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On to business, here’s the Dirtsheet for gameweek 30!
DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 30
The Eleven – (3-4-3)
David DeGea (MUN) – Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that both his full backs (Rafael and Evra) were exhausted after the Chelsea match, and therefore both are at risk of rotation this gameweek. With this in mind, I have gone with David De Gea in goal. He has been in superb form recently and has cemented his place as United number 1 ahead of Anders Lindegaard. There is talk that Lindegaard needs 2 more appearances to earn a Premier League medal should United win the title, but this should not be a factor tomorrow.
Ashely Cole (CHE) – A home tie vs West Ham is the type of game that suits the Chelsea defenders who will look to add attacking points to their defensive returns. Joe Cole looks set to miss the game, and there are doubts over the fitness of Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan. With David Luiz on 9 yellow cards and doubts surrounding Cesar Azpilicueta’s starting position, Cole is the preferred option in the Chelsea backline.
Michael Dawson (TOT) – Spurs will be looking to bounce back from a defeat at Anfield as they welcome Fulham to White Hart Lane. Fulham have been toothless in 2013, and I expect Dawson and Vertonghen to cut out any danger. Although Vertonghen is a greater goal threat, Dawson was rested against Inter Milan and so I think he is certain to start at the weekend.
Glen Johnson (LIV) – It seems that Johnson and Jose Enrique have been sharing attacking spoils recently but I think Johnson is more likely to get joy down Southampton’s left-hand side.
Gareth Bale (TOT) – With “just” 8 points last week, Gareth Bale is odds on to get back to his recent form of returning double figure returns for his owners, who face a Fulham side who are struggling for defensive stability since the turn of the year. Having been banned from Thursday’s Europa League fixture, he will be rell rested for the weekend fixture.
Moussa Sissoko (NEW) – A trip to Wigan is as good a place as any for Sissoko to get back to scoring ways. There could be 3 or 4 goals in this one and I expect Sissoko to be involved.
Frank Lampard (CHE) – With Juan Mata starting in the Europa League, I’ve opted for Frank Lampard to start and thrive vs a West Ham side missing a number of top players.
Theo Walcott (ARS) – After a superb display against Bayern Munich brought them within a whisker of glory in the Champions League, they will be buoyed and full of confidence. Swansea look like they have one mind on holidays…they have a trophy and are safe from relegation. I expect Theo Walcott to figure heavily in an Arsenal win tomorrow.
Robin Van Persie (MUN) – While Wayne Rooney has the better form, I have to go with Van Persie against Reading. He is on penalties and Reading will provide him with the perfect platform to get back to scoring ways. Van Persie is now trailing a rampaging Luis Suarez in the top scorers chart, and will need to put teams like Reading to the sword if he is to catch the Liverpool man.
Christian Benteke (AST) – Another game, another goal. Benteke now faces a QPR side who are showing better form but are finding it difficult to keep a clean sheet.
Luis Suarez (LIV) – It seems it doesn’t matter whether Suarez plays centrally or in a wider position, he can dismantle any defense in the league. I cannot see Southampton being able to contain Suarez, and I predict that he will add to his 22 league goals this weekend.
The Captain
Robin Van Persie (MUN) – Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez are also both excellent choices, but the Dutchman has a superb fixture against Reading. Sir Alex has stated he wants more attacking returns and I expect goals in the evening kick-off vs Reading.
The Clean Sheets
There are plenty of top choices for clean sheets this gameweek. Manchester United, Chelsea and Spurs are great candidates, but also look to Manchester City, Liverpool and Sunderland.
The UNusual Suspects
DF: Nacho Monreal (ARS) – Having shown decent returns since joining Arsenal, I am going for Monreal vs Swansea.
MD: Shinji Kagawa (MUN) – With a hattrick against Norwich still fresh in everyone’s mind and Nani ruled out, Kagawa could find himself on the scoresheet again tomorrow against Reading.
FW: Arouna Kone (WIG) – The Ivorian has returned from the African Cup of Nations with strong form and faces a Newcastle side without Coloccini and Krul.
Differential Captain: Demba Ba (CHE) – Should start against an injury plagued West Ham.
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 