Frisking the Fixtures

How much rest will Premier League teams get over Christmas this season?

Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester City have the most gruelling festive fixture schedule in the Premier League this season.

That’s because the three clubs are set for a higher frequency of shorter rest times between matches compared to the rest of the division.

Now the Premier League has revealed the December television schedule, we can analyse the gaps between each Gameweek in more detail.

That includes measuring the distance between each team’s fixtures, so we can assess who will be the most and least likely to rotate during the Christmas rush.

Site regular and moderator Legomané has put together the FPL Matrix to visualise this information and help with our winter planning, which you can see below.

In order to assess the FPL implications of these fixtures, we have created three festive categories in which to place the teams.

  • The Ebenezer Scrooge category: Teams with the shortest rest periods and those working the most over Christmas. Bah humbug.
  • The John McClane category: Teams with medium rest periods. Things are quite balanced here. Yes, their situation is not ideal but, deep down, they put on a brave face and enjoy the relentless destruction for what it is.
  • The Buddy the Elf category: Teams with the longest rest periods, those who treat every day like it’s Christmas and stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup.

Accordingly, this article starts with assets to be wary of in terms of rotation, before finishing with the more reliable starters.

THE SCROOGES

Arsenal

Arsenal: RAP | tot | dun | BUR | SOU | eve | MCI | CHE | bha

No team will suffer a harder test than Arsenal during the Christmas period as they face no fewer than nine fixtures between December 1 and December 29.

It is the Thursday nights that will haunt the Gunners like the Marley brothers, as it means they face rest periods of just two days on SIX occasions.

Every team will have tough turnarounds between Gameweeks 12 and 14 but Mikel Arteta’s men don’t get much time to prepare for the Christmas Past or Christmas Yet to Come either side of that run.

There are just two days between a trip to Dundalk on December and a hosting Burnley the following Sunday.

And just two days after travelling to Everton on December 19, Arsenal host Manchester City in the EFL Cup quarter-final.

Thankfully, Arteta’s men are playing so poorly at both ends of the pitch that whatever rotation comes their way, it should not affect our Fantasy teams too much.

Tottenham Hotspur

The FPL impact of Reguilón's benching on Kane and Son

Spurs: las | ARS | ANT | cry | liv | LEI | stk | wol | FUL

While our love is gone for the Gunners, Fantasy managers still hold a torch for Harry Kane (£10.9m) and Son Heung-min (£9.5m).

They have been dealt a similar deal to Arsenal, and we can expect Spurs to be working harder than a young Ebenezer Scrooge during Fozziwig’s rubber chicken factory Christmas party.

Their festive schedule is also chained up with Thursday-night commitments, making for five different occasions where Jose Mourinho will have just two days to prepare for the next game.

While Kane and Son are usually relatively rotation proof for the Premier League matches, assets such as Sergio Reguilón (£5.6m) and Gareth Bale (£9.5m) might be the main assets at risk.

But the Premier League games Spurs must play are challenging indeed, sitting third-bottom on the Season Ticker between Gameweeks 11 and 15.

Manchester United

Man United: PSG | whu | lpz | MCI | shu | LEE | eve | lei | WOL

The beginning and end of Manchester United’s Christmas journey looks the most difficult, as they face two-day rests between facing PSG, West Ham and Leipzig.

Then between Gameweek 13 and 16, it’s another gruelling run of two-day gaps between Sheffield United, Leeds, Everton, Leicester and Wolves.

In total, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men face six two-day gaps during this period which could seriously test Bruno Fernandes‘ (£10.9m) run of starts.

The presence of Donny van de Beek (£6.7m) may become more important during this run, while Edinson Cavani (£8.0m) and Anthony Martial (£8.7m) are sure to split centre-forward duties too.

With a few stand-in options on the flanks, Marcus Rashford (£9.5m) may even find himself deployed up-front in order to rest Cavani and Martial.

Manchester City

Man City: por | FUL | MAR | mun | WBA | sou | ars | NEW | eve

Pep Guardiola is unlikely to have much sympathy for Fantasy managers trying to guess his Christmas team selections. 

‘Are there no poor houses?’ he’ll ask nonchalantly, upon watching the FPL community descend into decay at yet further benching for Raheem Sterling (£11.4m).

At no stage during the festive run will Manchester City get more than three days to rest ahead of a game and, while they get fewer two-day gaps than their city rivals (three), they must contend with just one day between the Gameweek 15 home clash with Newcastle and the Gameweek 16 trip to Everton.

Looking at their schedule is like staring into the formless face of the ghost of Christmas Yet to Come for owners of João Cancelo (£5.6m) and Riyad Mahrez (£8.3m).

Considering Manchester City rotate considerably anyway, their hectic schedule is sure to place more emphasis on the Bob Cratchetts in their team, reliable starters such as Kevin De Bruyne (£11.7m) and Rúben Dias (£5.6m). 

After all, the Citizens are top of the Season Ticker between Gameweeks 11 and 16.

Leicester City

Leicester: zor | shu | AEK | BHA | EVE | tot | MUN | cry

Leicester are another team who follow up three two-day gaps with a one-day rest period between Gameweeks 15 and 16.

They face Manchester United (home) and Crystal Palace (away) in those matches, a run in which it would be hard to predict two starts for the veteran Jamie Vardy (£10.2m).

It is the European fixtures that put the spanner into the works for the Foxes, although considering Vardy appears to be the only one trusted with hefty ownership right now, the knock-on effect may only be on Harvey Barnes (£6.9m) owners, who have already felt the effects of Christmas rotation in Gameweek 10.

More than ever, Brendan Rodgers could do with having Tiny Timothy Castagne (£5.7m) back fit to help the cause.

Chelsea

Wasteful Werner shows promising signs for FPL owners

Chelsea: sev | LEE | KRA | eve | wol | WHU | ars | AVL

It’s the start of December that looks the most challenging for Chelsea as they face three two-day rests and one three-day turnaround between their Champions League trip to Sevilla and a Gameweek 13 trip to Wolves.

Then they get five days and four days sandwiched between Gameweeks 13, 14 and 15 thanks to their elimination from the EFL Cup – but then it’s just one day in the middle of facing Arsenal (away) and Aston Villa (home).

Christian Pulisic (£8.2m) is back in the fold now so Timo Werner‘s (£9.5m) minutes could be managed while Olivier Giroud (£6.7m) is sure to surface to provide rest for Tammy Abraham (£7.2m)

Frank Lampard certainly has the option to rotate Reece James (£5.1m) and Ben Chilwell (£6.2m) if he so chooses, while even Kurt Zouma (£5.5m) and Thiago Silva (£5.5m) have dropped in and out of the side this year. 

Considering Chelsea sit rather uninspiringly in the middle of the Season Ticker between Gameweeks 11 and 16, there might only be one more sleep until Fantasy managers start dismantling their triple-ups.

Liverpool

Liverpool: AJX | WOL | mid | ful | TOT | cry | WBA | new

Liverpool squeeze their way into football’s version of the Christmas Carol, making a Beaker-esque cameo appearance.

That’s mainly because of the sheer number of fixtures they face. Unlike many others in this category, they have a five-day wait between fixtures against Crystal Palace (away) and West Bromwich Albion (home) in Gameweeks 14 and 15 respectively and there are four days between a Tuesday meeting with Ajax and Wolves’ Gameweek 11 trip to Anfield.

However, there’s still a lot on Liverpool’s plate across the whole period, their eight fixtures only eclipsed by the north London and Manchester clubs. And, of course, the injuries continue to pile up at Anfield.

THE MCCLANES

Everton and Newcastle

Does early FPL team news really provide an advantage?

Everton: bur | CHE | lei | ARS | MUN | shu | MCI

Newcastle: avl | WBA | lee | FUL | brt | mci | LIV

Everton and Newcastle’s involvement in the EFL Cup is the reason for their rather middling schedule. The two clubs might think twice about scaling such a tall building (in this case, a cup-run) again at this rate.

They each have two two-day gaps while Everton have just one day between Sheffield United (away) and Manchester City (home). While the former looks a nice fixture, will Carlo Ancelotti want to waste his best team on that with Guardiola’s men to come? All things equal, they’d probably rather be in Philadelphia.

As for difficulty, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.9m) owners might want to consider using the emergency channel – provided it doesn’t sound like they’re ordering a pizza. Across Everton face Chelsea (home), Leicester (away), Arsenal (home) and Manchester City (home) between Gameweeks 12 and 16, putting them fourth-bottom of the Season Ticker for December. 

Meanwhile, the Magpies can probably enjoy a trip to the coast, get together and have a few laughs. Despite the turnaround of that Cup tie, they still face West Bromwich Albion, Leeds and Fulham between Gameweeks 12 and 14, favourable fixtures indeed.

Palace and Southampton

Crystal Palace: wba | TOT | whu | LIV | avl | LEI

Southampton: bha | SHU | ars | MCI | ful | WHU

Southampton and Crystal Palace might feel like they’ve been invited to a Christmas party by mistake this year.

Their gaps at the start and the end of the month are relatively favourable but in the middle of December resembles crawling through the vents of a terrorist-infested skyscraper.

Two days after hosting Southampton, Che Adams (£5.9m) and Alex McCarthy (£4.6m) will visit Arsenal and two days after that Manchester City visit the Etihad Stadium. 

The fact that the Saints’ goalkeeper has played a starring role in recent weeks could be exceptionally pertinent over Christmas with tough fixtures and rotation threat.

Meanwhile, Gameweeks 12 to 14 pit Crystal Palace against Spurs (home), West Ham (away) and Liverpool (home), each fixture two days from the last.

Provided Wilfried Zaha (£7.3m) is back to his best at that point, he could be the only outfield player likely to feature significantly as Roy Hodgson has options to cover central midfield, the wingers and most positions in the back-four.

Brighton and Burnley

Brighton: SOU | lei | ful | SHU | whu | ARS

Burnley: EVE | ars | avl | WOL | lee SHU

Brighton and Burnley have similar rest periods during December, each facing just one day between Gameweeks 15 and 16 while they are both afforded two five-day gaps between fixtures earlier in the month.

However, the Seagulls have a better deal when it comes to the difficulty of these fixtures, a Gameweek 12 trip to Leicester the only fly in the ointment.

They face Fulham, Sheffield United and West Ham between Gameweeks 12 and 14 and, based on his eye test and an injury to Neal Maupay (£6.3m), we could be saying “welcome to the party, pal” to Danny Welbeck (£5.5m).

Burnley have hardly inspired Fantasy ownership in a big way this season so festive meetings with Arsenal (away), Aston Villa (away) and Wolves (home) are unlikely to change that any time soon.

Fulham and Sheffield United

Fulham: mci | LIV | BHA | new | SOU | tot

Sheff Utd: LEI | sou | MUN | bha | EVE | bur

Fulham and Sheffield United were close to trading Nakatomi Plaza for the north pole with their relatively kind rest periods on offer.

However, it looks as if they’re stuck with Argyle for a chauffeur as their tough fixtures keep them in the world of Die Hard in December.

Fulham, who have an eight-day gap between Gameweeks 11 and 12 must also endure meetings with Manchester City (away) and Liverpool (home) respectively while the Blades face Leicester, Southampton, Manchester United and Everton.

THE BUDDIES

West Ham United

West Ham: MUN | lee | CRY | che | BHA | sou

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud about West Ham’s festive schedule for all to hear.

No Premier League team can offer as much rest as the Hammers this December, afforded two five-day rest periods and two four-day gaps to boot.

If Michail Antonio (£6.2m) can regain his full fitness soon, he looks as nailed-on as any asset during Christmas while defensive options such as Arthur Masuaku (£4.5m), Vladimir Coufal (£4.6m) and Aaron Cresswell (£5.2m) will bring comfort to their owners based on this run.

The fixtures themselves are a little mixed, especially when going up against Manchester United (Gameweek 11) and Chelsea (Gameweek 14).

However, facing Leeds (away), Crystal Palace (home), Brighton (home) and Southampton (away) could be as fun as pelting teenage kids with snowballs in Central Park.

Leeds United

 1

Leeds: che | WHU | NEW | mun | BUR | wba

Leeds certainly weren’t on the naughty list this year as their Christmas looks as tasty as the world’s best cup of coffee.

Two five-day gaps, one four-day and one three-day rest period is helpful enough, before we consider how dedicated Marcelo Bielsa is to his first-team players.

While the formations and shapes often fluctuate at Leeds, their manager rarely makes changes to the personnel involved, if he can help it.

Kalvin Phillips‘ (£4.9m) return from injury has boosted the defensive potential of Illan Meslier (£4.5m), Stuart Dallas (£4.5m) and Luke Ayling (£4.5m) while Patrick Bamford‘s (£6.1m) league form surely make a benching unlikely during the festivities.

Wolves

Wolves: liv | AVL | CHE | bur | TOT | mun

Wolves have the honour of being the only Premier League team afforded THREE periods of five-day resting this year.

That certainly goes a long way to boosting the likes of Pedro Neto (£5.6m) and Max Kilman (£4.3m), provided the latter can reclaim his place.

But, son of a nutcracker, do the fixtures themselves look difficult. To say the run itself is kind to Nuno Espirito Santo’s men would be to sit on a throne of lies.

Between Gameweeks 11 and 16, Wolves sit bottom of the Season Ticker, as they face Liverpool (away), Chelsea (home), Spurs (home) and Manchester United (away).

Aston Villa

Aston Villa: NEW* | wol | BUR | wba | CRY | che

Following the postponement of Aston Villa’s Gameweek 11 meeting with Newcastle, there is a lot up in the air about their Christmas schedule.

On the surface, it looks promising, even if they were to face the Magpies at the back-end of Gameweek 11. The Villains would still be handed one five-day rest period and another lasting four days.

Although, until things are confirmed, I would feel like a cotton-headed ninny muggins by handing out too much Villa advice.

Either way, Jack Grealish (£7.7m) is an immovable object in the Villa team at the best of times so his place in our teams looks relatively locked in for Christmas.

Ollie Watkins (£6.1m) has not faced much competition for his place this season but, as the fixtures take their toll on squad fitness, Dean Smith could be tempted to use the recovering Keinan Davis (£4.3m) or Wesley (£6.0m) if they can get in time.

West Bromwich Albion

West Brom: CRY | new | mci | AVL | liv | LEE

Two five-day rest period and one four-day is a relatively sweet deal for West Bromwich Albion.

However, the task that awaits the Baggies is akin to convincing a hard-nosed New York book publisher that an elf-like man-child is his son.

The Baggies sit second-bottom on the Season Ticker during this period, as they face Manchester City and Liverpool between Gameweeks 13 and 15, as well as a derby encounter with Aston Villa in between.

1,662 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Ziyech to Jota going to be a popular move next week I guess?

    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Indeed it is mate. Can you respond to my post below please

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

      I think people are making too much of Fulham’s form ; they were good the other night and its not like its at Anfield...

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        City hit Burnley for 5 in their last 4 visits and it was not at Anfield.
        I expect atleast 4 against Fulham

  2. borispkpk
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    1FT 3.6ITB
    Martinez
    Robertson Chilwell Coufal
    Salah Son Grealish Jota
    Kane DCL Watkins

    Froster Justin, Riedewald, Branthwaite

    a. Riedewald + Watkins > Mahrez + Brewster (-4)
    b. Riedewald + Robb > Mahrez + Dallas (-4)
    c. Riedewald + Watkins + Robb > KDB + Dallas + Brewster (-8)
    d. other suggestion

    1. borispkpk
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      any suggestion?

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

      Wouldn’t take a hit personally; Grealish to Mahrez if KDB is too expensive and hope Pep roulette doesn’t kill you!

      1. borispkpk
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Greslish lock up too many value, i think is hard to get him back if he is going to play the dgw.

        dont want to take hit too, but a bit risky go without ManC players. -4 get Mahrez may be better, but a bit concern on Pep roulette,

        1. Weeb Kakashi
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          You know when the dgw is?

          1. borispkpk
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            of coz we dont know. But I dont think he is not going to drop over 0.2 before the dgw. And he perform so well this season. not worth to take him out for 1 week

  3. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Best defender out of the following for gameweeks 12 to 15-

    A. Lewis (WBA, lee, FUL, mci)
    B. Taylor (ars, avl, WOL, lee)
    C. Alioski/Cooper (WHU, NEW, mun, BUR)
    D. Balbuena (lee, CRY, che,BHA)

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

      1. Vazza
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks. I like the Taylor pick but don’t really like his upcoming fixtures

    2. borispkpk
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      i like Alioski

      1. Vazza
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        He is not nailed though. He could definitely miss a game or two over the Christmas period.

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm on Taylor but Burnley only have 3 clean sheets but generally improving.

      I think Pope is the Burnley man for bonus save points.

      Leeds keeping 2 clean sheets surprised me because they looked wide open for 4.3 games!

      1. Vazza
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks mate. So what’s your overall verdict? Who should I go for out of these lot?

    4. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Leeds highest chance of CSs in the next 4

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

        Lol

  4. ol3andre
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who would you bench out of

    Coufal (MAN UTD H)
    Podence (LIV A)
    Burke (LEI H)

    Will Burke even get another start?

  5. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Bottomed. Which option out of these folks? 1ft, 1m itb.

    a. Grealish > Mahrez
    b. Grealish > Jota
    c. Forster > Mccarthy
    d. save

    Martinez
    Robbo zouma lamptey Dallas
    Kdb Bruno son soucek
    Vardy dcl

    Forster kilman brewster grealish

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

      B if you’re going to keep him for Fulham

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

        Want jota for gw12 but mahrez for gw11. Not sure what to do.

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

          Do that then I guess!

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

            But also want salah for gw12 🙂

            Cheers, need to plan this better.

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

      D

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

        Cheers

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

      save

    5. West End Exile
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      D efinitely

  6. steven8991
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who to captain?
    A. Mahrez
    B. Son
    C. Bruno
    D. Kane
    E. Vardy

    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      C

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

      If no KDB then C is probably the least of a gamble ; got away with it at Southampton though, not sure he’ll get any room at West Ham

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

      E

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

      not Son. the rest depends on how much of a differential you want

  7. Fergiesarmy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Grealish and Salah to Mahrez and KDB for free
    Or
    Salah and Wilson to KDB and Jesus?

    I would most likely do KDB back to salah following week but I am OK with that

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

      I guess right now I’d be happier with Mahrez than Jesus but Pep roulette means you’d want to shift them both back after.

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

        And Salah playing Fulham.

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

      nah

  8. S3
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Rash to Fernandes for a hit?

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

      Yes I would

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

      Nah

  9. Puntillimon
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Villa Newcastle not postponing to later this GW I suppose?

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

      No word but I also don’t know if we should expect an announcement pre-deadline or not

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

        Bird is the word.

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

      I would think it would have been announced already if it were possible

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

        22nd or 23rd is free for both teams and more likely ; depending on testing.

    3. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Highly unlikely as the Newcastle training ground is now closed until Monday earliest. It's quite conceivable that the WBA game will be postponed as well.

  10. philosopherking
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who's the best long term set and forget keeper? Had been wanting to move Martinez on for some time now and the postponement offers a good opportunity for the same.

    Mendy could be an option, though I already have Chillwell and was thinking of doubling up with James. Also, no baps and needs to make very few saves.

    How about Fabianski or Lloris? I'd certainly like some Spurs defensive cover in the long run, with Mou at the helm.

    Johnstone and Meslier are cheaper options, but with far lower cs potential.

    Mccarthy is also in the mix.

    Would appreciate your thoughts.

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

      Fabianski or McCarthy I'd imagine

    2. philosopherking
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Current defense

      Martinez Forster
      PvA Chillwell Cresswell Dallas Mitchell

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        McCarthy would give you set N forget Southampton GK

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

      Mac

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

      Hard to name a keeper with CS potential... tbh

    5. kobewan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      McCarthy Saints defense looks solid after the 1st few Gw

    6. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Johnstone. But really you want Johnstone WITH Martinez for now because Villa will likely have at least one DGW by end January, maybe two. After that you can downgrade Martinez to Button and have a minimal GK spend and a guaranteed GK every week.

      1. philosopherking
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Interesting advice. The 2 rotate fairly well too. Just not very sure about the cs potential of either.

        How much importance do you give to cs potential vs save potential when making keeper decisions? For instance, Johnstone offers pretty high save potential but fairly low cs potential. There's also the possibility of West Brom conceding 2 or more goals on occasion. Would you still prefer Johnstone?

          1. philosopherking
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Very logical points, especially the one about 10 point clean sheets, hence needing just half the number. Have gone ahead with Forster to Johnstone. Let's see how it plays out. Thanks.

    7. philosopherking
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks all. Guess many would suggest Mccarthy. Not much love for Lloris, it seems. Was thinking of him since I've got a lot of points from Mourinho keepers in the past, especially when he's in the 'park the bus mood', which I feel he is now

    8. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I think I’m going Ederson. Expensive, but he’s the only secure route into a run when City look set got a clean sheet every other game

    9. West End Exile
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      McCarthy

  11. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A. Jota
    B. Mahres

    1. Bamford
    2. Adams

    1. borispkpk
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A. if you have KDB.
      B. if you have Salah

      1

      1. Bggz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        this

    2. petergriff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I have a similar dilemma with A v B.

      But I think Bamford is much better than Adams

    3. philosopherking
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Mahrez for this week. Jota long term.
      Bamford.

  12. Amey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Would you sell Vardy or DCL this GW ?

    Selling Vardy can give extra cash to upgrade Ferguson to Chilwell (-4)

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

      Neither ; but Vardy has the better fixtures short term

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks.
        It's to fund KDB actually.
        Let's see....
        Might just sell Watkins instead and stay happy with Mahrez instead of KDB

    2. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I wouldn’t. Vardy could smash it in his next two. I think Ferguson’s back training again as well. Not to say he’s close to a return, however.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        It's to fund Son to KDB actually.
        If I avoid doing that (getting a City attacker can © Bruno)
        AND
        Watkins Soucek >> Silva(Wolves) Jota

        Hmm. Lots of decisions 😆

        Thanks mate.

        1. Rasping Drive
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Yes, it’s not an easy decision at all. I took a hit myself to bring in KDB for Son this week. I just think he’s the best captaincy option by some distance, and I can see myself captaining him several times in the short term.

          Bruno is also a great shout for the armband, I just think KDB’s ceiling is higher. Whether it turns out to be 4 points higher, we shall see!

          Are you sure Silva will start? He doesn’t look ready, at least not from what I’ve seen. Nuno did spend 35m on him, but I think he looks at him as “the future”. Maybe more chance of Traoré starting up top?

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            I agree. No point in acting smart here. Getting KDB looks most important call this GW Isn't it.

            I'd need 1.6m though.

            Vardy DCL looks like only cash cows i have

            1. Rasping Drive
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              If I were in your position, I would consider sacrificing DCL. Burnley away won’t be easy, and thereafter Everton’s fixtures really take a turn for the worse. Digne out won’t help him at all, either. Perhaps you’ll be able to afford someone like Bamford in his place?

              1. Amey
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 3 months ago

                Aye.
                DCL Son>> Bamford KDB was the plan before the postponement of Villa game.
                I think i should go ahead of that only.

                Thanks mate. Appreciated 🙂

                1. Rasping Drive
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 3 months ago

                  Pleasure, Amey. Good luck.

    3. philosopherking
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Depends on who you'd be buying and what the other move would be. If it's only for Ferguson to Chillwell, I wouldn't. I'm myself selling Vardy next week to fund Salah, though.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        It's for Son to KDB.
        Both would be sold for Bamford (Vardy or DCL)

        1. philosopherking
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Tough situation. Kdb is pretty close to a must have this gw. Dcl better option to move on than Vardy , I suppose. Don't expect much from Bamford this week, though.

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Thanks mate

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

      not this week, the fixtures are too good.

      I will sell Vardy next week to get Salah

      DCL nope wouldn’t sell him at all ... I bought DCL for 7.0 and can’t see me selling him - only Son, Salah, Fernandes & Kane have outscored him in the game, has returns in 8 out of 10 games and I can’t see any other player that gives that value & consistency ... plus he has over 60 % ownership and will kill you if he hauls

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks mate !
        DCL ownership is haunting yeah 😀

        Hopefully someone gets NA this GW so that my decision will be easier.

    5. West End Exile
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'd hold both for now but move one on next week - probably Vardy.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks

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

    B2 this week ; A1 the following ... but Adams has the better fixtures over the two weeks

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

    What to do here please:

    Martinez*

    James / Chilwell / Lamptey

    KdB(c) / Fernandes / Hamez / Burke*

    DCL / Bamford / Vardy

    Bench: Steer* / Kilman / Mitchell* / Grealish*

    1FT, £2.6m ITB

    A: Hames>Mahrez
    B: Hames>Jota
    C: Steer>McCarthy
    D: do A and C for -4
    E: do B and C for -4
    F: something else

    So obviously a few rotation risks and likely no GK. Mahrez seems good for this week but not so much next but then WBA afterwards looks good. Jota good for next 2 weeks, worried he may be benched vs his old club but his value is great.

    I’ll probably do KdB>Salah(c) next week and then reverse it the week after.

    1. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Mitchell to a Leeds def to get 11 otp?

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

        Thanks.

        You wouldn’t prioritise a gk transfer given I almost certainly won’t have a playing gk?

        I.e. if kilman and Burke show up (Wolves hopefully revert to back 3 and Burke played 70 mins last week) I should have 11 outfield players

        1. Bggz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          depends how you feel about kilman and burke. mitchell to leeds is a long term move you'll (hopefully) be happy with for several weeks. southampton only have one CS away this season

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

            Thanks again. Yep fair point on Mitchell. Would rather wait to hear the blank and doubles before deciding who to bring in, I have no WC.

            Hmm good stat on McCarthy. He’s in my head as I swapped him for Martinez GW2 and McCarthy has outscored him by 10ish points. The last 3 BHAvSOT fixtures have ended 0-1 too.

      2. West End Exile
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Spot on!

  15. Bggz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    2FT
    0.0 ITB

    I need a 4m Def for Mitchell ... just for this GW ... to allow me to keep wilson, watkins and grealish.

    Who is most likely to start?

    1. Kean Bryan (shef)
    2. Williams (liv)
    3. Phillips (liv)
    4. ??

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Wait for Carlo’s presser. Perhaps he will give you Nkounkou as an esrly Christmas present.

  16. steven8991
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A. Ziyech>Mahrez for 1FT,
    B. Ziyech>KDB (C), Son>Neto/JWP for -4
    C. Ziyech>KDB (C), Vardy>Adams/Bamford/Adams/Antonio
    D. Ziyech>KDB (C), Kane>Adams/Bamford/Adams/Antonio

    Front 8 are:
    Son Ziyech Bruno Bissouma Anguiisa
    Vardy DCL Kane

    1. steven8991
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      option C and D also for -4

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

        All a bit risky, but I prefer B

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

      only A

  17. ExpressoMySonny
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone considering Raphinia?

    1. ExpressoMySonny
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Raphinha

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

      Can't find a place for him with the "Power 4" midfield looking to be employed but he looks great value, hearing amazing things about him.

      1. ExpressoMySonny
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I agree with the midfield set up I am thinking of doing the same. I think I can snap him up in my draft and just think he's too good to pass up especially when leeds are so attacking.

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

          Go for it.

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

    Is the obvious move to play Villa assets in case the march is postponed within the GW and if not then autosubs come in?

    1. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      cant hurt

    2. petergriff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      That’s what I’m thinking

    3. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes. At least you should get a bit of a rank boost come Monday night.

    4. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      The game is not happening mate.
      No chance.
      Newcastle next game in doubt too

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

        That's not what I said.

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

    Hey guys. Anything worth a hit here?

    Upgraded Dunne to James but i feel like i should've grabbed Mahrez instead. 0.4ITB

    Ryan
    James Robbo Chilwell
    Grealish (K)DB Bruno Bowen
    DCL Bamford Kane

    Taylor Mitchell Alzate

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

      G2G I think

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

        Thanks mate

  20. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Cancelo owners, what is ur plan?

    1. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      only got him in last week, going to give him at least one more

    2. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Bought him last week, selling again this week

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

      Just sold him for Reece Hamez. Can't be arsed.

  21. Bggz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Team what de we feel about Welbeck?

  22. SomeoneKnows
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Your thoughts von the following 3-5-2 team for GW12 onwards?

    Martinez (Forster)
    Chilwell, Cancelo, Taylor (Dallas, Mitchell)
    Salah, KDB, Bruno, Son, Grealish
    DCL, Bamford, (Brewster)

    *Cancelo could be moved out GW13 if he doesn't get minutes

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Looks great. Do you need to take hits to get there, out of interest?

      1. SomeoneKnows
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Yes, will be taking -4 this week and -4 next week

        GW11 Kane+Soucek > KDB+Brewster
        GW12 Ziyech+Robo > Salah+Taylor

        Still not 100% sure about next week as I could also just do Ziyech>Jota

        1. Rasping Drive
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Very risky selling Kane before the NLD, but you know that anyway and KDB (c) could well get you enough points to cover the -4 plus whatever Kane scores. Good luck.

  23. HARLEY
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Captain Vardy or Bruno?

    1. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I’d go Vardy, think he’s a huge captian diff. thai week

  24. Alexis Nonsense
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Shipping Cancelo for next week. Whi to get? Don’t Even consider Dias, he’s not a good asset at 5.6 imo. No baps, no attacking returns so 6 points is his ceiling, and Man U prob scores. Fund is 5.6 but would like to bank 0.5.

    1. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Already have Mendy and Chilwell so James is too much, and locks me out of their attack

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

      The goals will come for Dias.

      Reguilon and James are the standouts.

      1. Alexis Nonsense
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks

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

          Bellerin, Cresswell, even Aurier all 5.2, higher than your intended 5.1 which is unfortunate.

          Lindelof and Dier are two names to throw out there though they do feel a little off. Otherwise I like Coufal and Dallas, play for decent defensive teams and have great long run fixtures.

          1. Man Chest Hair United
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            I like matip

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

              Matip getting rested for Fabinho eliminated the little remaining desire I had to get him.

              Liverpool still look awful defensively, could have conceded 3 in that Brighton game. 2 CS in 10, no thanks.

          2. Alexis Nonsense
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Yeah Dallas is om my radar, but would be a double with Ayling. Thanks

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

    Wouldn't be surprised if Burnley kept a CS vs Everton this week. Do expect them to win this at the least.

  26. mdm
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which option seems best:

    A. Hamez -> Mahrez
    B. Hamez, Kane -> KDB, Antonio/Bamford (-4)
    C. save

    Thanks.

    1. Man Chest Hair United
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

  27. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on this wildcard draft? Do we think Silva plays?

    Johnstone
    Walker Chilwell Bednarek
    KdB(C) Fernandes Son Mahrez Jota
    Werner F.Silva

    Meslier Brewster Targett Alioski

    1. Man Chest Hair United
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Decent put I wouldn’t go silva

  28. Man Chest Hair United
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I need to seek Cancello.

    Best replacement

    A Dias- bad feeling he may be rested
    B Matip- good fixtures and Liverpool seem decent defensively

    I already have double Chelsea

  29. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I got 10 players starting this week.
    Have a 3.9m defender who i can get out for -4. Is it worth it? In one way it could give me a playable option on the bench for the tight schedule ahead.

    Thoughts??

  30. AdamJ91
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Morning. Really need some advice on what to do with having 3 Villa players;

    1FT; 0.3 ITB

    Martinez, Peacock-Farrell
    Chilwell, Cancelo, Coufal, Lamptey, Ferguson
    Salah, KDB, Ziyech, Grealish, Anguissa
    Kane, DCL, Watkins

    Watkins > Bamford perhaps?