Gameweek 35 is representative of the type of gameweek that fills FPL managers with excitement and fear in equal measures. On one hand, Manchester City, Chelsea and Spurs have extremely favourable fixtures that should deliver explosive returns for managers who have their players starting. On the other hand, the threat of rotation is incredibly high this week, especially for City and Chelsea.
In the dirtsheet this week, we are looking for players who look set to start at the weekend and deliver the returns that could make all the difference at the end of the season. If Gameweek 36 is all about gambling, Gameweek 35 is about stability.
Here’s the Dirtsheet…
DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 35
The Eleven – (3-4-3)
Joe Hart (MCI) – Roberto Mancini confirmed that Costel Pantilimon will be his goalkeeper for choice for the FA Cup which means that Joe Hart is the defensive option of choice for the home tie versus West Ham United. There could be rotation across the board for City tomorrow given the second place is close to being wrapped up. Hart is your safe bet.
Leighton Baines (EVE) – Everton have racked up 4 clean sheets in their last 6 games whereas travelsick Fulham have hit a barren patch in front of goal. It’s likely that Baines could figure in any attacking points scored by the Toffees.
Ashley Cole (CHE) – With a last gasp win away to Basel on Thursday evening under the belt, Rafa Benitez will have to rotate his pack as Chelsea welcome Swansea to Stamford Bridge. They have less than 72 hours to prepare, and out of all the Chelsea defenders, Cole seems the most likely to play.
Jan Vertonghen (TOT) – Although Wigan are more likely to score vs Tottenham than West Ham and Swansea are to score vs City and Chelsea, respectively, the Belgian defender has returned incredible attacking points over the last number of games. It would not surprise me if he continues this trend at the DW stadium.
David Silva (MCI) – Having fully recovered from a hamstring complaint, I expect the Spaniard to get some much-needed gametime against West Ham in preparation for the FA Cup final. West Ham’s formation should see Silva get space in his favoured areas to feed the City forwards.
Juan Mata (CHE) – Having been rested against Basel on Thursday night, Mata is expected to start on Sunday vs Swansea. With three assists in the last 2 games, I expect Mata to add to this total.
Gareth Bale (TOT) – Gareth Bale surprised many FPL managers by starting against Manchester City on Sunday. What was not surprising, however, was his 13-point salvo. A lot of the credit has to go to his manager for switching Bale to the wing to capitalize on City’s lack of natural width. Bale faces Wigan this week and is set to continue his scoring run. Definitely captain material this gameweek.
Stephane Sessegnon (SUN) – Having fully justified his inclusion in the dirtsheet last week, I expect Sessegnon to thrive against Villa. My feelings were confirmed by an Aston Villa-supporting fan who think Villa could get “destroyed” by Sessegnon.
Carlos Tevez (MCI) – With Sergio Aguero still struggling slightly with an injury, I am concerned that he will be starting from the bench vs West Ham. With that in mind, I’ve opted for Carlos Tevez. He has 4 goals in his last 7 games and I have a feeling that City could score 3 or 4 goals at the weekend. Tevez should play a part in one or more goals.
Robin Van Persie (MUN) – It’s hard to ignore Van Persie right now, even though United have the title wrapped up. Sir Alex Ferguson has stated today that he has a duty to the rest of the league to select a strong side and has indicated that Van Persie should not be fazed by the boo-boys at the Emirates.
Christian Benteke (AST) – While it may come as a surprise not to see a Chelsea player here, there is simply too much rotation of Demba Ba and Fernando Torres to choose one to start. While I am very confident that it will be Ba that will lead the line, I have opted for the stability and hunger of Benteke. Simply put, Villa need to win and if they are to score, I expect Benteke to contribute.
The Captain
Gareth Bale (TOT) – It’s a close call between Carlos Tevez and Gareth Bale this week, but while I think both will score attacking points this week, Bale is more likely to return double figures and is therefore better captain material.
The Clean Sheets
There are plenty of good options for clean sheets his week, but it’s important to choose the right players from each team. I’m looking towards Chelsea, Manchester City, Stoke, Southampton and Everton for clean sheets.
The UNusual Suspects
DF: Robert Huth (STO) MD: Oscar (CHE) FW: Daniel Sturridge (LIV) Differential Captain: Theo Walcott (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 