Frisking the Fixtures

Who has the best FPL fixtures in the next six Gameweeks and beyond?

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

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

Our colour-coded Season Ticker is the primary source for this piece; using this tool as a Premium Member, you can sort by difficulty, rank by attacking and defensive potential or find budget rotation pairings. You can also set your own difficulty ratings, should you disagree with our own.

BEST FIXTURES

LEEDS UNITED

Raphinha and Bamford both deliver returns as Saint-Maximin steals the Newcastle show 3

Next six: WHU | WAT | sou | WOL | nor | LEI

Despite a five-game winless run to start the season, Leeds United now have an opportunity to kick-on with a favourable schedule from Gameweek 6 right through until the end of October.

In fact, over the next five Gameweeks, they sit top of the Season Ticker for ease of fixture.

Marcelo Bielsa’s troops face newly promoted Watford (h) and Norwich City (a) during that time, as well as West Ham United (h), Southampton (a) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (h).

While the jury remains out on the Whites’ backline, given that they have already shipped 12 goals and have several defenders currently on the treatment table, there will understandably be interest further forward.

Providing they can recover from their respective hip and ankle knocks, Raphinha (£6.5m) and Patrick Bamford (£8.0m) are the stand-out picks. The duo combined at St. James’ Park in Gameweek 5 and have already produced five attacking returns between them in 2021/22. And while Bamford’s ownership is slightly higher at the time of writing, Raphinha’s 16 goal attempts and 10 chances created are both team-leading totals.

CHELSEA

Lukaku on target as Chelsea assets prosper at Arsenal 2

Next six: MCI | SOU | bre | NOR | new | BUR

With one of the best defences in Europe and a ruthless new striker now installed in their starting XI, Chelsea and owners of their Fantasy assets should be brimming with confidence heading into their fixtures between Gameweeks 7 and 11.

Clashes with newly-promoted Brentford (a) and Norwich City (h) are sandwiched by matches against Southampton (h), Newcastle United (a) and Burnley (a). Even this weekend’s tie against champions Manchester City (h) could provide returns, given that Thomas Tuchel has got the better of Pep Guardiola’s side on three occasions this year. 

At the back, the Blues have already kept four clean sheets and are still yet to concede a goal from open-play, so investing in one or two of their defensive assets looks like a wise move. 

Edouard Mendy (£6.0m) missed Gameweek 5 having taken a ‘huge hit’ against Zenit in the UEFA Champions League. However, he is expected back soon and has racked up an impressive 26 FPL points across his four starts. Picking out a defender isn’t quite so straightforward, just ask Reece James (£5.6m) owners, but Antonio Rudiger (£5.5m) and Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.0m) should be fairly safe starters aside from the odd benching. The situation regarding Marcos Alonso (£5.8m) is also worth monitoring. The Spaniard has started every Premier League match so far this term and sits top of the defender rankings.

Further forward, Chelsea’s run from Gameweeks 9 to 11 looks particularly appealing for their attacking options, as Norwich, Newcastle and Burnley have already shipped 36 goals between them and are yet to register a single clean sheet. Kai Havertz (£8.3m) and Mason Mount (£7.4m) are both interesting options, but Romelu Lukaku (£11.6m) remains the stand-out pick.

ARSENAL

Aubameyang can exploit Norwich defence ahead of Arsenal fixture swing 4

Next six: TOT | bha | CRY | AVL | lei | WAT

While Arsenal struggled in the opening three Gameweeks, back-to-back 1-0 wins suggest that they might just be worth another look ahead of a favourable run of fixtures.

Having easier opponents like Norwich and Burnley obviously helps, but the Gunners have also benefitted from the return of key personnel at the back, including Ben White (£4.4m), Gabriel (£5.0m) and Thomas Partey (£5.0m). The additions of Aaron Ramsdale (£4.5m) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (£4.5m) have also given them a much-needed lift, while Kieran Tierney (£4.9m) has the potential for attacking returns even if they do concede.

Next up is North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who have lacked attacking ideas so far and rank 20th for xG, while four of their five opponents to follow also feature in the bottom-half of that table.

Further forward, options remain sparse and to be fair question marks do still exist, but Martin Ødegaard (£5.5m) and Bukayo Saka (£6.0m) did provide a goal and assist at the weekend, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£9.9m) scoring and collected maximum bonus in Gameweek 4.

SOUTHAMPTON

 1

Next six: WOL | che | LEE | BUR | wat | AVL

Following their impressive draw at Manchester City last weekend, Southampton now have an appealing schedule with an away trip to Chelsea in Gameweek 7 the only red fixture in sight.

Favourable home matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leeds United, Burnley and Aston Villa are all on the menu, with an added trip to Norwich City following that run.

At the back, Tino Livramento (£4.2m) has started every match this season and could provide real value at both ends of the pitch. The former Chelsea man has been popping up in some advanced positions, and has been a little unfortunate not to add an assist to his tally.

Leeds, Burnley and Watford all look like particularly good fixtures to target from an attacking perspective, too.

90-minute man James Ward-Prowse (£6.4m) has set-pieces and penalties in his locker, while Mohamed Elyounoussi (£5.5m) has posted some encouraging underlying numbers since his re-introduction to the starting XI in Gameweek 3. However, the pick of the bunch could well be forward Adam Armstrong (£6.0m). The 24-year-old has already provided one goal and an assist, and tops the Saints stats charts for goal attempts and shots in the box.

ALSO CONSIDER

Is £4.0m FPL goalkeeper Foster the new Watford number one?

In an attacking sense, Watford rank highly over the next six fixtures (NEW | lee | LIV | eve | SOU | ars), though it is worth noting that their next two are more appealing that the subsequent run, as Newcastle and Leeds both rank in the bottom three for xGC so far this season and are yet to record a shut-out. 

That immediately promotes Ismaila Sarr’s (£6.1m) FPL prospects. The Senegalese winger’s 13 goal attempts, 11 shots in the box and nine created chances are team-leading totals, while Emmanuel Dennis (£5.2m) is one of the better budget forwards in the game right now, having started all five Premier League matches so far, chipping in with two goals and an assist.

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 3? 8

Leicester City have had a disappointing start to the season, losing three of their opening five matches, but now have a run of fixtures (BUR | cry | MUN | bre | ARS | lee) which should give them a platform to start moving up the table.

James Maddison (£6.8m) is clearly struggling, but that hasn’t stopped Jamie Vardy (£10.4m) impressing. The no. 9 ranks second amongst all forwards for FPL points, via three goals, an assist and five bonus points.

The introduction of Ademola Lookman (£6.0m) at half-time in Gameweek 5 is also one to monitor, as he will now be pushing for a start after an encouraging display.

Learning from ‘The Great and The Good’ FPL managers – Gameweek 5 1

Finally, Wolverhampton Wanderers (sou | NEW | avl | lee | EVE | cry) still have a reasonable run, and despite a disappointing defeat to Brentford in Gameweek 5, could do well.

Amongst the stand-out options in the Wolves ranks are wing-backs Marcal (£4.6m) and Nelson Semedo (£4.9m), both of whom have impressed in the opening weeks. 

Adama Traore (£6.0m) and Raul Jimenez (£7.5m) will also hope to open their 2021/22 accounts, having posted some promising underlying numbers during the opening rounds.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW FROM GAMEWEEK 5

1,291 Comments Post a Comment
  1. totaalvoetbal
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Help please - last 2 decisions on wildcard:

    a) Ramsdale or
    b) Guaita

    And

    1) Christensen or
    2) Tierney

    1. totaalvoetbal
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      and top of the page

    2. Kaptenen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A1

    3. Fish up a tree
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A 1

    4. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A1

      1. totaalvoetbal
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks all - conclusive - not worried about Leno returning?

    5. Dexters Laboratory
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A1

    6. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      1 and 1

  2. jackruet
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Akinfenwa the bull

  3. FPL Theorist
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sheff Utd actually scoring goals these days, weird!

  4. jackruet
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Many went for triple/double wolves. It backfired so far. Tripling up Chelsea might do the same. There might be rotation risk, things may not go as expected. Ronaldo might continue to bang, chelsea may leak goals, werner, chilwell, chalobah, hudson odoi may get some minutes as the matches are easy. I would personally wait and see

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Chelsea >>>>>>>>>> Wolves.

    2. Fish up a tree
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I have a triple up with Rudi, Alonso & Lukaku but have one decent bench option to cover if Rudi or Alonso get rotated

    3. Gunneryank
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      The Wolves thing is my fault. I doubled my Wolves defenders and screwed it up for everyone. Also i don't think Chelsea is going to leak many goals in the league. Double Chels D is sound. Rudiger and...some other person lol. But you're right honestly. After this last GW, how can we count on anything?

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Can you do me a favour and get rid of one of the wolves defenders then 🙂

          1. Gunneryank
            • 2 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            I got you. I'm gonna bring in Alonso so avoid him!

            1. nxh84
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Please get Chabolah or Chilwell, I have Alonso…

      2. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Doubling up on Chelsea is a minimum requirement with that schedule imo.

    4. Kaptenen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Barnes to Sarr or Gallagher?

      1. Toby Lerone
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Sarr I reckon as next two are good fixtures

      2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Sarr if gw8 wc, Gallagher if not

      3. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Wait keep barnes for burnley

    5. svgcr
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Who would you bench for the next GW:
      A. Coufal- lee
      B. Marçal- sou
      C. Benrahma - WHU

      1. Optimus.
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        B probably

      2. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        A

      3. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        B

      4. Dexters Laboratory
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        A

      5. Yank Revolution
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        C has wrong opponent listed

    6. Old Gregg
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      GW8 WC draft.
      Any changes/Improvements?

      Sanchez
      Taa-Alonso-Rudiger-Dias
      Grealish-Salah-Raphina
      Antonio-A.Armstrong-Lukaku

      4m-Livermento-Gallagher-4.5

      1. Fish up a tree
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Not bad squire

        Similar to my defence but I have Cancelo over Dias

        1. Old Gregg
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Tempted by cancelo but with Alonso.
          I thought Dias was the safer pick.

      2. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        You’d stick with Sanchez on a WC?

        1. Old Gregg
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Tbh I’ve not really thought about which keeper.

          It’s probably one out of 4/5 - Ramsdale, Sanchez, Raya, guita. Anyone else?

    7. 11SPECIALONE11
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Which duo is best?

      A) Sarr and Reece James
      B) Gallagher and Alonso

      1. Toby Lerone
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I'd go A probably

      2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Gallagher and reece

      3. Fish up a tree
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Sarr & Alonso

      4. Dexters Laboratory
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        B .. don't trust RJ anymore

      5. Yank Revolution
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        A

    8. Toby Lerone
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Would you wildcard this?

      Sanchez/steele
      TAA Shaw Semedo Ayling Tsimi
      Salah Torres benrahma raph Brownhill
      Ron Ings Antonio

      Got 1ft 0.2itb

      Cheers all

      1. Dexters Laboratory
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I'd personally wait until GW8 .. not too dissimilar to my team and that's what I'm looking at doing

        1. Toby Lerone
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah I'm thinking that myself tbh, just a tricky one this week, ings and Torres stand out as a transfer out this week

    9. tricpic
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Any news on Rapinha or Trent fitness yet?

    10. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      City concede

    11. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Wycombe goal!!!

    12. jackruet
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      City clean sheet gone

    13. Dexters Laboratory
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Sanchez Steele
      TAA Shaw White Ayling Tsmikas
      Salah Greenwood Torres Benrahma Brownhill
      Ronaldo Toney Antonio

      2ft 1m ITB

      A) Torres to Sarr, Save 2nd ft
      B) Anyone got any better idea? Help appreciated

    14. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Wycombe one

      1. Optimus.
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Faithless classic

    15. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Pep out

    16. The-Red-1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Is Thiago Silva nailed?

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        No. Rotates with Christensen.

      2. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Not at all

      3. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        No

      4. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Not the Chelsea def you are looking for

      5. Fish up a tree
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        He’s 37 so will be rotated

      6. Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Just go with Rudiger

    17. el polako
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Only 2 guys on scoutcast ?
      I guess; Mark, Andy & Az they all got their own little things going on...
      Don't even know who the other guy is (not Joe).

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Gave up when Jonty became Joe myself

    18. Maverick 11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Is it crazy I’m thinking about transferring Lucas Digne this week for Ruben Dias? Since he has Norwich at home!

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        This is probably not the week

      2. Hits from the Bong
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Not crazy, he’s always been a troll

      3. totaalvoetbal
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Keep this week

      4. Not again Shirley
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yes on paper that’s a crazy move taking into account the opposite end of the spectrum fixtures. EVE couldn’t be easier and Man City couldn’t be harder.

    19. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A. Shaw to Rudiger
      B. Shaw+Gray to James+Gallagher
      C. Something else

      Sanchez
      TAA Shaw Livramento
      Salah Raphina Benrahma Gray
      Ronaldo Lukaku Antonio

      Steele Duffy McArthur Williams

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        A

        1. Hits from the Bong
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Cheers, leaning thy way. Over James?

          1. Fulchester's New Centr…
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            If he was all or nothing, might be worth it, but James get lots of cameos

      2. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        A if you must
        C. Roll a transfer

        1. Hits from the Bong
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks, I do want to wait, but price rises…Would you do Shaw to Rudiger and Gray to Gallagher next week?

        2. totaalvoetbal
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Agree with this

      3. artvandelay316
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        A

    20. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      My WC is active. So far I've got to:

      Sanchez
      TAA, VVD, Alonso, Rudiger
      Salah, Benrahma, Sarr
      Lukaku, Antonio, Bamford

      (Steele, Fornals, Livra, Allan)

      I know three Ham may be overkill, but with Raph and Bamford potentially injured I didn't want to risk 2 Leeds. Any changes needed or GTG?

      Cheers.

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        MF looks a bit underpowered

        1. artvandelay316
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I have TAA in midfield too. I did look at a more expensive midfielder but even downgrading VVD to a 4.5m def I couldn't find anyone who seemed worth the money. Any suggestions?

          1. Fulchester's New Centr…
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Raph a steal at the price, Fornals to dear for 1st bench for me

            1. artvandelay316
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              I did think of Raph but I am worried about him and Bamford both as injury risks. If I got Raph in, I'd have to downgrade VVD to Cancelo or Dias. Do-able unless their prices rise, but I may have to wait for news on injuries before pulling the trigger.

            2. artvandelay316
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Thanks for the feedback, much-appreciated. Definitely some food for thought.

      2. totaalvoetbal
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Fornals a bit pricey for the bench

        1. artvandelay316
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          If Bam and/or TAA don't play he will come on. If I downgrade him to cheaper, who would you recommend and what should I spend the extra money on?

          1. totaalvoetbal
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            I like 343, so downgrade 1 defender and upgrade 1 of the 6m mid spots to a mid price like mount or grealish

            1. artvandelay316
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Ok will give this some thought and take a look at the midfield options again. Cheers for the suggestions.

      3. Not again Shirley
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        SOU have pretty decent defence now and Livra could be starter now which means VVD overkill and spend money elsewhere.

        Don’t like Bamford either.

        Also, the city defenders are not downgrades to VVD. If anything they are an upgrade (but cheaper (win, win))

      4. Yank Revolution
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        No need for VVD Alonso and Rudi. Pick one and upgrade MF/GK.

    21. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Now you score, Digne!

      As a QPR fan I knew he'd do that tonight.

      1. Not again Shirley
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yes I thought that after he got me that minus 1 at the weekend. Bound to troll me at the weekend too lol

    22. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Digne scores to vindicate owners!

      Wait…

    23. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Digne goal! Essential for FantasyEFLCup!

    24. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Digne...captain gw6 for sure!!!.

    25. jackruet
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Foden playing amazing, so does de bruyne. Bye bye torres

      1. Threat Level Midnight
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Tough comp

    26. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Digne you mega troll haha

    27. StingRay
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Thoughts on MUST. HAVES for GW6:

      Antonio & Benrahma.

      Why: It’s Leeds ....who have allowed a massive 62 shots in the box.

      1. Firmino
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Would you captain Antonio over Salah?

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          No.

          1. FOO FIGHTER
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Do you own Antonio?

            1. GreennRed
              • 12 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              I do.

            2. StingRay
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              No l don’t own Antonio

              Played my WC and took him out #regrets

        2. StingRay
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Yes ...

      2. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        (A)ntonio

      3. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Digne scored a goal tonight and it's Norwich lol

    28. Firmino
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Digne need this on saturday!

      1. Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        or another -1 pts 😀

        1. Firmino
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Not funny

          1. Thinkering like a Boss
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Only Digne owners said "not funny" 🙂

      2. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Soon to be 8 points from 6 matches 😛

    29. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Charlie Austin on fire!

      QPR 2-1 Everton

      1. Yank Revolution
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Hell yeah, let's go R's!