Fantasy Football Fixtures Gameweek 4 – Fantasy Premier League 2014
Aaaaand breathe out….. FPL returns this coming weekend after being rudely interrupted so early on in proceedings by the international break just so that we could be reminded that the future of English football is about as bleak and bland as the past was. Anyway don’t get us started on that little lot as it’s time to re-focus on the main attraction as we take a look at the fixtures for Gameweek 4 and beyond and we analyse which teams have a decent run ahead of them as well as pointing out those that you may want to give a wide berth to for the time being.
Before we appraise the fixtures for GW4-GW9, here is a reminder of a couple of essential Fantasy Football tools that you may wish to refer back to.
MLS star Mito produced some outstanding, detailed analysis on the best rotation pairs for the season.
Rotation Analysis Home and Away and Favourable fixtures
Podcast star Calvin Clyne devised an ingenious interactive fixture tracker. Use it before he starts charging subscription fees.
Fixture Tracker – Fantasy Premier League 2014-15
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And so onto the teams and fixture themselves. Let’s begin with a very straightforward fixture tracker…
We have colour coded the fixtures in a simple fashion to allow you to judge your transfer and team selection plans accordingly:
[highlight_green]Green[/highlight_green] – We deem these to be winnable fixtures for the given team and should, in theory at least (!), harvest good fantasy points for you in the opening games. Aim to have a good nucleus of these players in your initial squad.
[highlight_yellow]Yellow[/highlight_yellow] – These are the fixtures that could go either way and do not stand out as being either particularly good or poor. If you have a player from a team in this category then do not be afraid to play them but take a considered view that it may not be an explosive week for them.
[highlight_red]Red[/highlight_red]- These are the teams that we consider to have a difficult fixture and as such may be best avoided from a fantasy perspective. Aim to minimise any players that have a run of reds in the opening games.
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FAVOURABLE FIXTURES
Southampton – Newcastle (h), Swansea (a), QPR (h), Tottenham (a), Sunderland (h), Stoke (h)
Having recorded their first win of the season last time out at West Ham and having invested wisely and relatively heavily in the transfer window it looks like Koeman’s men may be gelling finally and their run of fixtures looks too kind to ignore. Four home games in the next six and all look promising, their two away trips may be more tricky at in form Swansea and also Spurs but even beyond the sequence above they still have good fixtures right up until GW12.
We would recommend a Southampton player or two over this period. Quite which one we aren’t actually sure as there are a great number of options. With manager Ronald Koeman having been a defender of some distinction he will doubtless be looking at ensuring his team are solid at the back and difficult to score against first and foremost. Nathaniel Clyne seems the choice option here with a goal, an assist and a clean sheet to his name already. In midfield Morgan Schneirdelin jumps out having scored two last time out although he won’t do that every week to be fair. James Ward Prowse is another in that budget bracket who will probably deliver value over the course of the season. If you have a bit more money to spend then Dusan Tadic has looked the real deal from what we have seen and just needs to convert his obvious class into some fantasy points. New signing Sadio Mane has great stats from midfield but we would forgive you for seeing how he fits in / settles prior to investing. Up top Graziano Pelle grabbed a goal against West Ham and if this ignites him then he could be a great 3rd srtiker option.
Stoke – Leicester (h), QPR (a), Newcastle (h), Sunderland (a), Swansea (h), Southampton (a)
Nobody expected Stoke to go to Man City and come away with a 0-1 victory but that’s exactly what they did last time out and it does boost their appeal somewhat but regardless of that their fixtures ahead are fairly kind anyway. Two of the newly promoted sides are up next and the other four are against sides in and around their ‘level’, certainly no guarantees but also no top six clubs on horizon suggests that the odd Stoke defender may be worth their place in your squad.
Certainly the likes of Ryan Shawcross and Erik Pieters will come into consideration with the first being a goal threat and the second being an assist magnet in the making with his marauding runs forward. Ahead of them it could be a bit of a fantasy mine-field unfortunately as they had a lot of options to begin with but further muddied the waters with the purchases / loans of the likes of Victor Moses and Oussama Assaidi meaning that it may be best to take a back seat and view how they line-up in attack for a few weeks.
Manchester United – QPR (h), Leicester (a), West Ham (h), Everton (h), West Brom (a), Chelsea (h)
We keep putting them on a pedestal and they keep falling off. If we told you that they would go to newly promoted Burnley with the likes of Di Maria, Mata, Rooney and Van Persie all playing, but fail to score, we’d have been laughed out of here but that’s exactly what they did. Ok, so LVG did warn us it would take time to sort the Moyes shaped mess out and he’s been proved right but surely now with addition of none other than Falcao and a home game against QPR and a trip to fellow new boys Leicester this is their time to move on and click. Surely. With a new manager, a new formation, so many new players and a distinct lack of cohesion we aren’t yet convinced but there is the feeling that they are one good result or performance away from kicking on and so we include them here once more but lose to QPR at home and we may as well all give up!
Angel Di Maria took the international break to remind us all of his massive talent, scoring one and assisting three in Argentina’s emphatic mauling 4-2 of Germany last week. That performance would have given him 19 FPL points. Now ok he won’t do that every week but if he’s supplying the bullets for a front three or some combination of Rooney, RVP and Falcao then anythings possible. Juan Mata may be left wondering where this all leaves him, we are too Juan to be fair. The additions of Rojo and Blind will hopefully see United tighten up defensively too. Well they can’t be any worse than the accident’s waiting to happen that are Jones and Smalling anyway.
Liverpool – Aston Villa (h), West Ham (a), Everton (h), WBA (h), QPR (a), Hull (h)
Raheem Sterling. We were tempted to leave it at that to be honest but we won’t. Although we could probably have been forgiven for doing so as he’s the man on everbody’s lips and wish lists alike after some brilliant early season performances and a few goals to boot. Daniel Sturridge was the other main giver of points but he’s been struck down again and could be out for a few weeks. His absence actually makes Mad Mario more of an attractive proposition as he will be the main man now without a doubt but whether he can deliver without blowing up remains to be seen. Gerrard continues to defy his years and marches on regardless and could be a great differential shout as he still has most set-pieces in the locker including the all important penalties despite a cheeky request from Mario (nice try, jog on Mario!). Moreno grabbed many peoples attention with a superb solo goal against Spurs and looks like he has the potential to solve Liverpool’s lingering left back problem and if that goal and overall marauding performance is a taster of things to come then he could be fantasy gold.
The fixtures speak for themselves really. The only one that jumps out as an issue is rivals Everton in GW6 but even that’s at home and Liverpool ripped them a new one last season in the corresponding fixture. The rest are winnable to say the least and we expect they will do so if that showing at Spurs last time out was anything to go by.
LESS FAVOURABLE FIXTURES
Aston Villa – Liverpool (a), Arsenal (h), Chelsea (a), Man City (h), Everton (a), QPR (a)
Villa are sitting pretty in 3rd place with 7 points, 2 wins and are unbeaten thus far. This may lull some into a false sense of security on any Villa assets but a quick look at their forthcoming schedule should dull that interest somewhat as their next five games are tough to say the least. If they keep a clean sheet in any of those then they’ve done well. They base their game on counter attacking football so don’t be surprised to see the odd goal but we wouldn’t bank on it. Stay away from Villa for a bit would be our advice.
West Ham – Hull (a), Liverpool (h), Man Utd (a), QPR (h), Burnley (a), Man City (h)
Three games against north-west powerhouses interspersed with three games that all scream 0-0 bore draws if Big Sam has his way. He probably won’t though, he rarely does. Having kept his job on the proviso that he produces better ‘football entertainment’, the board and fans alike may be wishing they had kept their opinions to themselves should the Hammers slip down the league into the Championship on the back of trying to play it the ‘West Ham’ way. If you want to stay in the league by any means necessary then Sam is your man. If you want pretty football then the guy renowned for Bolton style kick and rush probably isn’t. If you’ve got a West Ham player then pick and choose when to field him but if you don’t then breathe easy and look elsewhere for transfers in.
FIXTURE FUN
International fixtures continue this week so we suggest you keep a close eye on proceedings as most of your FPL players will be away and featuring for their respective countries this week and we have already seen a few casualties fall by the wayside as a result in the shape of Sturridge and maybe, possibly, ok probably not, Costa. Ok we admit – we are secretly praying he’s definitely ruled out as last time he was he scored 2 goals the next day!
Good luck everyone!
Afternoon all,
So before the international matches I had pretty much decided im saving the transfer this week. However, want to get Welbeck and di Maria after internationals. Don’t think I’ll be able to get Welbeck though, if I want to have Aguero. The plan atm is Jovetic >> Naismith this week and Rooney to Aguero (will decide whether this week or next). I’m a bit concerned about lack of Man Utd coverage after that, so might decide to also do Fabregas >> Di Maria next week. Thoughts?
I’d say Rooney and Welbeck are better as a pair than Aguero and Naismith. And if Rooney keeps on disappointing then Falcao/Balo once they’re settled.
Calvin Clyne – thanks for the reply. You don’t think City cover is vital though?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I don’t agree at all with this notion of ‘cover’ that we see banded about all over the place. If you think a player will get you points then get him in, regardless of who he plays for.
Is welbeck a must?? I could do Ramsey for Tadic and Naismith to Welbeck? Means I wouldn’t be able to swap Ramsey for Di Maria if need be..
Not a must at this stage. In fact only must I would say is Costa if declared fit. I also have Naismith and Ramsey, and won’t be doing the swap you suggested, for now anyway.
I’d probably go as far as saying that Siggy is a must at the moment too, Calvin
Yes, caught myself in time Demsie!
Well, nearly, but mine was a minute earlier.. So technically I caught you 😉
Haha, technically you are correct Mr McGraw, but I didn’t refresh and see your comment until afterwards so I am awarding us both a point
Oops, would consider Siggy a must too.
makeya – Welbeck is far from essential. Ramsey >> Tadic is a serious weakening of your team, as is Naismith >> Welbeck, for me.
Cheers blokes
Hi everyone!!
W/C this week and here is my team for comments/advice!!!
Thinking maybe Costa/Stirling out and Mad Mario/Fab in if Costa looks like his hamstrings will keep him out of a couple of games. I figure Still coverage from both teams, what does anyone think?
Thanks for your help (again!!!!!!)
I think Sterling out while in his current form is a bad idea! If you are of the coverage-from-all-top-teams persuasion then how about ADM and Costa out for Fab and Rooney/Falcao? Though the latter may well be eased in so may be better to hold fire and see. Also, doubling up on attackers from top teams is not a bad strategy anyway.
Thanks Calvin. What suggestions do you have for strengthening my W/C team? More double up attack from certain teams? Who to leave out? Any help or ideas are much appreciated
Well you have a solid defence, though I don’t like doubling up on Stoke. I know they have a nice run of fixtures but they also actually play football now and aren’t the defensive powerhouse they were a couple of seasons ago. Begovic to Mannone or Shawcross to Taylor (Swansea) are decent options. But if you are set on doubling up on them then it’s the time to do it I guess.
The midfield is fine, just don’t go expecting Schneiderlin to go repeating his brace heroics on a frequent basis. But given the strength elsewhere in the squad then it’s probably worth it having him in there. I know you have Siggy already, but still I think Dyer is likely to get more points than Schneiderlin, but up to you of course.
And great attack! Keep an eye on Costa and if he’s declared fit/unfit this week then you can decide then the best course of action to take. Hold onto him for now though as he punished people who took him out last GW after he was supposedly injured.
Some news suggest that Costa’s injury is not too serious. Many conflicting views. Perhaps wait until closer to the fixtures to effect your changes?
Cracker – Is double Stoke defence really necessary? I don’t think so. Selling Sterling at this moment in time just isn’t a good idea. I would make these changes..
1. Shawcross >> Janmaat (i presume Begovic will play more often than Krul)
2. Di Maria >> Fabregas
3. Ivanovic >> Coleman/Baines or any solid defender as triple Chelsea (after buying Cesc) isn’t as appealing as it was a few weeks back.
4. I’d favor Naismith to Welbeck.
Whatever amount is saved from those moves, i would use to upgrade Schneiderlein to someone who’s a regular scorer/assister.
One final word. Ramsey.
Shawcross —–> Taylor and play Clyne.
Guys, I have a sneaky feeling that the Welbeck and Ozil partnership could have major implications on FPL. Ozil’s silky passing and Welbeck’s pace could be deadly… perhaps his finishing will be his downfall? Any thoughts?
HH – He’s never once showed that he can play that position with any sort of authority. Until he does so, i think it’s better to avoid.
Hey gang. Been playing around with possible -4 hits this week but nothing has seemed to be a better idea than Bojan > Naismith for no hit. Anybody have any other suggestions? Cheers.
1 FT, 0.2 itb
DDG, Krul
Terry, Debuchy, Clyne, Chester, Duff
Ramsey, Mata, Sterling, Siggy, Barton
Costa, Roo, Bojan
If Costa is fit then yeah, bye bye Bojangles!
Thanks NIN. Would you prefer Terry > Pieters and Bojan > Welbeck for a -4? I’m not touching Costa just yet.
Nah, i’d rather give it another gwk and do it for free. Or just do your your original move of Bojangles >> Naismith (Shshss..init is around and might hear us talking about him.). So yeah, give it a week or do the other thing, you know, the one 😉
Ah yes. Very hush hush…. :shiftyeyes:
Indeed
Which one do you prefer: team #1 or team #2 lads?
Please ignore the captaincy. I’m thinking #1 at the moment.
Well that messed up. The team above is team #2. Here’s team #1:
Team 2 For Me – But Ramsey is must have for me !
So – you prefer team 2 – the one without Ramsey?
Confused haha, I have Ramsey at the moment, it’s just a case of whether it’s worth keeping him for his tougher fixtures coming up.
Two difficult games in their next 10. City (h), Chelsea (a). Having Arsenal attackers for the Spurs and United games isn’t bad in any way, in fact, it’s preferable! Ramsey is beyond essential.
As for your two teams above, i prefer team 1 but the triple Chelsea has almost run it’s course now i think.
I guess you’re right about Spurs and United… the fact that Erik only got 58 against Liverpool is also concerning.
Ramsey had better stay, thanks fellas.
You mean because Chelsea’s fixtures toughen up?
Not so much their fixtures getting tough, as they can keep a CS against anyone. It’s more that other teams’ fixtures are lightening up, like Liverpool/Everton for example. Some funds aside to change Zamora or Chambers, although, a lot of that fundage is wrapped up in Tadic, would be nice also.
I have long term plans that involve Zamora, Chambers, Begovic, Terry and Tadic out… Aguero and Baines are the main targets in mind.
The second international break may be the time that I WC and implement these changes. Fixtures also get kinder for City so there’s plenty of thinking to be done!
Aguero and Baines you say? I like 😉
Haha oh yes 😉 oh I forgot, Rooney out, that guy will have to go… though I have a feeling he’ll hit back vs QPR this weekend.
It’s the perfect game for Rooney to kick on. Whether he does or not is another issue 😉