Fantasy Premier League Strategist

I’m writing this issue of the Dirtsheet from many different spots across London while on a few days break – Buckingham Palace, Zara’s on Oxford Street, Next on Oxford Street, Pull and Bear on Oxford Street. Yes, it’s fair to say that Mrs. FPLStrategist is enjoying the shopping more the the scenery, and my chances of a sneaky tour of Stamford Bridge or the Emirates are evaporating as we trudge from store to store.

I wish my FPL points from last week could be converted to pounds Sterling – 164 was a great return, even if I failed up take my own Dirtsheet advice and buy Skrtel!

I’m off to the London Eye now followed by Captain America in the IMAX! But enough from me…

Here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 32!

THE DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 32

The Eleven – (3-4-3)

Vito Mannone (SUN)
Opponent – West Ham United (H)
Good home fixture. Double Gameweek in gw34. A solid choice for this Gameweek – what’s not to like?

Leighton Baines (EVE)
Opponent Fulham (A)
With another double Gameweek coming up and a goal last week from the spot, Leighton Baines gets the nod ahead of a trip to Fulham. The Cottagers were well beaten by City last week and look like relegation fodder. Expect Everton to capitalise.

John Terry (CHE)
Opponent – Cardiff City (A)
City have been incredibly solid at the back this season and a number of managers have been doubling up on their defensive assets in recent weeks. For me, John Terry is still the best option if you can only select one player. He is a magnet for bonus points and his attacking threat is unquestionable. Palace should provide little in the way of attacking threat and Terry should pick up at least 6 points.

Jose Fonte (SOU)
Opponent – Newcastle United (H)
The Saints will hope to return to winning ways against Newcastle and I’m selecting Jose Fonte to cover a potential clean sheet. Like John Terry, his attacking threat could bolster his returns.

Steven Gerrard (LIV)
Opponent – Tottenham Hotspurs (H)
A super goal against Sunderland sees Gerrard keep his spot against Spurs. He is to consistent to overlook.

Eden Hazard (CHE)
Opponent – Crystal Palace (A)
Hazard was one of the few players I felt confident would match the output of some of his double Gameweek counterparts, and his goal in the 6-0 rout of Arsenal was completely merited. Up next is a resilient Palace side who have, at times, turned Selhurst Park into a fortress. However, Chelsea are justifiable favourites for the title and I think Mourinho’s men will come away with all 3 points.

Yaya Toure (MCI)
Opponent – Arsenal (A)
A total of 31 points in Gameweek 31 sums up the season that Yaya Toure is having this year. With Sergio Aguero ruled out of the trip to Arsenal, penalties will remain in Toure’s locker. Arsenal have capitulated numerous times against the top teams and if City get a couple of goals before half time, Toure will play in a more advanced position. Arsenal would do well to contain City without Koscielny in the defence, but I cannot see anything other than a convincing City win.

Adam Lallana (SOU)
Opponent – Newcastle United
A number of FPL managers, including myself, either benched or even sold Adam Lallana for the double gameweek. The Englishman punished that decision with a well-taken goal against Spurs. Southampton will hope to bounce back against Newcastle who are without Tom Krul for a number of weeks. Lallana usually shines in home matches against solid opposition.

Luis Suarez (LIV)
Opponent – Tottenham Hotspurs (H)
A fantastic total of 25 points over the double gameweek shows that Suarez is back to scoring consistently. Liverpool are finding the net for fun and although Spurs will provide a sterner test than most teams, I still see Liverpool scoring 2-3 goals.

Wayne Rooney (MUN)
Opponent – Aston Villa (H)
Two goals against West Ham showed the threat that Rooney possesses when been handed the main strikers role, and although United face Bayern during the week, I expect Rooney to start against Villa. United clearly do not have the team to beat the very top sides this year, but I can see a solid win for United in Saturday. Rooney is also on penalties and has his fair share of set pieces so should be involved in United’s goals.

Romelu Lukaku (EVE)
Opponent – Fulham (A)
To be honest, I had a hard time choosing between Lukaku and Bony, but I’m opting for the Belgian for the trip to Fulham. Two goals and an assist over the double gameweek was an excellent return, but it’s his consistency since his return from injury that has been most impressive. In addition, It’s important to remember that Lukaku has a double Gameweek in 2 more weeks, so he represents a shrewd investment in the medium term.

The Captain – Luis Suarez (LIV)
Simply too much form going into this particular fixture for me to choose anyone else as captain. Wayne Rooney is also a good option but there is a very small chance that he will get a rest towards he end of the game if United are 2-0 up after 70 minutes.

The Clean Sheets
I’m looking to Swansea, Manchester United, West Brom, Newcastle, Chelsea, Stoke, Sunderland and Southampton to return clean sheets. I have a feeling it will be a good week for defensive returns.