Fixtures

Frisking the Fixtures – Gameweek 28 – The Weak

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.

927 Comments Post a Comment
  1. N00B
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Which one is better for next 4 games?
    A) Jones and VVD
    B) Alonso and Robertson

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      C) Alonso and VVD

    2. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B probably.

  2. wycombewanderers
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Lloris, Lossl
    Jones Christensen Dunk Chilwell Robertson
    Salah lingard sterling Allen Son
    Kane Firmino Wilson

    2 fts.

    Thinking Jones and lingard to Daniels and Walcott. Any advice appreciated - thanks

  3. Alexis Nonsense
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    I've got 6 players for 31

    Reckon it's enough?

    Gomez

    Deulofeu - Ibe - Milijovetic - Salah

    Firmino

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Add one more in defense

    2. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Take hits for 2-3 more players ino

      1. Alexis Nonsense
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        but don't have WC, so don't want to take hits and mess up my team just for one bad GW

        I'll maybe get one defender in as suggested

        1. Speédy
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Oh. Maybe just one more then

    3. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Gomez a risk tbh. 1 or 2 more should be plenty

  4. beetlejuice
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    2 FT
    A-) Jones / Masuaku > VVD
    B-) Jones + Son > B.Davies + Mane (exact funds)

    Thanks!!

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Rex Lapis
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

  5. yer old da
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Otamendi > VVD for a minus 4?

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      No

    2. Rex Lapis
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Nay

  6. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Alonso to?

    A) Davies
    B) Vert
    C) Toby
    D) Stick (Obviously 'Stick' is not a name 😛 )

    1. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Stick 😆

      1. sunzip14
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        How should I use my transfers then? got 2FTs. any suggestions?

        DDG/Elliot
        Alonso, VVD, Mee, Ogbonna, Long
        Salah, Sterling, Son, Shaqiri, Mkhi
        Kane, Firmino, Quaner

        1. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Quaner > Aguero

    2. HNI
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Stick. He has good underlying stats too. Stick that is not alonso

  7. beetlejuice
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    What are the chances they play ;

    B.Davies
    Son

    Thanks!

  8. MGD
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    (Bottomed, kinda)

    Any news on Jones? Get rid?

  9. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Team and bench order correct?

    Lloris
    Maguire - Smalling - Robertson
    Salah - Sterling - Walcott - Mahrez - Deulofeu
    Kane(c) - Firmino - Vardy

    Bench: Elliot - Richarlison - Dunk - Kenny

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Gtg

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        See ya

  10. JoBro
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    who are the most nailed on TOT defenders?

    Vertonghen and?

  11. MartialMatas
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Otamendi + Lingard -> Daniels + Walcott for free?

    DDG Adrian
    Otamendi Jones Bauer Ogbonna Kenny
    Salah Mane Sterling Lingard Ibe
    Kane Kun Ulloa

    2ft 0.1m itb

    Not using FH in 31
    Using WC in 32/33

  12. Annie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    a) Haz to Eriksen
    b) Haz to Eriksen, cue Haz goal and assist as per all my transfers
    c) stick and roll FT.

    1. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A if team has no other pressing issues

  13. faux_C
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    G2G?

    Hennesy
    VVD, Hegazi, Ward
    Salah(c), Son, Sterling, Shaqiri, Ibe
    Kane, Firmino

    (Speroni, Sturridge, Lascelles, Zanka)

  14. Rex Lapis
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Which one?
    A. Ota > Bauer/Hegazi
    B. Azpi > VVD

    need funds to get Mane/Eriksen/Mahrez for Pogba
    other def : Jones, Mee, Lascelles

    1. beetlejuice
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B because VVD

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A hegazi

    3. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A if you will wildcard in GW32, B if you have used chips and need a season keeper

  15. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    DDG
    VVD Alonso Dunk
    Sterling Sanchez Salah Son
    Wilson Niasse Kane

    Subs: Elliot, Allen, Kenny, Obgonna

    2ft 0.1itb. All chips and will WC in GW32

    A) Sanchez and Son to Mahrez and Mane
    B) Sanchez and Niasse to Walcott and Firmino
    C) Sanchez and Allen to Walcott and Mane
    D) Something else

  16. flashcheeks
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Which duo will score more this week?

    A) Aguero and Eriksen
    or
    B) Kane and B.Silva

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

  17. OldBenKenobi
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    At 4.7 Daniels isn’t too expensive to bench right? Likely bringing him in for Dummett in the next week or so as GW31 cover

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I thinking the same although also tempted by hegazi

      1. OldBenKenobi
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah I’d rather prep my bench players for GW31 than wreck my main team. Especially as I’ve no WC to undo it all

    2. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I'd bring him in this week if getting him and play him against Newcastle. But then my defence is looking dire this week.

      1. OldBenKenobi
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Already done my FT so it would be for a hit.
        Will likely wait a week as my defence is:
        Alonso, Otamendi, VVD

  18. Eddie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Loads of talk on here about needing to get rid of Son. Is this just rotation worries with Lamela and Loucas Moura in the wings, or is there something else I don't know about? He still seems good value to me and seems the most assured of starts of the three.

    1. beetlejuice
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I wonder the same and I agree with you.
      I'm doubting doing Son to Mane

      1. Eddie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I've been holding on to Son over the rubbish fixtures to play him in these. Be gutted if he doesn't start. Would love to have Eriksen but he is out of reach.

        1. beetlejuice
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I expect some nice points if he plays in the next 3 games actually. But Mane is tempting for me, don't know if I can resist.

          1. Eddie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            As long as he isn't injured or out of favour for any reason I'm happy to keep. Mane could be a great differential over next few weeks and 31, I went with VVD due to defensive needs.

    2. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I suppose managers are worried about rotation with the players you mentioned but also managers are looking around for players to make way for gw31 and fixture swing players.

      1. Eddie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yep of course, but also straight swap to Mahrez for a hit etc. Where both Spurs and Leicester have great fixtures then blank. I would prefer to have Mahrez, but not for a hit.

        1. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Agreed hits are to be avoided.

    3. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      He’s blanked last few and now has rotation threat. I’m sticking for now as fancy him to start at palace but quite likely to get taken off around 70mins

      1. Eddie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        70 mins will be fine with these fixtures. He was alwatys going to struggle for points over last few fixtures.

        Good. My mind is at ease.

  19. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Hello,

    DDG
    Jones, Otamendi*, Alonso*
    Salah, Sterling, KDB, Lingard*
    Wilson, Kane, Firmino

    (Elliot, McArthur, Mee, Mariappa)

    A) Alonso & Lingard -> Naughton & Mahrez
    B) Alonso & Lingard -> VVD & Walcott
    C) Otamendi & Lingard -> VVD & Shaqiri/Deulofeu

    Thinking B or C with GW31 in mind?

    Cheers

    1. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      C if you can, with VVD and Walcott

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers 0.6 short though

  20. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    If you have this defence:
    Foster, Pereyra
    Alonso, Vertonghen, Maguire, Mee, Tomkins

    Would you do?

    A. Pereyra to Karius
    B. Mee to VV
    C. Tomkins to Robertson
    D. Tomkins to Arnold
    E. Something else

  21. TAB
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Fabianski
    Jones Ota Alonso
    Shaqiri Walcott Salah Sterling
    Kane Aguero Wilson

    Elliott Ogbonna Hunemeier RLC

    1 ft & 0.4 ITB

    1) Ogbonna & Aguero -> VVD & Firmino
    2) Hunemeier & Aguero -> VVD & Firmino

    1. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      basically who to get rid of, Hunemeier or Ogbonna. one plays the others is bench fodder, do number 2

      1. TAB
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks

  22. raoulduke71
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Any thoughts here?
    Need to make 1 or 2 changes for gw 31 what move would you make?

    ..................Fabianski.................
    .....Mawson Van Dijk Davies.....
    ..Sterling Mkhi Salah Sanchez..
    ......Wilson Kane Aubameyang.....

    Bauer/Carroll/Mbemba

    1. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Sanchez to Mane then i'd be tempted with Mkhi to Walcott for 31 or to Mahrez for his juicy fixtures

  23. Deeney-is-a-god
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    sterlig, alonso-> mane, van dijk/hegazi (-4)?
    will wildcard in GW 32 or 33

    What are peoples thoughts on dropping sterling?

  24. Old Gregg
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on the below appreciated

    Pope
    Ota-Alonso-Mee-Dawson-Jones
    Salah-Sanchez-Sterling-Lingard
    Aguero.

    2FT 0.6 ITB.

    Any ideas? I've consider a -12!

    thanks

    1. Old Gregg
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      subs
      Elliot-Allen-Quaner-DLC

    2. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      you can get a decent back 3 out, so i'd look at Sanchez, Lingard and Aguero to Mane, Kane and Walcott

      1. Old Gregg
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks yes that would work. Possibly would prefer siggy though but the 0.7 could be very handy

  25. Scotty B
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    1 FT & 0 ITB, no FH or WC left

    Adrian
    TAA Duffy Alonso
    Ibe Walcott Shaqiri Sterling Salah
    Kane Aguero

    Elliot Otamendi Schindler Quaner

    Which option is better FTW?
    A Alonso > VVD
    B Otamendi > VVD
    C Aguero > Firmino
    D TAA & Aguero > VVD & Firmino
    E Aguero & Quaner > Firmino & Rooney
    F Otamendi & TAA > VVD & Hegazi
    G Elliot & Otamendi > Foster & VVD

  26. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Guys if not bringing in walcott this week which is the optimum week. Gw 30 vs Brighton is looking clear but u have the likes of mahres Eriksen son or sterling in midfield with good rnough away fixtures will u ship them for walcott. Or get walcott for gw31.Many things can change obviously but just some ideas based on current infos

  27. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    @Oggie of Messisonia.
    Cheers, that helped, that is a La Fee absinthe spoon.
    I've bought a bottle now and am getting an absinthe spoon engraved from us.

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Nice touch Rupert.

    2. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Ah horseman, my going backwards nation at least finally relegalized absinthe a few years ago. I keep a bottle in the bar. Whoa man. Got to be careful with that! 160 proof. Yet, tastes 80 proof! 5:1 absinthe to water ratio with a sugar cube slowly dissolved, IIRC.

  28. VFORVANDETA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Play Azpi or Chilwell?

    1. Z3US
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Azpi

  29. TLF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    How did Karius accrue his bonus points last couple of game weeks, was this due to save points alone?

    1. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      And clean sheet of course

        1. TLF
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers

  30. barracuda
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    A- Wally
    B- Deulofeu

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Wally for his proven eye for goal.