With the horrors of GW27 behind us and the uncertainty surrounding GW29 ahead, we need solid picks and a slice of good fortune to get back on track this week. Here’s The Dirtsheet for Gameweek 28!
DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 28
The Eleven – (3-4-3)
David DeGea (MUN) – With the threat of rotation hanging over the rest of the United defense in preparation for the Real Madrid tie, DeGea is the most likely defensive player to face Norwich. United are great candidates for a clean sheet against a poor Norwich side.
Ashley Cole (CHE) – A clean sheet is on the cards for Chelsea. WBA are bereft of the services of Romelu Lukaku and doubts surround the fitness of Shane Long. With John Terry’s return, there are also doubts over the gametime of all the Chelsea backline apart from Ashley Cole and Petr Cech. I’ve gone for the former Gunner to get at the WBA widemen. WBA are playing tight down the middle and the Chelsea full backs will have a big part to play if Chelsea are to get 3 points.
Pable Zabaleta (MCI) – A slight risk given the form of Christian Benteke, but a number of the Villa man’s recent goals have been from the spot. I expect a disciplined performance from City and I think Zabaleta could get attacking returns here.
Leighton Baines (EVE) – Reading capitulated against Wigan and Everton have the skill set to cause further damage. With doubts surrounding the availability of Marouane Fellaini, we have to look at Baines for Everton cover. Baines scored a penalty in the cup last week and could score points at both ends on Saturday.
Gareth Bale (TOT) – No explanation needed. Bale is bordering on world class right now and his FPL scores have been superb. Spurs will be out for revenge for the 5-2 defeat in the reverse fixture. If Bale occupies a central role, the Arsenal backline will have a long 90 minutes ahead of them. He will draw plenty of fouls and will be on the resulting free kicks. Could reach double figures again.
Moussa Sissoko (NEW) – Of all the January acquisitions, no one can match Sissoko for returns. Swansea may have a cup final hangover and Sissoko is the man that could benefit the most.
Juan Mata (CHE) – I expect Mata will start vs a WBA side who have shown signs of great defensive stability recently. With his recent scoring record, he is impossible to overlook.
Miguel Michu (SWA) – He’s back. We should never have doubted him. Newcastle have been very poor defensively recently and without Tim Krul, they look almost calamitous. I think there will be goals in this game.
Wayne Rooney (MUN) – Even with Van Persie declared available by Sir Alex on Friday morning, there are doubts whether he will be rested or given a start to build match sharpness. I have a feeling he might just start, but I cannot be 100% certain. Rooney should start regardless and will be hungry to put Norwich to the sword.
Luis Suarez (LIV) – With doubts surrounding Daniel Sturridge, we look to Suarez to continue his phenomenal run against Wigan. Although the Latics are showing signs of solidity, I still expect Liverpool to win comfortably.
Ricky Lambert (SOU) – It’s hard to look beyond Lambert at home to QPR this weekend. He is in the form of his life and is probably the best mid-priced striker in the game.
The Captain
Gareth Bale (TOT) – There are simply too many excellent captain choices this week and despite the clear merits of Luiz Suarez, it’s hard to look beyond the Welshman this week. He is in the form of his life and has silenced all but his staunchest detractors. The Sky Sports cameras will be at White Hart Lane and he will look to prove to everyone why he is among the very top players in the world right now.
The Clean Sheets
While there are many great choices for clean sheets this week, it’s important that we take rotation into consideration when selecting defensive players from Manchester United and Chelsea. Outside of these two, I think defensive returns can be expected from Sunderland and Everton
The UNusual Suspects
DF: Ryan Shawcross (STO) – With Huth suspended, there will be pressure on the Stoke captain to lead his team to a win. It could be a tight game and a 1-0 to Stoke with Shawcross scoring is a cheeky punt for the weekend.
MD: Phillipe Coutinho (LIV) – The Brazilian made an immediate impact vs Swansea and he certainly looks the part. The new number 10 should start and has the quickenss to cause trouble for the Latics.
FW: Javier Hernandez (MUN) – If Van Persie doesn’t start, then it is widely predicted that the Little Pea will be given the chance to use his quickness to dismantle a Norwich defense who often struggle against small quick players.
Differential Captain: Ricky Lambert (SOU) – There are simply too many superb captain choices this game week but I think the Saint’s man is the perfect differential to be captained this week.
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! Please follow us on Twitter and share! Every follower counts!
Fantasy Premier League Strategist 