Any other season, FPL managers would be squealing with excitement at the thought of a gameweek with such incredibly tempting fixtures. All the top clubs have favourable fixtures, especially the sides known for putting teams to the sword.
However, this has been one of the most unpredictable starts to the season in many years. Spurs (no goals conceded at home until then) capitulating at home to a West Ham side (no goals scored away from home) last week 3-0 says it all! However, we must continue to back the favourites in the hopes that the gods of FPL and logic smile down upon us for a change.
Last week, Sturridge, Suarez, Amalfitano, Lovren and Oscar made it a good week for the Dirtsheet team so fingers are crossed we can pick out a few more gems!
Here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 8.
THE DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 8
The Eleven – (3-4-3)
Michel Vorm (SWA)
Opponent – Sunderland (H)
At the time of writing, the Dutchman is a slight doubt, but is expected to start against Sunderland. A solid choice for a clean sheet and possible save points as Sunderland look out of sorts.
John Terry (CHE)
Opponent – Cardiff City (H)
The Chelsea captain seems to be undroppable from the Chelsea Premier League team and I’ve opted for his commanding presence for a clean sheet this week. A goal and an assist in his last three games also highlights the threat he possesses in attack. I’d be satisfied with a clean sheet and an appearance in the Saturday evening bonus point list.
Patrice Evra (LIV)
Opponent – Southampton (H)
I’m hedging my bets slightly by picking the Frenchman over the rest of his defensive counterparts for the visit of Southampton. Evra’s is almost guaranteed to start and, should United concede, his attacking potential could see him register more than the rest of the defense.
Leighton Baines (EVE)
Opponent – Hull City (H)
A run of two games without either offensive or defensive points for Leighton Baines should come to an end as Hull travel to Everton on Saturday. I expect a clean sheet and bonus points for the England defender.
Miguel Michu (SWA)
Opponent – Sunderland (H)
Although Michu owners have not seen the Spaniard reach the dizzying heights of last year’s start, a home tie against Sunderland is surely as good a fixture as any to get back to scoring ways. With no UEFA cup to tire their team, I expect Swansea to return to winning ways with Michu on the scoresheet.
Ravel Morrison (WHU)
Opponent – Manchester City (H)
I took a little punt on Amalfitano last week to great effect, and I am going to make a similar bold move by choosing Ravel Morrison at home to Manchester City this week. City will be without Vincent Kompany and they look a poor side defensively in his absence. Morrison has too much form behind him NOT to start, and I’m backing the former Manchester United to make a name for himself this weekend.
Mesut Ozil (ARS)
Opponent – Norwich City (H)
While it’s clear that Arsenal are capable of putting 2-3 goals past most teams in the league, it’s proving difficult to predict exactly who will do the damage. Rather than flip a coin, I’m going to bank on Ozil to come good. Passed fit this morning, I can see him revel in the space that should be afforded to him.
Oscar (CHE)
Opponent – Cardiff City (H)
A goal and maximum bonus points last week sees Oscar keep his place in the Eleven. Cardiff City roll up to Stanford Bridge knowing that they will need to be on their best form to avoid a hammering from Mourinho’s side. Oscar is clearly the preferred player to start behind the lone striker, and attacking returns are likely.
Luis Suarez (LIV)
Opponent – Newcastle (A)
The gamble to choose both Suarez and Sturridge for last weeks Dirtsheet paid off handsomely with 2 goals and 3 bonus shared between them. Fabricio Coloccini’s absence means that Liverpool could run riot against a Newcastle side that were destroyed by Lukaku a few weeks ago. No one is suggesting a repeat of the stunning 6-0 Liverpool win in the same fixture is a certainty, but I’m betting that there will be goals for the men in red. Furthermore, the linkplay between the two shows that assists for each others goals is also a possibility.
Daniel Sturridge (LIV)
Opponent – Newcastle (A)
Do I really need to repeat myself 🙂 Please see Luis Suarez above!
Romelu Lukaku (EVE)
Opponent – Hull City (H)
In this form, if you haven’t Lukaku in your team, it’s a nervy 90 minutes any time Everton are playing. 217 minutes on the field has netted a staggering 4 goals, 1 assist and 5 bonus points. Hull have look a solid side so far this year, but seem to struggle a little with smart, strong attacking players. I expect at least a goal for the Belgian.
The Captain
Daniel Sturridge (EVE) – All week long, I’ve had Romelu Lukaku as my choice of captain. However, with the injury to Coloccini, I’m opting for Daniel Sturridge who just edges out Luis Suarez. If you have any of these three players, you have a perfect captain choice for the gameweek.
The Clean Sheets
There are a number of sources for clean sheets this week. Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Swansea and Everton are all excellent options.
The Unusual Suspects
DF: Ciaran Clark (AST) MD: Marko Arnautovic (STO) FW: Wilfred Bony (SWA) Differential Captain: Miguel Michu (SWA)
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 