Frisking the Fixtures

Who has the best and worst upcoming FPL fixtures?

Our frisk of the fixtures sees us assess the Premier League clubs with the strongest and weakest runs of league matches over the coming weeks – in theory, at least.

Our primary focus in this article will again be on a six-Gameweek lookahead but we will scrutinise the longer-term prospects where appropriate.

Just what constitutes a ‘good’ fixture is open for debate in 2020/21, with the proverbial freak results seemingly happening on a regular basis in the opening two months of the campaign.

But even taking into account the frequency of these on-paper shocks, the forthcoming schedules for the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur do leap off the page for different reasons.

The eagle-eyed among you will have noticed that our colour-coded Season Ticker, which is the primary source for this piece, has had another tweak over the international break: a match against high-flying Spurs, for instance, is now a darker shade of red, while Burnley join fellow strugglers Fulham and West Bromwich Albion at the opposite end of the scale.

Last month we made functionality improvements to the ticker on our home page, too, with ‘drag and drop’ returning and the ability to remove a Gameweek added.

THE STRONG

ASTON VILLA

Next six: BHA | whu | NEW | wol | BUR | wba

Just when we thought the wheels were starting to come off the Aston Villa bandwagon, Dean Smith’s troops go and thump an Arsenal side who boasted the league’s best defensive record heading into Gameweek 8.

The Villans’ upcoming run of games, particularly at home, presents them with a great opportunity to continue their momentum.

Dean Smith’s outfit sit top of our Season Ticker from now until Boxing Day, with Brighton and Hove Albion, Newcastle United, Burnley and Crystal Palace up next for Villa on their own turf and struggling West Bromwich Albion awaiting in Gameweek 15.

All but Palace of those teams are in the bottom eight in the Premier League table.

An improved West Ham United and a typically solid Wolves might be tougher nuts to crack for Jack Grealish (£7.5m) and co on the road but then we thought that of Arsenal, who were comprehensively put to the sword by Smith’s side a fortnight ago.

Villa’s fixtures rotate well with those of Leicester City up until Christmas, should any FPL manager be considering a way to navigate those trickier tests: the Foxes are at home to Fulham and Brighton when the Villans head to West Ham and Wolves.

Given that Liverpool, Leicester and Arsenal have already been despatched by Smith’s troops, however, rotation carries its own risks.

MANCHESTER CITY

Next six:  tot | BUR | FUL | mun | WBA | sou

A “mixed bag” would perhaps sum up Manchester City’s medium-term schedule.

Their next five away fixtures are certainly far from straightforward: as well as a cross-city derby against a Manchester United side that have beaten them three times in the last 12 months, Pep Guardiola’s troops also have to face Spurs, Southampton, Everton and Chelsea – all of whom are in the top seven at present.

It’s the upcoming run at the Etihad that has got many Fantasy managers salivating, however, with three of the bottom four up next for the Citizens.

Guardiola won’t be losing any sleep over the visits of Newcastle, Brighton and Crystal Palace, either, which follow between Gameweeks 15 and 19.

Probably the main worry will be over rotation. It’s inevitable with Guardiola, especially when the fixtures pile up – and this upcoming period is certainly congested, with City having to juggle 13 games in league and cup in little over 40 days.

The concern will be over Guardiola opting to rest his star performers in the ‘easier’ games against the likes of Burnley and Fulham, matches in which many Fantasy managers will be handing armbands to Kevin De Bruyne (£11.5m) and Raheem Sterling (£11.5m).

The good news is that City are already well on their way to qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League: a point against Olympiacos next week would see them through, although Guardiola would no doubt also want to despatch Porto between Gameweeks 10 and 11 to ensure top spot in Group C.

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Next six: CHE | cry | avl | WBA | lee | FUL

Callum Wilson (£6.6m) faces a race against time to be fit for the visit of Chelsea this weekend but, given the more winnable games ahead in December, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Steve Bruce avoid taking a risk on his star striker.

Wilson’s importance to Newcastle’s cause is evidenced in the fact that he has already matched the goal tally of the Magpies’ top scorer in 2019/20, even if three of his six strikes have come from the spot.

And he’ll face some accommodating defences next month, with all three newly promoted clubs facing Bruce’s troops in Gameweeks 12 to 14.

West Brom, Leeds and Fulham are in the bottom four for goals conceded this season, with just four clean sheets between them in a combined 24 matches.

Gameweek 10 opponents Crystal Palace haven’t recorded a shut-out since the opening weekend of 2020/21, meanwhile.

From a defensive perspective, West Brom and Fulham are scoring at a rate of less than a goal per game.

The Magpies’ cut-price defenders – wing-back Jamal Lewis (£4.3m) is now one of the cheapest starters among players in his Fantasy position – are decent punts for Gameweeks 12 and 14 at the very least, then, although they quickly cease to become appealing options from Boxing Day onwards.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Next six: WBA | sou | whu | MCI | shu | LEE

Does Gameweek 9 really constitute a favourable fixture swing for Manchester United or is their upcoming schedule, in the words of professional listener-baiter Adrian Durham, “all that”?

A home game with West Bromwich Albion is certainly among the pick of the matches from a Fantasy perspective this weekend, particularly as third meets first at Anfield and Spurs entertain Manchester City.

Bruno Fernandes (£10.6m) is consequently the second-most-popular purchase of Gameweek 9, with many FPL managers offloading the unavailable Mohamed Salah (£12.3m) in the process.

Beyond the visit of the Baggies, the picture is a little murkier.

No Premier League side has conceded fewer goals (six) than Southampton or West Ham over the last six Gameweeks, with clean sheets arriving in seven of those combined 12 matches.

The small matter of a Manchester derby follows in Gameweek 12, although the subsequent double-header against Leeds United and Sheffield United offers more hope: those two sides have conceded on 31 occasions between them already this season.

The Blades are also the only Premier League side without a clean sheet in 2020/21.

Despite our caveats about United’s Gameweek 10 and 11 fixtures, Fernandes’ away form is something to consider: he has yet to blank on the road since moving to England in January.

ALSO CONSIDER

Were this fixture analysis only concerned with the next three Gameweeks, then Everton (ful | LEE | bur | CHE | lei | ARS) and Crystal Palace (bur | NEW | wba | TOT | whu | LIV) would be right at the very top of this article.

The two clubs are first and second in our Season Ticker from Gameweeks 9-11 and don’t meet a single top-half side between them in that time, with teams currently sitting in 13th or below providing the opposition.

Fulham, West Brom and Leeds are all in the bottom four for goals conceded this season, while Burnley are still winless – although the Clarets, now with the fit-again Ben Mee (£4.9m) and James Tarkowski (£5.4m) back at centre-half, have been showing more signs of resilience of late, keeping clean sheets in two of their last four matches and only narrowly losing out to Spurs in Gameweek 6.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.8m) has provided a steady drip-feed of points all season and with Everton getting bodies back from injury and suspension just in time for this upcoming triple-header, the prospects look positive for FPL’s most-owned forward.

Even when the schedule takes a turn for the worse in Gameweek 12, Calvert-Lewin’s previous for picking up attacking returns against the likes of Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester United bodes well for the tougher tests ahead.

Patience will likely be near-exhausted with a defence that is without a clean sheet in seven Gameweeks, however, and the fixture swing in mid-December will likely be the final nail in the coffin for their backline’s FPL prospects.

Palace are on exactly the same run without a shut-out but their next three opponents are all in the bottom three for shots in the box in 2020/21, so Vicente Guaita (£5.0m) and co may find some belated joy before their own fixtures nosedive in Gameweek 12.

Leicester City‘s (liv | FUL | shu | BHA | EVE | tot) schedule from Gameweeks 10-13 is eye-catching enough but it could be argued that their favourable run starts this weekend at Anfield, given that Liverpool’s squad is so badly decimated by injury and illness.

Jamie Vardy (£10.1m) will certainly be eyeing up a severely under-strength Liverpool backline with keen interest, although the Reds will still possess enough firepower to make the Foxes’ chances of a clean sheet look slim.

Even ignoring the personnel shortage at the back, Jurgen Klopp’s side have already got one of the worst defensive records in the top flight: just one clean sheet has arrived in the first eight Gameweeks, with 16 goals flying in at the wrong end.

Fulham, Sheffield United, Brighton and Everton are, like Liverpool, also in the bottom eight for goals conceded.

Leicester’s next five opponents have kept just two clean sheets between them in the last six Gameweeks, both of which arrived in home games against sides in the bottom three.

And at the other end of the pitch, Fulham and Sheffield United are scoring at a rate of less than one goal per game.

While many of us are offloading their players because of unavailability issues, it should be said that Liverpool (LEI | bha | WOL | ful | TOT | cry) sit top of our Season Ticker if we take the liberty to extend the lookahead to ten Gameweeks.

An injury crisis and a loss of form at the back will see interest in the Reds’ defence remain modest for now but it shouldn’t be forgotten that Jurgen Klopp’s side are still first or second for attempts on goal, shots in the box, efforts on target and big chances this season.

Their next three at home are tougher tests, even if 63 unbeaten league games at Anfield says much about their recent dominance on Merseyside.

While they’re a bit of a footnote in this article and not flavour of the month in the FPL community at present, the Reds will continue to feature prominently in this series over the Christmas period.

THE WEAK

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Next six: MCI | che | ARS | cry | liv | LEI

There’s only one place to start this look at the clubs with less-than-favourable schedules.

The ‘form versus fixtures’ conundrum is causing a few headaches for owners of Harry Kane (£11.0m) and Son Heung-min (£9.6m), FPL’s two highest points scorers.

Having been top of our Season Ticker in the opening two months of the campaign, Spurs now drop to the very bottom when we look at their next half-dozen games.

Four ‘big six’ clubs and top-of-the-table Leicester are to come for the Lilywhites between now and Christmas, with a Scrooge-like Wolves defence to follow on Boxing Day.

There’s an argument to suggest that Son and Kane might enjoy the counter-attacking approach that Jose Mourinho will no doubt employ against the likes of City and Liverpool, given that they ran riot in away games at Southampton and Manchester United earlier this season – although a suicidal high line from the Saints and the Red Devils going down to ten men after 28 minutes are obvious disclaimers.

Mourinho-led Spurs hadn’t enjoyed much success against the high-flyers in the early days of the new regime, with defeats to United, Chelsea (twice) and Liverpool arriving in the winter of 2019/20.

A win over ten-man Manchester City in February of this year also owed much to good fortune, although there were more encouraging displays against Leicester and Arsenal in the post-lockdown era.

Kane and Son will no doubt continue to pick up returns over the coming weeks but given that Spurs assets aren’t really stand-out captaincy options again until Gameweek 16, there will be plenty of us questioning our Tottenham double-ups and triple-ups.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Next six: SOU | ars | liv | AVL | CHE | bur

A Wolves attack already struggling for goals and quality chances will have their work cut out between now and New Year.

Home fixtures against Southampton and Aston Villa would have been appealing last season but those two in-form clubs sit fourth and sixth in the Premier League table at present.

They, along with Wolves themselves, have registered a joint-high four clean sheets in the opening eight Gameweeks of 2020/21.

Arsenal (Gameweek 8 aside) and Chelsea have also made big strides from a defensive perspective of late, with the Blues keeping clean sheets in three of their last five league games and the Gunners resolute until the Villa horror show.

At the other end of the pitch, five of Wolves’ next seven opponents are in the top seven for goals scored this season.

Max Kilman (£4.3m) et al will have to work a lot harder for their defensive returns, then, although the fact remains that no Premier League side has kept more clean sheets than Nuno Espirito Santo’s troops since the beginning of February.

FULHAM 

Sharp rescues blunt Blades as Mitrovic suffers nightmare outing

Next six: EVE | lei | mci | LIV | BHA | new

While the Gameweek 9 visit of an Everton side without a clean sheet in seven matches perhaps bodes well for Aleksandar Mitrovic (£5.7m) and Ademola Lookman (£5.0m), the truth of the matter is that Fulham have scored just seven goals in their opening eight games despite being top of our Season Ticker for ‘attack’ in that time.

There isn’t really a worse run of games over the next four Gameweeks than the one Fulham have to endure, even if Liverpool are shipping more goals than we’d expect and Manchester City aren’t scoring as many as anticipated.

There’s a bit of respite in mid-December but in truth, the poor run drags on even longer beyond that and, given that six of their seven goals and their only clean sheet came against sides also in the bottom six, the Cottagers have “avoid” written all over them.

BURNLEY

Next six: CRY | mci | EVE | ars | avl | WOL

While Fulham won’t be giving their upcoming opponents any nightmares, a streetwise Burnley side may be a tougher prospect.

The Clarets’ forthcoming fixture run, which includes meetings with attack-minded teams such as Manchester City, Everton and Aston Villa, is probably enough to deter fresh investment in the likes of Nick Pope (£5.4m), despite a decent-looking Gameweek 9 fixture against Crystal Palace.

Sean Dyche’s side could still have a big say in FPL matters, however, with their defence starting to look more like their old selves since the October international break.

We saw a free-scoring Spurs side struggle to break down their opponents at Turf Moor in Gameweek 6, while the Clarets have registered clean sheets in two of their last four games.


1,160 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I thought I was set on WC but now I am now stuck between these two options and it’s not easy and assumes Wilson is declared fit.

    A. Coufal Ziyech Jesus
    B. Cresswell KDB Wilson

    A. Has cash to get KDB for Bruno in GW 10 and a City attacking double up.

    B. Means having KDB and Bruno but just single City attack going forward and no Ziyech. No planned GW10 moves.

    1. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

    3. Scratch
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Think i'd opt for B with Coufal allowing more options moving forward

  2. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who will score more points from GW10 onwards?

    A) Jrod, Kane
    B) Sterling, Watkins

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No idea (honesty is the best policy).

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      That’s crazy difficult.
      B based on fixtures only.
      How long term are you thinking? Also you gotta be sure Sterling is fit.

    3. Jude Rooney
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

  3. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    KDB at 16.3% ownership? That's going to be >50% after the next 3 GWs.

    1. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not if he keeps missing penalties

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      not if he becomes injured

  4. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Salah -> Fernandes/Rashford (c) worth it for a -4?

    McCarthy.
    Justin, Ayling, Cancelo, Chilwell.
    Barkley, Grealish, Son.
    DCL, Jimenez, Kane.
    Button, Mitchell, Salah, Bissouma.
    0ft, 1.8m ITB. WC in hand still.

    1. aleksios
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes imo with Bruno.

  5. bigbudgie
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Ryan
    Chilwell Coufal Walker-P (Lewis Ferguson)
    Salah Mane Son Bowen (bissouma)
    Kane DCL Wilson

    Thoughts on this with 1 FT 0ITB? No idea about Wilson's fitness.

    Salah out to Chelsea mid the best move?

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I think KDB might be more important given the fixture but how good is Ziyech ...

      1. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Spurs away? Doesn't seem like a good fixture?

        1. Albrightondknight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          But after that ... good til Christmas

        2. Albrightondknight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          It’s not easy I am on WC and can’t have em all.
          For me I can’t have one of KDB Ziyech or Bruno and it’s driving me nuts 🙂

      2. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        KDB over Sterling you reckon?

        1. Albrightondknight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah I have had Sterling all season so far but want KDB now on WC. Pens for KDB and with Jesus back and Kun on the horizon Sterling may not be as good an option. But Sterling still more explosive potential.

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Salah to Bruno

  6. Cruyff's Eleven
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Do we expect any more COVID-19 or injury related news to come out of the international break, or is it safe to assume my team will be as is come Saturday?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Expect more.

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Why?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Covid doesn't care.

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Covid infections take a few days to show up as positive, so it may not show up yet in a test for those who caught it Tuesday or Wednesday.

      Very possible that some tested negatively recently may yet be positive

  7. De Gea is GOAT
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hey guys. Long shot i know but is there any chance of Mitchell starting this weekend?

      1. De Gea is GOAT
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks mate. Doesnt confirm much unfortunately :/

  8. KUN+10
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Salah, Saiss to Bruno and Digne for -4?

    1. Sandesh_
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yay

    2. aleksios
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes.

    3. KUN+10
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Thank you both

    4. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Would only do Bruno for the week tbh ; doing both prices you out of getting Salah back (I assume)

  9. aleksios
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Morning all.Best option here?
    1ft 0.9itb.

    --Martinez
    --Robbo--Chilwell--KWP--Lamptey
    --Grealish--JRod--Bruno
    --Kane--Bam--DCL

    --Nyland--Mitcell--Salah--Burke.

    a) Mitchell to Coufal.
    b) Salah to Mane/KDB.
    c) Save ft.

    Thanks all.

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I would do (a) just in case of any nasty surprises but (c) is also acceptable if you're not risk-averse.

  10. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What would recommend for this lot?

    A) Save FT
    B) Salah -> Mane
    C) Salah -> Bruno
    D) Something else

    McCarthy
    TAA, Bellerin, Zouma, Lamptey
    Son, Zaha, Barkley
    Kane(c), Jimenez, Antonio

    Steer, Holding, Bissouma, Salah
    Bank 0.0m, 1FT, WC available

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A atm.

    2. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C) leaves the exact cash for Son/Kane -> KDB/Vardy next week

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I wouldn’t lose Kane or the ability to get Salah back tbh

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C all day long

  11. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Dallas kwp saiss lamptey chilwell

    Choose 3 to start.

    1. Aubaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Chiwell kwp lamptey

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        This

        1. Letsgo!
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Why lamptey? I have martinez and grealish

          1. Bushwhacker
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Best chance of attacking returns

  12. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I hope I am not annoying ye too much with all the WC posts but this is the 352 version.
    I know the value to be had up front, but I really want these 5 mids.
    Also if City find form with those fixtures and Liverpool don’t do well with all the current problems then Mane to Sterling is an easy move.

    McCarthy

    Digne Cancelo Targett

    KDB Mane Bruno Ziyech Grealish

    DCL Watkins

    Forster Lamptey Bernardo (3.9) Brewster

    1. Scratch
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I mean, it looks a quality team but if ever there was a time to have a decent bench it's now with all the injuries and covid. The latter makes it more important than ever to have a playing backup gk.

      Considered Digne myself but went with Chilwell (on WC)

      No interest in Jota? I feel like he'll be a £9m forward this time next year

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Talk about hitting the nail on the head or even several nails 🙂
        Exactly the same doubts I am having about this team with the bench. I am telling myself Digne and DCL can go in 3 weeks for some bench upgrades and hope I survive til then.
        And Jota is the one I am considering if changing it.
        Here’s the crazy bit I could go
        Mane and Brewster to
        Jota and Jesus and upgrade McCarthy to Martinez and swap Targett as that’s 3 Villa.
        But surely that front 8 would be a massive headache even benching Watkins could backfire or maybe this is a solution with all the uncertainty right now?

        1. Scratch
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          If it means anything i'm on WC too, avoiding the front 8 headache and going with Riedewald for my 2 point bonanza if I ever go that far into my bench.

          The only decision i've left is whether to go for Jota and Werner or Ziyech and DCL.... or perhaps even just Jota & DCL and leave myself some breathing room money itb

          1. Albrightondknight
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Ziyech and DCL for now I think.

      2. Scratch
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Also this your wildcard, so you'll be stuck with Bernardo and Brewster heading into the busy schedule next month

        1. Albrightondknight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          So would go with Jota and Jesus?
          Also Balbuena - is he nailed as he would be the 4th defender as I would only have 4.4 left?
          It also lets me have Martinez and McCarthy in goal
          Thanks for all the advice.

          1. FC Hakkebøf
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Aguero soon to be fit. Stay away from Jesus

            1. Albrightondknight
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Ok got a way to allow for Sterling and KDB and going without Jesus.
              Mane to Jota allow this.
              Thanks.

          2. Scratch
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Isn't there promising news about Aguero? I wouldn't be considering Jesus he'd be very short term and wouldn't reap the full benefit of those fixtures

      3. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Oh and I had Chilwell and just with Digne for certainty of start until we hear more on Chilwell.

        1. Scratch
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          He was sub for England earlier today and it was only a back injury, as opposed to something niggly like a hammy or muscle injury.

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Looks like a Free Hit one week team rather than a WC team set up for the next 6 game weeks

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks I have been listening to the replies here and I am continuing to tweak it.

        Right now I have made changes as follows.
        I have Martinez and McCarthy
        Also I have got both Digne and Chilwell
        Jota is in for Mane which means I can have Sterling in an the expensive of Ziyech in GW10.
        Sterling should be a safer option than Jesus.
        The bench is still not great but acceptable

        McCarthy Coufal Brewster Bernardo

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          it’s a very difficult time to WC because of injuries, Covid & fixture swings

          I would consider McCarthy in a rotation with Ryan (or Meslier)

          Chillwell is a must, Lamptey & KWP rotate well, a City defender is a good idea and then a cheap final defender like Kilman etc, this would give a very solid defence and a bit of choice each week. I like Cresswell though too.

          Midfield and forwards is a nightmare and it’s tricky to split the premiums between both. I would probably go for DCL and two other from Antonio, Bamford, Watkins, Wilson etc.

          Then it’s how you set up your midfield and how many premiums Bruno, KdB, Mane, Son ? and how may mid priced players like James Rod,, Z, Grealish etc and if you go for a 4.5 / 5.0 fodder

          GL

          My WC team would be something like this with money in the bank to bring in Salah for any on the premiums depending upon fixtures week to week to line up City, Pool & Spurs against WBA/Fulham each week as necessary

          McC Ryan
          Chillwell, Dias, KWP, Lamptey, Kilman
          Bruno, Son, KdB, Z, Grealish
          Bamford, Watkins, DCL

          1. Albrightondknight
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Thanks pretty much everyone you mention there has been in one WC draft or another.
            JRod and Lamptey were two that we’re staying in my WC no matter what and even they have gone now. Just hope it’s doesn’t backfire too much.
            I think you consider form a bit more than I do for a WC. My WC is very fixture orientated and this year that might not be the way to go as form has certainly won over fixtures so far.

      2. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Just on the point of more like a FH than a WC. I am going triple City and Villa on the basis of long term fixtures.
        I appreciate Digne and DCL only have 3 good fixtures but surely they are worth a punt and then move them on?
        Two triple ups and a double up is a lot of eggs in one basket but 3 mil OR means I got to try something a bit different.

    3. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Everybody wants those 5 mids. At least I do. Slight concern on KDB who is not at his best atm

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Go to hope that fixtures create form and get ahead of the curve 🙂

      2. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        The way I am looking at it is as follows - when over the last few years would we not have doubled up on City attack with the fixtures they got ?
        They are too good not to get back in it again.

    4. zøphar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I had a very similar team. I think saints best defensive fixtures are past them , if you sort the ffs ticker all the way to gw 31 then saints are second bottom in terms of fixture difficulty

      I know lamptey gets a lot of love but I don't trust Brighton's defence at all , much rather coufal. Also would want kilman instead of Bernardo

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks heading towards the suggestions you have made.
        Probably made 4 or 5 changes since the original post.
        Mc Carthy and Lamptey are gone. I don’t love Wolves fixtures but will probably put Kilman in just to strengthen the bench.
        I like your double City defence
        But I will have KDB now and get Sterling in too for GW10 with cash left ITB for this.
        Also looking at leaving cash ITB to do Bruno to Salah when he is confirmed back.

  13. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Glad I did Salah => Bruno and saved 0.2

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'm glad for you too. Rest easy.

      1. Scratch
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Let us all rejoice in this gladness *raises cup* (can of heineken)

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Im ecstatic for you.

    3. Sloane426
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Enjoy the 3 pointer

      1. Lucky Z
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I will cap him. Six! 🙂

  14. white lightning
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Just after some advice please. I've already used my ft (Jimenez to Bamford) leaving 2.4m bank. Here's my team:

    Martinez, Steer
    Robertson, Chilwell, Lamptey, Justin, Mitchell
    Salah, Son, Grealish, Zaha, Burke
    Kane, DCL, Bamford

    With Salah out which option do you like:
    (a) keep Salah & let Justin sub in for him meaning no hit or
    (b) Salah out - Fernandes (c) in for a -4 hit or
    (c) keep Salah & Mitchell out - Coufal in & let Coufal sub in for him for a -4 hit

    Thoughts & thanks

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Probably A

    2. Scratch
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Depends on Salah news, doesn't seem unlikely he'll miss Brighton in which case KDB is a decent option alongside Bruno.

      1. white lightning
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah if I buy Bruno this gw I have the cash to go Son to KDB gw10. As you said though wait for Salah news & how many games he'll miss.

  15. ppv
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    According to Talksport Salah to miss next 3 games inc CL.

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Given he returned a second positive test that sounds likely.

    2. Offs!de
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Can you provide link, please?

  16. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    chances of wolves vs saints as 0-0?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      50%

    2. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      37%

    3. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      28.34%

  17. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Salah > bruno with the ft? Anything else worth a hit? Cheers.

    martinez
    robbo zouma kilman
    salah son ziyech grealish zaha
    kane dcl

    forster lamptey dallas Brewster

    1. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Nah looks good. You could play lamptey if you wanna bench salah for a week. Are you going to keep Bruno for Long term?

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Salah could be out for at least 2 gws so think he can go for now. Plan on keeping bruno till salah is back.

        1. Puntillimon
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I think that plan will work. All the best

          1. SpaceCadet
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Cheers bud

  18. Puntillimon
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How does this wc look?

    Martinez Forster
    Chilwell cancelo kilman coufal Dallas
    Kdb mane ziyech grealish riedewald
    Werner Watkins DCL

    Next GW move is werner to vardy

    1. Scratch
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Nice team. I would put Vardy in this week to save that Ft. Leicester better away from home, Liverpool without most of their defence and Vardy scores against big teams.

      1. Puntillimon
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I’m a pool fan... so nah 😛

        1. Scratch
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Liverpool fans generally are the most blinkered 😀 (apart from Newcastle fans)

          1. Puntillimon
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Haha yeah I just can’t do it. That said, Werner this week could still be gold

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      WC looks good. As a pool fan I can’t bring in Vardy either.
      I had a hard enough time getting Bruno in and putting the C on him.

  19. Offs!de
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    On WC. Which pair look good?
    a) Chilwell+Coufal
    b) Reece James + Dias/ Cancello?

    1. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A. Don’t want to be pissing your pants before team sheets each week

      1. Offs!de
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Ha ha.
        Isn't Dias nailed?

        1. Puntillimon
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I meant the James + cancelo double up. If Dias and James, I think it’ll be alright

          1. Salah’s Sonnet
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Cancelo is pretty much nailed though, and James i reckon has made that spot his.

            1. Jude Rooney
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Not sure Cancelo is nailed with Mendy back

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

      one choice has two nailed players without much of a challenge to their starting positions, the other does not ... don’t over think it 😉

      Cancelo is a right back out of position
      James/Azpil
      Cancelo/Mendy
      Dias nailed probably

    3. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

      1. Offs!de
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers mates!!!
        Thanks all.

  20. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    cresswell or digne?

    1. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Cresswell for long term and 1.0 cheaper

    2. Jude Rooney
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Cresswell on all set pieces, Digne no longer on them

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        This

  21. Jude Rooney
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What do you think of this WC team

    McCarthy Forster
    Chilwell Masuaku Lamptey Justin N Williams
    Mane KDB Bruno Barkley Soucek
    Werner DCL Adams

    Did it after a drink on Saturday night but surprisingly quite happy with it.

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Justin may be a sell soon, masuaku not nailed, Barkley is a sell, need Grealish, not loving DCL Adams every week

      1. Jude Rooney
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Why is Masuaku not nailed? Get your point on DCL and Adams although served me well so far any suggestions. Like the look of Barkley so far for Villa - on all set pieces too.

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          He sits when they change formation to accommodate Benrahma, which should be happening more and more moving forward

          1. Jude Rooney
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Not sure he'll change formation but you could be right. Looking at his 2 spells in charge Arthur has played every week he clearly likes him.

            1. The Suspended One
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              It’s been the attacking sub they make lately; I like his stats a lot but I’d be surprised if he keeps the £30m new boy out of the team

              1. Jude Rooney
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 4 months ago

                Yeah but 89 mins

                1. The Suspended One
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 4 months ago

                  Yeah but only a little rotation will make you regret not taking coufal, coufal has bps oriented game also, matsuaku relies on the successful dribbles for a lot of his bps

                  1. Jude Rooney
                    • 11 Years
                    3 years, 4 months ago

                    Definitely a consideration

        2. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I prefer Bamford at striker and Grealish is far superior value imo. Barkley scores the odd goal but can drop and play the 8 quite a bit and his set pieces are trash. No idea why he’d take anything over Grealish

          1. Jude Rooney
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Neither do I but for some reason Grealish no longer takes them for club or country. Grealish is obviously the better pick but where do I find the extra cash? Based on your earlier comments perhaps DCL to Bamford

            1. The Suspended One
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              I’d prefer Jota if you don’t want to rip it up, just downgrade justin

              I was afraid not to own Grealish at that price and value. He was great for me last year too. DCL is a tough call though. Go with your gut

              1. Jude Rooney
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 4 months ago

                Great talking to you - thanks mate

                1. The Suspended One
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 4 months ago

                  Likewise cheers

  22. The Suspended One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    WC?

    Already did Foden -> Grealish

    Still have Mitchell, Saiss, Pulisic, Salah, Wilson. Bissouma 8th attacker.

    Was going to go Saiss, Salah, Pulisic for KDB, Bruno, Coufal, but it’s -12...

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      WC

    2. Jude Rooney
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      WC

    3. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Is there any injury news on Wilson?

  23. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    My defence is: Chilwell, Lamptey, Saiss, Kilman, Mitchell.

    Will I get 3 out this week or is it worth doing Mitchell/Saiss to Cancelo/WHM/AVL?

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I’m doing Saiss to coufal

      1. Over Midwicket
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah decent. I'd go for a long-term Cancelo though. West Ham's fixtures turn a bit iffy after SHU

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Do they though? United and Chelsea only tough fixtures in next 12

    2. Offs!de
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I think, you'll get three; either Kilman or Saiis gonna play

      1. Over Midwicket
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks

  24. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Salah to KDB or Bruno?

    Ryan Button
    Robbo Chillwell Lamptey Dallas Ferguson
    Salah Rashford soucek grealish ziyech
    DCL Kane Brewster

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kev

    2. Jude Rooney
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      KDB as you have Rashford

  25. zøphar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Did a bit of a WC rejig after salahs second test

    Martinez / Peacock-farrell
    Cancelo Dias Chilwell Coufal Kilman
    Fernandes kdb grealish ziyech bissouma
    Vardy DCL Watkins

    0.3 itb , plan is to downgrade DCL after the Leeds / Burnley fixture to bamford and upgrade Bruno to Salah .
    I just think city are nailed to get 5 cs out of next 7, kilman can cover one defender when they have spurs and united. Not going to want a second city attacker with all of peps rotation

    1. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Love the Cancelo-Dias partnership, high value there surely.

      Vardy is so tempting!

      1. Jude Rooney
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Vardy's stats without penalties this season are pathetic

        1. zøphar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Theyre not really that bad , he's fourth or fifth for non pen xg last four and two of those games were against wolves and arsenal

          1. Jude Rooney
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Must have picked up a bit since last time I looked then. Saying that not a fan of xg

            1. zøphar
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              So hes fifth for shots in the box and non penalty expected goals. Again keep in mind the opposition included villa wolves and arsenal

              1. Jude Rooney
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 4 months ago

                Very frustrating player to own at times, although he served me well last season. Can look totally out of the game and still get a haul

              2. The Suspended One
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 4 months ago

                Amazing stats by Vardy standards; look away and start the man

    2. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Love that double City backline. I might follow you on it. But Killman may not play this weekend.

      1. zøphar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I just looked at the next seven and teams like Newcastle, west Brom, Fulham and Burnley aren't really going to test that backline. Getting otamendi vibes from Dias , city should have a lot of set pieces there too . Whenever I have to rotate the third defender from the smaller teams I seem to get it wrong

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Arise, Sir Zophar!

    4. svnkmr
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hello Zophar. Would you consider owning Alex Telles over Ruben Dias?

  26. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I can’t understand how there are other wildcarders going without Vardy. Against a third/fourth string liverpool backline, and with Fulham home the week after. He’a shown in the past his pedigree. You’ll want him in next gameweek he scores against Liverpool.

    1. Jude Rooney
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Werner the better pick now he is on pens

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Because as per the reply on the last post just above his stats without pens are pathetic and anyone who thinks pool will take a hiding just cause they need to field a weaken team also needs to think again.

      1. DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        You’re getting a little defensive 🙂 West Ham, Sheffield United, Arsenal and Leeds have all travelled to Anfield and scored. 1 clean sheet in 8, i fully expect this trend to continue against what i expect, a backline of potentially Milner, Matip, Phillips, Robertson. Even if Fabinho starts, its not a good look. Im a Pool fan for what it’s worth and i have 0 faith in clean sheets. We will adopt a ‘we will score more than you’ mentality.

        1. Jude Rooney
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Any chance of Neco starting above Milner? On WC and he'd be a snip at 3.9

          1. DAZZ
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            I heard Neco hurt his foot in our preparation against Finland, its why he was on the bench, but if it was serious I imagine he’d be out the squad. For what its worth i dont rate him at all, i have more faith in milner.

    3. zøphar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      So kdb played 90 mins for Belgium yesterday. He's obviously going to start Vs spurs as well. Midweek win would see them clinch qualification and maybe even top spot so I would expect a UCL start too. Then they play Burnley on Saturday, I expect kdb to possibly get benched or play 60 mins tops in that , which makes me want to captain vardy against Fulham , not kdb. That's the appeal of vardy for me . Fernandes vardy kdb gives you captains against wba ful ful then Salah in gives you Fulham again

      1. DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I agree on all these points man. It’s easy saying he’s a penalty merchant, but his history speaks for itself in my opinion. He has scored in 3 games in a row and we all know when Vardy gets hot, he’s hot. If he goes on a streak he does well, very streaky player.

    4. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'm considering Methuselah Vardy against excreble Fulham.

  27. jai1212
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A. Son / Jimenez >> Rash / Richarlison
    B. Son /Robertson >> Rash / Cancelo or Telles

  28. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A or B?

    A) Zaha and Werner (343)
    B) Ziyech and Rashford (352)

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Go down the Wernhole

  29. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Already done my 2 FTs, good to go here?

    Ryan
    Lamptey Robbo Chillwell
    Ziyech(c) Rash Soucek KDB Grealish
    Kane DCL

    Button, Dallas, Brewster, Ferguson

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes it is - for the moment

      1. tibollom
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thank you sir, what exactly do you mean?

        1. The Knights Template
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          It means we live in unpredictable times.

  30. Esalman
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How's this for a WC squad?

    McCarthy Ryan
    Lamptey KWP Chilwell Justin Coufal
    Jota KDB Bruno Grealish Ziyech
    Werner Richarlison Brewster

    1. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Jota is punty, Werner v Vardy is a tossup for me.

      1. Esalman
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers!

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Like mine better

      1. Esalman
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I like it too!

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good.