels? I reckon Palace at home is the perfect fixture for Rose to get his first start...

    1. SAY MY NAME
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      same dilemma, although no FT so playing Davies, got 2 playing sub defenders to cover

      i know if i sell that'll be the week he pops up with another goal and a clean sheet, holding for now

    2. Spartac Mac
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      I think Davies to Jones is a good shout.

      Rose was set to come on against Madrid when Bavies was limping temporarily. Agree that it's a good match for Rose to get going in against Palace.

    3. Spockazulu
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Having the same thought here, but I have a decent bench and am going to hold onto the transfer so that I have 2 for int break...

  7. mitsubishi_uniball_micro
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Got a real dilemma on my hands, my backline looks like this:
    Azpi, Jones, Otamendi, Lowe, Mbemba

    I can do 3 or 4 at the back, so who do I start and who do I bench?

    1. Assisting the assister
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Depends on your mids really. Azpi, Jones, Ota definitely

      1. mitsubishi_uniball_micro
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        I've quite a strong midfield:
        Eriksen Salah Sterling Richarlison Carroll

        Is it a risk to leave on both Azpi and Jones for the CHE vs MUN match? I've De Gea in goal so benching Jones might not be too costly, especially if Utd concede. Lowe plays WBA home, could he come in to make a back 4?

    2. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      I would be tempted to play Lowe but then jones with his bps could hurt you. Agree overall playing Lowe makes sense just don't feel bad if Utd keep a cs and Lowe doesn't, one of those moves

  8. Mesh
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Pick 1 to bench
    A. Foster
    B. Elliot

    Pick 2 to bench
    1. Fernandez
    2. T. Carroll
    3. Surman

    1. Redmen
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      A

      2 and 3

  9. Spartac Mac
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    In 50% of GW's so far Sané has delivered double-digit hauls.

    I remember reading Pep saying it was his spot to lose and I think he has proven himself as a key part of City's team, with him only dropping 7 minutes of a total 450mins in the last 5 prem fixtures.

    0% chance of him not starting (and likely terrorising) Arsenal this weekend in my view.

  10. Oooo Matron
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Best 4.5 defender? At the back currently have Dunk, Jones, Davies, Cedric & Mbemba with Eliot & Foster in goal.

    Thinking Foster to Speroni & Mbemba to Mee. Any better options than Mee at 4.5?

  11. Big Test Icles
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    thinking of playing Callum Wilson or Gross/Richarlison.
    a. Play Gross &Richarlison
    b. Play Gross & Wilson
    c. Play Richarlison & Wilson

    Elliot (Speroni)
    Frances, Mee, Duffy (Moreno,Mariappa)
    Alli Salah Hazard Gross Risharlison
    Kane Jesus (wilson)

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

    Crazy to bench Morata? Seems like the Utd/Chelsea game will be a 0-0 match.

    I got one spot for Sterling/Zaha/Morata.

  13. ansharalif
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Need help, who to bench?
    Gk : Elliot - Foster
    Def : Otamendi - Cedric - Davies - Jones - Ward
    Mid : Salah - Silva - Sterling - Doucoure - Gross
    Fwd : Kane - Lukaku - Diouf

    Was thinking of
    Gk : Elliot
    Def : Cedric - Davies - Jones - Ward
    Mid : Salah - Silva - Sterling - Gross
    Fwd : Kane - Lukaku

    Thanks