Fixtures

FPL festive fixture schedule: When might Premier League sides rotate the most?

The first of nine Gameweeks in the space of 36 days takes place this weekend and we’re readying ourselves for the festive fixture frenzy ahead of Saturday’s Fantasy Premier League (FPL) deadline.

Visits from the extended family, a Mrs Brown’s Boys special, bin collection day mayhem: there’s lots to dread about the Christmas period and top of the naughty list for FPL managers is rotation.

This is traditionally the period when starting XI changes ramp up a gear, with the matches coming thick and fast not just in the Premier League but also in cup competitions at home and abroad.

We’ll be looking at which players stand the best chance of avoiding a benching or two in a separate piece but it’s the fixture calendar itself that we’re focusing on here.

We’ll assess the clubs with the tightest and most generous turnarounds in this article, using moderator Legomane’s rather excellent ‘Fixture Crush’ matrix.

Our thanks go to him for allowing us to use this graphic as the focal point of this feature.

FPL FIXTURE OVERVIEW

(click the above image to expand)

CLUBS WITH THE MOST MATCHES FROM GAMEWEEKS 13-21

Chelsea, Leicester City, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United12 (nine league matches, two European ties, one EFL Cup quarter-final)
Manchester City, Manchester United11 (nine league matches, two European ties)
Arsenal, Brentford10 (nine league matches, one EFL Cup quarter-final)
Aston Villa, Brighton and Hove Albion, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Everton, Leeds United, Newcastle United, Norwich City, Southampton, Watford, Wolverhampton Wanderers9 (all league matches)

CLUBS WITH THE TIGHTEST TURNAROUNDS

In this table, we look at the clubs who have the highest number of ‘tight’ turnarounds from the Wednesday before Gameweek 13 onwards. For this, we’re taking tight to mean two recovery days or fewer (eg Saturday-Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday etc).

West Ham United7
Chelsea, Leicester City, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur6
Burnley, Manchester United5
Brigthon and Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Watford4
Arsenal, Everton, Leeds United, Norwich City, Southampton3
Aston Villa, Brentford, Wolverhampton Wanderers2

It’s no surprise to see the clubs involved in European competition up there at the top, with West Ham United leading the way – a bit of a concern for owners of Michail Antonio (£8.2m), perhaps, although David Moyes can at least afford the luxury of resting him in the Europa League with qualification to the knockout rounds assured.

Manchester United’s non-involvement in the EFL Cup means that they have a full seven days of rest in between Gameweeks 18 and 19, which represents the longest recovery time given to any top-flight team throughout the period studied.

Tottenham Hotspur, by contrast, don’t have more than three days of rest, playing Thursday-Sunday for the next month and then having an EFL Cup clash with West Ham ahead of a three-game week between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Aston Villa, Brentford and Wolves have been dealt the best hands if we follow the table above, with the Bees even afforded an extra day of rest between Gameweeks 19 and 20 (more of which below).

Arsenal deserve a mention, too: they might be in EFL Cup quarter-final action in between Gameweeks 18 and 19 but they have been gifted a home draw against League One side Sunderland, so there’ll surely be a few breathers handed out to some key personnel in that tie.

TIGHTEST TURNAROUNDS FROM GAMEWEEKS 19 TO 20

The tightest of all the tight turnarounds comes between Gameweeks 19 and 20, with FPL managers faced with two deadlines in the space of 48 hours.

The clubs’ recovery time in between these two Gameweeks are detailed below (hours are given between full-time and kick-off, rounded up to the nearest half-hour):

TeamHours between GW19-20
Arsenal43.5
Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Norwich City, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers46
Watford48.5
Leeds United, Leicester City51
Liverpool53.5
Brighton and Hove Albion, Newcastle United69.5
Brentford, Manchester United70.5
Chelsea72
Manchester City75.5
Everton98.5
Burnley99.5

Arsenal are the worst hit: they are in action at the traditional 3pm kick-off time on Boxing Day and then have a lunchtime match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 28.

Seven clubs’ fixtures kick off at the same time, two days apart, in Gameweeks 19 and 20, affording them less than 48 hours of recovery.

Burnley and Everton are on easy street by comparison, with matches on Boxing Day and December 30.

Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs also get off relatively lightly, with around three days of recuperation time in between their respective games.

CLUBS WITH SUCCESSIVE ‘RED ZONE’ TURNAROUNDS – AND WHEN THEY FALL

The below table looks at when Premier League clubs have successive ‘red zone’ turnarounds – that is, when there are only two recovery days between matches.

The game ranges in italics indicate that one of the three consecutive fixtures is a cup tie, so rotation could theoretically be more widespread outside of the league matches involved.

For example, Liverpool have three fixtures between December 1-7 – but the last one of those is a Champions League against Milan, so with qualification for the knockout rounds assured, Klopp may look to rest some key players in Italy.

Manchester United have also secured top spot in their Champions League group, so the home fixture against Young Boys in between Gameweeks 15-16 allows whoever is in charge to run wild with the starting XI alterations and focus on the four Premier League matches around it.

TeamSuccessive ‘red zone’ Gameweek turnarounds
Manchester CityGW13-15 (plus UCL after GW15)
GW19-21
Manchester UnitedGW14-17 (UCL in between GW15-16)
LiverpoolGW14-15 (plus UCL after GW15)
GW17-18 (plus EFL Cup after GW18)
ChelseaGW13-15
GW17-18 (plus EFL Cup after GW18)
Leicester CityGW13-14 (plus UEL before GW13)
GW17-18 (plus EFL Cup after GW18)
West Ham UnitedGW13-15 (plus UEL before GW13)
GW16-18 (plus UEL before GW16)
Tottenham HotspurGW17-18 (plus EFL Cup after GW18)
ArsenalGW17-18 (plus EFL Cup after GW18)
Newcastle UnitedGW19-21
Crystal PalaceGW16-18
Brighton and Hove AlbonGW16-18
BurnleyGW13-15, GW16-18
WatfordGW13-15

Manchester City, Chelsea and West Ham are three of five clubs who play Sunday-Wednesday-Saturday in Gameweeks 13-15, which may set alarm bells ringing for FPL managers who own players from any of those teams. Burnley and Watford are the other two sides with the same schedule.

The Hammers have exactly the same timetable in Gameweeks 16-18, along with Crystal Palace, Brighton and Burnley.

The spectre of Pep rotation then rears its head again from Gameweeks 19-21, when the Citizens once more have to negotiate league fixtures on the Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday. Newcastle United are also on a tight turnaround from December 27 to January 2 inclusive.

Ready those FPL benches…

1,097 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Is james essential

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      He is but MU next not great plus potential rest v Watford but I will probably do chilwell to him or Alonso

      1. Hy liverpool
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Alonso has the same risk +azpi/CHO

        1. Stranger Mings
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Which would you do ?

  2. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Chillwell to alonso/rudiger for free

    Or.chilwell to james and saka ti smith rowe for -4

    1. puhd
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Rudi is a safe bet. I have him and I’m happy. But I would rather have James.

  3. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Are there any BPS-style stats that point to who'll be player of the match in UCL game? Hoping for Nkunku, Salah and Benzema but unlikely.

    1. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Think it's done 'man in the stand' style

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers. If only Stevie G was still playing!

        1. Il Capitano
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Forsberg, Thiago & Kroos POTM, probably not what you were wanting to hear!

          1. GreennRed
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Nope. 68 points. Could be worse.

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

      Dang I was hoping for Nkunku too.
      62 for me (after Haller 3 added).
      Not the best given it was a WC.
      Not the worst though.

  4. puhd
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    So…. what’s up with Foden?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A little bit injured!

      Not fully recovered.

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Reckon 60/40 plays ?

  5. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Sterling getting hard to ignore.

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      For Barcelona?

    2. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      True but expensive

  6. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Shame that Mahrez isn't getting the league starts...

  7. Champione
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Guaita
    Cancelo Chilwell* James White
    Salah Son Foden Raphinha
    Ronaldo Toney

    Gunn Livramento Gray Richardsson, 2 FT, 0.0 ITB

    A) Ronaldo + Gray + Chilwell > Jimenez + Jota + TAA -4
    B) Foden + Chilwell > Gallagher + TAA

    1. Aaa
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A

  8. Aaa
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Who needs to go first?

    Chilwell
    Havertz
    Gray
    Raph

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Chil

    2. Champione
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Chilwell and Havertz easiest to replace imo

    3. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Most likely Chillwell

  9. BobbyDoesNotLook
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    James does not seem to rise today. Risk price rise and wait for tomorrow?

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I am waiting but can afford price rise

      1. BobbyDoesNotLook
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Yep, I cannot. If fffix can be trusted then rise is not happening today but not sure how trustworthy they have been recently.

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

      Definitely wait. Double risers are tough enough and a midweek one... doubt it.

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

      yes i'd wait. don't think he rises but stranger things have happened

  10. Esalman
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Would you rather

    A. Mount > Bernardo
    B. Chilwell > Reguilon

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Can’t do c. Chilly to Alonso ?

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

        Yes, I have the exact cash to do that plus Jesus>Ronaldo.

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Silva is beginning to remind me of the master that Pep, in his wisdom bought to replace him.
      Don't know why he's become unsettled but that Citeh team should keep him sweet.
      World class passer and visionary.

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

        Yeah he is so very underrated. Just like David Silva.

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Yep his master_ and he his polish on polish off etc to a magnificent standard of preying manticeness.
          Bootifull my darlings bootifull!

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

            Amen brother.

            1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              🙂

  11. putana
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    had to get in my transfers before possible price rises.

    Veltman + antonio -> james + benteke

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good

  12. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    3 points behind my ML for the monthly prize, 2 FT and 1.7ITB. what to do

    Rams
    TAA, Cancelo, James, Christiansen
    (S)alah, Mount, ESR, Raph
    Kane, Toney

    Foster, Armstrong, Liv, Brownhill

    Was planning Mount to Jota and Christensen to Chilwell.

    TIA

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Mount to jota plus chil to Alonso

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Sorry Christensen to Alonso !

        1. kysersosa
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          My only concern with that would be it was Azp that came on for Chilwell, not Alonso, last night.

          1. Stranger Mings
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Been lots of posts about this today and people seem to think Alonso pretty secure but obviously still a risk

    2. putana
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      chilwell injured

  13. AD2110
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Which combo do we think scores more points over the next few?

    A) Raphina + Alonso
    B) James + Gallagher

  14. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Was set on Manquillo and Jesus to TAA and 4.8m striker -4 but afte jesus scoring and assisting tonight is it work holding?

    Could do Chilwell and Toney instead

    Ramsdale
    James Livramento Chilwell
    Salah Son Raph ESR
    Jesus CR7 Toney

    Foster Tsimikas Manquillo Luiz

    Correct

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yeh gold Jesus

  15. drughi
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Chilwell and foden > James and jota -4 or just Chilwell>Alonso for free ?

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Can't afford Chilwell > James?

      I would still lean towards keeping Foden.

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        No 0.1 off

      2. drughi
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        You dont think Jota is a better pick ?

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

      I think Foden > Jota, the main thing in Jota's favour is the starts during afcon
      I'll go chilly to james this week and i'll look to get Jota later

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Cant go Chilwell James 0.1off

        1. FPL_Crisis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          sucks. I was 0.2 off dias to cancelo so sold armstrong for dennis to fund this and now need to move chilwell

          I'm tempted to not take a hit and use bench but his price and ownership means another haul hurts

          slight concern of a rest soon with 3 games in a week but that's the risk with everyone

  16. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Still early thoughts but which would option would you go:
    a) Chill to Alonso
    b) Foden + Chilwell to Jota + James -4

    1. cigan
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      b

  17. chaser123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Will Gelhardt start again? Or does Raphinha take his spot?

    1. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Bamford being back in training more of a problem. I think he probably drops back out but he's a very talented lad, will keep getting minutes.

      1. chaser123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks mate. Yeh could be a decent #15 in the squad I think

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Raphinha and Rodrigo were training so both should come in, Gelhardt and probably Forshaw / Struijk will probably drop out

      1. chaser123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Ok fair enough - thank you

  18. cigan
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    0.1 short of Semedo+White+Foden to Cancelo+James+Gallagher for -4

    Looking at just Foden+Semedo > Cancelo+Gallagher for free now and I can then do sth like White+Antonio > James+ASM next week

    What do you think?

  19. DameCorp
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Really stuck here. Need to get Trent and after Chilly injury, probably James also.

    Ramsdale Foster
    Cancelo Chilwell** Rudi Tierney** Livra
    Salah Raphina ESR Mbeumo 4.4
    Ronaldo Vardy Toney

    1.5 ITB & 2FT

    Chilwell to Trent is a no-brainer, but struggling with how to fund it.

    A) Ronaldo down (to who?)
    B) Vardy down (to who?)
    C) Mbuemo down to fodder

    Would ideally like to have the cash to move Tierney to James next week.

    1. cigan
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Toney to Dennis/King or even a 4.5 so you can upgrade both Tierney and Mbeumo?

  20. Lanley Staurel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Good to see Jota on the bench

    1. Thomas Jerome Newton
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      It most certainly is.

  21. Old Gregg
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Would you do :—

    Dias + Antonio + Edouard > Alonso + Kane + (King) (-4)

    I have James alfeady

    1. Bleh
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Too risky for me. I would just shift Dias.

  22. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    I can afford to do Chilwell to either James, or Alonso..

    Who would you prefer?

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      James.

    2. Bleh
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Same dilemma here… Leaning towards James. Upside too hard to ignore.

  23. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Assuming foden is OK for weekend, what is best move here please? Thanks

    A....foden to jota

    B....dias to alonso

    Ramsdale
    Taa James cancelo dias (livra)
    Salah foden raphinha mbeumo (normann)
    Kane King (antonio)

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      could you imagine azpi starts ahead of alonso. i'd wait on this maybe roll ft if prices aren't changing

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers....I'd be very surprised if azpi starts ahead of alonos personally

  24. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Someone talk me out of bringing in Walker please.

    1. Thomas Jerome Newton
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah, don't do it.

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Why not?

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Can't say the thought hasn't crossed my mind, he's been playing really well this season. Only thing I'd say is his goal involvement has been low but not for the want of trying

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        One of the key components of Citeh's win tonight keeping world class players in his socks.
        Still ahead of James in the National set up.
        He's been in the conversation recently and I've caught a couple of Pep comments and it all seems kinda rosey cosey 'n nicey.

  25. griffzinho
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Great article on turnarounds. Maybe worth considering a CB instead of Chilwell if you have him. Less rotation. I'm looking at Dier. On direct free kicks and seems to gain bonus points. 0.6 cheaper as well.

    1. Bleh
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Reguilon looks the most enticing out of Spurs’ defence. Not quite sold on them as a team yet though.

  26. StevenW
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Mendy, Steele
    TAA, Cancelo, Rudiger, Livra, White
    Salah, Gallagher, Havertz, Gray, Sissoko
    Kane, Toney, Antonio

    1) White, Havertz & Antonio -> Regulion, Jota & Hwang (-4)

    2) White, Havertz -> Regulion & B Silva.

    1. cigan
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      2 out of those

  27. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    A. Mbeumo (EVE) + 4 points

    Or

    B. Jota (SOT)

    1. Bleh
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B

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

      Same dilemma here and B for me ( although you just know that will mean Mbeumo will find back of the net instead of the woodwork!)

  28. Bleh
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Play one:

    A. Antonio - MCI (A)
    B. Duffy - LEE (H)

  29. RogDog_jimmy
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    I think this week i'll take a hit. Feels more fun - was going to do Duffy > James for 4 at the back but Chilly gotta go.

    Chilwell > James (shield)
    Brownhill > Cornet (sword)

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Cancelo, James
    Salah, Jota, Raphinha, Gallagher, Cornet
    Jimenez, Vardy

    (Foster, Duffy, Antonio, Livramento)

    1. Bleh
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I’d still stick with your original plan. Burnley assets in general don’t excite me and certainly not in the sword sense.

      1. RogDog_jimmy
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        We're different then!

        I've seen enough of Cornet to think he's the real deal - and Burnley fixtures are pretty good.

        1. Bleh
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Obviously original plan would depend on Chily’s fitness… If he’s out for an extended period of time, you’d have to go for #2. Good luck!

          1. RogDog_jimmy
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            cheers!
            for sure dependent on Chilly - seems he's a goner for a while at least poor dude.

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

      Good transfers. Cornet really attacking and low owned ( just need to set aside that plays fo Burnley)

      1. RogDog_jimmy
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        yah - i watch some clips of him and it convinced me. maybe not the smartest way to scout but i'm not a pro.

  30. tbos83
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    If you had to start one of
    A) Livra (v Liv)
    B) Benny (v City)

    1. Bleh
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Tough one, probably B

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

      Neither braw to be fair but Benrahma