Fixtures

How important will home advantage be in the new FPL season?

The fixtures for the 2021/22 Premier League season were released on Wednesday and we’ve already brought you our guide to the teams with the best and worst runs of opening matches, along with a look at which sides’ schedules rotate well.

Here we switch our focus to something which was almost negated last season: home advantage.

The vast majority of top-flight games were staged behind closed doors in 2020/21, which – as we’ll discuss – seemingly levelled the playing field for away sides.

With stadiums expected to be full again come August, we delve into our Premium Members Area to analyse the trends we can expect to see return.

RESULTS

For the first time ever in a Premier League season, there were more away wins (153) in 2020/21 than there were home victories (144).

Home wins accounted for an average of 47% of the results in the preceding four campaigns; that figure dropped to 38% last season.

GOALS

112 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Johnny Drama
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Yesterday I woke up as top 1K in the world. Today I woke up as top 100 in the world.

    What a time to be alive

    1. Johnny Drama
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Pretty unbelievably to actually care and consider this, but are there any prices in the Euro Fantasy?

      1. Meimei
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Congraz. check prices in the game, but the road is still long.

        1. Johnny Drama
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Thx! Yes, of course. Just want to dream a little… 🙂

    2. Brimble82
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Top 100!!!
      As in you have a two-digit OR!?!
      Stuff of dreams.
      Are you sure you woke up?

      Congrats. Now make it count in the real FPL!

      1. Johnny Drama
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks a lot!

    3. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I was 2nd after round 2 in CL. Then it all went downhill.

      1. Johnny Drama
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks for the positive thoughts 🙂

    4. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Well done! Hate to burst your bubble though but the prizes are awful this year, compared to the World Cup.

      A bunch of takeaways (at your own risk), tickets and travel expenses (ditto) or more realistically games consoles and match balls.

      Couldn't even muster up a Ford Cortina.

      1. Johnny Drama
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks! That’s unfortunate… but still long way to go and not really counting with ending up in this position when it’s all over. Just want to dream a little!

    5. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Time to put on the raccoon suit and celebrate, Johnny.

      1. Johnny Drama
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Victoryyyy!

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          😀

    6. gedda
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Damn son, was coming on here to brag about my top 10 in the scout league! Well done. WHo do you have left to play?

      1. gedda
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        I also see that you are two spots ahead in the Sweden league, I am coming for you.

        1. Johnny Drama
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Well done! Sterling, Hernandez and Mbappe.

          Vinst idag!!

    7. MightyGar
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Following that pattern, you can hope to be Top 10 tomorrow morning!

      Good luck!

      1. Johnny Drama
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Thx mate!

  2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Liverpool with VVD back should be worth an extra 10 points and 4-5 cleansheets easily

    Liverpool with VVD back AND Anfield full again… that’s only going to be a good thing for their FPL assets Shirley

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Weren't the clean sheets drying up anyway before VVD got injured?

    2. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Don't call me Shirley

  3. 03farmboy
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Mbappe or Griezman??

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Could only afford Griezeman on WC, but if I was on limitless or had the extra £1m I'd have gone for MBappe.

    2. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Has to be Mbap

  4. Brimble82
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    On Limitless for MD3;
    Where do we think we’re getting CSs?
    Realise the remainder of MD2 will have a bearing on who still has something to play for, but as it stands I’m on…

    GKs:
    Neuer; Germany will probably need a result and Neuer is immense.
    Donnarumma; Italy’s defensive stats are unrivalled - and even if he’s rotated can switch for whoever starts as deadline is after team release.

    DEFs;
    Meunier, Dumfries, Alba; all have attacking threat, playing weaker teams and ‘should’ have something to play for.

    Who gets the last two spots?
    England FB? Double up somewhere?
    Or who have I missed?

    Thoughts…

    1. dmcqt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      The usual situation here is that teams with nothing to play for and guaranteed to finish top of their group will play their squad players, since there's no need to risk stars before the important games. So who has something to play for?

      At this stage, Wales are well placed (so Bale and Ramsay are strong picks). Switzerland could also qualify with an awesome performance against Turkey. Italy would benefit from a draw, but will probably top the group with a loss. So Italy players are a risk and Turkey have almost nothing to play for.

      Belgium seem likely to top their group, so they can happily rotate. Denmark are badly placed and probably psychologically drained. Russia and Finland both have something to fight for.

      The Netherlands will probably qualify top of their group, so can rotate. The Ukraine and Austria have much to fight for, so their game could well have goals. North Macedonia seem done and could get a thumping from a Netherlands B team.

      And that's about all we know at the moment. It's too early to judge other teams. We'll know group A and B teams before the deadline, so can transfer in or out as needed. I think the best way to play Matchday 3 is by avoiding rotation risk and to go for players with something to fight for, so I would probably avoid most of the players you mention. I'm currently OR 30,000, which isn't to say I'm right, but I hope my strategy makes sense.

      1. Brimble82
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah absolutely, and a number of your observations align with my fwd picks (Bale, Yarmo, etc).

        My post was more looking for where the CSs might come from.

        Also, footnote, we’ll only know Group A before deadline, as they start MD3 alone on Sun.
        (B&C play Monday)

    2. Calum Undisputed
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Donnarumma Simon
      Spinzzola Dumfries Meunier Gosens Alba
      Chiesa KDB Wijnaldum Gnarbry Torres
      Lukaku Depay Muller

      This is mine. Italy can be subbed depending who plays.
      Grp A B C only Netherlands 1st place is guarantee. Dumfries wijnaldum and Depay might change
      Considering Hazard for wijnaldum, Lukaku for Austria forward

      1. Brimble82
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        This is really similar to my first draft:
        Neuer - Donnarumma
        Alba - Meunier - Dumfries - x - y
        Bale - Kimmich - Yarmo - KDB - Wijnaldum
        Muller - Lukaku - Ronaldo

        My ‘x’ may well be an Italian defender (which we’ll know the lineup for) and I’m tempted by an English FB for my ‘y’ - it’s just hard to pick the right one (not Walker!)

        Lukaku & CR7 are risks, but I think that now Ronaldo has the all time record in sight, he’ll play, and I have a feeling Belgium will still be relatively strong as they still need a result.
        And let’s face it… Benteke & Batshuayi don’t hold a candle to Rom!

        1. Calum Undisputed
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Agree england too many fullback dont know who will get the nod.
          I like Wignal but the manager like VanAaholt

          1. Brimble82
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            Yeah, I had Wijndal MD1.
            Surprised that he’s playing PVA. He’s not really had a season of any note.

  5. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Morning all,

    Have we got any reason to believe that Sterling won't start today? I'm assuming it's a no-brainer subbing him in for a 3 pointer.

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Yup. No brainier.

      Have you got no one in your team on less than 3?

  6. trinzoo
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Hradecky / Bachmann
    Maehle (RUS) Kjaer (RUS) Spina (WAL) Porres (SVK) Alioski* (NED)
    Eriksen* Carrasco* (FIN) Berardi (WAL) Forres (SVK) Llorente (SVK)
    Depay (MKD) Lukaku (FIN) CR7 (FRA)

    Would you wildcard it or get rid of Eriksen/Carrasco maybe Alioski?

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Easiest WC ever.

  7. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Need replacement for Cancelo, got Dumfries and Spinazzola:
    A. Alba
    B. Meunier

  8. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    So Neale reckons it's a bit of both. How long until he is a match of the day pundit? 😉

    "There are two possibilities here: either these numbers can be chalked up to mere normal statistical variance, or some unquantifiable factors (such as away players feeling less ‘barracked’ and pressured by the home support) came into play – likely a bit of both."

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      By the way the above article is exceptional. It must have been a grind extracting the numbers from previous seasons but the data is very compelling.

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        If Mark doesn't use this on black box, I'll be very surprised.

  9. fenixri
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Germany vs Hungary reminds me of WC2018 and MD3 South Korea - Germany 2-0

  10. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Current Captain Yaremchuck (6x2 points).

    Perisic, Mount, Sterling, Alba, Mbappe, Hernandez still to play.

    Stick or Twist?

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Twist

    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I'm sticking.

    3. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Twist for sure, in such a short tournament cant be happy with only 6 point captaincy

    4. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Twist..so many chances for improving on 6

  11. amplifiedAnt
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Panicked slightly after somebody in my mini league was rank 363 after MD1, but thankfully they've dropped off somewhat.

    Up to 135 points total after yesterday. Gotta admit, Yarmolenko (C) was strongly influenced by FFS.

    Thanks, hivemind!

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I'd give the FML FPL euro podcasts a listen as well. Everything they are shouting on the pod is coming off big time.

  12. Bonus magnet
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    captain perisic or kane

  13. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Stick with Depay or twist with Kane & Mbappe to come?

    Also Kane or Sterling captain?

    1. BremerHB
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Twist on Kane I reckon.

  14. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    What are the pros/cons of WC'ing in Matchday 3 v keeping for later in the tournament?

    Using limitless this week and team is in poor enough shape for Matchday 3 so may go with the WC..

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      If there a few upsets in the R16 then 3 transfers may not be enough to sort the team for QFs.
      But I think im using my wildcard this week to get the highest ceiling possible. If I have bad MD3 & there are a few upsets in the R16 then my Euro fantasy is anyways over because teams will be very similar from QF onwards.

      1. fenixri
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Its not just that you have only 3FTs for QF. Playing WC in QF allows you to make much more balanced squad for R16 with talismans in weaker teams without worrying will they advance or not. Getting 4 players from Italy is not that good when only maybe one will get you points. Expect cagey games in R16.

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          If you have a WC for QFs I would personally attack the R16 fixtures and not play safe. Maybe triple up on a defenders from a team like Italy. I anyways dont want a talisman from a team that will get knocked out. If we are expecting cagey game there will be more clean sheets and less goals for weaker teams.

  15. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Just re-reading Neale's fixtures articles. Dang, they are sooooo good. This is exactly what you pay your membership fees for. They save you doing all the legwork and stop you spending hours pouring over the fixtures.

  16. SKENG
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on WC3 draft with current info?

    Simon Safanov
    Spinazzola Meunier Wijndal Gosens PTorres
    Perisic Wijnaldum Yarmolenko Grealish Gnabry
    Muller Yaremchuk Embolo

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I would try and have one of Hazard/KDB

    2. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I'd want KDB

  17. Sterling Archer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    how will u set up your team using the unlimited transfers in the last 16?

    you are allowed 4 from each team from here, your going to need some cheap players in but they will probably play for the underdogs most likely and may not be in the quarters

    WC in the 1/4's has its upsides

    1. Society
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Spent 92mil (undecided on keepers) out of 105mil
      GK - GK
      Spinazzola - Meunier - Trippier - Alba - Gosens
      Insigne - Berardi - Olmo - Fernandes - Rabiot
      Mertens - Depay - Moreno
      7 in my side already, so not much price increase risk.

    2. Brimble82
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Last time around I banked a couple of £4m for the duration.
      Even after they went out.
      So kept a £4m GK and DEF.
      I obviously weakened my bench, but allows a lot more cash in the ‘starting XI’.
      And you still have two subs for no-shows/subbing in later in the round of games.

      Not saying it’s the ‘best way’, but it’s ‘a way’.

  18. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Euro question...

    Let's say hypothetically that the French team is revealed tomorrow before the deadline and one of the main players in benched...Mbappe, Pogba, Greizmann, Hernandez etc.

    Do you roll the dice and sub them into the team? If so...for who? Someone sat on 2 points? 3 points? More than 3?

    1. Sterling Archer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      i would say yes, look at KDB yesterday, a fresh Mbappe for the last half an hour - plus it be for Lukaku's 2 points!

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Yes because I have a 1, 1 and 0 in my team haha

    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Yes. There's no point sitting on points when the game allows you to take a few risks.

      1. More Cowbell
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Agree, but what do you think the tipping point is?

        Would you sub them in for someone in your team on 3 points? How about 5?

        Personally,I think 3 I would sub-in, 4 is boderline but probably wouldn't. 5 points I'd leave them on the bench.

  19. anish10
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Why are people WC now? Seems strange when we have unlimited transfers for the last 16 round and probably more useful in the QF’s.

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Hard to predict lineups with a few teams already through.

    2. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Chasing the upside, loading up on teams that have something to play for with good fixtures.

      Likely to see a lot of rotation from Belgium, Netherlands and possibly England/France.

      Expecting a couple of the teams to advance comfortably so you can stack you QF team with 3x France, Belgium and spread the risk with other teams and navigate with free transfers.

  20. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Currently got captaincy on Yarmolenko. Twist to McGinn?

    1. Fishy-o
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      No chance

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Are you really asking that with a straight face?

    3. BremerHB
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Nope! Stick.

    4. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Nope

  21. marcos11
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on this LL first draft? Can change Group A players before deadline.

    Schmeichel Pickford
    Spinnazzola Meunier Alba Gosens Dumfries
    KDB Gnabry Insigne Yarmo (English mid)
    Depay Lewa Lukaku

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      My favorite player to pick is R. Rodriguez.

      Switzerland have an easy game, high motivation since a win will see them go through, and Turkey have clumsy defenders that give away penalties.

      Would plan to have triple Italy as well. Can't see Wales bothering to score so double defense and try to book early clean sheets.

      1. Meimei
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        add triple German in there, but that's the easy part the rest is not at all.

        1. marcos11
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Double defense or attack? Think Gnabry’s a good pick as I see him starting up front

      2. marcos11
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Could be a good shout, although I’m not sure if Turkey have just had two bad games or are just straight up useless

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          I watched them play Wales. They are straight up useless.

  22. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Kane or Raz captain?

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Kane for me

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Kane

  23. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    2nd in the FPL Blackbox league and 546 OR.

    145 points with 5 to play!!

    1. LSK
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Exact same points here but ranked 539 for some reason. Who do you have left? Sterling, Kane, Mbappé, Pogba and Hernandez for me.

      1. BrockLanders
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Sorry, I'm actually 539 too. I've Alba instead of Pogba left but same the others.

        1. LSK
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Still have captain to play? I’m leaving it on Bale I think. Good luck anyway.

          1. BrockLanders
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            Yeah same. 18 will do me

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Just behind you at 142 points

  24. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Hmm... Just gonna put a LL draft up here.

    Maybe I'm overthinking a bit but gonna gamble I think. Rashford and Hazard are the big gambles but I think fairly safe ones.

    Donnarumma Krul
    Spinazzola Rodriguez Meunier P. Torres Gosens
    Insigne Hazard Yarmolenko Gnabry F. Torres
    Depay Rashford Muller

    Insigne > Hazard > Rashford > Gnabry

    1. gedda
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Why Krul? Will they keep rotating?

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        I think Netherlands rotate hard since they're through. Depay is a gamble actually but I'm gonna risk it because he went off early last game and they don't have a real #9.

        Krul will most likely play since they're through already to give him a run out. Was unlucky not to be first choice.

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Also I get team sheets for that one so if he doesn't start I don't sub him in. But I think it will be moot anyway, I'm almost certain double Italy defense is 12 points immediately.

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Looks nice. Not much to fault here you know the risk with Depay/Rash.

      You think Kane gets benched?

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Yes. DCL, Rashford, Saka front 3 if England win tonight. If they don't win tonight or even lose, then Kane/England become much easier picks.

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          I guess I'm not going to risk either of Kane/Lukaku/Depay on wildcard. Will use the money for stronger mid & def.

    3. LSK
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I’d have KDB as well as Hazard on Limitless. I’d gamble on Martinez wanting them both to have a start before the knockouts begin.

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah could be worthwhile. But I like my midfield and hard to drop any of them. I'll probably flip a coin on KdB or Hazard. But likely only one of them.

    4. Saint Tim
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I'm on LL too and my current thinking is q similar:

      Donnarumma Neuer
      Spinazzola Rodriguez Meunier J Alba Dumfries
      KDB Hazard Yarmolenko Gnarby F Torres
      Depay Kane Immobile

      Spinazzola -> KDB -> Kane -> Gnarby

  25. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Chances of the following players starting MD3?

    A) Lukaku
    B) Depay
    C) Wijnaldum
    E) Dumfries
    F) Meunier

    1. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I would stay away from F.

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        I think Meunier is the safest pick tbh.

        They don't have cover at RB now that Castagne is injured.

        1. korbendallas82
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Ok. My bad. Im gonna start on my team tonight. Maby i pick him myself then.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Not really sure tbh. As of now Meunier feels like a starter.

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Yes I agree I also think Meunier starts.
        Rest all could be benched I feel.

  26. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Surely Ronaldo records will play MD3 even if Portugal beat Germany?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Yes France & Portugal would want to win the group.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      He is probably going to play because he is Ronaldo.

      But against France, I wouldnt expect more than 2pts.

    3. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah he'll play but it's France. So I'm not gonna pick him.

  27. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone taking a punt on Shaq boy?