With the craziness of the double gameweek firmly behind us, it seems that GW34 is bereft of the same excitement. With many of the top clubs battling each other in a war of attrition, we look further afield for players to rack up the points. Here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 34!
DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 34
The Eleven – (3-4-3)
Simon Mignolet (SUN) – Everton huffed and puffed against Arsenal last week but the likes of Fellaini, Mirallas and Pienaar failed to break a resolute Gunners defense. I expect Sunderland to provide a defensive challenge on par with what we witnessed at the Emirates last Tuesday night.
Michael Turner (NOR) – With two goals in as many games in recent weeks and a game against a doomed Reading, it’s hard to omit the former Sunderland and Hull defender. Indeed, he is beginning to show the attacking form that made him such a threat for the Tigers. Reading’s defense showed incredible steel vs Liverpool last week but looked very poor in attack.
Patrice Evra (MUN) – Despite conceding twice in the West Ham game, Evra repaid his FPL manager’s faith with a clean sheet in the Stoke game. If Spurs beat City, all eyes will be on United to put Villa to the sword. Villa’s inexperienced defense will need to work hard to stop Evra’s rampaging runs.
Gareth McAuley (WBA) – It was tough to choose a third defender this week but I’ve gone for McAuley for his attacking potential. I find that Newcastle struggle with set pieces in the absence of Tim Krul and McCauley is a clear threat in this regard.
Miguel Michu (SWA) – Despite Swansea’s lethargic performances recently, it seems that Michu is not yet ready to give up on the Golden Boot. With two goals in his last two games, a home tie vs Southampton could be a great opportunity to make it three (or more) from three!
Shinji Kagawa (MUN) – With Ashley Young ruled out for the season and Nani’s inability to hold down a starting place, the stage is set for the Japanese international to show why he was brought to Old Trafford. A superb performance vs West Ham netted two assists and there could be a similar tally vs Villa on Monday night.
Steven Gerrard (LIV) – Gerrard has turned back the clock this year and is argualbly the most consistant FPL player this season, He has played every single minute for Liverpool this season and I expect a tight game at Anfield. In games like this, the Liverpool captain comes to the fore more often than not.
Stephane Sessegnon (SUN) – The Di Canio revolution is in full swing at Sunderland. They look sharper, hungrier and much fitter, and last week’s 3-0 win over bitter rivals Newcastle places Sessegnon firmly in the spotlight. He is playing in a position which maximizes his attacking threat, and although Everton have kept 4 clean sheets in their last 5, I think Sessegnon is exactly the player that could break the Toffee’s back line.
Romelu Lukaku (WBA) – Newcastle are in free fall with 4 losses in their last 6. I think Lukaku could easily capitalize on the absence of Tim Krul, and with the memory of one of the worst results in the Tyneside derby in recent years still fresh in their minds, Newcastle will struggle to get a result.
Robin Van Persie (MUN) – Although many will say that Van Persie “got lucky” with a “penalty and an offside goal”, there are signs that Van Persie is getting over his recent slump in form. In addition, Shinji Kagawa and Antonio Valenia are finding form and providing him with better opportunities. He is just a single goal behind Suarez in the race for the Golden Boot and Villa at home is a very favourable fixture for the Dutchman.
Jay Rodriguez (SOU) – With 3 goals and 2 assists in the last 4 games and a game against a Swansea defense that has conceded 2 goals in each of its last 4 games, I strongly fancy Rodriguez to continue his strong form vs the Swans.
The Captain
Robin Van Persie (MUN) – Better form and better support means that Van Persie is storming ahead in every single Captain’s Poll created this week. While Michu is also a great choice, I cannot look beyond the Dutchman for this weeks armband choice.
The Clean Sheets
With many of the big clubs facing off against each other, I’m looking towards Manchester United, Sunderland, Norwich and West Brom for defensive returns.
The UNusual Suspects
DF: Joey O’Brien (WHU)
MD: Andros Townsend (QPR)
FW: Andy Carroll (WHU)
Differential Captain: Miguel Michu (SWA)
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 