The injury to Gareth Bale in the Europa League late last night, combined with an injury to Walcott and uncertainty regarding Mata’s starting place, has forced the Dirtsheet to react accordingly! There are plenty of players that have the potential to score into double figures this gameweek so worry not!
Here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 32!
DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 32
The Eleven – (3-4-3)
David DeGea (MUN) – With 6 clean sheets in his last 6 games, DeGea has been in super form. Although City will provide a stern test, I think DeGea will be eager to shut out the Champions.
Glen Johnson (LIV) – Liverpool welcome a West Ham side who have 2 wins in their last 3 games. However, Andy Carroll is ineligible to play against his parent club and so I fancy Liverpool to keep a clean sheet here. Glen Johnson’s attacking ability sets him aside from the rest of his Liverpool defensive teammates.
David Luiz (CHE) – Although he played on Thursday evening in the Europa League, I think the Brazilian will start at home to Sunderland. A threat at both ends, a clean sheet is quite likely against a Sunderland side who will be in transition under Di Canio.
Sebastien Bassong (NOR) – With Swansea unofficially on vacation and Norwich looking solid at home, I can see a clean sheet for the Canaries. As with the rest of the defensive picks, Bassong’s attacking prowess puts him ahead of his colleges.
Moussa Sissoko (NEW) – After a phenomenal start to life at Newcastle, Sissoko has only a single assist to his name in the past 3 games. However, Fulham are not the best travellers, and I can see Newcastle registering a badly needed win on Sunday.
Steven Gerrard (LIV) – It’s hard to overlook the Liverpool icon for the home tie vs West Ham. Although Coutinho provides the cheaper option, I think Gerrard is a super choice for anyone who has decided to sell Gareth Bale this week.
Eden Hazard (CHE) – Having been rested in the Europa League, I full expect Hazard to start and thrive against a Sunderland side under new (and very attacking) management. A player with good skill and counter-attacking acumen could cause them problems, and I feel there are few better suited to this than Hazard.
Santi Cazorla (ARS) – After completely repaying my faith last week, I’m going with the Spaniard again. He has some of the best away form in the league, largely due to the fact he is afforded less space at home where weaker teams park the proverbial bus. I think Walcott’s absence may actually be of benefit to Cazorla, and Ben Foster will need to have a great day to keep him at bay.
Rickie Lambert (SOU) – The Saints kick off GW32 with a Saturday lunchtime game against a Reading side who are on the cusp of relegation. Lambert’s away form has been super this season and he should have plenty of opportunities to add to his 14 goals already this season.
Robin Van Persie (MUN) – He has been on poor form recently, but 3 goals over the international break has shown that Van Persie might be pulling out of his bad run. United would love to beat City on Monday night and all but claw the Premier League trophy out of City’s clutches. Rooney should be back and I expect the tandem to be the difference between the sides.
Luis Suarez (LIV) – Simply put, Collins and Reid have very little in their locker to stop Luiz Suarez if he is in the mood. I expect Suarez to start centrally and create problems all day long for West Ham. Odds on a hattrick please?
The Captain
Luis Suarez (LIV) – Although Santi Cazorla’s superb away form should cause WBA a lot of problems, it’s impossible to choose anyone apart from Luiz Suarez. From a personal point of view, he could wrap up the Top Scorer award at the weekend if he can get at least a brace. Put it this way…I do not currently have Suarez, and I am terrified right now!
The Clean Sheets
Liverpool are the outstanding candidates for a clean sheet this week, but I also fancy Chelsea and Norwich to not concede.
The UNusual Suspects
DF: Jan Vertonghen (TOT) – The Belgian has simply exploded onto our radars in recent weeks but only has an ownership of just 6%. Without Bale, Spurs will need to utilize other scoring options and there are few better right now.
MD: Lewis Holtby (TOT) – There is no doubt that the German has the ability to replace Bale in the hole behind Adebayor, and he has a ferocious shot which will test the Everton back line. I think he will start and could make all difference in what is expected to be a tight game.
FW: Loic Remy (QPR) – It’s win or die for QPR from now until the end of the season. Remy was bought for matches like this and I expect him to deliver against Wigan.
Differential Captain: Eden Hazard (CHE) – He should start and I think he is perfectly suited to picking off Sunderland. If Chelsea score early, I can see Hazard scoring highly. He is on form and both Chelsea strikers are in scoring form, so goals and assists are on the cards.
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 