Which teams have the best fixtures this January? Dream Team managers to target cup competitions

THIS month is an intriguing one in the Dream Team calendar.

With several players unavailable due to Africa Cup of Nations and Asian Cup commitments, plus a mini break for all 20 Premier League clubs, it might be wise for gaffers to target the cup competitions.

The FA Cup third round is set to take place in Gameweek 19 with the fourth round fixtures scheduled for the end of month, in Gameweek 21.

Then there’s the small matter of the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

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Let’s take a look at the current January fixtures for every club currently in the top half of the table.

LIVERPOOL

• Arsenal (a)
• Fulham (h)
• Bournemouth (a)
• Fulham (a)
• Chelsea (h)

The Reds’ participation in the FA Cup fourth round is far from certain as their trip to the Emirates represents one of most-competitive third round match-ups.

However, a two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final against the Cottagers ensures Jurgen Klopp’s troops will be one of the busier teams this month.

Mohamed Salah (£6.5m) isn’t around to cash in but the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold (£6m), Darwin Nunez (£4.1m) and Virgil van Dijk (£4.3m) will be popular selections.

ASTON VILLA

• Middlesbrough (a)
• Everton (a)
• Newcastle (h)

The Villains’ home record is their great strength and so it may be a quieter month for Ollie Watkins (£4.4m) and company if they end up with just one game at Villa Park.

Eddie Howe’s side battered Villa at St James’ Park earlier in the campaign but it’s a good time to play Newcastle with them having lost three games in a row amid their sustained injury crisis.

MANCHESTER CITY

• Huddersfield (h)
• Newcastle (a)
• Burnley (h)

The treble-winners against a side battling relegation in the Championship is a huge mismatch on paper and one that could yield massive returns but predicting Pep Guardiola’s line-up is far from easy.

Again, Howe’s side are vulnerable at present so City’s league fixtures look friendly enough and it would be a huge surprise if they weren’t in the hat for the FA Cup fourth round draw.

There’s also a chance the postponed meeting with Brentford will be rearranged for this month.

When will Erling Haaland (£7.9m) return to action? That’s the big question.

ARSENAL

• Liverpool (h)
• Crystal Palace (h)
• Nottingham Forest (a)

The Gunners will fancy their chances of stopping the rot in their league form although Forest are showing signs of Nuno Espirito Santo’s New Manager Bounce.

It will be interesting to see how Mikel Arteta views the FA Cup with the Champions League knockout stages on the horizon.

TOTTENHAM

• Burnley (h)
• Manchester United (a)
• Brentford (h)

Ange Postecoglou will have to contend with the absences of Son Heung-min (£4.7m), Yves Bissouma (£2.5m) and Pape Matar Sarr (£2m) on top of those currently injured.

That being said, Spurs have won four of their last five and their next three opponents have all been out of form lately.

WEST HAM

• Bristol City (h)
• Sheffield United (a)

At this point, the Hammers have just two fixtures scheduled for the rest of January but don’t be fooled, they host Bournemouth on February 1st which falls under Gameweek 21.

Plus, they’re favourites to get past the Robins this weekend although their squad looks stretched thin suddenly.

BRIGHTON

• Stoke (a)
• Wolves (h)
• Luton (a)

A relatively favourable run of games for the Seagulls as it stands although Gary O’Neil’s outfit are no pushovers by any means.

Joao Pedro (£3.6m) and Pascal Gross (£4.3m) are best placed to take advantage this month with Karou Mitoma (£3.4m) and Simon Adingra (£3.2m) away on international duty.

MANCHESTER UNITED

• Wigan (a)
• Tottenham (h)

Like West Ham, the Red Devils have a game on February 1st (a trip to Wolves) and should progress in the FA Cup.

However, most Dream Team bosses will be understandably hesitant to back any Old Trafford resident right now.

NEWCASTLE

• Sunderland (a)
• Manchester City (h)
• Aston Villa (a)

A fierce derby followed by two of the most difficult Premier League fixtures – a tough ask on current form.

CHELSEA

• Preston (h)
• Middlesbrough (a)
• Fulham (h)
• Middlesbrough (h)
• Liverpool (a)

Despite their inconsistent form, now is a great time to back the Blues as their two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final against Boro means they’re busier than the vast majority of teams this month.

Cole Palmer (£3.4m) appears to be the most likely player to capitalise – he’s Chelsea’s best asset this season having reached 124 points with a 17-point return against Luton in Gameweek 18.

A trip to Anfield is a tough ask but it should be a productive few weeks nonetheless.

It’s worth repeating that this weekend’s FA Cup results will shape the remainder of the January schedule so pay attention – there’s points to be had this month despite the disruption!

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk