Fantasy Premier League Strategist

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Good afternoon to all my readers, both old and new, and welcome to the first Dirtsheet of the new season. My regular readers will know that I never like to release a Dirtsheet for the first gameweek of the season as I think it is important for each of you to complete your own teams.

It’s been a busy year for me personally but I will definately try to keep these articles going. There may be a few weeks where I may opt for a shorter version of the Dirtsheet, but they will contain the same amount of preparation and research as usual.

Here we go!!!

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Without further delay, here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 2!

THE DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 2 (Formation: 3-4-3)

Hugo Lloris (TOT)
Opponent – QPR (H)
The French stopper has solidified his place after a good start to life at Spurs last year. A clean sheet last week, despite the dismissal of Kyle Naughton, shows that Spurs could be more solid at the back under new manager Mauricio Pochettino. If the White Hart Lane side can string a few clean sheets together over the next 5 games, Lloris could prove to be a bargain at £5.5m.

Branislav Ivanovic (CHE)
Opponent – Leicester (H)
With the changes to how bonus points are calculated, the early indications are that attacking full backs with good dribbling and crossing skills could feature more often in the bonus point selections than their teammates at centreback. A goal and two bonus against Burnley shows Ivanovic’s threat in the opponent half and he was unlucky not to receive an assist for Chelsea’s first goal. Ivanovic may be £0.5m more expensive than John Terry and Gary Cahill, but I think he is more likely to avoid rotation once the Champions League begins. I think Terrry and Cahill are more secured this week but Ivanovic is more secured long-term. Having said that, I certainly expect him to start.

Joel Ward (CPL)
Opponent – West Ham United (H)
I’m relying on one of my FPL favourites as I add Joel Ward to the Dirtsheet. Palace showed no signs of missing Tony Pulis as they put in a rugged display against Arsenal. Always good for an assist, he could return points at both ends.

Nathaniel Clyne (SOU)
Opponent – West Bromich Albion (H)
Identified by many as someone who might benefit from the combination of new attacking manager and the new bonus points rating system, Clyne immediately rewarded his owners with a goal against Liverpool – sadly for yours truely, he was my first sub. West Bromich Albion are a team I fancy to struggle this year and I think Clyne could cause alot of damage down the right against Sebastien Pocognoli. A clean sheet is also a decent prospect if the Saints can effectively handle Berahino.

Aaron Ramsey (ARS)
Opponent – Everton (A)
A last gasp winner against Crystal Palace was met with a collective sigh of relief by 35% of the FPL Community. Ramsey is the best bet for early Arsenal investment as we wait for Alexis Sanchez to get up to speed with life in the Premier League. Ramsey has a knack for scoring important goals, something we should look for in a tight game such as Everton away.

Gylfi Sigurdssson (SWA)
Opponent – Burnley (H)
The main point of contention last week was whether “Siggy” would play behind the striker or in a less ineffective right wing position. The latter proved to be correct, and the Icelandic talisman turned on the style with 13 points. Swansea now face Burnley and I expect Sigurdsson to continue his scoring form. Completely underpriced at 6.2, he could be one of the biggest bargains of the season if he maintains his form.

Erik Lamela (TOT)
Opponent – QPR (H)
Two assists in the Europa League from the bench means Erik Lamela makes his way into the Dirtsheet. Employed behind the striker, he is beginning to show his worth and I reckon he may fancy his chances of getting among Ferdinand and Caulker to register his first goal of the season. I think he could be a big player for Spurs this season.

 Cesc Fabregas (CHE)
Opponent – Leicester City (H)
Welcome back Mr. Fabregas!!! An absolute stalwart in many people’s teams before his move to Barcelona, I am delighted to see the Spaniard return to the Premier League. With two assists and three bonus in his opening game, my initial feeling about Fabregas remains – he has been vastly underpriced by the FPL. His ability to link with Chelsea’s more attacking players will mean he will one of Chelsea’s main assist makers this year, and his ability to arrive in attacking areas at the right time means he will get his share of goals. There is a lot of debate about whether Fabregas or Hazard is the better fantasy pick. I think it’s a matter of personal preference right now. I feel Fabregas will score points more consistently that Hazard, but will not return the explosive 20-point returns that Hazard is capable of one every six weeks or so. In addition, Hazard is more likely to be on penalties. Horses for courses, but right now, you need to have at least one of these incredible midfielders in your team this week.

Raheem Sterling (LIV)
Opponent – Manchester City (A)
Sterling is playing like someone with ten years more experience than his age would suggest. He is full of confidence and has the ability to beat any defender in the league. I would certainly think he will be a handful for the City backline, and he will not be afraid up against Kompany and company (pun intended). A goal and an assist against Southampton is the first of many this season.

Wayne Rooney (MUN)
Opponent – Sunderland (A)
Although United were average at best against Swansea, Rooney still notched his first goal of the season. United will need to beat Sunderland decisively in the Sunday evening kick-off, and I think United will need at least 2 goals to see off a Sunderland side that have become a nuisance to the Old Trafford outfit in recent years.

Diego Costa (CHE)
Opponent – Leicester City (H)
A home tie against Leicester seems like the perfect time to make your home debut. Chelsea should win this one comfortably. My only concern is that Mourinho likes to shut up shop once his side has gained a comfortable lead. Gone are the days that Chelsea will beat someone by six goals, but attacking points are certainly on the cards on Saturday. I expect double figures from the Spaniard.

The Captain – Diego Costa (CHE)
It really comes down to which Chelsea player you fancy the most to get double figures. You need someone with the ability to return an explosive score and I don’t think anyone fits the bill more than Diego Costa. He clearly has the ability to be greedy in front of goal and has hit the ground running. Chelsea team mates Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas are also very solid selections.

The Clean Sheets
I’m looking to Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Swansea, Spurs, and Hull to return clean sheets.

The Unusual Suspects
Defender: Neil Taylor (SWA)
Midfielder: Tom Ince (HUL)
Striker: Graziano Pelle (SOU)
Captain: Eden Hazard (CHE)

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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 share this on Twitter and Facebook! Every follower counts!