Fantasy Football Fixture Analysis Gameweek 2
Welcome to Fantasy Football Fixture Analysis Gameweek 2
With a new season comes new challenges, new head to heads, new faces, new prospects. And VAR. In the case of the latter, that has already shaped a couple of matches, making the outcomes less predictable. Will it be an improvement or will it be another idea that gets consigned to the scrap heap? I’m sure Wolves’ Leander Dendoncker has a stronger opinion on it now than he did before the weekend, as his winner was ruled out and gifted inverted commas to became a ‘winner’. The technology has certainly split opinion since its inception, much like whether Jaffa Cakes are cakes or biscuits and whether black pudding is acceptable to have with your breakfast. Spoiler: it’s not.
So, staying on the food theme, feel the hunger set in for both potato-based snacks and the rest of the season, as those who started well look to keep that up and reduce the number of their overall rank. If you’ve not had the best time when it has come to Gameweek 1, however, do not fear – we are just 2.63 per cent of the way through the season and your overall rank is just based on one single week. Those players who didn’t do great over the weekend just gone could then smash it in the next match. And of course there’s the small matter of the wildcard that you can rely on later on down the line.
Anyway, crisps: or chips if you’re in the States and various other countries, patatine fritte in Italy and potetgull in Norway.
Flavourable Fixtures
Liverpool – Southampton (a), Arsenal (H), Burnley (a)
Liverpool are very much the Nice and Spicy Nik Naks when it comes to their fixtures coming up. No resemblance between the squad and the nobbly spicy snacks; just simply that they are top of the pile. The best. I’d go as far as saying that the only six-pack I’m likely to get is the orange multi-pack that stands out on the supermarket shelves almost as much as Roberto Firmino’s teeth.
Having set aside Norwich 4-1 on the opening night of the season, Salah, Van Dijk and even Origi owners rejoiced as their players brought in the points, as Pukki’s goal then slightly marred the celebrations to take out the clean sheet. Gameweek 2 for Klopp’s men will be a trip to St Mary’s to face a team that didn’t exactly have the best start to the campaign, having gone down 3-0 away at Turf Moor. The last four meetings between the Saints and Reds have seen the latter victorious, scoring 11 in the process – of which a certain Egyptian was responsible for five.
Following on from that, it’s a return to Anfield as the Gunners come to town, following on from their fixtures against Newcastle and Burnley. Depending how things go against The Clarets for Arsenal, the trip to the North West could be the real dose of reality the start of the season offers each team, especially when you consider the fact you have to look back to April 2015 for the last time they overcame the Merseysiders. That was back when Arsene Wenger and Brendan Rodgers were the managers. How times have changed.
Liverpool’s fixture away at Burnley is one that always reminds me of my father in law as he recalls the funny story of climbing from one train to another via the windows on an away day and losing his shoe when one started to pull away from the other. Like that story, this one will probably finish in a happy ending – he still has all limbs intact to this day – if you are a supporter of the Reds; especially as they have only lost three times against the Lancashire side since that fateful day in 1975.
Man United – Wolves (a), Crystal Palace (H), Southampton (a)
Man United are getting the status of Monster Munch here. Perhaps misunderstood like the maize-based delight, the Red Devils certainly raised a few eyebrows in their 4-0 victory over Chelsea in the last match of Gameweek 1. They could easily have gone behind in the first half but then, with more of a cushion between them and the Blues, they started to play with a good deal of confidence. That said, Frank Lampard and his side could well find this season a slog, thanks to the loss of Hazard and their transfer ban that has now come to an end but will leave a legacy until the next deadline day. Hopefully Harry Redknapp’s nephew will still be the boss at Stamford Bridge to see that.
Gameweek 2 could prove to be more of a challenge for Ole’s men, more the beef flavour of Monster Munch. It’s only earlier this year the lads in gold were triumphant twice over those in red attire, thanks to 2-1 and 2-0 wins in the league and FA Cup respectively, in which Jota scored in both. Those also followed on from a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford back in September last year.
After that, it’s then the more favoured Flamin’ Hot and Pickled Onion flavours to look forward to, as matches against Crystal Palace and the previously mentioned Southampton appear on the horizon. Roy Hodgson and co. make the trip to Old Trafford on the back of 13 straight games against the Red Devils without a win, having conceded 10 in the last four alone. Ralph Hasenhüttl will no doubt be aware of the fact his team has a less than desirable record against Man United too, as they have conceded an average of 1.57 goals in each match since the last time they defeated them back at the start of 2016.
Man City – Spurs (H), Bournemouth (a), Brighton (H)
The salt and vinegar crisps of the FPL world, Manchester City are definitely the popular favourite. Just like what you would find within a green-coloured packet, you know exactly what you’ll get with the Cityzens and that’s a great points potential. In Gameweek 1, Sterling went against his namesake in the currency markets and showed to be the strongest out of anyone, amassing a whopping 20 points in their 5-0 triumph. Indeed, the mixture of West Ham’s poor play and the visitors’ ruthlessness also helped Mahrez to 14 points, with Walker and even Ederson collecting eight and seven respectively. Aguero owners, meanwhile, had quite a mixed 90 minutes, it’s fair to say.
Looking ahead, the Gameweek 2 opponents in the form of Spurs could be a slightly trickier task, as Harry Kane confirmed against Aston Villa what Rosco knew all along: there is no August curse. It’s bad enough when a player scores two against your team; that’s made worse when they’re not in your FPL team either. I’ve definitely forgotten what life as a fan of a Premier League team is like. There are hopes for entertainment’s sake, of course, there is a repeat of the time the two squads met in the second Champions League quarter final earlier this year, which featured five goals in the first 21 minutes and VAR to decide the goal by Llorente was OK and Sterling’s at the bitter end, well, wasn’t. That night was a part of a varied record over the past five years, with Man City winning seven, losing four and sharing the honours once.
Gameweeks 3 and 4 then present themselves to the lads from East Manchester, with a trip to Bournemouth and a home tie against Brighton. Both of these sides haven’t exactly enjoyed playing against the Cityzens, as a look through the history books reveals The Cherries haven’t ever won against them. Indeed, since Eddie Howe’s men were first promoted to the Premier League, they have had to endure 25 goals conceded in eight games, of which Sterling has been responsible for eight. Brighton, meanwhile, will remember their home was the location the visitors won last year’s title in a 4-1 win. That was the fifth time in a row Pep Guardiola’s side has defeated the Seagulls and, with this match taking place at the Etihad, you have to fancy the home side in that one.
The Next Crisp Tier
Everton – Watford (H), Aston Villa (a), Wolves (H)
Prawn cocktail crisps seem to be a snack that people either love or hate. I’m certainly on the side of loving them, so this is where the Toffees are – based on their fixtures – and it’s difficult not to see the potential for some FPL points from their players. That seems to be quite a popular consensus, as Lucas Digne appears in more than a quarter of FPL teams and Sigurdsson shows his face in around one in six.
Watford joined a few other Premier League teams in being the recipient of a good few goals on the opening day of the season and their trip to Goodison Park has the potential to be pretty tricky, too. Similarly to Everton, they failed to find the back of the net in Gameweek 1 and will need to turn some of the missed chances of that fixture against Brighton into goals in Gameweek 2, as Everton will no doubt be looking to beat the Hornets for the first time in three attempts.
A trip to Villa Park for the host’s second home tie of the season is also the most-played fixture in English top-flight football. Another significant record Everton can rely on is that they have only lost two against the Villains in the last 10 years, with six wins and seven draws along the way. After that, it’s another Midlands team to play, albeit back at Goodison Park. From Marco Silva and his squad’s perspective, that’s a fixture that will be on the back of three wins, five draws and two losses over the past 10 games between the two sides.
Unflavourable Fixtures
Southampton – Liverpool (H), Brighton (a), Man United (H)
After the optimism towards the end of last season as Ralph Hasenhüttl came in after Mark Hughes’ departure, the Saints will be hoping they can revive that and improve on how the opener of the season went. Unfortunately, the games against Liverpool and Man United in particular are going to be very difficult, as much as they are going to be played at home. The middle tie against Brighton does offer the opportunity for some respite, along with the ties against Sheffield United and Bournemouth in Gameweeks 5 and 6. This does mean Southampton can be likened to Wotsits, of course, in that they’re OK and you wouldn’t want them all the time, but they can be great after a good while.
Burnley – Arsenal (a), Wolves (a), Liverpool (H)
Finally, there’s the ready salted of the crisp world – a pretty unappealing option and with good reason when you look at all the other flavours in front of you in the crisp section. Nik Naks, they are definitely not. Whilst Sean Dyche and his men started their 2019/20 season in style by dispatching the aforementioned Southampton, life is going to get much tougher over the next three matches. Though we are in the early days of the season – and it does pay to keep an eye on players – I wouldn’t be rushing to get any of the Burnley squad in your side until at least Gameweek 5.
Thanks for reading Fantasy Football Fixture Analysis Gameweek 2. This article was written by (a hungry) Swirly.
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Vote on our Captain Poll Now
Zischenko to Lundstram and Moise Kean to Rashford tonight?
:hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo:
Such a dirty site with these dirty, dirty moving emoticons. Sighs. :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo:
Good move Raz. Sorry for the late reply… everybody is slowmo here. :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo: :hippo:
Tnx, I was starting to wonder. Felt like people were ignoring me a little bit. Finally someone stepped up. Tnx mate.
:worthy:
Are you imagining the hippos are talking to you, Raz? What are they saying? Tell us. What moves do they think are good moves? What players do hippos like? Do hippos like black pudding?
I think I’d hold mate
Hmmm. How about Zischenko to Lund and ummmm Barkley to Martial? So I heard Martial is actually playing upfront more than Rash>?>>>>>>>
This is what Ole had to say:
“That’s a number nine’s goal. Anthony knows what I expect from him and where I want him. I don’t mind if he drifts wide once in a while and tries a curler but that’s where the number nines get the goals.”
Hey Zed. I heard your boys played well first half before losing their way. What are your thoughts on your team?
The first half was scrappy by both sides… The second half was scrappy yet but we gifted Burnley all three goals… Our defense was horrendous, especially Vestergaard. That 3-0 result had nothing to do with Burnley being good (they weren’t), it was all our defense being very bad!
We signed a few good-looking attackers and that’s great, Adams almost scored a goal in the opening minutes, but we didn’t address the defense at all, no new defenders, no new DMs that we would have needed, the defense this season is the same defense we had last season… And it’s not a good defense! I’m sensing a disaster in the making!
Cheers Zed
As Zed said, Martial is more advanced, but do you want to take a hit?
Great article my friend but I’m afraid I’m going to have to disagree with you, black pudding is a perfectly acceptable accompaniment to any good breakfast!!
+1
It’s an essential ingredient
Had to google Black Pudding… Oh my god!!!
Zed
Take a look (and definitely try at some point) haggis.
Haggis is black pudding on steroids. Not literally, hopefully, but it’s definitely a step up from what is already a delicious breakfast staple.
Somewhat controversial but brown sauce on each GP? That’s my preference.
English mustard in black pudding for me. It’s not really southern food but I do like it.
Brown sauce if it’s a breakfast item certainly.
No sauce – only neeps and tatties (you can work out those surely), if as part of dinner.
Not tried, or even considered, English mustard, with it Horse. That doesn’t usually present itself at breakfast so probably explains why I haven’t. Will try it next time.
Mustard must always be available.
Must in my house. (no pun intended)
Yeah it’s always available in my house, just isn’t usually when you have a full English / Scottish in a hotel.
Sadly.
We eat a kind of neeps and tatties in Finland at Christmas! Think I could survive in Scotland!
Depends what you mean by ‘good breakfast’. It’s not something I’ve ever mixed into the porridge. And it’s not something I’ve ever eaten without thinking about the irreperable damage being done to my arteries.
There is a version of it over here, called Boudin noir. I’ve taken a liking to it – and what’s more is that I curiously have a low cholesterol level. One of the things to be thankful for! . Have a good evening everyone!
I ate Boudin noir at a very nice crêperie in St Malo not that long ago. The chef checked with me that I was sure of what it was I was ordering.
It was really excellent.
I like boudin noir :buba:
You might be interested to know that Black Pudding, Haggis (and steroids) are banned in the US! Americans do have other ‘superfoods’ to keep them occupied/healthy though. Haha.
Knew that Sanchez. Can’t be imported as it is sheep lung.
These Americans!
Yum yum. They are missing out!
You also can’t import raw milk cheese there.
They really don’t know what’s good!
Breaking news Morgan Bacon joins SHU from Carslile.
Egan Bacon partnership
Initial plan was to roll the transfer but wondering whether I should get any Utd coverage? Leave as is, Moura to Martial or Deulofeu and Zinchenko to Lundstram and Rashford?
Wolves could turn out to be a tough one for United to navigate, I wouldn’t force anything at this stage, just relax and follow your original plan is what I recommend
Although Moura to Martial is tempting given Moura faces City and after that his minutes might be managed whereas Martial should be nailed(ish)
@Igy4.
Your team looks balanced. I am in the same boat as you. I would like to hold but am thinking of Moura to Martial.
I’d leave it. Moura’s not exactly a bad pick and Spurs have been known to score against City. They will have opportunities to counter-attack. That team looks fine to me.
Thanks Zed and Horse. Moura was only a short term move based on Son and Alli being out and considering other Spurs signings think he needs to move. As I said, my original plan was to keep him longer but the way price rises are working, it seems like an early move might be needed. I’m concerned about Deulofeu though.
Quality food review Swirly.
However, you couldn’t be more wrong about black pudding! As for whether Jaffa cakes are cakes or biscuits, it doesn’t really matter as they’re delicious either way. You’ve ruined Monster Munch on me forever!
I think he’s on his own with black pudding. He’ll regret that sentence for a long time to come I’m imagining!
Is it worth doing Wilson to Rashford tonight before the price rise (I have 0.5m ITB), although I feel I may be writing Wilson off too soon….
I would stick it out as it is. Wilson scores and he’ll probably rise to negate the Rashford one.
Thanks Adam,
I think Wolves at home will be a different proposition for United.
+1, like you I have Wilson but I’ll be sticking with him and looking to work with 2 FTs in GW3. Wilson could just as easily match Rashford’s score in GW2 and vice versa and you’ll be kicking yourself for switching. If Rashford scores we’ll again and Wilson doesn’t then at least you can make the switch with a little more information gained!
Ok, I’ll stick with him, just like Mr. Hanks here did…..
Hi all,
Interested to know from the community who seems to be of interest after Week 1. I have my eye on a few at the moment, but I think my initial plan of no transfers in week 2 with 1mln itb can hopefully hold, so I can look at a mini wc in wk 3 when things may have settled a little. Appreciate it’s not a great side for week 2 (which I think, in part, is due to having less balance because of the 3 big hitters), but 85 points in week 1 has given me a bit of breathing space.
Currently:
RYAN
ZINCHENKO, LUNDSTRAM, ROBBO, GOMEZ
PEREZ, STERLING, SALAH, HAYDEN
KANE, KING
Pope, Ayew, Capoue (just a placeholder for wk 3), Kwp
Any need for a week 2 transfer or hold into week 3?
Cheers
I’d advise you hold and crack on with the GW3 plan. Whatever that may be come the time. You look in decent enough nick this week to do so.