Suarez Claus delivered for all the good boys and girls who handed him a festive captaincy armband last week. But for those of the naughtly list who don’t believe in Suarez Claus, there is hope for you yet – a chance to get on the good list between now and Saturday morning.
I switch to a 3-5-2 formation this week given the absence of Wayne Rooney and a lack of other viable options.
Here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 15.
THE DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 15
The Eleven – (3-5-2)
Simon Mignolet (LIV)
Opponent – West Ham United (H)
West Ham are beginning to falter, and will have to contend with the fact that Ravel Morrison will no doubt be at home reading Socrates as he serves a one-match ban for shoving an opponent in the face. I cannot see much threat from the Hammers forward line and a clean sheet at Anfield should be on the cards.
Joel Ward (CPL)
Opponent – Cardiff City (H)
In order to free up some funds for more expensive players, I’ve opted for Joel Ward. I know a lot of managers are looking at the Palace backline and who can blame them – 3 clean sheets in their last 4 means that defensive returns could be on the cards in many of their upcoming home fixtures. Ward gets my vote ahead of Gabbidon and Moxey as his performances seem to catch the attention of the bonus point system.
Gareth McCauley (WBA)
Opponent – Norwich (H)
The attacking threat of Gareth McCauley combined with Norwich’s less than stellar front line means it’s easy to select Northern Irishman for the Dirtsheet this week. A goal and an assist in his last five means that, even if Norwich score, there is always the chance of attacking returns.
Pablo Zabaleta (MCI)
Opponent – Southampton (A)
It may be a surprise to see three Manchester City players being selected for the Dirtsheet, but Southampton are in the throes of a dreadful injury crisis. I cannot see any options for Southampton other than sit back and absorb the pressure. Zabaleta has two assists in his last two games and he will have more licence than usual to get forward.
Steven Gerrard (LIV)
Opponent – Norwich (H)
A number of managers had a straight decision between Eden Hazard and Steven Gerrard as a direct replacement for Oscar last gameweek. While a scoreline of 17 to 4 in the Belgian’s favour seems quite definite in terms of who was the better pick, the actual facts tell a different story. Gerrard hit the post, had a certain goal cleared off the line, and really should have 3 assist to his name (certain angles detect the slightest touch for the second and the FPL judges decided that the defender got enough of a touch to rule out an assist for the first). On another night, bonus included, Gerrard could have scored 17 himself. A home tie against a faltering West Ham is another bite at the cherry for Gerrard owners and I am backing him to deliver at Anfield.
Eden Hazard (CHE)
Opponent – Stoke (A)
With all the talk of Luis Suarez, it’s unfair not to give the stunning 17-point haul from Eden Hazard the limelight it deserves. Two clinical strikes and an assist sees him in good form ahead of a trip to Stoke. The Potters have conceded 3 or more goals three times in the last 6 games. A similar performance by Hazard could reap immense rewards yet again. Oscar is still a doubt, and therefore I cannot see a rest for Hazard.
Yaya Toure (SOU)
Opponent – Southampton (A)
Yaya Toure earns a Dirtsheet place for two reasons. Fistly, he single handedly destroyed WBA on Wednesday night. Secondly, and more importantly, Southamption are without BOTH Schneiderlin and Wanyama. With both central midfielders out, I think City could have a field day against a Southampton side also missing Clyne and Boruc. Fonte is also a doubt.
Aaron Ramsey (ARS)
Opponent – Everton (H)
It’s really difficult to predict the outcome of this game. On recent form, its a case of an unstoppable force colliding against an unmovable object. Arsenal have scored an impressive 11 goals in their last 6, whereas Everton have conceded just a single goal in that same period. If one man is to break the Everton backline, its Ramsey. He has played a part in 5 of those 11 goals and gets the nod ahead of Ozil and Giroud.
JonJo Shelvey (SWA)
Opponent – Hull City (H)
With impending returns for both Michu and Bony hanging over his head, I’m going against the grain and selecting Shelvey for the home tie against Hull City. He has done superb in the Michu role since the Spaniard succumbed to injury, and it could be argued that Swansea look a better side with Shelvey in that position than they have with Michu. Shelvey is a nice gamble who could reap significant rewards come Monday night for those brave enough to opt for him.
Luis Suarez (LIV)
Opponent – West Ham United (H)
…I’m not going to insult either of us by explaining to you why Suarez makes the dirtsheet. I will say that West Ham started the year strong but are now beginning to struggle and, while I do not see another 24 point return, a double figure return is highly likely.
Sergio Aguero (MCI)
Opponent – Southampton (A)
Aguero was unlucky not to have scored more than 1 goal at the Hawthorns, especially after City were awarded a penalty minutes after he was substituted. As with Yaya Toure, City could decimate a fragile Southampton side missing many first team regulars. Lovren and Fonte will probably be very vunerable without Schneiderlin and especially Wanyama. Could he a good day for the blue side of Manchester.
The Captain – Luis Suarez (LIV) – …my favourite memory of childhood was definitely the day I went to the fantasti….oh right, you really want to know why Suarez is captain? 24 points.
That’s why. In all seriousness, Aguero is a decent captain shout this week but I cannot look past Suarez.
The Clean Sheets
I’m looking to Manchester City, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Swanseaand West Brom to return clean sheets.
The Unusual Suspects
Defender: Patrice Evra (MUN)
Midfielder: Stephaine Sessegnon (WBA)
Striker: Victor Anichebe (WBA)
Captain: Sergio Aguero (MCI)
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 