We are almost at that time of the year that separates the men from the boys – the Christmas fixture crunch. It’s a time when FPL squads are tested and the most astute managers will reap the rewards of careful planning.
The Dirtsheet for gameweek 13 keeps this in mind as we stick to players who, in addition to having a favourable fixture this week, should also be in contention for starts over the next month. This is no time to be stuck with one-week wonders!
Here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 13.
THE DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 13
The Eleven – (3-4-3)
Tim Krul (NEW)
Opponent – West Bromich Albion (H)
Krul was unlucky to concede last week and I think a clean sheet could be on the cards against WBA. The return of Williamson to partner Coloccini should shore up their defense even further.
Phil Jagielka (EVE)
Opponent – Stoke City (H)
You may have thought that the attacking threat of Seamus Coleman might allow him to force his way into the Dirtsheet this week, but I am opting for the defensive solidity of Phil Jagielka. Almost every time Everton keep a clean sheet, Jagielka either gets 3 bonus or comes very close to the total. I think Everton have enough defensive quality to keep Stoke at bay.
Gael Clichy (MCI)
Opponent – Swansea City (H)
EDIT: With Nastasic injured, I’m now backing Gael Clichy vs Swansea.
John Terry (CHE)
Opponent – Southampton (H)
John Terry’s consistent starts and goal threat means he is almost a constant in the DirtSheet each week. A home tie against a faltering Southampton is a good bet for a clean sheet and his ariel ability at Chelsea set pieces could return attacking points.
Ravel Morrison (WHU)
Opponent – Fulham (H)
I’m opting for the English prodigy to return to scoring ways against a faltering Fulham. It’s clear that West Ham are faltering slightly at the back, and I think there could be goals at either end. The lack of a proper centre forward for West Ham means that Morrison should push on and may get enough chances to score.
Jesus Navas (MCI)
Opponent – Swansea (H)
I feel that Navas is somewhat of a confidence player, and he must be on cloud nine for the visit of Swansea. The Swans will be tired after the Europa League match on Thursday and I can’t see many attacking changes in City’s team after the Spurs game.
Eden Hazard (CHE)
Opponent – Southampton (H)
After a stunning start to the season, Southampton are looking nervous for the first time and could be in for a tough afternoon at Stamford Bridge. After getting a bit of a rest, I’m opting for Eden Hazard to work his magic in tandem with the returning Fernando Torres. Oscar is a slight concern as a rest could be on the cards.
Aaron Ramsey (ARS)
Opponent – Cardiff City (A)
Given the price of the Dirtsheet forward line this week, I’m going for Aaron Ramsey to cover the visit of Arsenal to Cardiff City. The Welshman has more threat compared to Ozil and is more consistent than his midfield colleague. There could be goals here.
Luis Suarez (LIV)
Opponent – Hull City (A)
Another game. Another masterful performance from the Uruguayan. It seems that there isn’t a fixture between now and May that Suarez isn’t a viable captain option. An away trip to Hull is a decent fixture, and while I cannot see a rout of the home side, Suarez should score in a Liverpool victory.
Sergio Aguero (MCI)
Opponent – Swansea City (H)
Speaking of unstoppable players, please welcome one Sergio Aguero to the Dirtsheet. A stunning 15-point return against a hapless Spurs last week is a sign of a player in the best form since his move to Manchester. He was given a rest after 45 minutes in the Champions League on Wednesday and should lead the line yet again. Swansea’s toils in the Europa League on Thursday night means that City could be ready for another attacking masterclass.
Wayne Rooney (MUN)
Opponent – Tottenham Hotspurs (A)
It seems that, regardless of competition or opponent, Wayne Rooney’s form shows no sign of declining. Four assists in a 5-0 mauling of Bayer Leverkusen shows that, even when he is not scoring, he is still contributing to those goals. With Spurs reeling from the savaging inflicted upon them by Manchester City, it’s as a good a time as any to visit White Hart Lane.
The Captain – Sergio Aguero (MCI) –
Given the form of both Sergio Aguero and Luiz Suarez, the captaincy choice seems to be coming down to one of these two FPL behemoths each week. However, I think Aguero has the advantage this week. A rest in the CL means he will certainly start and he is at home against a team that played on Thursday.
The Clean Sheets
Apart from Chelsea and Manchester City, there are a lot of pretty solid choices for clean sheets this gameweek. Aston Villa, Newcastle, Arsenal and Everton are my choices.
The Unusual Suspects
DF: Ron Vlaar (AST) MD: Leroy Fer (NOR) FW: Loic Remy (NEW) Differential Captain: Romelu Lukaku (EVE)
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 