With just two weeks to go and the finishing line in sight, we find many of the FPL community caught in two minds regarding their transfers this week. Do they rely on a selection of tried and trusted players who will deliver solid returns which will help them to secure their final placings, or should they gamble on more explosive in an attempt to win a tight league?
The format of the Dirtsheet is perfectly suited to game weeks like this. The Eleven give you my solid picks for the week whereas the Unusual Suspects give you my all-important differentials.
Here’s The Dirtsheet for Gameweek 37!
DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 37
The Eleven – (3-5-2)
Joe Hart (MCI) – With starts assured until the end of the season and a superb double gameweek under his belt, I’m continuing with Hart in goal. It seems that he is good odds for a clean sheet regardless of who plays in defense with him.
Phil Jones (MUN) – With Rafael suspended for a red card against Chelsea, I expect Jones to fill in at right back for the remainder of the season. His gung-ho defending combined with his surging runs will make him a good bet for both attacking and defensive returns. I’m very curious to see how Swansea’s right side attempt to deal with him.
Leighton Baines (EVE) – Having kept yet another clean sheet last week along with two bonus points, Baines is an easy selection ahead of a home game vs West Ham.
Per Mertesacker (ARS) – I think that Arsenal have more than enough to deal with Wigan’s attack this weekend, and Mertesacker is a serious threat from set pieces. A goal this weekend would certainly not surprise me.
Gareth Bale (TOT) – While Stoke are undergoing a mini-revival in fortunes, I expect Bale to pick apart a defense that would prefer the ball in the air than at the feet of someone with the ability of the mercurial Welshman. Getting Bale on the ball as often as possible is the key here and I expect Spurs to play to Bale’s strengths at the weekend.
Phillipe Coutinho (LIV) – I had the pleasure of meeting the Brazilian a few days ago, but he was unwilling to state whether he was likely to start at the weekend (the things I do for my followers!). After getting destroyed by Reading, Fulham’s confidence will be shaken and I have a feeling that Coutinho could put in a masterful performance.
Frank Lampard (CHE) – Rafa Benitez has confirmed that Frank Lampard will start the game against Aston Villa, and with the threat of rotation hanging ominously over Stamford Bridge, I feel he will do his best to get on the score sheet.
Theo Walcott (ARS) – It seems that Walcott has developed a knack for scoring early goals and Wigan’s defense is looking nothing short of disastrous at the minute. While Arsenal sometimes flatter to deceive at home, I expect them to score three or more at the weekend. Walcott should reap the rewards.
Marouane Fellaini (EVE) – With David Moyes confirmed to be exchanging blue for red next season, I have an inkling that Fellaini will be looking to impress against West Ham. The Belgian certainly has the height to trouble the current West Ham back line and, although I expect him to be heavily marked by the Hammers at set pieces, he could be good for an assist or more.
Robin Van Persie (MUN) – Up until the stunning announcement that Sir Alex Ferguson was retiring, I was certain that Javier Hernandez would start but now I expect United’s strongest team to emerge from the tunnel on Sunday afternoon. That means Robin Van Persie takes his place in the Eleven. Every single United player will want Fergie to go out with a win, and with Van Persie on penalties and leading the line, it would be a brave man to bet against him adding to his incredible tally this season.
Daniel Sturridge (LIV) – It was a close call between Podolski and Sturridge for the final spot, but the Liverpool man has the opportunity to show why he was brought to Anfield. There could be goals aplenty at Fulham.
The Captain
Theo Walcott (ARS) – It’s very tough to choose between Walcott, Bale and Van Persie this week. If you have all three, then my advice would be to go with your gut. My heart tells me that Van Persie is looking to steal the show against Swansea but my head says Theo Walcott or Gareth Bale due to current form, midfielder status and composition of opponent defenses. For me, it’s Walcott, but I would urge you to go with your own choice here. Too close to call.
The Clean Sheets
Outside of the obvious candidates (Manchester United and Arsenal), I’m looking to Everton and Sunderland for defensive returns.
The UNusual Suspects
DF: Sebastien Bassong (NOR) MD: Ryan Giggs (MUN) FW: Edin Dzeko (MCI) 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 