Which teams have the worst FPL fixtures from Gameweek 21?

Using the Season Ticker from Fantasy Football Scout’s members area, we investigate which teams have the worst FPL fixtures after this January FA Cup break.

Focusing on the schedule between Gameweeks 21 and 26 can help managers with transfers, captaincy and chip strategy decisions. A look at the sides with best fixtures is here.

Worst FPL fixtures

Bournemouth

GW21-26 Fixtures: Liverpool (h), West Ham (a), N Forest (h), Fulham (a), Newcastle (a), Man City (h)

Sunday’s defeat at Spurs was the first time in five matches – including the abandoned one against Luton – where Dominic Solanke (£7.1m) didn’t score. Yet he had a staggering season-best of nine shots that totalled 0.84 expected goals (xG).

Therefore, the blank shouldn’t deter FPL managers from keeping faith in the forward and neither should upcoming opponents. It’s the classic ‘form v fixtures’ dilemma.

However, the few that are invested in Bournemouth’s back line may wish to move on. Three clean sheets from five games but about to face Liverpool, West Ham and Man City. Marcos Senesi (£4.5m) is suspended for one match, whilst Antoine Semenyo (£4.6m) and Dango Ouattara (£4.7m) are at AFCON.

Burnley

GW21-26 Fixtures: Luton (h), Man City (a), Fulham (h), Liverpool (a), Arsenal (h), C Palace (a)

As a popular cheap defender often restricted to the bench, Charlie Taylor (£4.0m) could actually be used in starting XIs versus Luton. But, afterwards, it’s not recommended for a long time.

Even so, budget forward Lyle Foster (£4.8m) is a fascinating option for those wanting the squad depth of an eighth attacker without spending much higher than Cameron Archer (£4.5m).

The South African’s first seven outings brought in three goals and two assists, before taking a break to focus on his mental wellbeing. He’s returned with a bang, assisting at Fulham before netting at Aston Villa.

Brentford

GW21-26 Fixtures: N Forest (h), Tottenham (a), Man City (h), Wolves (a), Liverpool (h), West Ham (a)

Sticking with the ‘B’ sides, Brentford are on a dramatic slide after losing seven of their latest eight games. Bryan Mbeumo (£6.8m) has an ankle injury and fellow attacker Yoane Wissa (£5.7m) is now away at AFCON.

It means that Ivan Toney‘s (£7.9m) return from an eight-month suspension is brilliantly timed for Gameweek 21. Not that his initial fixtures hold much appeal.

At the back, only four teams have fewer clean sheets but – strangely – they have the fourth-best expected goals conceded (xGC) tally of 25.61. Just three teams have allowed fewer big chances (40). So it wouldn’t be a terrible idea to invest in a goal-scoring defender like Ethan Pinnock (£4.6m) or Ben Mee (£4.8m).

Chelsea

GW21-26 Fixtures: Fulham (h), Liverpool (a), Wolves (h), C Palace (a), Man City (a), Tottenham (h)

Finally, in a similar situation to Solanke, the in-form bargain midfielder Cole Palmer (£5.6m) is certainly worth keeping over this tough run. On penalties, his 18-point weekend haul at Luton was purely from open play. Palmer’s fourth double-digit score in 11 appearances, he has FPL’s second-best expected goal involvement (xGI, 10.03) since first starting in Gameweek 7.

But fellow midfielder Raheem Sterling (£7.1m) isn’t rotation-proof anymore, especially with Christopher Nkunku (£7.4m) now fit.

Owning defender Levi Colwill (£4.7m) is probably ill-advised, considering upcoming fixtures and their one clean sheet from 13. Alternatively, cheaper Malo Gusto (£4.2m) is currently on three assists and without the threat of injured Reece James (£5.3m).