FPL Fixtures Gameweek 3
We all knew deep down that this was going to be a weird ‘ol season, for one reason or another. GW’s 1 & 2 have sort of confirmed this. We’ve had goals galore: some from expected sources, some from those less so. We’ve seen a host of players deliver in GW1 and then a different cast appear in GW2. Salah, Son, Mane and Zaha are all prime examples of this new phenom. Those who didn’t have Salah for GW1 suddenly found themselves wanting Son for GW3 instead, probably via some Bruno merry-go-round. Wish lists have been written, scrapped and re-written more times than Raz tells us he’s missed the deadline #zomg
Writing a fixtures article at the start of the season might seem easy but I see it as walking through a minefield. Looking at some of the fixtures they seem very easy on paper, or at least going by past performances they do, but could we be being overly-enthusiastic about certain teams?
Obviously, there are teams such as Liverpool, Man City and Man United (maybe not now!) that you could target without having to worry about their fixtures so I will not bother discussing them in much detail. The only caveat I will add is that Liverpool’s defence looked vulnerable against Leeds, (albeit less so vs a 10 man Chelsea) so there might be something there but a little on that later.
FPL FIXTURE TRACKER
But first up that all important Fixture Tracker itself…
FIXTURE TRACKER LINK
Favourable
Chelsea – WBA (A), CRY (H), SOU (H) –
Ah, Chelsea! After two windows where they could not buy anyone, they have certainly made up for it this summer. Werner, Ziyech, and Havertz are the key signings and it has made that Chelsea attack looking very deadly indeed! This should strike fear into the defences of their next three opponents.
West Brom are coming off a 0-3 loss to Leicester and a 5-2 loss to Everton. Chelsea should have too much for the newly promoted team.
Next up for them are two home visits from Crystal Palace and Southampton. This should provide some comfort for Chelsea as they had 11 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses at Stamford Bridge last season. Except that one of those losses was to Southampton. I do not see Southampton stopping Werner and co. from scoring but Palace are looking good at the back and lightening quick on the break so Chelsea might have to be wary of their fellow Londoners.
Southampton have been shocking and were knocked out of the Carabao Cup having played pretty much their starting XI and looked abysmal. And then they played Spurs…
The worry for me would be the Chelsea clean sheets. I am not knocking the defenders but rather that fool between the sticks! Kepa is a liability, really can’t seem to stop long shots and is in a bad run of form. He had conceded 9 goals from the last 13 shots on target, and in the last two seasons he has conceded 19 goals from long shots! That was prior to Liverpool, who managed to get 18 shots (on and off target) and scored 2 of them. 18 in 90 minutes suggests leaky, Kepa aside. With the skills of Zaha, Ings, JWP, even Eze; I would not be surprised if Chelsea concede some goals in the latter of the three fixtures. Batman will be ineligible to play against his parent club but Zaha and Ayew could still cause issues for the Spaniard in goal. As could my Gran.
Wolves – WHU (A), FUL (H), LEE (A) –
I am loving the look of Wolves’ fixtures for a good while yet, not just for the next three games. But let’s deal with those in the immediacy. Lots of people were looking at having Matt Doherty bombing up and down the wing for Wolves but he left to Spurs. Next, we all wanted the 4.5 mln Vinagre after Jonny Otto was confirmed out but what happened… he didn’t play! Now the best way into the Wolves defence looks to be the 5.0 players (Edit: Vinagre was on as an early substitute on Monday night and may now be back in favour). Over the next few games though that 5.0 could well pay off with loads of points! West Ham don’t have the most prolific of goal scorers with Antonio and Haller being the best options but even that duo only provided 17 goals between them last year. Fulham and Leeds are new to the league and whilst Leeds put 3 past Liverpool, and 4 past Fulham, I don’t see Nuno’s men being as sloppy.
I think there are points to be had at the back, but all eyes will be on the Mexican luchador, Raúl Jiménez. Having scored in his first two outings this season, he has certainly hit the ground running keeping up the consistency of last season having scored 17 goals. Jimi is definitely the main man at Wolves since his arrival in June 2018 having provided 45 attacking returns in 78 games. This means he has got an attacking return every 1.75 games. What more could you ask for? Bringing him in will be difficult but should definitely be worth if over the next few. In a conversation with Swirly, we agreed that Fulham, West Brom and Leeds just can’t defend so Wolves attackers could be having lots of fun!
Everton – CRY (A), BHA (H), LIV (H)
The dark horses. Who would have thought that signing the odd player or three would make such a difference. Carlo, perhaps. With James pulling the strings they suddenly look a different beast. Palace away wont be easy of course but you could at least imagine them scoring there now. And you can definitely imagine them scoring at home to Brighton. Liverpool at home won’t be easy but again you could finally envisage them doing something against their old foes, finally.
Unfavourable Fixtures
Arsenal – LIV (A), SHU (H), MCI (A) –
Arsenal looked amazing against Fulham but so did Bamford so… make of that what you will! Willian started life in London Red brilliantly after a hat-trick of assists with people saying Arteta has brought Arsenal back to the top of their game. Now whilst Arsenal made it two wins from two against West Ham, they didn’t exactly blow their London rivals away. The first real test is at Anfield against Liverpool. If Arsenal beat Liverpool away from home, then I will be impressed but I still don’t like their chances over the next few. Liverpool have not lost at home since April 23rd 2017 and since then they have turned Anfield into a fortress.
Now if Arsenal do pass the test of Anfield, I don’t see them having any problem against Sheffield United. The Blades have lost Henderson back to Manchester United but replaced him with Aaron Ramsdale so the defence might take time getting used to working with a new keeper and a 1-0 loss to Villa doesn’t inspire much confidence! A lot of people are selling their Arsenal assets since the West Ham game and the fixtures support that due to having not only the trip to Anfield but also a trip to the Etihad. City looked bang at it again vs Wolves so basically, I would sell Arsenal players, in fact I have, as I am not expecting much over the next few.
Leeds – SHU (A), MCY (H), WOL (H) –
What to make of Leeds? They played Hull in the EFL Cup on Wednesday and their defence were all over the place according to the Gillette Soccer Special lads – or what was left of them! The problems in defence were also seen in the league opener against Liverpool and against Fulham, having conceded 7 in the process. But also scoring 8…
Leeds could do well against Sheffield United, where a draw is well within their grasp. The reason I have them in this section is the following two fixtures: City and Wolves.
The last time City met Leeds in the league was all the way back in 2004 where the Citizens won 2-1. This was long before the oil money came into the club so we can’t exactly go off that result. The only other time these two teams have met since was in 2013, during the FA Cup in which Man City won again, this time by a score line of 4-0. Now lots have changed for both clubs since then, but I worry for Leeds if they are going to continue their defensive mistakes coming up against KDB, Sterling and co.
I absolutely love the way Wolves play and I can see them hurting Leeds too! Now these sides have played each other a few times over the last few years in the Championship and it is pretty even but I fancy Wolves’ Premier League experience will be too much for Leeds and could cause them issues. Overall, I would give bringing in any Leeds players a miss for the moment.
Horrible fixtures
West Ham – WOL (H), LEI (A), TOT (A) –
Just look at these fixtures… just look! Who in their right mind would own a Hammers player right now, especially someone like Bowen?! You know exactly who you are (AT), and I hope by now you’ve sold him. West Ham started the season with a loss to Newcastle, followed up by a 2-1 loss to Arsenal. I do not see West Ham having much (if any) luck in the next few games. As mentioned previously I love Wolves’ style of play and I think they will cause West Ham problems at the back. Jimenez looks to be starting the season very sharp. Plus, Wolves seemed solid enough in their win over Sheffield United. Wolves did the double over West Ham last season by a score line of 2-0 in both fixtures. I wouldn’t be surprised to see another similar result this weekend.
Things don’t pick up for West Ham as they have two away trips to Leicester and then a short journey to White Hart Lane for a London derby. Leicester and Vardy have started the season brightly with a dominant performance over West Brom. Some may say that the Vardy goals were both just penalties, but it doesn’t matter how they cross the line, just that they do! Much like Wolves, both Leicester and Spurs did the double over West Ham, with score lines such as 4-1, 3-2, 2-1 and 2-0. This does not make good reading for Moyesy or any Hammer fans. With Spurs seeing the return of Bale along with the signing of ‘the best LB in La Liga’ Regulion I fear for that West Ham team.
Anyway avoid, avoid, avoid at all costs!
Thanks for reading FPL Fixtures Gameweek 3. This article was written by Matt.
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Thanks for the article. Any thoughts on this WC? Probably need a bit more in midfield, but not sure where to create the cash?
Or indeed is this second option better?
I prefer that second one SF.
+1, obviously Foden started last night but he’s far from nailed on for me. Not interested by Son or Zaha? I see them in most wildcard teams
I think Zaha is a trap, Palace just don’t score that much. Son took advantage of a Saints high line, I think that will be a one off, although his price is good.
I agree on Zaha because he gets me every year, only difference I see is that in past years he would produce here and there from a smaller amount of chances. If he keeps up his shot taking and key passes this season I will probably start looking at him again and set myself up to be fooled again.
Well, Son will still produce, probably not a 4 goal game, but this is far from the first time that he has produced big fpl points in a GW. I get your point though. Is almost like Saints set up how Jose would have wanted them to. ‘Hey guys, how about playing a real high line?’
Thanks GP. Thinking of ditching a keeper and trying to get Klinch up to Foden. Not sure if it’s worth it or to go for Podence.
I like that Klich is on their penalties.
Scored 7 in the league last season. Knows where it is!
I prefer the first one. I think Foden will get more than enough mins and make 6.5 look very cheap. He performs like a 9 million player when he starts.
Second one for sure
I like them both but 51/49 for the 1st one for me.
I like both, thinking about wildcard myself.
So after taking Doherty and Son out for Bruno and Justin I’ve had a horror start. Do i do something boring like ASM for Podence or something much more exciting like wildcard (which just about everyone else seems to do doing)
Theoretically, how different do you think your WC team would look? Have you tried moving some players on the fpl site to see if that team is considerably better? If I had your team I probably make a move or two and be happy with it for this upcoming week. I mean I probably change several players on that backline, but I wouldn’t WC over it.
Don’t think you need to WC. ASM to podence is a good move and then gives you another week to assess
Although saying that you could did with a city mid too. Maybe Auba/ASM to kdb/podence for a -4
See my comment below
I answered below on wildcard thing.
Do we need Kane this week?
Those 4 assists looked like a warmup for upcoming hatrick at home against NUFC :scratch_one-s_head:
He’s definitely a big threat.
I’m on a WC and probably won’t be including him though.
Son plus extra pennies for the squad just seems better value to me.
Hey Banjo how’s the wildcard coming along?
I’ve got Kane in my dream team but still tinkering
Hey Neilos. I’m currently sat on this (and praying Brewster gets a loan deal sorted!). It’ll no doubt change though. I was playing with a KdB-less side, ie switching him for Foden, and it looks great elsewhere, but I can’t help thinking KdB is essential. You?
Looking good to me! I have alot of your players.
The kdb thing is also getting to me lol. But is Kane the Kane of two season ago?
Neilos, love this team with Kane (C) and Son. Think I will be going in the same direction with my WC :yes:
Thanks Ivan. I think it’s pretty much set but that niggly thing of city coverage is still at the back of my mind
The good thing is that after this GW Son can become KDB/Bruno and Kane turn into Martial. Surely United will be looking for revenge and rectify the errors and horrible performance from the first game. They could end up top in everyone’s wish list next week.
I am starting to think that two Spurs is a bit much, could be completely wrong though. I just watched the highlights of their game vs Saints, first (nothing to do with Son and Kane) their defence is crap. The chances they themselves gave up were ridiculous. Also noticed in the highlights that for them it was some offsides stuff and the goals so went and looked at the stats and noticed they only had 9 shots. Went backed and looked at the Everton stats and they only had 9 shots. I think that if I am going to own to attacking players from one team I am going to want a bit more attempts at goal to go around. Grant it is just two weeks, but that kind of goes with some of the bias I probably have and some have on Mourinho teams not generating a ton on the attacking end. If Saints don’t defend like fools and basically set up like an opposing team would set up in a Mourinho wet dream, I do wonder what kind of production they get. I think one is fine, think two is a bit much. Liverpool has gotten up 40 shots already in two games. Spurs will probably reach that in GW5.
Thanks for the feedback guys. Of the two who would you keep. Kane or Son?
Yeah Banjo, I haven’t activated mine yet but most likely that will happen later and one of these two will be must. They are expensive enough to be changed for someone decent in the following round.
Hi guys,
Advice needed. 1ft and 2m itb. Do I take a -4 kdb for Auba and asm for podence and hope Egan’s price does not drop?
Or is my team wc worthy?
They seem to be popular moves this week. I’m torn as to whether the hit is good value though. I mean, it could obviously pay off, but City haven’t exactly got an easy fixture. I’d do the ASM to Podence move for sure though.
Thanks banjomaker. I just think if city are going to score kdb is more than likely going to be involved.
You wouldn’t wc then?
You probably don’t NEED to. But then I probably didn’t and I have
I may end up talking my self into it too
-4 is a popular move generally. Wildcard is preference thing. If you see your team and want to make 7 or 8 changes go for it. Depends how you manage your team and how patient you are . My experience is generally no one says you should wildcard when one asks
Generally I don’t like to take hits but I Already have ground to make up. I’m not sure I need to
Make 7/8 changes so maybe I’ll will hood fire
For now. Cheers smash.
Wich three would you play here? Kwp will play, and i will play dunne and hope that he gets the minutes. But who the third one? Justin seems to be on a roll but play him against MCI? Everton looks like they can score quite a bit so Mitchell dosen’t seems like an option, the same goes for lascelles….
Bench Justin and Lascelles
+1
How these drafts for WC look?
The first is -KDB
The second is +KDB
This one Ivan
Thanks Neilos. I am trying not to get too excited about KDB. He won’t be playing as number 10 in many games. That was set by Pep because of the Wolves big 3. Still thinking that Sterling could be a better choice in a long run.
Yeah I think Sterling could be more explosive.
With.
I like how you say the first is -KDB, like we wouldn’t notice.