The Scout pinpoints the teams with the most favourable schedules, according to the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR), when the Premier League returns on 26 December, identifying which players Fantasy Premier League managers should consider with their unlimited transfers.
Chelsea
A Double Gameweek 19 lifts the appeal of investing in the Blues' key players when the season gets back under way.
Chelsea are one of only two sides, along with Fulham, who have four fixtures in the next three rounds of matches.
Although they entertain Manchester City in that period, the Blues also face all three promoted sides.
That kind run is reflected by the FDR, with four of their next five matches scoring only two.
Chelsea’s next five matches
| GW | Opp. | FDR |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | BOU (H) | 2 |
| 18 | NFO (A) | 2 |
| 19 | MCI (H), FUL (A) | 5, 2 |
| 20 | CRY (H) | 2 |
This suggests Graham Potter's side can improve on their poor run of form prior to the break for the FIFA World Cup 2022, managing just two goals and no clean sheets in their last four outings.
Reece James (£5.8m) is the most-sold player in 2022/23 Fantasy, moved on by 533,000+ managers after a recent injury.
However, he has stepped up his recovery and could be the standout Chelsea pick thanks to his many routes to returns.
The wing-back combined five goals with nine assists and seven clean sheets last season, collecting a further 26 bonus points.
Back secure starter Mount?
Mason Mount (£7.5m) has already shown his potential for big hauls under Potter, with 12 and 15-point returns.
The midfielder's 13 shots and 10 key passes both rank among Chelsea’s top two players for the new head coach.
Mount looks the least likely attacker to be rotated and is owned by only 6.4 per cent.
Other differentials
Raheem Sterling (£9.7m) and Kai Havertz (£7.7m) are also overlooked, selected by under five per cent.
Both have scored during the World Cup and provide further differential options for those willing to take a risk with Potter's selection.
Also in this series
Part 1: Southampton stars can be Fantasy bargains
Part 2: Back Man Utd at both ends of the pitch
Part 4: Newcastle primed for more success
Part 5: Trossard the standout for Brighton
Part 6: Home in on West Ham
Part 7: Fulham stars lifted by Double Gameweek