Fantasy Football Fixture Analysis Gameweek 10
Welcome to Fantasy Football Fixture Analysis Gameweek 10. I’ve had a couple of bizarre experiences writing here on this site during my tenure. Some of you will remember the DayQuil incident from a season ago – I think I singlehandedly wrote more about the MLS in two hours than the entirety of their pool of staff wrote about their league all week. And before that, I had those growing pains in trying to learn the nonsensical nature of writing proper English (essentially, if you think you should add a ‘u’ to a word, just add the ‘u’ to be safe). And there was also a time when I used a double space between each of my sentences (American standard) – and it still makes me laugh imagining the editors going over my entire article each week deleting a single space after every sentence.
Today’s writing experience is a bit different, and it’s definitely another ‘first’ for me. You see, I had a birthday this past weekend – and we celebrated with a litre of tequila. So welcome to my first hangover article. It’s like the Michael Jordan ‘flu game’ without being nearly so cool. I’m not saying this to try to garner attention, I’m just saying this because today felt like writing through a pool of mud. I don’t know if that makes sense, but that’s what it feels like. And because this hangover has be in a bit of an ornery mood, I decided to put Arsenal and United in the ‘Teams to Avoid’ section this week (spoiler alert). And instead of making Everton my third team to avoid, I decided not to make a third entry at all. It just hurts too much.
The Fixture Tracker…
Gameweek Tracker GW10-14
Top 3 Best Bets
#1) Manchester City – WBA (A), ARS (H), LEI (A)
You’ll have to forgive me if this part of the weekly article is starting to get a bit boring – but there’s no two ways about it: City are the kings of the table, and they look unstoppable at the moment. In fact, there really isn’t a schedule that you could throw at them right now that wouldn’t see them as favourites. So as much as I’d like to shake it up a bit and write about some other teams every now and again, I just can’t.
The one negative that I have to interject here is that the rumoured rotation woes finally hit this squad this past weekend. Most notably, Sterling and Jesus found themselves on the bench to start the game, and that’s just a reality that we’ll have to live with going forward. City have a packed schedule coming up with a cup game this Tuesday (check the fancy new feature on the tracker!), a league game this weekend and a Champions League match shortly after. Add to that the fact that many of their players will find themselves travelling abroad to play during the international break between GW11 and GW12, and you start to get a sense that maybe some of your City coverage will be subject to further rotation in coming rounds. But seeing as how City are now the only team in the league without a loss, and their GD is a staggering +28, you’ll just have to forgive the rotation risk and continue to include these players in your squad. Looking long term, nearly all of your City investment will pay off for you in the end.
As for this schedule that City have coming up, there really isn’t that much to worry about. West Brom shouldn’t scare anybody away; their last two home games were against West Ham and Watford, and neither of those resulted in wins; City should have the upper hand in all aspects of that clash. Arsenal were fortunate to play against a crumbling Everton side this past week, so don’t put too much stock into their 5-goal outburst. This is still the same Arsenal squad that only managed a single goal over the course of their first four road games to start the year, so let’s not get to thinking they’re now suddenly prolific goal scorers simply because Koeman and Co. decided to toss the match. City should be able to humble this Arsenal side fairly easily as long as the two sides play to proper levels. And Leicester have only two wins to their credit this year with victories over Brighton and Swansea. But they’ve wilted against any kind of real competition, so not much worry over in my mind.
#2) Liverpool – HUD (H), WHU (A), SOU (H)
I know that Liverpool got smashed this past weekend, maybe even deservedly so. Liverpool aren’t quite on the level as Spurs are at the moment, and for the purposes of this article, that’s OK. With a team like City, writing them into the article is easy – they’re better than everybody else, and as such, their fixtures are always in their favour. But with a team like Liverpool, they don’t have to be better than everybody else, they simply have to be better than their fixtures ahead to merit inclusion here in this list.
And I don’t think I’m going out on a limb saying that this team is better than this run of fixtures coming up. The worry with Liverpool, just like with City, is that they’ll have a very packed schedule coming up for themselves with CL play and players on international duty – but the rotation risk seems to be less of a concern with Liverpool (which may be due to them not having the reliable depth that City have). Liverpool have been erratic, brilliant, terrible, confounding and generally not worth the hassle to this point this year, I’ll concede that. They’ve had huge signature wins (4-0 over Arsenal anyone?) and gigantic defeats (0-5 vs City and 1-4 vs Spurs). But we know that they have the talent, at least on an individual player level, to generate some decent points when in the right position.
And this schedule they have coming up is that ‘right position’. Huddersfield pulled off the miracle win over the weekend against United, but they had gone scoreless in their three previous games. Chances are they won’t post back to back Hail Mary wins. West Ham are still starting Joe Hart, so take that for what it’s worth. And Southampton have only won a single road game this year – but that was against Palace, so it almost doesn’t count. If ever there was a chance for Liverpool to right the ship and get some stability in the table, it would be with this run they have coming up.
#3) Watford – STK (H), EVE (A), WHU (H)
Watford are that sneaky team that just won’t go away this year. They’ve lost the games you’d maybe expect them to lose (most recent pair of defeats came against City and Chelsea), but they’ve also given a good account of themselves with four wins on the year (most recently against Arsenal in a 2-1 win). They seem to have good balance top to bottom: nothing too flashy, but everybody on the pitch seems to be perfectly capable of doing their job and working within the system. And as long as they have that, you start to think that maybe them being in 6th place on the table isn’t really so shocking. This team genuinely deserves to be there.
And looking at this schedule, tell me how this team doesn’t have a decent shot at another 7-9 points? Stoke have been absolutely dreadful. We could forgive them for getting rolled in that 2-7 defeat against City a couple of rounds ago, but they then followed that up with another loss against Bournemouth last week. Everton, as they are now, aren’t a worry for anybody. Maybe they’ll have an uptick in form with a new manager, but until that happens… I’ll give the nod to Watford. And like I said before, West Ham are still starting Joe Hart. Honestly, with this schedule, and a couple of lucky breaks from other teams around them in the table, Watford could be firmly in the Top 4 going into December.
Teams to Avoid
Arsenal – SWA (H), MCI (A), TOT (H)
There may be a few owners out there that will start to gravitate towards including Sanchez, and his Baby Gap kit-wearing companions, bringing them into their fantasy teams based on Arsenal’s recent effort against Everton. But like I said before, Arsenal only had a single goal on the road all year prior to that effort, and they’ve dropped points in places that they probably shouldn’t have. And add to that the fact that they’ll be playing City and Spurs in short order? I’ll pass. You could make the case to ‘rent’ an Arsenal player just for the Swansea match, but you’d almost have to sell said player immediately after the game.
Manchester United – TOT (H), CHE (A), NEW (H)
Safe to say that a few key injuries finally caught up with United. Ordinarily, that wouldn’t be a huge issue as a team like United tends to have capable replacements, but United will have the same congested schedule that City and Liverpool will have – the only difference is that they’ll have to play Spurs and Chelsea whilst trying to get healthy and navigating CL and international duty. I’m not saying that United have no chance here – they’re good enough to get 9 points from any three-game schedule out there. I’m just saying that with other dominant teams having a much easier set of fixtures right now, maybe United aren’t worth the risk at the moment.
Thanks for reading Fantasy Football Fixture Analysis Gameweek 10. This article was written by Guy
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Guy, thanks for writing. How interesting that the 3rd team with a schedule to avoid could have been Spurs, with United and Arsenal in the next 3. Who would have ever though Ars-United-Spurs would be the three to avoid :/
I’ve unadvisedly gone with an early change and done Davies -> Otamendi
Leaves me with this for the weekend. Thoughts? Any hit needed here?
Looks great Pancho. Are you sticking with Kane as capo? Not saying don’t but United won’t allow them to do what Liverpool did.
I can’t see United conceding more than 2 any week really even with Kane’s form. Think they will keep it tight
Init, I just feel like I learned my lesson giving someone else the armband this weekend. Don’t trust Morata now as he looked absolute crap. Don’t trust Pep not to rotate the mids. Vardy couldn’t score vs Swansea. Don’t really see another solid option. Who would you go with here? Morata?
He looked well and truly off the pace on Saturday. After 20 mins I was glad I hadn’t bothered getting him. Then again he was just back off of that injury so hardly a surprise. Tough one for you this week. I have Kun myself so a bit less so here. It’d be Kane or Sterling I think, given what you have.
Thanks Init. Leaning toward those 2. Likely stick with Kane.
If Lindelof has to play I may well stick it on him myself!
Evening all
So who is everyone thinking for cappo this GW?
I’ve currently got it on Kun but tempted to do something different
Mitro, I’ve learned my lesson this week of taking it off Kane…
You looked at our team score? North London killing it!
This could get awkward…
:popcorn:
:hippo:
Lol
Wish my own team had that score!
Had a big red arrow last night!
Kane is back in my team and will stay there until he’s injured!
What moves you make Mitro?
Done hazard and Lukaku to Kane and salah
Nice moves
The circle of Mitro
Lol I’m a idiot ain’t I?
Nah, you just took the wrong player out! Did wonder what you’d ended up doing when I saw those Kane goals going in!
It’s been a while since I’ve done a move which backfired like that.
Mitro, I didn’t even realize you had taken him out this week… if you saw my post above then you see I lost about as many points on Kane this week as you did…
Can anyone give me some tips on how I might use my 2FTs this week please?
My team:
Elliot (Pope)
Kolasniac; Otamendi: Cesar (Ward; Mbemba)
Choupo: Gross; Silva; Coutinho (Oriol Romeu)
Vardy; Jesus; Kane
£0.2m in the bank
Plenty you could do but the real question is do you want to bring in Kun or not? That steers your other transfer.
As preferable as that may be I’m not sure how that happens without losing another big player.
Kolas > McAuley, who is coming back and should be up and scoring shortly
That’s the issue really – I either have to downgrade Vardy or possibly Coutinho – and there’s some risk attached to either of those moves…..
Blue, maybe just Kolas -> Monreal to free up some funds and not lose the transfer. I can’t really see a transfer worth doing this week if I’m honest. Choupo -> Doucoure would be okay but maybe sideways.. grasping at straws here…
thanks for that Pancho, I had thought about that.
Thinking of doing Jones and Moting out for Lowton amd Richarlison, is it worth -4? Burnley have nice fixtures and 2 at home in next 3 against low scoring teams so think they are essential and watford have been really good!
Snookie
On the face of it those moves make perfect sense to me and they look long term as well based on Watford and Richi’s form and Burnley’s fixtures. In fact you could hopefully get until Christmas on each.
I like it assuming Jones is out and I see he’s at 25% status on Premier Injuries.
Maybe others can suggest something as well as I’ve been out of the FPL loop this last week due to non- footballing reasons.
I like the look of your squad overall mate.
Thanks gp, even if Jones is not long termed injured United have difficult fixtures as well as seems to be struggling for form.
Wc’ed last week that’s why team looks in good shape atm
Good for you. Looks the part.
If you want to cut Jones loose anyway then go for it!
I like those moves
What do you recon?
1FT
0.9 ITB
Team.
Obrigado
I would drop Cresswell and fast. Not playing in a sinking ship with his manager likely to be the next one fired. Can actually see Palace taking them this weekend.
I would go for Lascelles of Newcastle and use him this weekend in the 4-3-3.
Attack looks awesome.
Thanks GP. I was thinking of doing cresswell to Moreno/Mee but you could be onto something!
Whether it’s double Newcastle or double Burnley I dont mind either but surely not Liverpool??
Unless I’ve missed something hidden behind the recent results/ performances?
Moreno has good attacking potential, looked good against spurs even though they got murdered. Liverpools fixtures are amazing for the next 9/11 games. Even if they don’t keep a cleanie he’s cheap as chips
My turn ….
I’ve only had match reports and scant radio coverage as access to the PL since last midweek. Tough times!
Here’s my squad. 0.7M and 2FT with the plan being to get Aguero and either Hazard or Morata.
If it’s -4 I’m listening.
Thanks people.
Davies> Moreno/Ward/Yedlin
Lukaku> Aguero
Vardy> Morata
Thanks mate.
My defender would have to be 4.5m for that to work which I’m happy with. I could have Dunk at Brighton for example.
Helpful indeed. Cheers.
No worries, I honestly think Klopp will be on heavy defensive training over the next month so a few cleanses at home. Just a punt I’m leaning towards
You can’t change that defense with training…
I would do just Luka and Vardy to Morata and Kun, is it possible?
Not close Snookie. £1.1M out.
Morning GP,
personally I wouldn’t prioiritise Morata or Hazard just yet, maybe target one for GW14.
This week Luk & Davies to Kun & Duffy. Next week Rambo to Richarlison?
I see your point on GW14 Cookie. Certainly looks a good run huh? Could see returns in the four ganes before that though particularly the West Brom and Bournemouth ones.
Certainly wouldn’t be just making those two you mentioned although on closer inspection I think Duffy may be worth the extra 0.1M.
Cheers pal. How are you?
I bought Hazard a fortnight ago and sold him just now – he is an expensive luxury mate, trust me. Sure he’ll deliver to an extent, but while the likes of Sane, Silva, Sterling, Salah, Erik etc and the cheaper Richarlison are performing at above his level, they are more important than Hazard in my opinion.
Also you won’t lose anything by not having him as his ownership is negligible at less than 5%.
Chelsea are too inconsistent right now, they will probably turn it around but until Morata can get and stay fit and Cunte finds some faith in Batman they will struggle for that consistency.
I’m ok thanks, how’s the new gaff?
*Certainly wouldn’t be AGAINST making just those two moves (I meant)
Thanks for your assessment pal.
Yeah we’re settling nicely thanks. Kids still off school today so got two of the blighters to deal with as the wife is away back to work. No housey stuff being done so a bit of a blessing there.
Heading to the beach soon to get them out! Even though it’s raining.
Good lad, nice to have a day free of the boring stuff….and it’ll still be there when you get back!
Enjoy the beach mate – hip flask rather than bottle of rosé it is!!
Luckily our beach has a huge adventure play park with a nice coffee house. :thumbup:
Actually found my flask last night when emptying a box. There’s an idea. Medicinal right?
of course mate, you’ve had a stressful time 😉
Life coach :thumbup:
Cookie, do you travel for your work as a life coach? I could use the sort of advice you’re dishing out
GP, heading to the beach and adventure park with the youngsters sounds lovely when there’s coffee (or a hip flask) involved. Enjoy it!