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.
Manchester United
An extended run of favourable opponents lifts Man Utd's potential at both ends of the pitch in Fantasy.
According to the FDR, seven of their next nine matches score only two.
Man Utd's next seven matches
| GW | Opp. | FDR | GW | Opp. | FDR |
| 17 | NFO (H) | 2 | 22 | CRY (H) | 2 |
| 18 | WOL (A) | 2 | 23 | LEE (A) | 2 |
| 19 | BOU (H) | 2 | 24 | LEI (H) | 2 |
| 20 | MCI (H) | 5 | 25 | BRE (H) | 2 |
| 21 | ARS (A) | 4 | |||
In defence, Diogo Dalot’s (£4.8m) multiple routes to returns give him the edge over fellow full-back Luke Shaw (£4.8m).
The Portuguese has combined one assist with five clean sheets and 12 bonus points.
His total of 20 chances created ranks second for Erik ten Hag’s side this season.
Dalot's assist v Southampton
Brilliant from Bruno! 👏
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 28, 2022
💥 @B_Fernandes8#MUFC || #SOUMUN pic.twitter.com/5Zafese8TP
Shaw has also impressed after securing a starting role recently.
Indeed, he produced all his returns this season, two assists and three clean sheets, in Man Utd’s final six matches before the season break.
Forward threat
In attack, Marcus Rashford (£6.7m) and Bruno Fernandes (£9.8m) have both been a big success in the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Rashford has three goals for England during the group stages, while Fernandes has combined two goals with two assists for Portugal.
The underlying numbers show why both will be key players for Man Utd when the season gets back under way.
Rashford’s 32 shots, 25 shots in the box, 10 big chances and 13 shots on target are all more than any team-mate.
⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 17, 2022
🅰️🅰️🅰️
It's been a productive season so far for @MarcusRashford! 💪#MUFC
Listed as a midfielder in Fantasy, the England star could reprise his early-season role as a forward following the recent departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Fernandes' 33 key passes and eight big chances both rank top for Ten Hag’s team, while his 26 shots and nine shots on target place second.
Also in this series
Part 1: Southampton stars can be Fantasy bargains
Part 3: Chelsea can provide key differentials
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