The International break has Left us all in doubt as to who will get 90 minutes at the weekend. We need to focus on players who are odds on to start and also keep in mind the double gameweek in GW33.
With that in mind, here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 31!
DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 31
The Eleven – (3-4-3)
David DeGea (MUN) – It seems that De Gea is the only reliable pick from the United defensive line. I expect Rafael to also start given his rest during the internationals but this week is not a week for risk taking.
Leighton Baines(EVE) – A home tie against a travel-sick Stoke side is as good a time as any for Baines to keep a clean sheet. With a confirmed double in GW33 coming up, Baines is a solid short and medium-term choice.
Pablo Zabaleta (MCI) – Newcastle are without a number of key personnel, most notably both their full backs. This can only mean an increased chance of Zabaleta gaining fantasy points from both ends of the field.
Nacho Monreal (ARS) – The first of two Arsenal players this week, Monreal should keep his place ahead of the visit of Reading. Like the rest of the defensive picks, attacking points are a decent possibility.
Gareth Bale (TOT) – It’s also becoming a ritual to add the Welshman’s name to the Dirtsheet even before the upcoming match has been analysed. Swansea are playing like a side that have already taken their holidays and I can see Bale returning to scoring ways after a blank last week.
David Silva (MCI) – Silva will start against Newcastle and will find a Newcastle midfield without Tiote. He should be afforded a decent amount of space to work some magic.
Frank Lampard (CHE) – I’ve oped for the England man against Southampton. He recently broke the 200-goal mark for Chelsea and I feel that Lampard will be afforded space in and around the 18-yard line to get some shots on target.
Santi Cazorla(ARS) – With Walcott officially ruled out for the visit of Reading, I expect the Spaniard to play just behind Giroud at the Emirates. It depends what Reading’s frame of mind is with a new manager to impress, but Cazorla is likely to benefit regardless. If the Gunners score early, there could be a rout.
Dimitar Berbatov (FUL) – With a goal in each of his last three games and a double gameweek on the horizon, now is the time to bring in the Bulgarian. QPR are clearly better under Harry Redknapp, but they have given away a lot of goals recently. Berbatov is a master of punishing any slack defending and it would not surprise me to dee Berbatov with double figures under his name this weekend.
Arouna Kone(WIG) – Kone has been in superb form since his return from the African Cup of Nations and Norwich will do well to contain the Wigan striker.
Luis Suarez (LIV) – Up against a lackluster Villa side, Suarez will surely fancy his chances of putting further pressure on Paul Lambert with a goal or two.
The Captain
Santi Cazorla (ARS) – It’s hard to look past Cazorla at home to Reading. As I said earlier, if Arsenal go at Reading and score an early goal, there could be 3 or 4 goals to be had. Cazorla will be at the heart of Arsenals attacking play
The Clean Sheets
Manchester United, Everton, Manchester City, Arsenal and Wigan are all good shouts for a clean sheet this gameweek.
The UNusual Suspects
DF: Nacho Monreal (ARS)
MD: Shawn Moloney (WIG)
FW: Carlos Tevez (MCI)
Differential Captain: Alex Oxlade Chamberlain (ARS)
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 