Scheduling Notes:
Fantrax’s GW-33 deadline is today (Tuesday), which means that if you’re reading this before the matches begin, you might still get in on four confirmed lineups. (And remember that Chelsea and Palace have a DGW in Fantrax this week).
FPL’s GW-33 deadline is not until Friday, but Friday is still an odd day for a deadline. Don’t miss it!
The rest of April is beset with scheduling oddities (e.g. more Friday deadlines and more DGW teams!), so look ahead and plan accordingly.
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Fantrax managers should see all four of today’s confirmed starting lineups before their deadline.
Tuesday 02 April
- Watford vs Fulham
- Wolves vs Manchester United
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Wednesday 03 April
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Watford will be looking to bounce back from their loss at Old Trafford, and they couldn’t have a better tonic than today’s opponent, especially ahead of their FA Cup semi on Sunday. Fulham’s fate will be sealed today if the Cottagers lose. Even a draw would be as good as a loss because their goal-difference is a shocking 21 worse than bubble-team Saints.
For the Hornets, Daryl Janmaat is a doubt after leaving the Man Utd match early, and with a cup coming, he might not be risked. Isaac Success (knock) and Penranda (hamstring) have been ruled out. Andre Gray could return, putting Gerard Deulofeu’s minutes at risk.
Cottager Andre Schurrle could start after a long absence, and Alfie Mawson is back in training but probably not ready yet. Aleksandar Mitrovic is a late fitness check.
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Wolves dropped more points to a cellar dweller on the weekend. Were they saving their energy for another strong showing against a top six side? Or are they looking even further ahead to the FA cup semi versus Watford (at Wembley) on Sunday? Man Utd rebounded from their first league loss under OGS by winning on the weekend.
Wolves have a fully fit squad but could rotate heavily ahead of their FA Cup semi. Man Utd have Victor Lindelof, Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial all ready to return, which could mean rest for one or more deputies. Likewise, Jesse Lingard could bump Juan Mata from the starting XI. Alexis Sanchez and some longer term absentees remain out.
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The Blues left it late against relegation-zone opposition on the weekend, but they pulled out a win (albeit by scoring an offside goal). They’ll want to do better at home against another weak team. Brighton will be disappointed to have lost at home to a side now equal on points at the precipice of the drop. Can the Seagulls do better on the road against a top-six side competing for a Euro berth? I didn’t think so either.
Sarri has a fully fit squad. The Gulls are still missing Pascal Gross, while Florin Zappacosta remains a doubt.
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The Citizens will be expected to put the Bluebirds to the sword, especially if Neil Warnock follows through on his promise to field his youth team. Pep has an FA Cup semi on Saturday... against Brighton.
Aguero came off early on the weekend and may not be risked ahead of multiple cup competitions. Delph remains sidelined. While rotation is always a risk, there’s also something to be said for keeping starters sharp.
Cardiff... Who knows? If the reserve team does play, then all bets (and usual starters) are off, but how many Bluebirds do we have on our fantasy rosters anyway? In any case, Ashley Richards probably won’t be ready. Sol Bamba and Calum Paterson are out for the season.
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“New Stadium” finally goes on line! Will it give Spurs a lift? On the weekend, they lost late at Anfield (doesn’t everyone?), so they’ll be looking to rebound at their shiny new home in front of a new sound-wall of fans celebrating in a carnival atmosphere. Palace won easily at home, relegating the Terriers. They won’t have as easy a time in London against a motivated top-six side.
The kicker is Tottenham’s April 9 Champions League match looming ahead on the schedule, but six days could be far enough away that it won’t disrupt the starting XI. Aurier, Dier and Winks remain out. No status changes (on Monday anyway) for Palace.
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So how did your weekend go? Did the first half of your FPL DGW set you up for a massive points haul? Did your business-as-usual Fantrax weekend do the business? (Mine didn’t).
Whom do you have playing in the five matches today and tomorrow? And about whom are you worried? And in Fantrax, how many DGW Blues and Eagles do you have going in our 2-team DGW? Please share with us in the comments / chat below, and let us know any late news you come across!
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