Predicting results this season has been almost an impossible task for all the FPL websites. It seems that it’s going to be a season full of surprises but the likes of Lovren, Lukaku and Rooney added some respectability to proceedings last week.
Here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 7.
THE DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 7
The Eleven – (3-4-3)
David DeGea (MUN)
Opponent – Sunderland (A)
United will not dare rest their defense in the way they did (somewhat disrespectfully) against West Brom last game week. However, I still think Sunderland will be allowed to get shots on target as United seem to be defending 7 yeards deeper than under Sir Alex Ferguson. With that in mind, I am looking to DeGea to keep a clean sheet while racking up a save point in the process.
Jan Vertonghen (TOT)
Opponent – West Ham United (H)
I think I am not the only person who is surprised by the fact that Vertonghen has yet to register attacking points this season. With 5 goals and 3 assists last season, there will not be many better times to get off the mark than this gameweek. With only 2 goals conceded all season, I expect a clean sheet this weekend.
Jose Enrique (LIV)
Opponent – Crystal Palace (H)
Brendan Rogers has recently stated that his formation will change depending on the players available, but right now, Enrique is occupying the left winger position and is linking well with his more advanced team mates. It’s quite possible that Enrique could return points at both ends of the field.
Dejan Lovren (SOU)
Opponent – Swansea (H)
Lovren is fast becoming an automatic choice for the Eleven each week. The Croatian has been a defensive rock since joining a Saints team that has not conceded in their last three games. Swansea will provide a stern test, but I am pretty confident that the Southampton back line will keep a clean sheet.
Morgan Amalfitano (WBA)
Opponent – Arsenal (H)
Who? Yep, I’ll be honest, I had to check the spelling of his name this morning before adding him to the Eleven. However, if I referred to him as “they guy that helped destroy Sunderland and Manchester United over the last two gameweeks”, I think you’ll all know who I am referring to. Arsenal, despite their attacking prowess, seem incapable of keeping a clean sheet. While Amalfitano might seem a little risky to be given a place in the Eleven over a place in the Unusual Suspects, sometimes you have to give someone a chance…certainly this year has been full of surprises, so why not?
Gylfi Sigurdsson (TOT)
Opponent – West Ham United (H)
One of the forgotten men of FPL, the Icelandic midfielder has risen like a phoenix from the flames in the last three weeks with 3 goals and 5 bonus points in that period. A home tie against West Ham is a perfect opportunity to cement a stating place for this one-time FPL essential.
Aaron Ramsey (ARS)
Opponent – West Bromich Albion (A)
I’ve toyed unsuccessfully with Theo Walcott earlier in the season, but it has become pretty clear that Aaron Ramsey is an absolute essential right now. He has confounded many of the FPL experts who did not see him as a good FPL choice. After all, his injury record combined with a lack of attacking returns in recent years meant that the FPL correctly priced him at £5.5m. However, the addition of a number of key signings, most notably Flamini, has completely unlocked his potential as an attacking midfielder. 4 goals in the last three games puts Ramsey in good stead before a trip to West Brom.
Oscar (CHE)
Opponent – Norwich (A)
Despite the reversal of opinion from Jose Mourinho regarding a certain Juan Mata, I still believe that Oscar will start as number 10 when Chelsea roll up to Carrow Road for the Sunday lunchtime kickoff. In easier games like this one, Oscar’s name seems to appear on the score sheet and I think Norwich will not be able to handle his trickery.
Luis Suarez (LIV)
Opponent – Crystal Palace (H)
As I type, 13.1% of FPL players are looking forward to 3pm on Saturday like a kid at Christmas. Liverpool destroyed a sorry Sunderland last week with the Uruguayan scoring two goals and an assist on his return to FPL action. Crystal Palace have shown little to suggest that they will provide any sort of challenge at Anfield and a rout could be on the cards.
Robin Van Persie (MUN)
Opponent – Sunderland (A)
David Moyes is returning to his Everton days where concrete team news is a sparse commodity. No one currently knows whether Wayne Rooney is going to start, and therefore I’ve opted for Robin Van Persie for the trip to Sunderland. A minor groin injury had put a dampener on his returns for the last few weeks but United will need Van Persie to be on top form to get their season back on track.
Daniel Sturridge (LIV)
Opponent – Crystal Palace (H)
If Suarez owners are akin to a kid at Christmas, then Sturridge owners are like a kid waiting for their birthday! Just like Suarez, Sturridge ran riot last gameweek with a goal and two assists. In addition, Sturridge’s form is absolutely phenomenal right now. I would fancy him to score against any team in the league. If you have either Sturridge or Suarez on your team tomorrow, you are in a great position. However, just like I have both in the Eleven, if you can get both in to you team, it could well be the key to kickstarting your season!
The Captain
Luis Suarez (LIV) – It’s a tough choice to make, but for explosive captain potential, I am backing Suarez over Sturridge. Goals are king when it comes to bonus points!
The Clean Sheets
Tottenham, Liverpool, Fulham, and Manchester United.
The Unusual Suspects
DF: Leighton Baines (EVE) MD: Pete Whittingham (CAR) FW: Darren Bent (FUL) Differential Captain: Aaron Ramsey (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 