This article is part of our Fantasy Premier League Tips series.
FPL GW17: Teams With the Best Upcoming Fixtures (Next Five Gameweeks)
After 16 Gameweeks of the Fantasy Premier League season, fixture trends are becoming increasingly reliable. We now have a strong sample size to assess underlying performance, attacking output and defensive stability, making fixture-based planning one of the most effective ways to gain an edge.
With several teams entering favourable runs over the next five Gameweeks, this is a key window for FPL managers to target clubs capable of delivering consistent points across multiple positions. Identifying teams with the best upcoming fixtures can shape transfer plans, captaincy decisions, and chip strategy heading into the busy period.
Check out RotoWire's updated GW17 FPL rankings and FPL tips to improve your squad.
Our FPL GW17 cheat sheets include predicted lineups, team odds, goalscorer odds, set-piece stats, player stats and more.
How to Use Fixture Analysis in FPL
When assessing teams with favourable upcoming fixtures, the goal is not just to target one-week punts, but to identify clubs that offer multiple viable FPL assets across attack and defence. These teams are ideal for:
- Rolling transfers
- Building Free Hit drafts
- Targeting clean sheet runs
- Identifying budget enablers with secure minutes
RotoWire's Fixture Difficulty Ranker
Using RotoWire's Fixture Difficulty Ranker, which evaluates upcoming matches based on league position, goals scored and goals conceded, here are the best teams to target heading into Gameweek 17 and beyond.
Brentford: Elite Short-Term Fixtures
Brentford remain one of the most appealing teams to invest in. A fixture against a struggling Wolves side is as good as it gets, so immediate investment makes sense.
Igor Thiago continues to lead the way as the standout FPL option. He's scored in five of his last eight starts and offers exceptional value in a forward pool that lacks depth. With fixtures staying kind, he looks like one of the best long-term budget forwards available.
Kevin Schade also comes back into contention after serving his suspension. His pace and directness give him real upside in this matchup, making a Brentford double-up in attack an attractive option. Defensively, Sepp van den Berg stands out as a budget enabler, particularly with Nathan Collins walking a suspension tightrope on four yellow cards.
With Wolves, Bournemouth and Tottenham featuring prominently in their upcoming schedule, Brentford rank among the teams with the best short-term fixtures in FPL, making their attackers especially appealing for managers targeting immediate returns.
Manchester City: Premium Attack, Favourable Home Run
Manchester City's fixture run remains strong, highlighted by a home game against West Ham in GW17 followed by Nottingham Forest and Sunderland. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden are the obvious focal points. Haaland will be a popular Triple Captain option in Gameweek 17, while Foden's form has reached elite levels. Seven attacking returns in his last four league starts underline how central he has become, and his minutes look as secure as they've ever been.
In defence, Nico O'Reilly offers a high ceiling. With Rayan Ait-Nouri heading to AFCON, O'Reilly's starting spot looks safe, and his attacking returns this season show he can contribute at both ends.
Rayan Cherki is also worth monitoring as a differential, benefiting from increased minutes with Jeremy Doku sidelined and offering an affordable route into the league's most potent attack.
Liverpool: Strong Fixtures Beyond GW17
Liverpool face a relatively tougher test away at Spurs in GW17, but the fixtures that follow are far more inviting, with Wolves and Leeds both visiting Anfield. Dominik Szoboszlai has become increasingly appealing after appearing to take on penalty duties without Mohamed Salah. His involvement on set pieces and secure minutes make him a well-rounded midfield option, though he remains one booking away from suspension and enters this week with an ankle knock.
Virgil van Dijk is a slightly controversial pick given Liverpool's form, but his defensive contribution numbers remain elite. He ranks second among all defenders in DEFCON this season and benefits from a fixture run that still offers clean sheet potential.
Manchester United: Fixture Swings from GW19
Manchester United's immediate fixtures are mixed, but from Gameweek 19 onwards they enjoy an excellent run that includes Wolves, Leeds and Burnley. Their attack has been prolific, scoring more goals than any side bar Manchester City.
Bruno Fernandes continues to stand out as the key asset. Penalties, set pieces, bonus accumulation and defensive contributions give him multiple routes to points, and with Bryan Mbeumo leaving for AFCON, Fernandes becomes even more central.
Matheus Cunha also deserves consideration. His minutes look increasingly secure, and doubling up on United's attack feels justified ahead of their favourable run.
Arsenal: Best Defence With Sustained Fixture Run
Arsenal continue to tick every box. Bukayo Saka remains the standout attacker, offering secure minutes, penalty duties and consistent returns.
Their defence remains the best in the league, conceding the fewest expected goals. David Raya is a reliable set and forget goalkeeper, while Jurrien Timber continues to impress. With Ben White sidelined, Timber's role at right-back maximises his attacking threat, and his expected goal involvement places him among the top defenders in the game. Piero Hincapie also remains a viable option while Gabriel is unavailable, making Arsenal assets hard to ignore as their strong fixture run continues with Everton, Brighton and Aston Villa ahead.
Final Thoughts: Targeting Teams With the Best Fixtures
As Gameweek 17 approaches, focusing on teams with strong upcoming fixtures remains one of the most reliable strategies in Fantasy Premier League. Clubs like Brentford, Manchester City and Arsenal offer multiple entry points across price ranges, while sides such as Manchester United and Liverpool become increasingly attractive as their schedules soften.
Whether you are planning transfers, building a Free Hit squad, or preparing for future Gameweeks, fixture analysis should sit at the core of your decision-making.
