After completing our analysis of those braced for some favourable upcoming matches, attentions now turn to the teams with less reason for optimism.
As was the case in our midweek article, the forthcoming blanks in Gameweek 31 are a key factor in our assessment, as are the tactics chosen by Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers to navigate this troublesome period of the season.
Given that many managers are considering a Wildcard in Gameweek 32, our short-term analysis deals with teams braced with a tough time over Gameweek 28-31.
These sides are likely to offer little allure for Fantasy managers who are playing the Free Hit Chip in Gameweek 31 with the intent of profiting from the schedule across Gameweek 28-30.
Similarly, those Wildcarding in Gameweek 32 and playing the Free Hit Chip in Gameweek 35 may also choose to steer clear as their short-term trades will mainly be focused on dealing with the restricted Gameweek 31.
From a long-term perspective, we take a look at the sides who may be best avoided altogether, regardless of whether you still have a Wildcard to wield.
Short-term
Man City (ars CHE stk blank)
Clashes with Arsenal and Chelsea, in addition to a blank Gameweek 31, leave only a trip to Stoke as favourable in the next four.
Yet Pep Guardiola’s side have struggled on their travels of late, winning one of their last four (at Newcastle) and drawing against the likes of Crystal Palace and Burnley.
While that record could persuade owners of Nicolas Otamendi and Sergio Aguero to part company, City are likely to come back into our Wildcard plans for Gameweek 32, with a home clash against Brighton also set to be part of a double.
Prior to Gameweek 32, we will also know whether their Gameweek 35 home match with Swansea will go ahead, with the Welsh side needing to beat Sheffield Wednesday and the winners of Spurs vs Rochdale to force a blank.
On the upside, a lack of FA Cup duties lessens the likelihood of short-term rotation, as does their 4-0 first leg Champions League win over FC Basel – the second leg takes place three days after their match with Chelsea and five before the trip to Stoke.
Arguably, with Gabriel Jesus on the cusp of a first-team return, Kevin De Bruyne could be the safest bet for those Wildcarding post-Gameweek 31.
However, City’s progress in Europe and their quest for the title could impact heavily on Guardiola’s teamsheets later in the season.
They need just six wins – or 18 points – from their remaining 11 matches to clinch the crown. Do so early, and there’s a fear that he could manage the minutes of his big guns if City are still involved in the latter stages of the Champions League.
Chelsea (mun mci CRY blank)
Similar to City, Chelsea have just one kind match – at home to Palace – in the next four Gameweeks.
Antonio Conte’s side will be emboldened by the home draw with Barcelona but their potential for Fantasy returns is surely restricted by back-to-back trips to Old Trafford and the Etihad.
However, form and confidence is clearly on the rise, while last season’s win away to City serves a reminder of their big-match potential.
Regardless, the Marcos Alonso exodus has picked up pace this week, while Conte’s decision to employ a “false 9” system against the La Liga leaders may be enough for Eden Hazard’s owners to also jump ship.
Indeed, with the reverse trip to Spain just four days after their encounter with the Eagles, the Blues boss may even be tempted to freshen up his XI against Roy Hodgson’s men.
With only four points separating the four teams below Man City, Chelsea remain firmly ensconced in the battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
As such, their schedule from Gameweek 32 onwards indicates that Hazard and Alonso could yet have a part to play in our seasons, with the Blues set to offer two doubles (and a blank Gameweek 35) if they defeat Leicester in the FA Cup.
Man United (CHE cry LIV blank)
The Red Devils are another team with just one decent favourable match-up, when they travel to Selhurst Park in Gameweek 29.
Aside from that, United are braced for visits from Chelsea and Liverpool before then facing a blank in Gameweek 31.
However, just like Chelsea, that kind encounter with the Eagles could also be the most prone to rotation.
Looking at the schedule, United host Liverpool in Gameweek 30 on March 10 and then entertain Sevilla just three days later. You’d expect Jose Mourinho to field full-strength teams for those fixtures, while he’ll also want to get past Brighton in the FA Cup – that is four days after Sevilla.
With that in mind, he could utilise his squad to an extent for the trip to Selhurst Park, which is five days before the visit of Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Certainly, Mourinho’s tendency to court caution against rivals could bring further clean sheets for owners of David De Gea, but those holding Phil Jones and the likes of Alexis Sanchez or Jesse Lingard will surely be tempted to look elsewhere.
A cup win over Brighton will ensure United have two doubles (with a trip to West Ham also to factor in) as well as a blank Gameweek 35.
Yet unless they show signs of improvement in the final third, those eyeing up a Gameweek 32 Wildcard will likely be limiting their interest to the Spanish stopper.
Crystal Palace (TOT MUN che hud)
Roy Hodgson’s men face a dire next three matches against three of the top five before making their way to Huddersfield in Gameweek 31.
Fantasy managers overlooking the Free Hit Chip in Gameweek 31 who plan to Wildcard in Gameweek 32 would be best leaving their Eagles trades until just before Gameweek 31. Wilfried Zaha could come into contention – if fit – by that point.
Although Palace’s schedule improves significantly in Gameweek 33, they won’t have a double Gameweek to follow. Given that they essentially will play six times from Gameweek 33 onwards at a time when many others will be set for two doubles, Hodgson’s regulars will struggle to impact on our plans.
Long-term
West Ham – (liv swa BUR blank SOT che STK ars MCI)
The Hammers’ schedule, both pre and post-Gameweek 31, hardly looks conducive to investment.
David Moyes’ men will have a double Gameweek in either 34 or 37, with a home clash against Man United still to be re-scheduled.
Essentially, then, that means they will face six of the current top nine teams over their final eight league matches.
Despite a favourable Gameweek 35 clash at home to Stoke, the fixtures on either side significantly dent the appeal of Marko Arnautovic and co for those looking to load up on double Gameweek assets in their Gameweek 32 Wildcard.
Similarly, those without Wildcards may look to target teams with more favourable schedules.
Southampton – (bur STK new blank whu are CHE lei)
Like West Ham, the Saints’ appeal arguably looks limited regardless of whether you have a Wildcard in hand or not.
Mauricio Pellegrino’s men have just four home matches remaining – and two of them are against Chelsea and Man City.
For those Wildcarding in Gameweek 32, Southampton’s current list of opponents from Gameweek 33 onwards – which hands them ties against six teams that are all in the top half of the table – could deter most from considering their assets.
They have a blank in Gameweek 31 and could also blank in Gameweek 35, should they progress to the FA Cup semi-finals. Their only double to date will involve a yet-to-be rescheduled trip to Swansea.
Stoke City – (lei sot MCI EVE ars TOT whu BUR liv)
Set to feature in both Gameweek 31 and 35, Paul Lambert’s side will, therefore, do without a double Gameweek further down the line.
Given that seven of their next nine matches are against top-half teams, investment could be a risky business, particularly over the long haul.
That really raises the flag for loading up on the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri ahead of Gameweek 31 – particularly if you don’t have the Wildcard.
Those set to Wildcard in Gameweek 32 may limit their interest to short-term at best, then, before parting company over the final run-in.
