Our regular analysis of the fixture schedule is now dominated by Gameweek 31 and the potential blanks.
With the FA Cup Quarter Finals falling that weekend, it is anticipated that the regular ten Gameweek fixtures will be cut in half, rendering our squads threadbare with the option to deploy the Free Hit chip or ride it out with transfer hits.
While there is a lot of football to play and so many variables to consider before the postponed fixtures are upon us, we must be prudent and build all eventualities into our thinking at this point.
With this in mind, three of the four teams currently guaranteed their Gameweek 31 fixture make it into our selection of those with favourable fixtures. Meanwhile the fourth – Stoke City – should also be considered, despite a run of gruelling match-ups to follow that shortened Gameweek.
The FA Cup fifth round ties also impact our long-term appraisal, with several teams potentially handed obliging run-ins once we gain more clarity on the Gameweek 31 scenario.
However, we should also consider that potential double Gameweeks – likely to fall in Gameweeks 34 and 37 – would dictate our view of transfer targets over the final rounds of matches. At that point, our attention will surely turn back to those teams affected by postponements in Gameweeks 31 and in 35, when the FA Cup semi-finals are played out.
The Short-Term
Liverpool (sot WHU NEW)
The fixture outlook for the Reds is very positive, not only in the short-term, but also for the remainder of the campaign.
In addition, they have that guaranteed fixture in Gameweek 31, when Watford visit Anfield.
The fact they have plenty to play for, as they look to secure a top four finish, also plays a part in our thinking. This makes Liverpool a secure and potentially profitable source of Fantasy talent.
Despite a modest two goals from the last six Gameweeks, the visit of West Ham United and Newcastle United to Anfield surely boosts Roberto Firmino as a second striker option. Jurgen Klopp’s side have netted 13 times in their last four at Anfield, promoting the Brazilian as a partner option alongside Mohamed Salah.
The signing of Virgil van Dijk has yet to have the desired effect in terms of clean sheets, but with the schedule urging investment in a Reds defender, the Dutchman’s goal threat makes him the leading target.
However, we should be wary that rotation could rear its head, with the UEFA Champions League last 16 tie against Porto on the horizon.
The first leg takes place three days after Sunday’s trip to Southampton, with the second a fortnight later – three days after the visit of Newcastle and four before a Gameweek 30 trip to Old Trafford. That would appear to make that home clash with the Magpies a potential hotspot for rest and rotation.
Watford (whu EVE WBA)
As with Liverpool, the Hornets benefit from both a strong short-term schedule and a guaranteed fixture in Gameweek 31, when they travel to Anfield.
Four points from Javi Gracia’s first two matches in charge also boosts our confidence in Watford assets.
Gerard Deulofeu caught the eye with his goal, assist and 13-point performance against Chelsea, and he looks poised to replace the out-of-sorts Richarlison as their go-to attacking option.
One clean sheet from the last 13 Gameweeks does temper any interest in their defensive assets, though it’s worth bearing in mind that they have conceded just once in those two matches under Gracia.
Adrian Mariappa has started the last two matches and could be a potential budget option, particularly if Christian Kabasele remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Similarly, the three-goal Daryl Janmaat boosts significant attacking promise if we get some certainty on his starting role, while Jose Holebas could also be worth a revisit.
Everton (CRY wat bur BHA stk)
The Toffees’ form is a major concern, while there are at least two of their next five fixtures that provide stern tests – the visits to Burnley and a rejuvenated Stoke City.
But key to the appeal of Everton assets is that locked-in fixture against the Potters in Gameweek 31.
Theo Walcott’s 15-point haul against Leicester City offers encouragement ahead of promising home ties with Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion in particular, and he is undoubtedly the standout attacking option.
Oumar Niasse has started the last two, and is a possible budget forward candidate, although his place in the side is far from certain with Cenk Tosun and Dominic Calvert-Lewin both pushing for minutes.
Despite the recent lack of shut-outs, Jordan Pickford remains among the favoured goalkeeper options, mainly because of his past save and bonus point achievements and the fact that the Everton backline look bereft of secure alternatives.
The pressure will certainly be on Everton to exploit this five-match period, with visits from both Manchester City and Liverpool looming in Gameweeks 32 and 33.
Swansea City (BUR bha WHU hud)
The fixture list over the next four Gameweeks is very attractive, although the Swans will lose their Gameweek 31 match-up – at home to Southampton – unless they suffer defeat to Sheffield Wednesday and Saints go out to West Brom in the FA Cup fifth round.
An eight-match unbeaten run in all competitions helps boost our confidence in Swans assets, while clashes with Burnley, West Ham and Huddersfield Town – who have all suffered a dip in form of late – appear promising.
The attacking threat of Alfie Mawson makes the centre-back a tempting option in defence, while Lukasz Fabianski’s ability to produce save points keeps him among the leading keeper options.
At the other end of the pitch, Jordan Ayew appeals as a budget option having enjoyed a new lease of life playing regularly as the central striker under Carlos Carvalhal.
But any investment has to be made with the potential Gameweek 31 blank in mind and with an exit plan at the ready. Carvalhal’s side face Manchester United, Man City and Chelsea in a five-Gameweek spell from Gameweek 32.
The Long-Term
Burnley (swa SOT EVE whu CHE wba wat LEI stk BHA)
The Clarets’ short-term schedule is also favourable, but with their Gameweek 31 fixture against Chelsea likely to drop out, this somewhat limits their appeal over the next three Gameweeks.
Burnley will sit out Gameweek 31 if Antonio Conte’s side navigate past Hull City in the FA Cup.
While the blank would be a blow, on the flipside it would also remove Burnley’s only unfavourable match-up from now until Gameweek 36. It would also drop the Chelsea fixture into a likely double Gameweek 34 (LEI) or 37 (ars).
It is widely expected that club skipper Tom Heaton will eventually replace Nick Pope in goal as he ramps up his bid for England’s World Cup squad. With uncertainty in the full-back positions, that leaves Ben Mee as the most safest secure option at the back, at least until James Tarkowski and Stephen Ward return to the starting XI.
It’s unlikely we’ll turn to the Clarets’ attack, with Johann Berg Gudmundsson still the most appealing option on offer as a cheap fifth midfielder.
Huddersfield Town (BOU wba tot SWA CRY new bha)
Crucially, the Crystal Palace clash in Gameweek 31 could remain intact if the Terriers lose to Man United in the FA Cup fifth round, giving them a sustained run of favourable fixtures up to Gameweek 34 ahead of the expected double Gameweeks
The home matches, in particular, look promising and appear crucial to their survival hopes given the brutal run-in from Gameweek 35 onwards.
A lack of form has knocked Huddersfield assets off our radars over recent months. Meanwhile, foot injuries to Christopher Schindler and Laurent Depoitre have cast uncertainty over the leading defensive and forward options.
Sunday’s home meeting with Bournemouth looks crucial in terms of restoring confidence in their Fantasy assets; Schindler’s possible return in that contest may well see him emerge as our prime target.
Bournemouth (hud NEW lei TOT WBA wat CRY)
The Cherries are another team worth monitoring in view of the FA Cup.
Should West Brom lose their fifth round tie against Southampton, they will travel to the Vitality Stadium in Gameweek 31, making Bournemouth’s upcoming seven-match run favourable.
But if that fixture drops out, it would be a major blow, forcing us to reassess their assets in our squads.
Having taken 10 points from a possible 12 over the last four Gameweeks, there are a number of viable options on offer.
Charlie Daniels is the prominent defensive target, although having played as a wing-back of late, he may revert to the left of a back four should Steve Cook be ruled out for an extended period with a hamstring injury.
Midfielders Junior Stanislas and Jordon Ibe have both had their moments in recent weeks and are intriguing differentials, while Callum Wilson remains among the leading budget forward options.
Leicester City (mci STK BOU wba ARS bha NEW)
An immediate trip to Man City should not detract from our view of the Foxes schedule, although the Gameweek 31 fixture with Arsenal is also an obvious issue.
This would be rescheduled if Leicester get past Sheffield United in the FA Cup, though arguably, even if it remains, defensive returns in that match-up look unlikely. With that in mind, the Foxes still have the fixtures to ensure that Harry Maguire and Danny Simpson remain in our thinking.
In attack, meanwhile, our faith is diminished due to the Riyad Mahrez situation. Jamie Vardy and Marc Albrighton could still thrive, and, if they can be held through the possible Gameweek 31 blank, the run-in is superb right up to Gameweek 38.
Indeed, progress in the cup – handing Leicester a likely double Gameweek – is the scenario that is most likely to keep Vardy on our radar for the run-in.
West Bromwich Albion (che HUD wat LEI bou BUR SWA)
It’s a similar story for the Baggies. They face a testing match-up against Chelsea in Gameweek 27 but benefit from a kind extended run of fixtures should they lose their FA Cup fifth round tie with Southampton.
Their home ties, in particular, stand out, and will surely be targeted by Alan Pardew as West Brom try to claw their way to safety.
The goals are starting to flow for Albion, but with Daniel Sturridge, Salomon Rondon and Jay Rodriguez likely to battle it out for just two spots in attack, investment looks risky.
The injuries to Jonny Evans and Kieran Gibbs dent our confidence in West Brom’s ability to keep clean sheets, but with good fixtures and a set-piece threat, both Ahmed Hegazi and Craig Dawson can offer double-digit scores. Chris Brunt’s delivery also looks vital, given their tendency to depend on goals from dead-ball scenarios.
If Hegazi or Dawson can be held through the potential Gameweek 31 blank, the back-to-back home fixtures with Burnley and Swansea certainly look profitable.
