A puncture means that the Dirtsheet arrives 20 minutes late. A bit like Demba Ba last week. Robin van Persie proves that nothing is certain in the world of FPL. However, the Killer Bees of Baines, Benteke and Bale did the business last time around. It’s a shame both Ba and Benitez couldn’t follow suit! Never mind, it’s time for The Dirtsheet for Gameweek 25!
DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 25
The Eleven – (3-5-2)
Julio Cesar (QPR) – Harry Redknapp has seemingly drilled some defensive stability into QPR. With Christopher Samba expected to get his first start, a clean sheet is on the cards. Expect some save points to add to the mix.
Ian Harte (RDG) – I expect a tight game at the Majedski Stadium and Sunderland have been poor up front. A set piece could easily decide matters so expect Harte to be involved.
Patrice Evra (MUN) – Having scored yet another assist in GW24, the Frenchman keeps his spot against a Fulham side without Berbatov. Evra could score points at both ends at Craven Cottage.
Leighton Baines (EVE) – Completely justified his inclusion in Dirtsheet24 with a 17-point salvo. Villa have been dreadful defensively and Everton will surely go for the jugular in this one.
Marouane Fellaini (EVE) – FPL managers are hoping that Fellaini will regain his position behind the striker, and the uncertainty surrounding Jelavic strengthens this theory. Villa are a shambles and I expect Baines to provide Fellaini with the ammunition he needs to score his first goal since his return.
Theo Walcott (ARS) – Every single week, Walcott justifies his place in the Dirtsheet. He is a confidence player, and he is certainly not lacking in this quality. Stoke have been very poor of late and I expect Walcott to score yet again this gameweek.
Gareth Bale (TOT) – Finally Bale gets his owners a goal and a single bonus point. Now it’s the turn of WBA to try to contain the Welsh wizard.
Ade Taarabt (QPR) – It seems that Adel Taarabt is already forming a partnership with new signing Remy. A home tie against Norwich is the perfect stage to show his talents.
Juan Mata (CHE) – Benitez has stated that the Mata is available for selection. With goals on the cards at Tyneside, expect Mata to continue his incredible scoring run.
Robin Van Persie (MUN) – Surely the Dutch master cannot go two games without attacking points? Fulham have been poor as of late, and I think RVP will remind us of why we are so silly to doubt him.
Olivier Giroud (ARS) – The second Arsenal player in the Dirtsheet this week, Giroud has been scoring for fun despite the fact that he is prone to miss a sitter now and again.Stoke have been porous at the back and he is primed to add to his impressive recent tally.
The Captain
Robin Van Persie (MUN) – Okay, so Van Persie didn’t deliver last week, and I have to admit that some of the Arsenal contingent ran him close this week. However, I expect Van Persie to get on the score sheet vs Fulham. United have put the Cottagers to the sword a number of times in the last few years, and if Sir Alex chooses a side with pace and aggression (Anderson and/or Cleverly in midfield), them Fulham may experience another poor day at the office.
The Clean Sheets
We are faced with choosing from a mixed bag of fixtures this week. Everton are an excellent candidate, but Reading, QPR and Swansea could also return clean sheets.
The UNusual Suspects
DF: Chris Samba (TOT) – The star of the first Burning the Blueprint Article, he has a golden chance to impress his new fans vs Norwich. Can see him scoring for a sensational debut
MD: Yohan Cabaye (TOT) – Has been in sensational form since his return from injury. Deadball specialist, he can beat any defense on his day.
FW: Franco DiSanto (NEW) – He seems to have picked up some recent form and I am certain that there will be goals at the DW Stadium!
Captain: Olivier Giroud – Buoyed by four goals in two games, he is winning over his detractors in superb fashion. Stoke show no signs of shoring up their defense, meaning that, given his small ownership, Giroud makes an outstanding differential captains choice.
And that’s a wrap! It’s quick, it’s informative and it’s helpful. It’s the Dirtsheet, and it’s here every Friday evening at 2100 GMT. Please follow us on Twitter and share! Every follower counts!
Fantasy Premier League Strategist 