Having twiddled thumbs to an alarming state during international and FA Cup breaks, finally we have a gameweek to consider as the last furlong of the season approaches. We’re wasting no time; climbing straight back into the saddle to greet the forthcoming gameweek with another “frisking” of the fixture schedule, helping to identify the teams who look set to gallop home and those who risk falling at the first…
The Highs…
Chelsea
They still have a glimmer of hope of retaining the title and, in their favour, the fixtures offer Chelsea the opportunity to push United and Arsenal all the way. It’s the mini-run of gameweeks 32 through 34 that jumps out and hands Fantasy Managers plenty of reasons to consider their key assets.
Three home fixtures in a row against relegation struggling clubs (Wigan, Birmingham, West Ham) as well as a trip to another candidate for the drop – West Brom, hand Carlo Ancelotti’s side a highly promising double-header and promotes the likes of David Luiz to the top of watchlists for defensive returns, while those with the cash to splash will surely target Fantasy Premier League (FPL) heavyweight Frank Lampard at the sharp end. We may even see Fernando Torres earn some suitors once he’s broken his Chelsea duck.
Arsenal
Like Chelsea, investment in Arsene Wenger’s squad will cost us dear but looks pretty much essential over the next four gameweeks. A double in gameweek 33 presents their two toughest forthcoming fixtures, but around this, victories and goals look likely (BLA blp LIV/tot bol) against some of the most obliging defences on offer. With the Emirates injury list clearing and Champions League distractions disposed of, the familiar names – Robin Van Persie, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Andrey Arshavin will all surely find themselves into our Fantasy squads.
Aston Villa
We’ve included Gerard Houllier’s men in this weekly run-down of the fixture schedule for several weeks, and despite current form, they still warrant our attention. With just one clean sheet in their last ten Premier League games, the Villans have failed to offer us defensive returns, but their upcoming run (eve, NEW, whm, STK, wba, WIG) presents the opportunity to turn that form around. Kyle Walker, at just 4.0 in FPL, should remain prominent on our radars then.
As should attacking trio of England internationals Ashley Young, Darren Bent and Stewart Downing. All three will look to build on their performances against Wales at the weekend and really should be good for further profit in the next few weeks if Houllier is going to save his job and keep Villa up.
Sunderland
There’s a tough trip to Eastlands this weekend but, given that City have only 3 goals in their last 4 games, this may just be the time to take on Roberto Mancini’s side. After that, Sunderland have favourable fixtures until the end of the season – Fantasy Managers should be on alert.
It’s the closing games and forthcoming three home matches in particular that will attract attention. West Brom, Wigan and Fulham all pay visit to the Stadium of Light in April, surely handing strikers Danny Welbeck and Asamoah Gyan the platform to boost their goal tallies and reputations. With injuries clearing at the back and Lee Cattermole returning to protect from midfield, Fantasy Managers may also be tempted by Sunderland’s low-price options in the back four.
Also to consider: Man United – their next four in particular will have plenty of goals and clean sheet potential although things stiffen badly from gameweek 35. Wolves – if you can look past their blank in gameweek 33 then Mick McCarthy’s side have the potential to return investment on their budget wares Birmingham – Alex McCleish’s side have gameweek 33 double with a vey reasonable run of opponents around it – if their squad can cope, they should continue to offer mid-price potential, particularly at the back.
The Lows…
Stoke
Apart from the recently discovered double gameweek fixture, Stoke’s forthcoming run of opponents is quite simply abhorrent. Around the gameweek 34 double [CHE, tot, —, avl/WLV, bpl, ARS] Stoke have a blank gameweek and four fixtures that in all likelihood, will see them ship plenty of goals. With Robert Huth and Asmir Begovic their most prized Fantasy assets, we can expect to see sales of both, despite the promise presented by their double header with Villa and Wolves.
West Ham
Avram Grant’s relegation scrappers continue their spirited climb up the table but, given their next five fixtures, they’re going to have to do it the hard way. The Hammers will play host to league leaders Man United this coming weekend , whilst also facing trips to Chelsea, Man City and Bolton in the coming weeks. Their tie at home to fellow strugglers Aston Villa in gameweek 33 could prove vital – with Thomas Hitzlsperger preparing his left foot to punish his former club. Investment in the German and the likes of Scott Parker and Demba Ba could be tempered by the fixture list then – despite their outstanding current form.
West Brom
Roy Hodgson outfit remain undefeated since he took charge at the Hawthorns in mid-February but now the Baggies upcoming fixtures, particularly their next four, will pose a real challenge to that record and their survival hopes.
A resurgent Liverpool play visit this weekend, before trips to Sunderland and Spurs sandwich another home game with Chelsea. There are some stern defences on the horizon then, presenting a sizeable barrier to Peter Odemwingie’s goal potential and the creative talents of Chris Brunt in midfield. Hodgson has tightened things at the back but Fantasy Managers are unlikely to put any faith in the cheap options on offer, particularly with those opponents looming.
Be wary of: Fulham – another team who offer the temptation of a double fixture around a schedule of opponents that appears to offer little promise. Man City – a double fixture is in the offing in gameweek 36 but until then City face a blank and tough away tests at Liverpool and Blackburn.
