With only 6 matches this gameweek, it seems the only priority for many is to field 11 players. To compound matters, the two big teams square off each other in a game that could go either way. It’s Suarez vs Bale – Round 2 – FIGHT! Here’s the Dirstsheet for gameweek 29!
DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 29
The Eleven – (3-4-3)
Mark Bunn (NOR) – Despite Rickie Lambert’s incredible away form, I feel that Bunn will do quite well. If Norwich do concede, I’d expect Bunn to score a save point or two.
Davide Santon (NEW) – Given the fact that Newcastle are missing both Tim Krul and Fabricio Coloccini, a Newcastle defender was not on my list of candidates for defenders this week, but the clean sheet against the relative might of Anzhi in the Europa League has put Davide Santon on my radar. With 3 assists in his last 5 games, he should have a good chance of getting attacking points. Stoke have been truely hopeless in recent months, both offensively and defensively, and a clean sheet for Santon is a distinct possibility.
Christopher Samba (QPR) – To say that Samba has been unlucky not to have scored since his move from Anzhi so far this year would be an undertstatement. A home tie against a sometimes travelsick Sunderland could be a perfect opportunity to get his first goal of the season. A clean sheet could also be on the cards if QPR can deal with Sunderland’s wide men, especially Sessegnon.
Ian Harte (RDG) – With the potential of clean sheets quite low this gameweek, I’ve opted for a defender who has perhaps the strongest chance of attacking returns this gameweek. Villa have been a bit better recently but will still do well to keep Reading at bay. With 3 assists in his last 4, Ian Harte could do well no matter what Villa do attack-wise.
Gareth Bale (TOT) – Bordering on essential at this stage, Bale squares up to the normally solid Liverpool defense. However, if he is played centrally and targets Jamie Carragher, he could return double figures for the fifth gameweek in a row.
Moussa Sissoko (NEW) – Although he scored a blank versus a resolute Swansea last week, Sissoko has shown tremendous form since he arrived in January. With doubts surrounding Papiss Cisse and the fact that Stoke have not kept a clean sheet since before Christmas, Sissoko is very likely to return attacking points this Sunday.
Stephaine Sessegnon (SUN) – Given the fact that there are only 6 games this gameweek, it is inevitable that the defensive picks for The Dirtsheet would square up to the attacking picks. Samba was chosen mainly for attacking points because I think Sessegnon has shown superb form in recent weeks after being moved back to a wide position. If Sunderland are to score, Sessegnon should be involved.
Steven Gerrard (LIV) – Big games are made for big players who can keep their nerve, and Steven Gerrard will be relishing this fixture. It could be a tight game and it would not surprise me if Gerrard stole the thunder from messers Bale and Suarez with a match-winning penalty or free kick.
Christian Benteke (AST) – With difficult fixtures against Manchester City and Arsenal now behind them, Aston Villa face a run of 5-6 games which will determine their season. Villa are under serious threat of relegation and they need to beat Reading tomorrow. If they are to win, Benteke will almost certainly be involved.
Luis Suarez (LIV) – It is hard to argue against the fact that Suarez is the most in-form striker in the league right now. As with Bale, he will face a stronger test this weekend, but could still do well. Suarez is expected to play from a wider position given the return of Daniel Sturridge, but can still score.
Romelu Lukaku (WBA) – With Shane Long a major doubt for the visit of Swansea, Lukaku is expected to start and it would surprise no one if he added to his 12 goals so far this season.
The Captain
Gareth Bale (TOT) – Last week, Suarez capitalized on the absence of Daniel Sturrige to put Wigan to the sword in emphatic style, and al though Bale scored 10 points, it was the Liverpool man who won round 1. I’m sticking with the Welshman this week. Suarez will not be the lone striker this week, and I think Tottenham’s defense will handle Suarez better than Liverpool’s will handle Bale. In addition, Bale has the potential of a clean sheet point and will score 1 point more per goal.
The Clean Sheets
With so many top sides without fixtures and Liverpool and Tottenham facing up to the unenviable prospect of containing Gareth Bale and Luiz Suarez, respectively, clean sheets could be thin on the ground. Norwich and QPR are probably the best bets for a clean sheet this week. Keep an eye out for WBA also.
The UNusual Suspects
DF: Sebastien Bassong (NOR) – If you don’t have Bunn, then Bassong is a great differential this gameweek. Great attacking potential and good chance of a clean sheet.
MD: Charles N’Zogbia (LIV) – Has had a return to form since regaining a first team place, with 35 points in his last 6 games. The Reading defense may allow for further returns.
FW: Loic Remy (QPR) – Back from injury and looking sharp, Remy is a superb differential for anyone trying to avoid the rush on Benteke and Lukaku. Unlucky not to be considered for The Eleven.
Differential Captain: Christian Benteke (AST) – There is no question that Benteke will pose serious problems to the Reading defense and I think his power and pace could see great returns for the Villa win.
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 