Fantasy Football Fixture Analysis Gameweek 3
Welcome to Fantasy Football Fixture Analysis Gameweek 3. GW2 FPL 2018/19 may now forever more be remembered as Jamie Jackson Week. There’s a fair to middling chance that prior to about 4.25pm on Friday many (most) of you will never have even heard of Jamie Jackson before. Yeah sure enough, he’s got a hallowed ‘blue tick’ on his twitter page and he’s a ‘journalist’ for The Guardian but we aren’t talking Henry Winter or Neil Custis levels of notoriety here. I’ll freely admit I didn’t have a scooby who he was either. I do now though! He’s just about the most hated person on twitter within FPL circles as we speak. Even Ben Crellin blushed. Bobby Madley’s publicist was perhaps the only person to benefit from the whole debacle, in a Tony Blair style ‘good week to bury bad news’ style.
We digress (before we get sued!)… On to this weeks Fixtures article –
My much younger, less good looking and much smaller (than Rosco, who isn’t?!) predecessor AT (don’t worry he’s not dead!) spent last week telling you all about the bleeding obvious. Gems such as ‘Man City and Liverpool are good, Newcastle are bad’ fell from his expert fantasy hands onto the keyboard. And he was correct to do so. I’ll not be so lazy though, rest assured. Maybe…
To be fair to our young whipper snapper he gave you Man City who spanked Huddersfield, Everton who were also victorious, just, and Liverpool who limped home, in a grey fashion….
Unfortunately he also advised you avoid both Newcastle and Brighton like the plague. And both went and got (relatively) positive results. Which is quite fitting really given as the mantra ‘Bloody AT’ was almost trending on site after GW1! I’m not entirely sure why it was but it seems he may have spent pre-season systematically destroying peoples teams one by one like some demented FPL version of T-1000.
I’m sure it was just a quirk of the scheduling calendar that meant I could follow up next after his every fixtures article….
Favourable Fixtures
Manchester City – Wolves (A), Newcastle (H), Fulham (H) There was a benign early passage of play, way before City even opened the scoring, it involved Ederson and Stones playing it across their own goal line, virtually. If you love football you’ll have seen it and smiled wryly as I did. It was almost Pep eating himself, such was it’s audacity and daring. The whole thing took a matter of seconds, but probably encapsulated Pep’s whole philosophy, maybe to an n’th degree that even he didn’t daren’t envisage. But it also then ballooned a while later into Ederson himself making a pinpoint through ball, an 80 yard one, for Kun’s opener. Surely the best and most deliberate assist we’ve ever seen from a keeper?
Does it really matter who they play next? Probably not, they’re streets ahead of anyone. Your main difficulty is of course second guessing which players will actually play. Fortunately that’s not our job here on Fixtures, we just point you at the correct teams! I will however give you a steer as to my own thinking on this, as a bonus (!), I have Ederson and Kun currently and I’m fixing to add Mendy to those. I’m ignoring the mids for now as it’s clearly a mine field. Mendy thinks he’s a mid anyway, so that’s good enough for me.
Arsenal – West Ham (H), Cardiff (A), Newcastle (A)
Wenger out! Oh no, hang on… we went there, did that and he left. Eventually…. Emery out?! Not quite yet. Yeah ok the first two results haven’t quite been perfect but then again neither were the fixtures. The next ones will probably tell us far more as they’re all ‘winnable’ on paper. And it’s not just the next 3 either, Emery and co go all the way until GW11 now until they next meet one of the Big 6. They have a clear run now, as such. Make of it what you will but GW’s 3 to 10 will be definitive for them and also perhaps Emery himself.
West Ham at home is probably just the tonic they need right now as Pellegrini’s men have shipped 6 in 2 games and only scored 1 in response, and that was from the penalty spot. A couple of away trips follow but neither looks particularly daunting.
If you deliberately swerved the Gunners for their opening couple of games then that was probably wise but you can start to look at them as viable options from here on in. Certainly from an attacking point of view anyway. Personally I’d take a rain check on their defenders for now, until they all get their heads around this playing out from the back thing, or at least until Cech does finally stick one in his own net and is inevitably forced to pick up his walking stick and wander off into the distance like Grandpa from The Simpsons, muttering ‘bloody kids’ under his breath.
Chelsea – Newcastle (A), Bournemouth (H), Cardiff (H)
Would Sir like sauce on that? Sometimes the devil is in the detail. Or so it seems in football management. Seemingly, something as simple as reintroducing ketchup to the lunch service can reinvigorate an entire squadron of men these days. I’m being slightly facetious of course but ketchup is the new word for ‘fun’ in modern football management parlance. If the manager allows it he’s perceived as the relaxed type, if he doesn’t then he’s a disciplinarian. And so cyclical are these things that replacing the ‘no sauce’ Conte with the more ‘saucy’ Sarri was the logical step.
Whether it is indeed sauce, or simply the fresh approach from a manager known for his attacking style, the players certainly seem to have embraced it and they have 2 wins out of 2 under their belts now and 3 goals in each game. Even Morata has scored. Miracle sauce?
If you’re looking for cheap options who play for a top side then you could do worse than look at the likes of Luiz and Pedro right now. Alonso carries a more premium label but if the hype is to be believed then he’s more than likely going to score a lot more than most mids or even forwards who cost the same. You’d have to imagine that Hazard may just embrace playing in a free flowing Sarri side too.
Best of the rest
Crystal Palace – Watford (A), Southampton (H), Huddersfield (A)
This is just a heads up really that you have 6 weeks of Palace bliss, if you choose to accept it, and then 5 weeks of hell. Well ok, probably not hell, but it’s all relative. After the above 3 games Woy also leads his twoops into games against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Wolves. And then things get potentially more wocky, albeit gradually so, with Everton, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and Man United being their next 5.
Richarlison – Bournemouth (A), Huddersfield (H), West Ham (H)
Fun fact, our young Brazilliant hero has never scored a professional goal without Marco Silva being tucked into his left sock and operating him by remote control. Ok, so that may not be strictly true but it doesn’t feel that far removed from the reality of his career in England thus far. Robot Rich has a decent run of games ahead of him. The ones noted above are punctuated by a trip to Arsenal but even after that he gets a go at Fulham, Leicester and Palace.
Unfavourable Fixtures
Cardiff – Huddersfield (A), Arsenal (H), Chelsea (A)
When you need a 97th minute penalty save to get a point in a 0-0 at home to Newcastle you probably know it’s going to be a long season. Huddersfield away next is the proverbial 40 pointer. Beyond that classic it’s Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City on the bounce and then Spurs and Liverpool in 2 of the following 4. Sell! Sell! Sell! Or rather, slap yourself hard in the face for buying in the first place.
Spurs – Man United (A), Watford (A), Liverpool (H)
Take a pic. It’s not often you find Spurs hidden down here. It’s more cautionary than anything though as we know they can perform in any given game, from an attacking perspective. I probably just wouldn’t bank on any of their defenders for a few weeks, that’s all really.
Thanks for reading Fantasy Football Fixture Analysis Gameweek 3. This article was written by Inittowinit
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Morning all, would appreciate a little bit of help for my transfers this week. I’m thinking of trading Alexis and Hogg for Richarlison and Pogba/Pedro, would these be the best possible moves? And who would be a better choice from Pogba and Pedro?
Thanks!
Think you are on the right track with those. I think I’d take Mkhi over Pogba and Pedro I think
Got 88 point for GW2..thanks a lot guys..now GW3 need miki in the team as per advice from you..
XHUNT – Erik to Mikhi?
Morning guys I’ve not made any changes yet as not really sure what to do. I was going to put Ings in for King last night due to price change but decided against it. I’m not happy with obvious fall guy Jota who everyone is shipping, King who’s not far behind but could give him another week. Though Liverpool are playing well Firmino has been quiet and Mahrez seems expensive considering he’s going to be in and out certainly not a focal point to everything they do. Shaw maybe an issue but he has at least been playing well
Suddenly thinking Auba, Mkhi and Pedro in for Firmino, Mahrez and Jota. Though Arsenal have been beaten twice they have looked capable of scoring lots and have quite a run of easy fixtures. Ings and Mkhi for King and Jota is something I’ve thought about as well.
Basically I’m pretty unsure what to do but think I’ve addressed the problem players.
Same problem here..don’t know how to slot in miki or Auba..haha
I think I’d do the Mkhitaryan to Jota move and leave it there. Mahrez one more week, then assess.
I’m thinking Mkhitaryan or Pedro, with the former ahead. But am looking at Ramsey as well (will probably play it safe with Mkhitaryan for now).
Can’t do that in one move unfortunately. Yeah I could give Mahrez another week. Can’t see that being a massive score though
I’m half-hoping Wolves are crazy enough to take City on, but doubt that will come to pass.
If you need to bring in Ings to fix that move, it may not be the worst decision. Southampton’s fixtures aren’t terrible – not overly brilliant, either – and he seems to be in the mix. I’m optimistically giving King another week but Ings is definitely on my shortlist to replace him.
In the cup last year they were really defensive and kept City pretty quiet. I don’t think they will take them on anyway. City are capable of smashing anyone. Yeah that was what I was intending on doing. Ings blanks in a few weeks though as I guess he can’t play against Liverpool
Hey Smash
Your team is same my . This w3 , i decided to change as …
( Jota > Pedro , Mahrez > Miki , King > Morata )
What do you think ?
Not a Morata fan but I like those moves
The double Chelsea attack is refreshing to see and could work well, though I’ve not seen a lot of Morata. At least he’s netted.
Dropping City players is risky, given the havoc they can cause, but Chelsea have a nice run of games.
Dropping City players is not good really. Mahrez though has played 50 odd minutes in two games and 20 in one. For a 9 million player that’s not good enough. That’s without looking at his points tally. City midfield is just a minefield. The two main players seem to be Aguero and Mendy. I like B Silva as he’s a lot cheaper and you can take that from a player not playing 90 mins every week
Yes. I got lucky and switched Sane to B Silva after Pep’s glowing tribute. Having three City starters for two games running is a record for me I think.
If I owned Mahrez I’d be getting fretful. Maybe Pep’ll give some hint at the press conference. It is a very tough one.
But then people were saying Mkhitaryan is a risky pick. Hopefully not.
What u doing about wan smash ?
U still keeping him ?
Yeah he’s alright. Looks quality it’s only one game if I’m not mistaken. Does leave me light at the back so fingers cross other 3 all play
Thank you for the article Init.
Oh Lordy I’m in a pickle!!
First question in Mane essential? If so could erikson and firmino to Mane and morata however that leaves cairney, king and a worryingly thin defence. I could get mkhi and Pedro for erikson and cairney but nothing is jumping out. Help pleeeeaasseee xxx
This will help
Hi Joanne, I’d hold on King. I know Wilson has scored the points but for 6.5 I think he’ll come good with the way B’mth play and fixtures. defence looks okay for this week (play 3-4-3) and Obi-Wan will return in gw4. Eriksen/Cairney/Ralls would be my issue. I’d lose either Cairney or Ralls and you’ll probably need to sell Eriksen to do it. Arsenal midfield is must imo. If you have one ft I’d prob do Erik to Mikhi. Play a 3-4-3 with Ralls or Cairney as 4th mid as their fixtures are okay. Then sort Zanka or Ralls or Cairney in GW4. You the have international break to reassess.
Just noticed you have 2ft, so I’d do Erik to Arse mid (Mikhi probably) & Cairney / Ralls upgrade.
Leave Zanka until GW 4 to see if obi-wan regains his place after suspension.
mkhi and Pedro for erikson and cairney/ralls seems a good way to spend 2FT
Hello all – hopefully I’ve uploaded the screenshot of my current team here. Have 0.7 ITB.
My plans are to improve it over the next 2 GWs, by replacing one of my Palace defenders with Alonso, by either selling De Gea for Ederson this week, and buying Alonso the week after (thus avoiding a ‘hit’); or by selling another player (based on your suggestions). Daggers out people, this carcass is ready for carving!
P.S. As I mentioned last night while watching, I spent last year with Kun in my team, but have taken a different tack this year – first few games (+ the sheer number of Aguero owners!) have proven me horribly wrong. But I feel, I must persist a few more weeks, before declaring the ‘Liverpool experiment’ an abject failure! Cheerio all.
Oh BTW, have also favoured a ‘heavy attacking midfield’ approach, rather than relying too heavily on star forwards. Error???
AJW, if you want Alonso, I would sell downgrade Pogba to allow PVA to Alonso…..
does Pogba to Mikhi work?
DeGea to Ederson is a Transfer that will save you money and potentially will get you more points.
You will save 0.5m.
If you add that up with 0.7m in the bank and the sale of Tomkins 4.5m, you will have 5.7m in the bank which is not going to buy you Alonso at 6.6m
Frankly without selling any of your expensive midfielders you are not going to get Alonso in, and your midfield looks to good to be taking it apart for Alonso.
I could get rid of Van Aanholt to finance it, Gives me 6.7 for Alonso – maybe have to do both moves in one gameweek to make sure I’m safe from Alonso price increases. I don’t really want to sell Pogba – I think in the long run, he could be really helpful to my team. But in a pinch, as Cookie Monster said, could offload him for Mikhi? Thanks for your tips people!
I would hold on to PVA because of the nice fixture run Crystal Palace has.
I said it a few times already but try looking at who you think is under performing in your team or who has a difficult run of fixtures coming up and see if there are alternatives for those players instead of looking at the ones you do not have.
Sound advice Dutchie! There IS a reason we selected our original squads isn’t there? Thanks for reiterating the sensible path to take! I will just move the keeper this week and take stock of the options – I’m not sure I could say anyone was underperforming in my team, (except for the vaguely injured Firmino) just yet. Since posting, I’ve been for a swim and a bit of a bike ride and have come back clear-headed to read your reasoned response. Thanks again – gives me something to think about.
3 palace defenders…wow!
Point taken – one of them will go, I just seemed to accumulate them, like odd socks!
2 is okay, as I really believe that Palace are a good value side – there are so many good players in their team, who are each, on their day, capable of performing like the best of the PL. Maybe I’m turning into a closet Palace fan??? Their fans seemed to be quite vibrant during the match last night – and their chanting seemed good natured and co-ordinated.
Good morning guys,
Captaining Aguero saved me this week and although I was fairly happy with my original team for the long haul I decided early to drop Eriksen and Cairney. Richarlison seems a must at the moment (form fixtures price) and I wanted access to Arsenal’s fixtures so Mikhi (cheaper than Ozil and similar points potential imo).
BUT did it on Sunday before price rises/drops. I had 2ft so no issues. Now though with Obi-Wan being suspended I’m light on 3rd defender. Peltier didn’t make Cardiff squad, leaving Jonny to face City, arghhh! 0.9mln in bank. Drop Peltier for a -4 hit this week or leave Jonny to face City and resolve with my ft next??
Appreciate any thoughts
Do not take a 4 point hit.
There are a few options in the 4.5 bracket, Cook, Holebas and Schlupp for example.
The problem is that none of them are guaranteed a clean sheet in the next round.
That means that the chance of actually earning more points than the the transfer will cost you is virtually 0%
Agreed. Play Peltier and hope for the best.