Fantasy Football Fixtures Game-week 9

Fantasy Football Fixtures Game-week 9

At some point in our lives, we’ve all lent out something precious to someone we trust, with tragic consequences. I recall with particular regret allowing a neighbour to test-drive my newly acquired pedal go-kart, only to helplessly watch him shatter the sound barrier, the wall at the bottom of our cul-de-sac and, ultimately, my go-kart. So it was with immense empathy that I learned of Manchester City’s recent weekus horribilis. For one club to lose players of the stature of Aguero, Silva AND Kolarov whilst on their tours of international duty, is like having your best friend break your lawnmower, spill coffee on your prized Picasso, and scratch that signed Elvis LP. Whether it be as a fan, frustrated by these sporadically intermittent inconveniences; or as a player, hauled off to serve for your country against your will; we’ve all grown to detest International breaks. But spare a thought for Manuel Pellegrini, and if you see him, put a consolatory hand on his shoulder and say,
“Hey, Manuel? It’s ok, bro’. It’s ok. We know what it’s like to have your go-kart broken.”

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The Tracker…
We have rated each teams fixtures on a sliding scale. Remember that this is just our opinion and you may feel differently but if nothing else it gives you a nice easy visual aid as to each teams upcoming games…

We do have a comprehensive library of other useful trackers including the all singing, all dancing interactive one from Calvin Clyne and you can find them all here – Fixture Trackers

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FAVOURABLE FIXTURES
Manchester City – Bournemouth (H), Manchester United (A), Norwich (H)
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[/three_fourth]I wonder how far I can get without mentioning Aguero. 9 words, not bad. Man City’s league form reads WLWLW, so Bournemouth fans take note, it’s your team’s turn to take the 3 points. Having scored 11 in their last 3, some form of City attacking coverage is a must; but leaking 6 over the same period denotes a trend that has frustrated Kolarov owners. With injuries limiting options, expect to see Kevin De Bruyne’s FPL ownership skyrocket.

City’s fixtures are markedly less ‘favourable’ without Aguero and co., of course, but with De Bruyne and Sterling chiming in with international goals, the Citizens can at least take some comfort from the fact their midfield should compensate for any lack of conventional forward firepower. Not that Wilfried Bony, keen to show his worth as a £25m deputy to Aguero, will want to miss out on the party. Newly promoted duo Bournemouth and Norwich face daunting trips to the Etihad, and will be hoping to avoid a similar fate to Newcastle. Sandwiched in between is a tasty derby against the Red Devils; a fixture which has produced only two goalless encounters in all competitions this century.

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Southampton – Leicester (H), Liverpool (A), Bournemouth (H)
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[/three_fourth]Back-to-back 3-1 victories over Swansea and Chelsea have propelled the Saints up the embryonic league ladder. With Sadio Mane (39 points in 5 games) and Graziano Pelle (46 in 5) running the show at St. Mary’s, the team from Hampshire are looking irresistible. With fantasy manager’s now on the lookout for replacements for their injured City players investment in these two, at the very least, is certain to increase and it now feels like the perfect time to recruit.

Providing that the likes of Mane and Pelle return from foreign shores in the same condition that they departed, Koeman should expect decent returns as they close out October. If they can out-punch a cavalier Leicester, the Saints should expect to win by the odd goal in seven. Klopp’s first Anfield game will be a massive test for the visitors, but they won’t have to wait long for more clement pastures with the visit of the Cherries the following week. Beyond those three games it’s also worth noting that the next two are favourable for the Saints too as they travel to Sunderland before hosting Stoke so you can invest knowing that it’s probably all rosy for a good while.

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[clear]West Brom – Sunderland (H), Norwich (A), Leicester (H)
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[/three_fourth]Tony Pulis, who according to his mother, never soiled his bed as a child* (*requires citation), has made a career out of keeping clean sheets. This reputation has looked rather shaky of late, however, with 8 conceded in their last 3 league and cup games. One need not look too much further back for reassurance though (3 CS in the previous 3 in all competitions), and Pulis will probably have had his players doing defensive drills 24/7 since their 2-0 loss at Palace. “Ok, guys. Let’s try that again with 5 central defenders.” Ah. what a joy training must be.

With the free-scoring Foxes the only cause for concern over the coming trio of games, expect the Albion to claim at least 3 shut outs. Maybe even 4. Look around your home and find anything you can pawn off on eBay. Start a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. Sell auntie Jean for medical research. Do whatever it takes. Just make sure you have the cash to bring in a Baggie or two at the back.

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BE WARY OF…
Manchester United – Everton (A), Manchester City (H), Crystal Palace (A)
Louis Van Gaal will have taken away a valuable lesson from their Arsenal humiliation that the Old Trafford faithful will be hoping he heeds; passing sideways is not as effective as passing forwards, right Arsene? (“Damn right, Bryan. Boooom.” – Arsene) Trips to Goodison and Selhurst will pit them against two dangerous teams who’ll show little compassion for their wounded opponents. Lest it be forgotten, there’s the prospect of a gladiatorial battle with their arch rivals on the horizon. If LvG wants to move this Manchester United team forward, he’ll have to teach them to, well… move forward.

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Bournemouth – Manchester City (A), Spurs (H), Southampton (A)
After a relatively kind opening batch of fixtures to help Eddie Howe’s men wade into the Premier League mire, Bournemouth are now waist deep in a boggy marsh. How they navigate their way through a challenging spell of games will determine how well-equipped they really are to hang around in the top tier. Yet to disgrace themselves, there’s no reason to think they’ll capitulate like Newcastle, the Cherries are however likely to find it hard going against Manchester City, Spurs and the Saints.

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Sunderland – Some teams, home and away. Does it really matter?
Big Sam will do what Big Sam does; arrive at a club, achieve respectability by any means necessary, then get criticized for not meeting the club’s aesthetic principles and be driven out by an ungrateful fanbase. Then, like the Littlest Hobo, he’ll just keep moving on. But this is Sunderland, a club which requires some major surgery. A club whose die-hard supporters leave at half-time when they’re losing. A club with a team so poor, it doesn’t matter what their fixtures are. It’s undoubtedly Big Sam’s biggest challenge to date, and one he’s capable of turning around. But for the time being, it would be prudent to keep a wide berth.
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One week wonders
Whilst many managers plan their transfers with the next few weeks ahead in mind we are also conscious that some simply play each game-week as it comes. This may be for a variety of reasons such as having a rotating forward or simply because they need the best pick in order to facilitate another important move. A such we have decided to take a quick look at the upcoming GW9 in isolation and give you our top 3 picks for this week only…

1) Chelsea – Aston Villa (H)
It’s probably been brought to your attention that Mourinho isn’t having the best season so far. Whether he’s shouting at a physio for treating a player, or keeping faith with an under-performing right-back, Jose just can’t seem to get it right. What he needs is a catalyst. Something to boost morale and jump-start his team’s campaign. What he needs is Aston Villa at home. A team that, despite being in the same division as Newcastle and Sunderland, are somehow managing to be at the bottom of the form table with a shocking solitary point from 6 games. If you can find it in your heart to give the likes of Pedro, Hazard and Costa one more chance, you may learn to love them again. Maybe.

2) West Brom – Sunderland (H)
Heaven knows why you’d only want them for one game, but if you’re looking for a defensive stop-gap, look no further than the Baggies. Myhill in particular offers great value and seems safe from rotation.

3) Liverpool – Spurs (A)
A real gamble this one, and one for the romantics, but ignore the immediate impact Klopp’s presence will have on his players at your peril. Coutinho has been frustratingly inconsistent in a red shirt, but could really come to life under the tutelage of the German. Sturridge is nearing full fitness, and shouldn’t be too far from your radar either.

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Fixture Fun
Chances are that a good chunk of your precious fantasy squad are currently hobbling around some far flung qualification destination and a good many still have a game left to play this week ahead of GW9. Be sure to check out their status once they start arriving back at their clubs in dribs and drabs this week, hopefully sans any newly acquired crutches, slings or plaster casts.

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Thanks for reading Fantasy Football Fixtures Game-week 9 – Fantasy Premier League 2015-16. This article was written by Bryan Munich

Follow @bry_cooper