Frisking the Fixtures – The Strong – Short-Term

Our analysis of the upcoming schedules returns in the wake of Double Gameweek 34’s confirmation, as Fantasy managers ramp up their planning for the run-in.

Although the second Double Gameweek is yet to be confirmed, this is still factored into our assessment, as we split our analysis into two articles to address both the short and long-term candidates.

We begin with a look at the clubs likely to provide the vast majority of key targets for those Wildcarding in either Gameweek 32 or 33.

Short-Term

Burnley (wba wat LEI/CHE stk)
The only side to play five times in the next four Gameweeks, the Clarets could prove handy acquisitions regardless of whether you still retain a Wildcard or the Free Hit chip.

Sean Dyche’s men also have two appealing home match-ups (BHA BOU) before the season finishes, although on the downside, they won’t be treated to a second Double Gameweek – most likely played out in Gameweek 37.

There is limited potential at first glance, given that they’ve managed just one clean sheet in nine attempts. However, the return of James Tarkowski is key, and with a first choice back four now installed, we may see defensive returns improve.

Between the posts, Nick Pope now looks a potential no-go for investors after Tom Heaton stepped up his fitness with four appearances for the U23s so far. Ben Mee is the luxury item in defence, though Matthew Lowton’s value looks stronger as reflected by our Watchlist rankings.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Ashley Barnes are the attacking targets, though Chris Wood could also be a differential; he may even oust the in-form Barnes eventually should Dyche return to a lone striker system.

Arsenal (STK SOT new WHU)
The Gunners’ favourable immediate schedule could profit those Wildcarders who bring in their assets early for the expected Double Gameweek 37.

Shkodran Mustafi is the preferred defender, though the fact they’ve gained just one clean sheet in 12 Gameweeks is a worry.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are the obvious attacking options, with the latter immune to rotation around Arsenal’s UEFA Europa League ties.

Arsene Wenger’s side host CSKA Moscow in their quarter-final first leg between the Stoke City and Southampton clashes, before travelling to Moscow three days prior to the trip to Newcastle United.

The potential semi-final first leg would slot in between the West Ham United fixture and the Gameweek 36 trip to Manchester United. The second leg is then three days prior to a home meeting with Burnley in Gameweek 37, making that a possible concern for rest and rotation should the Gunners progress to the final.

Aaron Ramsey and Laurent Koscielny remain risky picks, given that both have been preserved for the Europa League amid recent injury concerns. Nacho Monreal has recently returned from the treatment room but has also proved fragile in recent months.

Leicester City (bha NEW bur/SOT blank)
With none of their next six opponents sat in the top six of the table, early investment is likely to pay off for managers wielding Wildcards either this week or next.

The Foxes are also expected to benefit from a Double Gameweek 37 (WHU ARS), while they visit Crystal Palace in Gameweek 36.

Leicester are without a shut-out from their last six encounters, but Harry Maguire and the budget-friendly Wes Morgan are likely to attract investment.

At 5.6, Maguire has produced more shots (12) and penalty area attempts (10) than any other FPL defender over the last six Gameweeks. Meanwhile, Morgan sets us back just 4.4 and has started the last three since returning from injury. Ben Chilwell and Danny Simpson – both at 4.3 are further alternatives, though they could be susceptible to rotation over the final Gameweeks.

At the other end of the pitch, Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy have been subject to significant investment ahead of Gameweek 32, with the Algerian a potential differential captain in Double Gameweek 34.

Brighton & Hove Albion (LEI HUD cry/TOT blank)
The Seagulls play three of their next four at home and are also expected to benefit from a double in Gameweek 37. Their run-in is particularly daunting, however, ensuring that we’re focused purely on the short-term for now.

Chris Hughton’s men have perhaps surprisingly scored 11 goals in their last six matches, ranking them fourth best in the league. They also sit fifth for total shots over the same period, with 83, and have notched nine goals in their last three at the Amex Stadium.

Pascal Gross and Glenn Murray are the standout targets.

At home, the German has averaged 6.2 points per match ahead of those kind fixtures. Capable of delivering against all opposition via his set-pieces, fixture difficulty is also less of a concern for Gross if we are forced to hold through the final few Gameweeks.

Murray might come under threat during the run-in, however, should Brighton achieve safety over the next few weeks. Jurgen Locadia will surely get late-season opportunities in that scenario, while Leonardo Ulloa may also be a factor.

Lewis Dunk is the favoured cheap option in defence and has bettered centre-back partner Shane Duffy for shots (four to three) over the last six matches as well as recording his first goal of the season. Meanwhile, Mat Ryan has emerged as the second keeper of choice – alongside David De Gea – for those building towards a Bench Boost squad for Gameweek 34.

Liverpool (cry eve BOU wba STK)
The Reds’ schedule is rated as the second best over next five Gameweeks, providing a reminder of the risk we run by parting company with their assets with the Wildcard.

Those without that chip could benefit from the heavy sales with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane becoming unlikely differentials.

The most popular forward in FPL, Firmino’s recent form at home and on the road has been identical, registering two goals and an assist in both his last four at Anfield and previous four on his travels; that offers every incentive to hold him over three away trips in four.

However, Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final with Manchester City could be a distraction in the short-term. While rotation may not be on the cards at Palace and against Everton, minutes could be impacted given the importance of the European tie.

If the Reds do progress to the semi-finals, the first leg will slot in between a trip to West Bromwich Albion and the Gameweek 36 home meeting with Stoke. The second leg would be played in the following week before the Gameweek 37 trip to Chelsea.

Arguably, Mohamed Salah is likely to be the only one to survive an end of season cull. He remains a key captain candidate over the season run-in – particularly for Gameweeks 36 and 38 (STK BHA) – as he looks to see off the challenge from Harry Kane for the Golden Boot.