Fantasy Premier League Strategist

Update: As we come closer to the deadline, it is less likely that Rooney will start. Please go with your gut on the Rooney transfer.

As I began the write up for the penultimate Dirtsheet of what has been a superb season, Ryan Giggs was simultaneously delivering his press conference to the awaiting media in Manchester. However, while we are all used to seeing Giggsy confusing opponents for more than two decades, I don’t think anyone has ever been more confused as the FPL managers who tuned in to hear some news about the injury sustained by Wayne Rooney in training on Thursday.

At 10:00 am, the interim United manager stated that Rooney has a stomach bug and a tight groin, but that he will probably want to play anyways.

Great! Thanks for that Ryan, leave us all in a mire of uncertainty! One in five FPL managers have Rooney, and for the 121,000 managers who transferred him in this game week, a difficult decision must now be made. Do we sell Rooney again in order to buy in another striker, or do we hope that Rooney will start both games. It’s a bitter blow for Rooney owners – he was a lock for many people’s captaincy this gameweek.

As with most double gameweeks, there are some very strong single gameweek players that require your attention, and this weeks Dirtsheet highlights the best of them.

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Without further delay, here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 37!

THE DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 37 (Formation: 3-4-3)

Vito Mannone (SUN)
Opponent – Manchester United (A)/ West Bromich Albion (H)
I have developed a soft spot for Mannone this year – when he is not keeping clean sheets, he is often racking up save points. With the news that Manchester United may be without Wayne Rooney and/or Robin Van Persie, I think Mannone may be in with a shout of save points against United. A home tie against West Brom is a much more likely source of clean sheet points, and I would hope that Mannone will score double-digit returns this week.

Vincent Kompany (MCI)
Opponent – Everton (A)/ Aston Villa (H)
City will be depending on their captain as they head into a double gameweek which could see them crowned Champions if other results go their way. Kompany is the safest choice to cover the City back four, and while their defensive has not been stellar as of late, I do think they will keep at least one clean sheet – City also have a favourable fixture in gameweek 38.

Patrice Evra (MUN)
Opponent – Sunderland (H)/ Hull City (H)
Given the amount of uncertainty surrounding the rest of United’s defensive choices, I feel only Patrice Evra and David DeGea are safe bets, and I’m continuing with the Frenchman ahead of the double gameweek vs Sunderland and Hull City. I think he should pick up at least one clean sheet (most likely against Hull) and attacking points are always a possibility with the United left back.

Laurent Koscielny (ARS)
Opponent – West Bromich Albion (H)
There are actually a number of great defensive picks from teams that are only playing once this week, but I am opting for the Frenchman to keep a clean sheet against West Brom this week. If you have Chelsea defenders, I would happily play them ahead of any DGW choices outside of the Manchester clubs, but I think Koscielny is a great choice this week – his attacking and defensive attributes were on display in the win over Newcastle last weekend.

Aaron Ramsey (ARS)
Opponent – West Bromich Albion (H)
My second single gameweek pick for his week is Aaron Ramsey who lines up against West Brom at the Emirates. The Gunners will have their target set on a top four finish, and a win on Sunday will guarantee European football. Ramsey should be heavily involved in all of Arsenal’s attacking play, and will look to add to his tally of 1 goal and 3 assists in his last 3 games.

Juan Mata (MUN)
Opponent – Sunderland (H)/ Hull City (H)
The one positive we can take from the doubts surrounding Rooney and Van Persie is that Juan Mata should start and play in his preferred position behind a single striker. Giggs shocked most by dropping the Spaniard to the bench for the game against Norwich, but a brace and two bonus points in the 30 minutes he was eventually afforded means he is a threat even from the bench. United have the most favourable double gameweek fixtures, and it is felt that Giggs will go for the throat against Sunderland.

Yaya Toure (MCI)
Opponent – Everton (A)/ Aston Villa (H)
Having recovered 2 games earlier than what was widely expected, Toure took a just a couple of minutes to remind every one of his talents by setting up Edin Dzeko for the opening goal in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace. He followed that up with a superbly taken goal and three bonus points which left many FPL players scrambling to fit him into their teams in time for the double gameweek. Everton away is the type of game where Toure tends to shine – a high pressure scenario with everything on the line. The Villa game, however, is where I expect the City attacking talents to truly shine.

Eden Hazard (CHE)
Opponent – Norwich City (H)
Despite the number of decent double gameweek options out there, I have to choose the returning Eden Hazard for the visit of Norwich. United put 4 past the Canaries last week, and I would expect a wounded Chelsea to attempt to rack up a cricket-score at Stamford Bridge. There is no denying that Hazard could be a major differential this gameweek – he has the ability to single-handedly destroy a team on a given day. EDIT: Breaking news that Mourinho is unhappy regarding Hazard’s recent displays – does this mean he will not start? If so, the I would opt for Adam Johnson in his place!

Conor Wickham (SUN)
Opponent – Manchester United (A)/ West Bromich Albion (H)
The Premier League Player of the Month for April makes his debut in the Dirtsheet. After an impressive 5 goals, 1 assist and 8 bonus in his last 4 games, I don’t think there is a more inform striker in the Premier League right now. Sunderland have been utterly reliant on the striker, and while some people doubt his talent as a player, there is no doubting his FPL scores in recent weeks. He will prove a handful for a United defense that may see rotation, and I think he could do well against West Brom at home. I fancy Sunderland to stay up, and if they do, Wichkam will be one of the main reasons.

Sergio Aguero (MCI)
Opponent – Everton (A)/ Aston Villa (H)
A disappointing return against a solid Crystal Palace side has not deterred FPL managers from recruiting the Argentine in their droves. I cannot see Aguero getting rested for either game as they march towards a possible second title in three years. The Everton game will prove a tough challenge for City, and they will need to have all their big guns firing if they are to secure three points, and with penalties in his locker, I think Aguero is certainly a great captaincy choice for this week.

Wayne Rooney (MUN)
Opponent – Sunderland (H)/ Hull City (H)
After listening to Giggs’ press conference a number of times, my gut feeling is that Wayne Rooney will start both games. With the World Cup looming, there is no way that Rooney would have to said he wants to play if there was any risk of him missing the World Cup. I think that Rooney will probably play 60 minutes against Sunderland and will play longer against Hull. It’s certainly enough time to get some attacking points. I would strongly advise you to come to your own conclusions and plan your team accordingly. Whether it’s enough to warrant a captaincy selection is another matter entirely…

The Captain – Wayne Rooney (MUN)/Sergio Aguero (MCI)
It’s simple – Wayne Rooney was my choice until this morning’s news. If you feel Rooney will start both games, I think Rooney is the best choice. If you think he will not start both games, I think Aguero edges it. Yaya Toure is also a very strong choice.

The Clean Sheets
I’m looking to Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Sunderland, Arsenal and Aston Villa to return clean sheets.

The Unusual Suspects
Defender: Marcos Alonso (SUN)
Midfielder: Morgan Amalfitano (WBA)
Striker: Robin Van Persie (MUN)
Captain: Yaya Toure (MCI)

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