Fantasy Football Fixtures Christmas Edition GW’s 16-21
The Christmas Zone
60 games over 25 days. Or 6 GW deadlines in a little over 3 weeks. Whichever way you cut it we are about to enter the busy period, AKA the Christmas Zone. Game-weeks begin to run into each other and it can all become a bit confusing, especially after a few celebratory eggnogs. You go to sleep toasting another Salah hat-trick and wake up finding that the next GW has already begun.
We can’t help with the hangovers but we can at least help with the planning. To which end here is our rundown on who has what during the Christmas Zone, which teams you should be targetting to get exciting presents from whilst toasting with a freshly poured Prosecco and which ones are likely to leave you uttering ‘Bah Humbug’ into your stale beer, as you say a begruntled thanks for yet another pair of socks.
We have rifled through the entire lot and there is a handy ‘Christmas Fixture Rating’ on each as a quick guide, trees out of 5, obviously.
FPL FIXTURE TRACKER
But first up that all important Fixture Tracker itself…
FIXTURE TRACKER LINK
Arsenal – SOU (H), WHU (H), Lee (a), NOR (a), WOL (H), MCY (H)
After a difficult start to the campaign it all looked to be coming together for Arsenal with a 10 game unbeaten spell in all competitions, including 8 wins, throughout September and October and half of November. Defeats to Liverpool, Man Utd and Everton since have brought them back down to earth a bit.
As far as fixtures go this looks ok. West Ham will be tricky but you can still see goals in that one and of course Man City at the far end will be difficult at best. The rest look somewhat winnable.
Player/s to watch: ESR, maybe Ramsdale.
Christmas fixture rating:
Aston Villa – LIV (a), NOR (a), BUR (H), CHE (H), LEE (a), BRE (a)
It could be time to be considering some Villains for your team as they start a decent run of games once they’ve returned from Anfield this weekend. Only the visits of Chelsea and Man United look overly tricky between GWs 17-28 so the likes of Watkins and Martinez may well turn the clock back to last season and become worthwhile assets again.
Player/s to watch: Martinez, Watkins.
Christmas fixture rating:
Brentford – WAT (H), MUN (H), SOU (a), BHU (a), MCY (H), AVL (H)
Brentford have been a bit of a breath of fresh air this season, sort of filling that ‘small club punches above its weight’ hole that Bournemouth left us with. It’s been great to see them largely keep faith with what was clearly a very good Championship team and better still to see those players step up and thrive at the top level.
At this stage it is looking like they have what it takes to survive but in this league it doesn’t take a great deal to turn that on its ugly head, so they will be eyeing this Christmas schedule with at least 4 games there that they will feel they can harvest points from. Perhaps even from one half of the Manchester games, no prizes for guessing which.
Player/s to watch: Toney, Mbuemo
Christmas fixture rating:
Brighton – TOT (H), WOL (H), MUN (a), BRE (H), CHE (a), EVE (a)
The Seagulls are entering tricky territory in terms of fixtures and injuries. Eight first teamers could well be missing for this week’s visit of Spurs including Dunk, Duffy and Webster from the heart of the defence. With Wolves , Man United and Chelsea also on the horizon it may be prudent to look elsewhere for some cheap assets although two goals in his last two may tempt some to chance their arm on Maupay as Brighton have a tendency to score when least expected.
Player/s to watch: Maupay.
Christmas fixture rating:
Burnley – WHU (H), WAT (a), AVL (a), EVE (H), MUN (a), LEE (a)
We aren’t quite sure what to make of Burnley. In theory this is a fairly decent-ish run of games. Except that you have to remind yourself to look at the opposing team on each fixture, and that’s where the conundrum begins because each and every time it says… Burnley!
It’s not that Burnley are bad it’s more just that they are so middle of the road that they will never particularly score or concede loads, just that they will do a bit of both, and neither in spades.
Player/s to watch: Cornet.
Christmas fixture rating:
Chelsea – LEE (H), EVE (H), WOL (a), AVL (a), BHA (H), LIV (a)
If you’re not already heavily invested in Chelsea assets then time to jump as they have five fixtures in which they would expect to perform. The Blues will want Lukaku back firing for this run while Mount is again attracting attention in the mid-price midfield section and has returned 25pts in the previous two game-weeks. The defence looks great for clean sheets but with Mendy suffering a supposed ‘crisis of confidence’, beware the Christmas rotation!
Player/s to watch: Mount, James, Lukaku.
Christmas fixture rating:
Crystal Palace – EVE (H), SOU (H), WAT (a), TOT (a), NOR (H), WHU (H)
After such a promising start the wheels have fallen off a bit as of late for Palace, with three straight defeats, but this often happens with a new manager and a new system; the surprise wears off and teams begin to figure out the flaws in the new plan. This does however look like a very good run of games for them, if they are to rediscover that new Viera mojo.
Player/s to watch: Gallagher. Mainly to see if he is ever allowed to go over the half-way line again. If he does he may be a thing once more.
Christmas fixture rating:
Everton – CRY (a), CHE (a), LEI (H), BUR (a), NEW (H), BHA (H)
It felt like it all needed to come to a head at Everton and last week it finally did. Many a reckoning aside the Arsenal game was then crucial in perhaps turning a corner, although VAR seemed determined that it would be hard work to do so.
It could still be a tricky spell for them though as the next 3 look difficult. The 3 after that look more inviting. But given Everton’s nature the reality will probably end up being the reverse with 3 great results and then 3 disappointing ones against teams they would be expected to do ok against.
Player/s to watch: Richarlison. DCL, if he ever returns.
Christmas fixture rating:
Leeds – CHE (a), MCI (a), ARS (H), LIV (a), AVL (H), BUR (H)
Sell sell sell!! Chelsea, City and Liverpool all await and even the most ardent of Raphinha supporters will struggle to justify his inclusion in their FPL team for the foreseeable.
Player/s to watch: Bamford and Raphinha, just not yet!
Christmas fixture rating:
Leicester – NEW (H), TOT (H), EVE (a), MCY (a), LIV (H), NOR (H)
It’s been mixed for Leicester recently, certainly in terms of results and performances, it’s slightly more clear cut here as that now looks a particularly challenging Christmas and they will be relieved to go to Norwich for for the New Year. Well, ok, as relieved as anybody ever is to go to ‘Norwich’.
Player/s to watch: Maddison’s resurrection, Barnes, Vardy.
Christmas fixture rating:
Liverpool – AVL (H), NEW (H), TOT (a), LEE (H), LEI (a), CHE (a)
All of the next five look likely victories for Liverpool before Chelsea visit and then Salah and Mane shoot off to the AFCON. Three home matches over Christmas should pacify the Yuletide-hating Klopp and set Liverpool up nicely. Jota and Robertson look safe bets although check Klopp’s pressers for news on Firmino.
Player/s to watch: TAA, Robertson, Salah and Jota.
Christmas fixture rating:
Man City – WOL (H), LEE (H), NEW (a), LEI (H), BRE (a), ARS (a)
We are beginning to get to that stage of the season with Man City that usually occurs and they have found their rhythm and you could pretty much post up any teams you wanted above and they would come out with five Christmas trees.
Player/s to watch: Whichever ones you think will play! Although current form says that Cancelo and Bilva almost certainly will, more than most anyway.
Christmas fixture rating:
Man United – NOR (a), BRE (a), BHA (H), NEW (a), BUR (H), WOL (H)
Fixtures to die for as Ralfie looks to propel United up the league. Even Ole may have scraped a win or two here. United will be looking for maximum points over Christmas and it’ll be a brave manager who doesn’t re-shape his team to get Ronaldo in for this run. Or is it Bruno time again? Dalot impressed vs Palace and could well be a shrewd defensive option at 4.4mln if he can cement a place in the starting line-up.
Player/s to watch: Ronaldo, Bruno, Dalot.
Christmas fixture rating:
Newcastle – LEI (a), LIV (a), MCY (H), MUN (H), EVE (a), SOU (a)
Just as well for Eddie that he got an early win under his belt as one look at the above lot suggests that it may be a while before the next one.
Player/s to watch: Wilson. Just watch his hamstrings bulge after 6 games so closely together. That’s if he makes it beyond a couple…
Christmas fixture rating:
No Tree for Eddie…
Norwich – MUN (H), AVL (H), WHU (a), ARS (H), CRY (a), LEI (a)
Bottom of the league, scored the fewest goals, conceded the most and visits of rejuvenated United and Villa to come: things look bleak for Norwich. The only crumb of comfort is they possess a sub 6mln striker who will nibble away for you but if you’re not in the Pukki party then move on.
Player/s to watch: Pukki.
Christmas fixture rating:
Remove the trees from Norwich too….
Southampton – ARS (a), CRY (a), BRE (h), WHU (a), TOT (H), NEW (H)
Too many draws (nearly half) and not enough goals (less than one a game), plus a recent defeat to Norwich on their CV. This run isn’t exactly scary but go on… try to predict the results, we dare you.
Player/s to watch: Livramento, maybe even Broja if you need a punt.
Christmas fixture rating:
Tottenham Hotspur – BHA (a), LEI (a), LIV (H), CRY (H), SOU (a), WAT (a)
Three wins on the bounce has lifted Spurs into their familiar Europa spot and while critics will jump on Kane’s apparent disillusionment, results are results. A mixed bag of fixtures to come as winnable games vs Brighton, Southampton and Watford are mixed in with the visits of Liverpool and Palace and a trip to Leicester. Holders of Son have big decisions to make (especially as he now seems to have Covid!) while Kane owners may have already made theirs.
Players to watch: Son, Davies.
Christmas fixture rating:
Watford – BRE (a), BUR (a), CRY (H), WOL (a), WHU (H), TOT (H)
Usually when a manager comes in and a club are struggling the first thing he does is to tighten them up at the back. Not mad ol’ Claudio, he’s having none of that nonsense. It’s goals galore for Watford now, at both ends! There’s been an average of four goals per game since he came in, scoring 13 and conceding 19. And the above run of games look primed for that to continue as they will no doubt attack these with reckless abandon.
Player/s to watch: Dennis, King. Anyone who attacks.
Christmas fixture rating:
West Ham – BUR (a), ARS (a), NOR (H), SOU (H), WAT (a), CRY (a)
If Man United’s fixtures are a sumptuous Christmas feast then West Ham’s are not far behind with the brandy soaked Christmas pudding games that should only maintain their impressive season to date. Burnley, Norwich, Southampton and Watford should all be taken care of without much fuss while the Hammers have overcome harder matches than Arsenal and Palace. Antonio looks a solid option up front (in more ways than one), but it may well be the much lesser owner Bowen (4.1% ownership!) who may just be the trigger for your team.
Player/s to watch: Bowen, Antonio. Coufal, if Johnson is ruled out for a while.
Christmas fixture rating:
Wolves – MCI (a), BHA (a), CHE (H), WAT (H), ARS (a), MUN (A)
Santa hasn’t been kind to Wolves this Christmas season and if you happen to own any of their players it looks like it’s time to jump off that horse, or wolf. Let’s be honest, even with good fixtures, the likes of Jimenez, Coady or Sa hardly scream ‘value’. Avoid.
Players to watch: None.
Christmas fixture rating:
Thanks for reading Fantasy Football Fixtures Christmas Edition GW’s 16-21 This article was written by Cookie & Init.
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Should I do Duffy to Dallot or any other 4.4m def. for a -8 ph? It may sound a big NO (and insane to take a hit for a bench def.), but the reasons are as below.
My 4th and 5th defenders are Livramento (4.2) and Duffy (4.2, to go down to 4.1 soon today/tomorrow). I have only 0.2m left in the bank and already taken -4 ph. Neither Livramento is playing well. I can sell Livra and get a 4.4m def. (next week or later), but then I am stuck with Duffy (4.1). Also there is no 4.3m def as such who is better than Duffy. As Dunk is out for a while, Duffy will get games, but I do not expect much from Brighton without Dunk. When Dunk is back, Duffy will possibly lose his position. I wish Johnson (4.0) would have been nailed.
My team (3-4-3): with 0.2m ITB
Ramsdale, (Foster – injured)
TAA, Cancelo, James, (Duffy, Livra – do not trust both now)
Salah, Jota, Bilva, Bowen, (Brownhill – bench fodder)
CR7, Antonio, Dennis
———— no place to downgrade anyone else. But I am not too keen to take 8ph either.
-8 ph for a bench defender is a big no for me under any circumstances, and especially considering yours.
Thanks Tornado. Probably I will stick with this setup this week and hope for my bench not to be required.
If Spurs vs Brighton is called off, it means Duffy will remain suspended in Gw16 vs WOL and will be back in contention in Gw17 vs Mun – so not promising.
2 FT and 04 ITB
It’s a total mess with those cancelations and injures.
Going without a GK. Kane will be swapped with CR7, Bowen is coming for Raph and Dennis will replace Toney.
Prepared for a second hit. Do I get a defender or just bring in Antonio for Jimi?
You have Livra, so could wait. If you plan to keep Antonio long term it could work out but you may find you want Bowen instead? All such a pain in the ar.e
I am leery of 8ph myself.
You have almost the same situation as me as posted in Comment 19-20. Team is almost the same. Just prioritize your weak points:
(1) Kane – if match is called off, he has to go for CR7. Otherwise, he is a hold.
(2) Toney – has to go for whoever
(3) Sanchez – has to go with match called off and Dunk out for a while, I guess long term you do not want him. Do you have fund for DDG?
(4) Veltman is also useless – same as Sanchez, but he is 5th defender.
(5) Raph to Bowen and Jimi to Antonio are not forced (unless you have a fear to be priced out),
I will do 1 and 2 using FTs (as you mentioned) and one hit – that can be either 3 (GK, low upside) or any one of Raph/Jimi (higher upside). But I am missing Jota in your team. He is more firing than Bowen/Antonio.
I can see your motives but I am never too keen on -8s. We’ll have more info tomorrow and you’ve already missed the price rises, so no need to rush IMO.
Bees, GM and Tornado cheers guys.
I will leave everything until the last minute, hopefully we get some better news.
2 FTs, 0.2 M ITB.
I chose to not chase the price rises, so I could have a bit more info. My team looks good on paper and here I am considering a -4 lol. The big decision is whether I go for Ronaldo or spread the funds. Any help would be appreciated.
What do you think about the following options:
1) Alonso, Son and Wilson to Dalot, Bowen and Ronaldo (-4) – I think I prefer this one even though is for a hit. CR7 and Dalot fully rested and AWB looking pretty bad. Chelsea really missing Kovacic and Kante and there is a bit of an uncertainty around Alonso (re Tuchel’s comments). Chances of Spurs game to go through look slim as well.
2) Gallagher and Son to Bernardo/Gundogan and Bowen
3) Son and Wilson to Mbeumo/Gray and Ronaldo
4) Alonso and Gallagher to Dalot/Davies and Gundogan.
TIA
Why not Son to Bernardo/Gundo and roll the other FT. That will give you 1 week to look into MUN (Dalot and Ronaldo). Also, you can have a view on Bowen. Anyway I assume very few will (C) Ronaldo. LEI def is not good, so Wilson can easily score. Ronaldo has to outscore him for a brace.
Alonso should play during the weekend, as he is almost rested today (came in for last 15 mins.) Touchel experiment with Saul and CHO as wingbacks did not really work.
I thought about that but I’d not be able to afford Ronaldo if I went for Bernardo. I’d like to keep Alonso but I can’t seem to find any other scapegoat.
Excellent article!! I’ll give it…
Thanks. Except you seem to have ruined the comments section now…
I’m hoping that by posting a reply this will sort it out or else no tree for Rosco either!
Sort of did. At least the ones below seem ok again now!
He’s probably used to me slating Newcastle anyway
How to get these Christmas tree emojis?
As the conference game is called off, Brighton – Spurs will also likely to be. Is there 10 days quarantine? Then the next match with Leicester also will be off. Spurs will have TGW sometime with Kane (TC) = 6*2 = 12 points
Spurs is almost certainly off now, they’ve been told to shut all 1st team facilities at the training ground. Leicester almost certainly will be off now too with it being midweek.
10 days will begin for those initial positives as of about 2 days ago so the weekend after may be ok assuming that others don’t test positive in the meantime, which most likely they will, and that they can get that training facility back open next week and actually have some people able to use it!