Real life has played havoc with the Dirtsheet this week, so I do apologize for the delay. Without further delay, here is the Dirtsheet for GW3.
THE DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 3
The Eleven – (4-3-3)
Tim Krul (NEW)
Opponent – Fulham (H)
It would be safe to say that both teams have struggled in an attacking sense so far this season, and so I’m going for the home keeper to keep a clean sheet. Krul looked solid in the game vs West Ham last week and a scoreless draw would not surprise me in the slightest.
Pablo Zabaleta (MCI)
Opponent – Hull (H)
It might sound crazy to choose Zabaleta after City’s horror show in Wales, but there is a method to the madness in this instance. Firstly, you can be sure that City are hurting, and will want to put in a strong showing in front of their home fans. I have huge respect for Zabaleta as a player, and he will be incredibly motivated against the Tigers. Secondly, I think that Hull will draw City onto them which can only mean that Zabaleta will be given the opportunity to get forward very often. Finally, apart from Robbie Brady, I cannot see any Hull player causing problems for the City rear-guard, and so Zabaleta could return with both offensive and defensive points.
James Collins (WHU)
Opponent – Stoke (H)
Priced at just 4.5m and with 2 clean sheets to his name already this season, James Collins gets his first run out in the Eleven this season. He fits the bill as a defender who attracts BPS points. Stoke have shown little in the way of offensive capability apart from set pieces, and if Collins can compete with the likes of Shawcross and Huth, he will figure highly in the scoring.
Seamus Coleman (EVE)
Opponent – Cardiff (A)
Despite Cardiff’s incredible showing last week, I actually feel that Everton will provide a sterner test for the Bluebirds. Given his incredible start to the season, I’ve once again opted for Seamus Coleman. The right back is making a mockery of his price with a goal, an assist, two clean sheets and three bonus points to his name.
Devran Lovren (SOU)
Opponent – Norwich (A)
Southampton, for whatever reason, seem to be a club that enjoys its days out, and after watching a hapless Norwich fail to break down 10-man Hull last weekend, I’ve opted for Lovren to cover the Southampton defense. Quite simply, the Croatian is a BPS magnet which means he is contending for bonus even in games where he is not keeping clean sheets. Priced at 5.0, he may not possess the attacking flair of Clyne or Shaw, but I think he could be one of the top scoring defenders in terms of bonus at the end of the year. A nine-point haul could be likely tomorrow.
Kevin Nolan (WHU)
Opponent – Stoke City (H)
With a 7-point average so far and a home game against Stoke, I’m opting for Nolan. Although I am watching Ravel Morrison very closely, Nolan will certainly start and I feel that he will have to be heavily involved if the Hammers are going to break the Stoke defence.
David Silva (MCI)
Opponent – Hull City (H)
The first of two attacking City players this week, David Silva has had a good start to the season, and I feel his guile and trickery will be needed to unlock Hull’s defense. The Tigers have shown signs of a team that might be tough to beat at home, but how they fare on the road will determine their fate. They will have a tough test against a City team with a point to prove after a disastrous result vs Cardiff. Double figures from Silva would not surprise me in the slightest.
Theo Walcott (ARS)
Opponent – Tottenham (H)
Over the last few years, this derby has delivered both goals and excitement in spades, and I have no reason to think that this year will be any different. I’m playing safe and choosing Walcott to represent the Gunners. Although his returns so far this season have been less than stellar, I think is not far away from turning chances into goals.
Roberto Soldado (TOT)
Opponent – Arsenal (A)
As with Walcott, I feel that the Spurs attack has to be covered and so I have to opt for Soldado for the third week in a row. Although he isn’t exactly setting the league on fire so far, he has shown signs of settling well and both his penalties were well taken. Not really a captain option this week, I still think he will do well enough to warrant his place in the Eleven.
Sergio Aguero (MCI)
Opponent – Hull City (H)
One goal, two assists and three bonus points in 152 minutes this season means Aguero is worthy of a spot in the dirtsheet. While Dzeko is also a great choice, I think Aguero is more likely to get something against Hull, and is certainly a more explosive choice than the Bosnian.
Robin Van Persie (MUN)
Opponent – Liverpool (A)
A blank from the Dutch maestro is somewhat of a rare occurrence since his move to Manchester, but I feel that Jose Mourinho played the perfect game to nullify United last Monday night. However, with Kolo Toure a major doubt for the Sunday lunchtime fixture, I expect Van Persie to bounce back and return to scoring form at Liverpool’s expense. If he does perform, I sense that many wildcards will be activated over the international break to accommodate him.
The Captain
Sergio Aguero (MCI) – All week long, I was planning to give the captaincy to David Silva, but after crunching some numbers, I’m instead opting for Aguero. I have a feeling that City could put the Tigers to the sword in the Saturday lunchtime game, and if anyone is going to hit double figures, it’s Aguero.
The Clean Sheets
Apart from the obvious choice of Manchester City, I cannot see the same number of clean sheets as last week, especially with Arsenal playing Tottenham and Liverpool entertaining United. Look to Newcastle, West Ham and Everton.
The Unusual Suspects
DF: Jan Vertonghen (TOT) MD: Stuart Downing (WHU) FW: Nicolas Anelka (WBA) Differential Captain: Santi Cazorla (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 