Fantasy Premier League Strategist

After a bout with a viral infection last week, I have decided to get the dirtsheet to you extra early this week as a thank you to the thousands of people who read the article every gameweek. Thank you all!

THE DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 5

The Eleven – (4-3-3)

Petr Cech (CHE)
Opponent – Fulham (H)
Chelsea are strong favourites at home to a Fulham side who are finding it difficult in front of goal so far this season. Cech is certain to start, and while save points are unlikely, 6 points from the Saturday evening kickoff would be a great end to the day.

Jose Enrique (LIV)
Opponent – Southampton (H)
The Saints have yet to discover the art of goalscoring this season, and I strongly feel that Liverpool will pick up their fourth clean sheet of the season at Anfield. With some doubt surrounding other defensive positions, I’ve opted for Enrique to cover the Liverpool defense in this favourable home tie.

Fabricio Coloccini (NEW)
Opponent – Hull City (H)
Hull are facing a mini injury crisis, with club captain Robert Koren ruled out and Robbie Brady a doubt. With this in mind, I’m opting  for Coloccini to keep a clean sheet. He is already 6 BPS ahead of defensive counterparts and is therefore very likely to score bonus points in any game where the Magpies keep a clean sheet.

Ashley Cole (CHE)
Opponent – Fulham (H)
I’ve decided to double up on the Chelsea defense this week. It seems that the left back position is one of the few positions that Jose Mourinho is not willing to tinker with, so I’m opting for Ashley Cole at home to Fulham. Cole seems to register well on the BPS system despite being a full back, so a clean sheet and bonus is a good possibility.

Laurent Koscielny (ARS)
Opponent – Stoke City(H)
Although many have correctly pointed out that Stoke are playing better football under Mark Hughes, they are lacking that killer instinct in front of goal. Koscielny is a good option for a clean sheet and his aerial ability will be needed to combat the likes of Huth and Shawcross at both ends of the field.

Hatem Ben Arfa (NEW)
Opponent – Hull City (H)
Two goals, and assist and 5 bonus points in the last 2 games makes the Frenchman a lock for a place in the Eleven this gameweek. It seems that midfielders are falling out of fashion this year, but Ben Arfa seems to be a steal at just 7.4m. A home tie vs Hull is a great platform to reap even further rewards.

Frank Lampard (CHE)
Opponent – Fulham (H)
Lampard was surprisingly omitted from last weeks game vs Everton, but after suffering a defeat in the Champions League on Wednesday, I expect a wounded Chelsea to bounce back against Fulham. Mourinho has stated that his side lacked maturity, and this tells me the likes of Lampard and Terry will start at the Bridge. Lampard has already scored and assisted this season, and will be on penalties.

Theo Walcott (ARS)
Opponent – Stoke City (H)
It’s almost impossible to ignore Aaron Ramsey right now. A player with undoubted ability but a horrific injury record, it is great as a fan of football to see him finally show his talent. However, despite this, I am still opting for Theo Walcott this week. I think Stoke will be a tough team to crack this week and Walcott’s pace will be needed to get behind the mountains that are Robert Huth and Ryan Shawcross. If you have either player, you are in good stead for this week. If you want a player long-term, then Ramsey is certainly a great option. However, for this week, I think Walcott could do better.

Daniel Sturridge (LIV)
Opponent – Southampton (H)
With four goals in as many games, it seems that Daniel Sturridge has found the consistency that was perhaps lacking during his spells with Manchester City and Chelsea. A home game against Southampton might look a daunting task given Southampton’s defensive performances recently, but I expect Liverpool to win by a coupe of goals.

Olivier Giroud (MCI)
Opponent – Stoke City (H)
Speaking of players showing consistency, we cannot forget to include the Frenchman this week. With 4 and an assist over his last 4 games, it’s impossible not to choose Giroud this week. Speed and guile will be needed to score against Stoke this week and he has both in abundance.

Wayne Rooney (MUN)
Opponent – Manchester City (A)
A few months ago, it was noted that Wayne Rooney had returned to preseason looking fitter and leaner than he had in the previous 5 years. In addition, David Moyes has stated publicly that Rooney will play as a striker this year, perhaps due to the signing of Marouane Fellaini. The net result is that we are now looking at a lean, fit and determined Wayne Rooney playing in his preferred position. I would argue that Rooney is now overshadowing Robin Van Persie with his performances. At just £10.5m, he is also far cheaper than the Dutchman. The Manchester derby is usually decided by a single player and a single stroke of genius, and right now, I’m favouring Rooney this Sunday.

The Captain

Olivier Giroud  (ARS) –
I am very very tempted to put my money on Hatem Ben Arfa for this week, but I think consistency is needed this week and so I am opting for Giroud. Arsenal look like they can score for fun right now and if Arsenal score, I expect Giroud to be involved.

The Clean Sheets

There are some very strong candidates for clean sheets this week, with Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle all likely to produce defensive returns.

The Unusual Suspects

DF: Jan Vertonghen (TOT) MD: Nathan Redmond (NOR) FW: Romelu Lukaku (EVE)  Differential Captain: Hatem Ben Arfa (NEW)

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!