Fixtures Game-week 36 and a look ahead to 37… – FPL Fantasy Football Premier League
Welcome to Game-week 36. Well sort of, as we guess most of you will have a firm eye on Game-week 37 by now as that one represents a double for six teams. Many, if indeed not most of your transfers this week will probably be done to bolster your ranks in preparation for DGW37. As such we are going to make sure you know who the lucky six for next week are and how their fixtures look for this week and for GW38 also so as to hopefully give you the best possible guide to ensuring you maximise your returns on your double game-week investments. The sparkling form of some players such as Ramsay and Eriksen though, who are without a double ahead, has muddied the waters somewhat so be sure to check out the tracker as to how the fixtures look for all the teams but we will focus solely on those with a double in GW37 .
[divider_1px]
It is with a heavy heart that we present to you a diminished fixture tracker this week as it is down to the last three weeks and counting now…
Green are those we feel have favourable fixtures
Red are those we feel have less than favourable fixtures
Yellow are those that we are sitting on the fence for
Blue are the magic 6 who have a DGW37…
The two obvious standouts here in terms of Green and Red are –
Arsenal. The Gunners have three great fixtures to finish the season with. #Ramsaytime? If you haven’t already then he put up a great case for his inclusion in GW35 with a goal, two assists and two bonus points for a grand total of a mightily impressive 16 points. Even Jason Puncheon would be proud of that! Perhaps there is a case for ‘one goal at a time’ Giroud or even the odd Arsenal defender or if you fancy a punt then do a full 360 and get Ozil back in.
Norwich. We rather suspect that the guy in charge of the fixtures computer either has a sense of humour or is actually an Ipswich fan as the Canaries have an absolute nightmare end to the season – having played Champions-elect Liverpool in GW35 they now finish with trips to Man Utd and Chelsea and then host 4th place chasing Arsenal. Stay away. Far away!
[divider_1px]
The Doubles!
The other standout’s are of course those six teams in blue who have a DGW37 to contend with. Let’s talk through their merits or otherwise over the full fixture list that remains –
Aston Villa GW36 Swansea (a), GW37 Hull (h), Man City (a), GW38 Spurs (a)
The unfortunate injury to Christian Benteke cut short a mini bandwagon that was promising to pick up pace and since then we doubt many of you will have looked in the direction of Villa from a fantasy point of view. They travel to Swansea this week in a game that would surely see the winners safe and sound from any further threat of relegation. The double could not be more contrasting for Villa as they have a relatively nice home game against Hull who it appears may already have their minds on the FA Cup final. The second game sees them go to the Etihad to face City who at that stage may or may not still be involved in the title race but regardless we wouldn’t be putting too much on Villa getting anything from that one. Villa then see the season out with another away trip, this time to Spurs to probably wave goodbye to Mr Sherwood’s tenure at the helm but this may also be the catalyst for Spurs putting in that little bit more effort on the day. Not Adebayor though, obviously.
Hull GW36 Fulham (a), GW37 Villa (a), Man Utd (a), GW38 Everton (h)
Hull need to be a little bit careful here. They are only six points above the relegation zone but that could be cut to three should they fall to defeat at Fulham this week. They really need to win this one and then and only then can they begin to think about that big day out at Wembley that is looming for them. The double week for them includes two away games, the above mentioned trip to Villa Park and then they go to Man Utd which as we know could produce anything from a hammering to a surprisingly easy away victory. Their final game then sees them host Everton who may still at that stage need a victory to try and secure 4th spot. If they do then that one won’t be easy either. A lot of managers will have a Hull defender in their squads already and we would recommend leaving it at that for them.
Man City GW36 Crystal Palace (a), GW37 Everton (a), Aston Villa (h), GW38 West Ham (h)
So it looks like Aguero is back with a bang again. Well it did anyway, until he went off ‘injured’ again. This one looked more like a precaution and certainly a lot less serious than the David Silva one though. City kick off this end of season run with a trip to Palace which is certainly a more difficult trip than it once was, given Palace’s massive turnaround under the Pulis regime. City laboured to a 1-0 home victory in the corresponding fixture so this may not be as straight forward as it first appears. They then begin their double with an equally testing trip to Goodison. The plus side on that one is that Everton will be without their midfield lynchpin Gareth Barry due to the loan rule and that could really hurt them in this one. City then face Villa at home in the second game of their double which they should win comfortably. They close the season out by hosting West Ham in what is another banker on paper. Much will depend on the City injury news as to how you approach this one we would imagine. There are suggestions that Yaya Toure may be fit again already for the Palace game so that may be a good place to start!
Man Utd GW36 Norwich (h), GW37 Sunderland (h), Hull (h), GW38 Southampton (a)
If the rumours are to be believed then you do have to feel a little bit sorry for David Moyes when you consider that the next three fixtures are all at home and all eminently winnable for Utd. Perhaps therein lies the problem though. They look much more winnable when you consider Utd without him and much less winnable if he is still there to make stupid decisions like playing Mata in every conceivable position other than the one he is actually brilliant at. Whether he is around or not Utd have one of, if not the best of the double game weeks on offer. They begin by hosting Sunderland who looked dead and buried but have pulled a couple of rabbits out the hat in last two so perhaps this one could be more difficult than it looks on paper. Prior to that they host Norwich so there’s no issue getting their players in early this week and then for the double itself it is Sunderland and then Hull. Utd then finish the season with a more difficult trip to Southampton. Many were considering a double swoop for Rooney and Mata but after this weekend showing at Goodison that list may have been whittled down to just Rooney for many. The Mata one will largely depend on the Silva / Yaya news we imagine and his appeal will be bolstered should Moyes exit stage left and someone with half a brain enter it.
Sunderland GW36 Cardiff (h), GW37 Man Utd (a), West Brom (h), GW38 Swansea (h)
Sunderland had looked like they have given up the ghost as of late but the recent showings at Man City for a hard fought draw and a fantastic victory at Chelsea may suggest that there is life in the old dog…or black cat, yet. They stay rooted to the bottom and on a pitiful 29 points but the reality is that they have a game in hand on all of their main rivals and are actually only three points away from 17th placed Norwich. Whisper it quietly but they could yet pull this one off! Three of the last four are at home which will help and they begin with a massive game against relegation rivals Cardiff this weekend. The double itself involves that trip to Old Trafford, a game in which they will actually back themselves to get something from now we imagine and then they host West Brom in what could be a genuine ‘6 pointer’. The Black Cats finish their campaign at home to Swansea. Many will still have Adam Johnson and perhaps the odd Phil Bardsley floating around from the last double game-week. If so keep them for this one but perhaps the surprise differential here could be a punt on Connor Wickham which is a phrase we never thought we would be uttering this season!
West Brom GW36 West Ham (h), GW37 Arsenal (a), Sunderland (a), GW38 Stoke (h)
We won’t waste too much breath on this one as we know you will not give them a second glance even with a double on the horizon. We imagine you would be hard pushed to name who their top scoring midfielder and strikers are for fantasy points this season which just about says it all. They have two home fixtures either side of the double which is something but the double itself could not be less attractive as they have to go to Arsenal and Sunderland. Enough said, stay away.
[divider_1px]
Fixture Fun
Chelsea are the only English side left in Europe and as such they face Atletico Madrid tonight in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. Be sure to check out any team news on injuries after this one.
Good luck as ever to one and all for GW36 and happy planning ahead!
Thanks for reading Fixtures Game-week 36 and a look ahead to 37… this article was written by Inittowinit
Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp says he is not interested in taking the Manchester United job, after the Premier League club sacked David Moyes on Tuesday.
But speaking to the Guardian, the German said: “Man Utd is a great club and I feel very familiar with their wonderful fans. But my commitment to Borussia Dortmund and the people is not breakable.”
We knew Klopp would be a long shot.
I hope if Van Gaal gets the job, he brings Frank De Boer along as his assistant. De Boer could then take over once Van Gaal retires.
Morning lads – I’ve finished 9th in my H2H league – blown it haven’t I?
Do all H2H leagues end up with a knock-out by default?? I thought that was just something certain leagues chose to do themselves..
I think the creator can chose one of:
– round robin til the end
– knockout from GW 38
– knockout from GW 37
– knockout from GW 36
There’s no more scheduled matches in mine so I can only assume I’m out, ah well, it was only a laugh for me.
Well I learned something today
Unlucky being so close mate.
Am I the only one that thinks it’s really disappointing to see a supposed non-sacking club so quick to drop the axe? It hasn’t even been a full season!
As a huge United fan a big part of me is glad that this nightmare is over, but a small part of me feels very uneasy about us getting rid of someone so quickly before he has had a chance to make his mark. Even more so when you consider how many times Fergie publicly stated his disgust at managers being fired at other clubs so quickly; I remember seeing him interviewed just 3 or 4 months ago and being asked about Moyes and he repeatedly stated that Moyes would not be going anywhere.
Look at what Rodgers has done with a little time! Ok, I know that he and Moyes have vastly different philosophies and ambitions, but the club (or at least Fergie) must have seen something in him or why appoint him in the first place?! What was Moyes meant to do? Say no? And after riding the Everton GP3 series for a decade or so he is meant to instantly hit the ground running in his first season of F1? (No offence intended at all to any Everton supporters! Just referring to expectations and available resources etc.)
I know you can say ‘well fine, a dip was expected but not anywhere near as bad as all this’, but I think the whole situation is an absolute disgrace in terms of how the club have handled this. And I also know it’s easy to talk in hindsight, but he should either not have been hired at all (what I repeatedly told all who would listen upon his initial appointment!) or given a proper chance. By a proper chance I don’t mean until his ridiculously long contract runs out, but until the end of next season. Why fire now with 4 games to go? The damage is done! We’re not in Europe already so may as well stick with it and then let him try and sort the squad out over the summer, and then if it still is all in the shit next season too then I don’t think he could complain if given his marching orders.
The club and Fergie have a lot to answer for I think. What the hell was that anyway? Have you ever heard of a manager being so high and mighty that he self-appoints his successor?! And with such a terrible choice, man… I think Klopp would be an absolutely perfect fit if available, might get Kagawa playing to his full potential at last and bring exactly what’s needed to the midfield too. Well here’s hoping!
Ah that was a bit of an essay, didn’t realise, sorry!
Calvin, my honest thoughts are that the players are as much to blame as Moyes – but as we know, its far easier to sack the manager than the players. Bottom line is he lost the dressing room and in any sport, there’s no coming back from that.
As most of us United fans appreciate, our team (midfield especially) has been average for 3/4 years – there was a reluctance/failure from Fergie to sort this – Moyes first signing was Fellaini – a defensive midfielder, who is average Premier League quality at best – at worst he’s a skill-less thug who cost 27.5mln. Fergie, as we know, had the ability to motivate a dressing room and get the best out of the players he had – Moyes had that at Everton, but not at United.
Many, if not most Everton fans were happy he left – I remember one fanzone chat I logged onto criticising him for not playing or believing in Barkley. Mirror that to Januzaj – where has he been the last few months ?
I agree that its unfortunate – and unlike United, but remember Fergie was a one off. After Busby, we had Wilf McGuiness and Frank O’Farrell experiencing the same problems.
Bottom line – only a bigger, more established, experience and proven name than McGuiness, O’Farrell or Moyes could of replaced Busby or Ferguson. Moyes was the fall guy – now time to move on.
Can’t fault any of that Cookie. Just begs the question even more, why on earth was he appointed in the first place…
one of Fergie’s poor signings. There have been a few!
Thanks Init, a great write up as ever
Im interested in what people think will happen to United over the next few weeks. Will they be galvanised by Giggsy; tighten up and win the remaining games comfortably? Should we fantasy managers be looking at bringing in Man U players for their relatively nice run in? My gut feeling is yes.
Alex, I was waiting for others to answer, rather than hogging the chat, but as they haven’t i’ll step in and tell you my thoughts.
Personally, I think there will be huge relief, both in the dressing room and in the stands and the combination of the two, put together with Giggs in temporary charge, will I think, see United play with a smile on their faces, attacking football, led by Rooney. I would think Rooney will be a very popular transfer this week, as will Mata, with Silva’s injury forcing many into a transfer or two.
I wouldn’t necessarily rush into United defensive cover, as I wouldn’t be surprised to see Sunderland and also Norwich score at Old Trafford, but if you need to raise funds then Smalling is a cheap option – just wait for the presser on Friday to see if Rafael is still injured.
It’ll be very interesting to see Giggsy’s selection – but it wouldn’t surprise me if he gave Januzaj a run in the side, especially as the fixtures are pretty tasty.
Cooks, always happy for your to hog the chat, I appreciate your thoughts. You talk a lot of sense and your suggestion of Rooney being popular is backed up by a number of tweets suggesting a price rise tonight. I had been eyeing up smalling as an option but, your right, he can wait till next week and see how the land lies. I hope to see united play well again, I’m not a devils fan but always enjoyed watching them, up until this season!!
just to jump in there aswell with Cookie’s comments – I think there will be huge relief and I’d expect him to maybe go with a formation similar to that of Liverpool…
Rooney and Welbeck up top with Mata in behind at the top of a diamond…..carrick playing the Gerrard role and then I suppose a toss up between the others as to who makes the other 2 midfield spots….
I’m hoping he’ll try to play with a settled back four at least for the final four games of the season, I’d be interested to seeing stats under Moyes reign for how the Defense has lined up this season regarding starts/game time/who’s played with who etc. This is of course with a cynical viewpoint as I’m after bringing in a Man U player to my fantasy team, RVP’s goals and assist’s have been sorely missed by Moyes this season unfortunately.
tbf Andy – the 2 seasons previous were very much out of the norm as far as RVP was concerned with injuries – this season he has returned back to his Arsenal days whereby he was crocked for long spells – no denying that on his day he is a game changer, but ala Aguero and Silva – the man is unbelievebly brittle……
Suarez is the main man. Silva, Kun and RvP annoy the shit out of me injury wise.
Any idea when word on Silva is expected folks……
as I said earlier, I jumped the gun at halftime in the city game and used my FT and took a hit to do Gerrard & Lukaku to Ramsey and Rooney and now im left with the less than ideal situation where by I either take another hit to sell Silva to Nasri or AJ…..or I hold him this week in the hope he makes the DGW and play my fifth mid – Coldback!!
So I expect Man U will do well the last few games, Giggs temporary charge must be the players choice. IMO gaining player support is more than half of the battle.
A question though is Europa football better than no Europe at all?
I would rather no European football personally and give us a Liverpool chance of winning the league – let everyone else get knackered playing 2 games a week and take advantage – everyone fit and fresh etc. Also, I don’t think not being in the Euopa league is that much of a “put-off” for potential players, who are only really interested in Champions League. That’s my view.
‘A Liverpool chance’
:finger:
c’mon all this love for Liverpool on the chat, I have to fight back somehow !!!!
Yo Cookster. Who you do you reckon will be the new United manager next season?
dunno Raz – I’d love Mourinho or Ancelotti. I’m not convinced on Kloppity Klopp and van Gaal just seems to fight with everyone!
You would love Mourinho but you’re against Klopp? HAHA. Seriously? Van Gaal is an idiot and I hate the fact he’s coach of the Dutch team. He’s gonna f it up.
At United he would do great though, his philosophy will build the team with years to go. Van Gaal was at the base of Barca’s success just like Bayern’s success. Though, he tends to pat himself on the back too often for that shit.
But seriously? Mourinho? Wtf is wrong with you? Mourinho is van Gaal’s pupil. Plus he’s coach of your rival so that’s impossible. 😉
Ancelotti is doing really well at Real Madrid, so I don’t see him leaving. Those 2 options make no sense. Klopp would be best choice, if not Klopp I don’t know. Hope for your sake and my sake van Gaal doesn’t become coach of United. Will be funny at first (like with Mourinho) but the longer it lasts the crazier he gets. REALLY F-ING CRAZY. Van Gaal is like Mourinho 2.0!
Aaah yes. One big difference between the 2 is that van Gaal actually wants to play attractive football, offensive. Mourinho just wants to park the bus and with trophies. >..<
There’s a very interesting piece on Giggs written by Henry Winter in the Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/10778690/Ryan-Giggs-is-the-right-short-term-replacement-for-David-Moyes-at-Manchester-United.html
Thanks Cookster. Not a fan of Meulensteen as manager or coaching a club. He’s a good assistant though, maybe one of the best. I really didn’t get why United let him go so easilly. Huge screw up by Moyes. I don’t favor RvP for another season at United (mainly because him and Rooney and Mata don’t click). Meulensteen can get RvP to play again though, which should be optimistic. As for Giggs, well, we have to see. You can never tell how good someone will be.
That was my thought ( not the Liverpool bit though
). I think though the players wanted motes out and will want to prove it was the right decision – I think Europa it may be.
hopefully Spurs do enough to finish above us and let them play in it!
This is Spurs, Swansea’s and Liverpool’s results this season after Europa league games
Liverpool W 11 L 1
Spurs W 5 D 1 L 6
Swans W 2 L 5 D 4
I know Pool weren’t in Europe but they still played EPL games after European games. Looks like a pretty big swing in favor of the no to Europa.
The Europa League will ruin your league campaign of that there is no doubt!