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. Jsadler95
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Really interests me that Gomez is going up tonight. Got no idea why people are picking him over Moreno as Moreno is a significantly better attacker and just as nailed as Gomez is. I guess people seeing that one assist for Gomez must be making them think he's the better choice. Pretty sure Moreno has 3 in the Champion's league though.

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      I agree. Perhaps TAA more likely to take games of Gomez than Robertson take games from Moreno.

      A lot more attacking threat too.

  2. Tshelby
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Playing Mee and Cedric feels wrong.. Don't really see them playing 0-0. Replace Mee with Duffy?

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Play Mee

    2. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      I'm playing Cedric over Bee

      1. ryacoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        and also over Mee*

  3. xtremesid
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Take a hit for Coutinho or play T. Carroll? Whom should I replace him with ? ITB 0.6

    DDG
    Otamendi/Bertrand/Mee
    Coutinho*/Silva/Gross
    Vardy/Kane(C)/Aguero

    Elliott/T Carroll/Suttner/Rangel

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

      4th mid was Choupo-Moting*

    2. Jsadler95
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Probably say it's worth bringing in Salah. Think generally he's better anyway and I expect him to have a field day at the London Stadium tomorrow.

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

        Cheers mate

  4. Football Matas
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Happy with my starting team but can’t break into the top 1m...am I good to hold my nerve here?

    Hart (Pereira)
    Alonso - Walker - Jones - Bavies -
    (Mariappa)
    Sterling - Richarlison - Gross - (RLC - King)
    Kaku - Kane - Jesus

    0FT, 0.0ITB
    Looking at Bavies, RLC > Gray, Daniels over next couple of weeks if Bavies proves too insecure on starts

    1. Oven Glover
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Too much at the back, too little in the midfield.

  5. fedolefan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Is Pep's press conference done?

  6. Double Entry
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Aguero or Kane for the armband..????

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

      I'm 50/50 as well

    2. Oven Glover
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      You won’t here a single soul tell you to go Kun on here.

      1. Coot
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Several souls? 😉

        1. Oven Glover
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 5 months ago

          I’m actually going Kun over Kane for captain but don’t tell anyone 😉

          1. Coot
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 5 months ago

            Just our little secret!

      2. Double Entry
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        The fact that everybody is going Kane (who i dont think will play the 90) is making me think Aguero. Tough one.

        1. Oven Glover
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 5 months ago

          The obvious moves aren’t really working this season. Just look at all those free hits last week. Mostly out scored by the original teams, and they made sensible moves with San(c)hez vs Swansea. I made the sensible move by captaining Kane vs Swansea. The best move (in hindsight) would have been to captain Fabianski in that game. Go with your gut.

          1. Double Entry
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 5 months ago

            Aguerooooooo! Once they score 1 against Arsenal, 3 more will follow very quickly i think.

  7. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on this?

    Elliot
    Duffy - Mee - Otamendi
    D.Silva - Salah - Choupo-Moting - Richarlson
    Kane (c) - Vardy - Jesus

    Bench: Fabianski , Azpilicueta , RLC , Mbemba

    Should I try and fit Azpilicueta in some how? Maybe instead of Choupo-Moting or Duffy?

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

      I would have Azpi in for Duffy.

  8. HD7
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Decided to play Tarroll and Kola. And Beching Simpson.... any opposing me?

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

      Simpson over Carroll

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

    Bottomed

    Been a while....but Rate my WC team please! (apologies in advance).

    De Gea (Elliot)

    Stones - Naughton - Jones (Monreal - Mee)

    Salah - GroB - Sane -Zaha (Carrol)

    Kun - Kane - Tammy

    Tried to be balanced for a strong bench. Need some fresh eyes. Thanks all.

    1. Jsadler95
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Looks fine to me. Monreal right now is a bad call I think personally though. Think you'd be better off with Daniels personally.

      1. Jsadler95
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Or Trippier actually but that's up to you.

  10. Debauchy
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku -82% to - 84.8% in 30 min Yep it's a done deal. Kane hunger is huge lol

    1. Debauchy
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      And yes , I need the .1

    2. fedolefan
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Nah, FPL Towers can intervene.

      1. Debauchy
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Doubt it . They have surely taken on board the many complaints

  11. Tacalabala
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Richarlison or Zaha?

    1. HurriKane
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Richarlison. both great options though

  12. The Seagulls and the Trawle…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Most likely front 3 vs Arsenal is Sterling, Kun, Jesus

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

      I think so. However, Pep loves to ruin a FPL week.

    2. Jsadler95
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      I'm hoping Sane will be in there, would be surprised if he isn't as he's been the best of the bunch lately imo.

    3. Debauchy
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Hope so , but no sense bothering really

    4. Bobby Digital
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      I think Jesus will be missing out. Did barely get a touch against West Brom last time out.

  13. Allahan
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    One week punt before WC.
    Monreal for who?

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

      Trippier or Schindler

    2. HurriKane
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Duffy

  14. vopemartin
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Worth?
    Lukaku, Alonso/Jones > Kane + def

    Taking gw12+ for utd into consideration

  15. HurriKane
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Would you do it after next gw? (after IB)

    Jesus Sterling Silva --> Aguero/Lukaku Sane Gross (-4)

    1. Debauchy
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good , look again then

  16. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Down Kaku, down!

  17. WARIO
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    A) Elliot - BOU (H)
    B) Fabianski - BRI (H)

    1) Ward - sou (A)
    2) Duffy - swa (A)

    1. Jonny HOW SON?
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      b, 1

    2. HurriKane
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      B2

  18. gomez123
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Ritchie & Lacazette to Ali and Tammy for -4??

    1. HurriKane
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

      1. sham99
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        yes

  19. Miguel Sanchez
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Play:

    A) Mee (sou)
    B) Atsu (BOU)

    1. HurriKane
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Mee

    2. Jonny HOW SON?
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      b

  20. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Elliot
    Cedric Jones Naughton Bavies
    Sterling Hazard Silva
    Jesus Kane(c) Vardy

    Foster Atsu T.Carrol Mbemba

    1ft 0.2itb

    Would you do Hazard > Salah?
    Planning on doing Bavies/Jesus > Mee/Kaku over the break but Salah could score very well this week

  21. yakirh
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Kola & Lukaku -> Gomez & Kane done.

    Choose 3 to bench please:
    1 - Jones
    2 - Davies
    3 - Gross
    4 - Lascelles
    5 - J. Gomez
    6 - Otamendi
    7 - S. Davis

    Choose Captain:
    A - Kane
    B - Salah

    Thanks!!

    1. Jsadler95
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Why Gomez over Moreno is my first question?

      5, 7, 6 in that order

      A

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

        Gomez has more BPS and price raises tonight

  22. ☈☾
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Gross or Morata

    1. HurriKane
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Gross this week

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Morata

    3. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Gross

    4. Differential C (Mark)
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Gross

  23. Orange Roughy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on Kola > van Dijk for a one week move?

    Anyone better under £6.5m? Playing WC next week.

    Have Bavies, Jones, Ward, and Dann.

    1. Oven Glover
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Good move if WCing soon. Good luck!

    2. Deano
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Aurier

  24. darrellb
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    i really fancy richarlson this week. im definitely wildcarding next week, is it worth getting him in for silva for a hit? i cant understand why people are selling silva but now im considering it. worth a punt?

    1. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Not for me. Especially not for a hit.

  25. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Is there big difference between Mee and Ward?

    1. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Stats wise yeah. I think mee now offers the better value that said.

      1. Lone Wolf FPL
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        so Mee is better?? Though Ward is much better and more attacking

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      About 2 inches

      1. Deano
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        You know their girlfriends?

        1. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 5 months ago

          🙂

        2. Twisted Saltergater
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 5 months ago

          No, checkout famousburnleydicks.com

  26. The Mandalorian
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    I run fantasy football,

    2FT's who shall I buy......

  27. Deano
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku drop watch.

    Currently on -91%

    Will FPL towers Call an EGM to stop him falling again?

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Maybe the sites that guess the logic haven't got it right this year?

  28. Differential C (Mark)
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    How's this Starting XI?

    Eliott
    Fernandez--Kiko--Jones
    Hazard--Sterling--KdB--Richarlison
    Kane(c)--Jesus--Abraham

    Palmer--Duffy--Wimmer--Carroll

    a)Play Duffy and Bench Jones
    b)Bench Sterling
    c)Something else

    Thx in advance.

  29. Gazpilicueta
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    In which order would you put these subs?

    Surman, Ward, Kiko

    I am playing a 343

    1. Paul
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      ward surman kiko

    2. Differential C (Mark)
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Kiko first, Surman, and then Ward.

    3. Deano
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      WSK

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

      hmmm everton do suck but.....i think its a tough one

  30. Paul
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Bench One? bit tricky

    a) choupo (LEI)
    b) stones (ARS)
    c) jones (che)
    d) ward (sou)
    e) bertrand (BUR)

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      e

    2. Jsadler95
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      b or d for me, probably b