Our weekly look at the fixture lists over the next four to six Gameweeks starts, as always, with the teams with kinder schedules. We see easier opponents for a handful of sides from the lower end of the table, whose budget attractions could provide Fantasy profits for the canny investor. The league leaders and the champions also feature, suggesting points aplenty may be on the horizon:
Southampton
The Saints returned to winning ways with a competent performance against the Baggies and perhaps deserved more than a mere 1-0 win over the midlands outfit. The fixture list looks promising for the foreseeable future, with just a tricky encounter against the league leaders in the next six to negotiate. Aside from the visit of Arsenal, the Saints have away games at Sunderland, Fulham, Hull City and West Ham and, with a home game against Stoke also in the offing, Mauricio Pochettino’s side could be set to return to full Fantasy relevance. Reports suggesting midfield powerhouse Victor Wanyama could be back in action by the end of the month only sweeten the deal.
The return of Artur Boruc from injury makes the keeper, at 4.7, a bargain given these fixtures, and also improves the rest of the Saints’ backline’s prospects of returns. Luke Shaw looks like the most secure of the cheap options but Jose Fonte is probably the best value pick for those with cash to spare. In midfield, Adam Lallana’s fifth goal of the season vindicated his inclusion in the Scout Picks and he looks to be a very consistent investment. Gaston Ramirez has chimed in with a goal and assist in the last three Gameweeks but his game time has been too patchy to make him a viable alternative to Lallana. Up front, Jay Rodriguez has proven spectacular value for his owners, with eight goals in the last 15 Gameweeks.
Sunderland
A resounding win at Craven Cottage lifts the Black Cats off the bottom of the table and the momentum would now appear to be with the Wearsiders. With a kind fixture list ahead, Gus Poyet will be hopeful of taking his team out of the relegation zone. Three home games in the next four against Southampton, Stoke and Hull look primed for Fantasy points.
Three clean sheets in the last six games has made the Sunderland defence a key area of interest for Fantasy managers. Vito Mannone has been popular in a lot of early wildcard teams and although Poyet has openly stated he is in the market for another goalkeeper, it’s not clear if this would be to provide cover for or replace Mannone. Phil Bardsley is far and away the best defensive option, with both security of starts and significant goal threat in his locker. Those hoping to save cash with Wes Brown could be stung by the imminent acquisition of a new centre-back. The Black Cats’ attack has, until recently, been a bit of a Fantasy washout, but Adam Johnson’s mammoth 22-point haul at Craven Cottage has launched him onto Fantasy radars. Along with Ki Sung-Yeung (two double figure returns in four) the former City wide man looks the most appealing option, with his display at the Cottage set to nail down a regular role.
Swansea
Although they failed to repeat their cup magic trick in the league, falling to defeat at Old Trafford, the Swans have three home fixtures in the next four to help them get back to winning ways. Tottenham roll up to the Liberty next, followed by struggling Fulham. A trip to injury-ridden West Ham is up next before Michael Laudrup’s team return home once more for the second leg of the Welsh derby. With the squad-draining effects of the Europa League on hold until the week before Gameweek 27, these fixtures could hold Fantasy profit for the canny investor.
With uncertainty surrounding the return of goalkeeper Michel Vorm, the defensive choice looks to be between Ben Davies and Ashley Williams, after Chico Flores was unexpectedly utilised as a sub last weekend. In midfield, the pickings are slim – though Alex Pozuelo (4.2) has been handed enough game time to justify his bargain-basement price. Wilfried Bony is also threatening to hit his stride – having followed up a brace against Man City on New Year’s Day with the late winner against Man United in the cup, the upcoming fixtures could help him finally realise his potential.
Man United
A win over Swansea gives United some much-needed momentum. David Moyes would doubtless have preferred another game or two to build on that before heading to Stamford Bridge but, after that clash, his team have four kind-looking fixtures in the subsequent five to get up a head of steam. Home games against Cardiff and Fulham look appealing, while trips to Stoke and Crystal Palace will hold little fear.
A third clean sheet from six games brings the United backline into consideration. David De Gea may be a little expensive but was a Fantasy goldmine in the second half of last season and is nailed-on between the posts. Jonny Evans is unfortunately sidelined, robbing us of a potential bargain and making Patrice Evra the most secure option, though the Frenchman was subbed off with a knee problem last weekend and needs monitoring. In midfield, Adnan Januzaj yet again impressed without gaining Fantasy points to leave a question mark over his Fantasy worth. The continued absence of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie has left the door open for Danny Welbeck – his sixth goal in as many weeks has provided sparkling value for his owners, though the return of both of his big-hitting teammates could quash his appeal.
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Arsenal
Another convincing victory keeps the Gunners at the top of the table. They have three profitable-looking home games (FUL, CPL, SUN) in the next six to aid their bid to stay at the summit, though trips to Liverpool and Southampton and the visit of United will test their mettle. Certainly, the first three fixtures bode well for returns at both ends of the pitch and wildcard investment in Wojciech Szczesny, Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny looks set to continue. Mesut Özil’s prodigious talent seems to materialise most prominently at the Emirates, making these games particularly enticing for his owners. Aaron Ramsey’s return to fitness will be eagerly anticipated, while Olivier Giroud’s second goal in as many games continues his slow return to form.
Crystal Palace
Tony Pulis’ revitalised team has slumped back to the bottom of the table but he’ll be hopeful that the Eagles can use the three home fixtures (STO, HUL, WBA) in the next four games as a springboard to leap out of the relegation zone. Those who have invested in Joel Ward and Danny Gabbidon will be optimistic of cut-price clean sheets. The Palace attack hasn’t been on many radars all season but the emergence of Jason Puncheon as a budget penalty taker has seen him snapped up by a few. Marouane Chamakh’s output has slowed since the heady days of three goals in three games but these fixtures could help him silence his doubters once again.
Norwich
To say that The Canaries are lacking form would be putting it mildly, but it’s also fair to say they haven’t been thumped since the hiding at Anfield in Gameweek 14. The next few games could help them get back on track. With Hull City and Newcastle rolling up to Carrow Road next, and trips to Cardiff and West Ham in the following three, investment could be worthwhile. John Ruddy and Martin Olsson look like the safest entries into clean sheets, while, further up field, only Gary Hooper holds significant appeal – the striker will be hoping to add to his season tally of five goals.
