Here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 10.
A shorter than usual Dirtsheet this week due to the rigours of real life sucking up my free time. The A+E of a busy hospital on a Bank Holiday Friday is a poor place to copmplete the Dirtsheet. My apologies to the thousands of people who read this every week.
Oscar, Sturridge, Suarez and Ozil all justified their inclusions in the Eleven last week and Ravel Morrison was able to grab an excellent assist at home to Manchester City.
With clean sheets hard to come by, we stay with the 3-4-3 formation that has worked well in recent weeks.
Here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 9.
The Dirtsheet: Gameweek 8
Posted: October 18, 2013 in UncategorizedTags: Daniel Sturridge, FPL, GW8, Luis Suarez, Romelu Lukaku
Any other season, FPL managers would be squealing with excitement at the thought of a gameweek with such incredibly tempting fixtures. All the top clubs have favourable fixtures, especially the sides known for putting teams to the sword.
However, this has been one of the most unpredictable starts to the season in many years. Spurs (no goals conceded at home until then) capitulating at home to a West Ham side (no goals scored away from home) last week 3-0 says it all! However, we must continue to back the favourites in the hopes that the gods of FPL and logic smile down upon us for a change.
Last week, Sturridge, Suarez, Amalfitano, Lovren and Oscar made it a good week for the Dirtsheet team so fingers are crossed we can pick out a few more gems!
Here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 8.
Predicting results this season has been almost an impossible task for all the FPL websites. It seems that it’s going to be a season full of surprises but the likes of Lovren, Lukaku and Rooney added some respectability to proceedings last week.
Here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 7.
For many FPL managers, last week was just one of those weeks when things failed to go according to plan. For the most part, the only people who were happy were the bookies who revelled in the mayhem. Solid defenses were breached, heavily backed goal scorers failed to deliver and results never seemed to look like following their likely outcomes.
As they say, it’s time to dust ourselves down and get on with things. Here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 6!
THE DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 6
The Eleven – (4-3-3)
David DeGea (MUN)
Opponent – West Bromich Albion (H)
United will look to bounce back after the “Destruction Derby” inflicted upon them by their bitterest rivals in GW5. A clean sheet against a returning Suarez and Liverpool will steady the ship and I fancy another at Old Trafford. DeGea is one of the safer bets to start.
Mark Wilson (STO)
Opponent – Norwich (H)
The Irishman seems to be enjoying his makeshift role as a midfielder and he will play a style that will register on the BPS system. Norwich can be best described as being travel-sick and Wilson could be highly influential on Sunday.
Vincent Kompany (MCI)
Opponent – Aston Villa (A)
Villa were dealt a huge blow when they lost Benteke for over a month. That will play perfectly into the hands of Vincent Kompany and co. at Villa Park. The City captain was at his imperious best against Manchester United and it’s hard to see City leaving with anything less than a clean sheet.
Dejan Lovren (SOU)
Opponent – Crystal Palace (H)
With a goal, three clean sheets and 7 bonus points in his last 5 games, Lovren makes his third appearance in the dirtsheet this season. A home time against a struggling Palace is enough reason to warrant his selection.
Leighton Baines (EVE)
Opponent – Newcastle (H)
With the Englishman score two goals in a single game again all season long? No, but he is becoming a bonus point magnet, even when he concedes. Newcastle were poor in GW5 especially down the wings, and so Baines attacking threat could bear fruit on Monday night.
Victor Moses (LIV)
Opponent – Sunderland (A)
If you expect Robbie Brady to start, I would probably pick him ahead of Moses, but the on loan Liverpool man will surely be relishing the chance to get at a managerless (and hapless) Sunderland. I’d expect him to do well in the space vacated by Suarez and Sturridge.
Mesut Ozil (ARS)
Opponent – Swansea (A)
The Question: Could Ozil settle quickly in The Premier League and start assisting with the same consistency that he did in La Liga. Answer: With 4 assists in 2 games, the question has been emphatically answered. Swansea vs Arsenal should be an open affair and I expect Ozil to register attacking points yet again.
Miguel Michu (SWA)
Opponent – Arsenal (H)
As with Ozil, Michu has had a superb two last gameweeks and he has an incredible scoring record vs the Gunners. An easy pick this week, the Arsenal rearguard will have their work cut out to keep the Spaniard at bay.
Romelu Lukaku (EVE)
Opponent – Newcastle (H)
It took Romelu Lukaku just 45 minutes to open his Everton account last gameweek. Newcastle were truly horrendous defensively last week and it would not be a surprise to see the Belgian’s name on the scoresheet Monday night.
Alvaro Negredo (MCI)
Opponent – Aston Villa (A)
Although he didn’t find the net last gameweek, he scored an impressive 8 points thanks 2 assists. With an injury to Sergio Aguero, Negredo had the chance to be the main man against a Villa side I expect to struggle consistently this season.
Wayne Rooney (MUN)
Opponent – West Bromich Albion (H)
Rooney was arguably the best United player on the field in the games vs Liverpool and Manchester City, and he will be relishing the chance to play up front against a porous WBA defense.
The Captain
Wayne Rooney (MUN)
The Clean Sheets
Manchester United, Manchester City, Southampton, Stoke and Everton
The Unusual Suspects
DF: Brede Hangeland (FUL) MD: Robbie Brady (HUL) FW: Dimitar Berbatov (EVE) Differential Captain: Hatem Ben Arfa (NEW)
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!
After a bout with a viral infection last week, I have decided to get the dirtsheet to you extra early this week as a thank you to the thousands of people who read the article every gameweek. Thank you all!
THE DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 5
The Eleven – (4-3-3)
Petr Cech (CHE)
Opponent – Fulham (H)
Chelsea are strong favourites at home to a Fulham side who are finding it difficult in front of goal so far this season. Cech is certain to start, and while save points are unlikely, 6 points from the Saturday evening kickoff would be a great end to the day.
Jose Enrique (LIV)
Opponent – Southampton (H)
The Saints have yet to discover the art of goalscoring this season, and I strongly feel that Liverpool will pick up their fourth clean sheet of the season at Anfield. With some doubt surrounding other defensive positions, I’ve opted for Enrique to cover the Liverpool defense in this favourable home tie.
Fabricio Coloccini (NEW)
Opponent – Hull City (H)
Hull are facing a mini injury crisis, with club captain Robert Koren ruled out and Robbie Brady a doubt. With this in mind, I’m opting for Coloccini to keep a clean sheet. He is already 6 BPS ahead of defensive counterparts and is therefore very likely to score bonus points in any game where the Magpies keep a clean sheet.
Ashley Cole (CHE)
Opponent – Fulham (H)
I’ve decided to double up on the Chelsea defense this week. It seems that the left back position is one of the few positions that Jose Mourinho is not willing to tinker with, so I’m opting for Ashley Cole at home to Fulham. Cole seems to register well on the BPS system despite being a full back, so a clean sheet and bonus is a good possibility.
Laurent Koscielny (ARS)
Opponent – Stoke City(H)
Although many have correctly pointed out that Stoke are playing better football under Mark Hughes, they are lacking that killer instinct in front of goal. Koscielny is a good option for a clean sheet and his aerial ability will be needed to combat the likes of Huth and Shawcross at both ends of the field.
Hatem Ben Arfa (NEW)
Opponent – Hull City (H)
Two goals, and assist and 5 bonus points in the last 2 games makes the Frenchman a lock for a place in the Eleven this gameweek. It seems that midfielders are falling out of fashion this year, but Ben Arfa seems to be a steal at just 7.4m. A home tie vs Hull is a great platform to reap even further rewards.
Frank Lampard (CHE)
Opponent – Fulham (H)
Lampard was surprisingly omitted from last weeks game vs Everton, but after suffering a defeat in the Champions League on Wednesday, I expect a wounded Chelsea to bounce back against Fulham. Mourinho has stated that his side lacked maturity, and this tells me the likes of Lampard and Terry will start at the Bridge. Lampard has already scored and assisted this season, and will be on penalties.
Theo Walcott (ARS)
Opponent – Stoke City (H)
It’s almost impossible to ignore Aaron Ramsey right now. A player with undoubted ability but a horrific injury record, it is great as a fan of football to see him finally show his talent. However, despite this, I am still opting for Theo Walcott this week. I think Stoke will be a tough team to crack this week and Walcott’s pace will be needed to get behind the mountains that are Robert Huth and Ryan Shawcross. If you have either player, you are in good stead for this week. If you want a player long-term, then Ramsey is certainly a great option. However, for this week, I think Walcott could do better.
Daniel Sturridge (LIV)
Opponent – Southampton (H)
With four goals in as many games, it seems that Daniel Sturridge has found the consistency that was perhaps lacking during his spells with Manchester City and Chelsea. A home game against Southampton might look a daunting task given Southampton’s defensive performances recently, but I expect Liverpool to win by a coupe of goals.
Olivier Giroud (MCI)
Opponent – Stoke City (H)
Speaking of players showing consistency, we cannot forget to include the Frenchman this week. With 4 and an assist over his last 4 games, it’s impossible not to choose Giroud this week. Speed and guile will be needed to score against Stoke this week and he has both in abundance.
Wayne Rooney (MUN)
Opponent – Manchester City (A)
A few months ago, it was noted that Wayne Rooney had returned to preseason looking fitter and leaner than he had in the previous 5 years. In addition, David Moyes has stated publicly that Rooney will play as a striker this year, perhaps due to the signing of Marouane Fellaini. The net result is that we are now looking at a lean, fit and determined Wayne Rooney playing in his preferred position. I would argue that Rooney is now overshadowing Robin Van Persie with his performances. At just £10.5m, he is also far cheaper than the Dutchman. The Manchester derby is usually decided by a single player and a single stroke of genius, and right now, I’m favouring Rooney this Sunday.
The Captain
Olivier Giroud (ARS) –
I am very very tempted to put my money on Hatem Ben Arfa for this week, but I think consistency is needed this week and so I am opting for Giroud. Arsenal look like they can score for fun right now and if Arsenal score, I expect Giroud to be involved.
The Clean Sheets
There are some very strong candidates for clean sheets this week, with Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle all likely to produce defensive returns.
The Unusual Suspects
DF: Jan Vertonghen (TOT) MD: Nathan Redmond (NOR) FW: Romelu Lukaku (EVE) Differential Captain: Hatem Ben Arfa (NEW)
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!
Gripped by a pretty awful virus, I find myself bedridden and in an awful shape. What’s worse is that I am currently in wildcard mode and have a team built around that fact that Darren Bent was fit. With my last action for this evening, I present a ridiculously abridged version of the Dirtsheet. My apologies, but I’m hoping to be back to normal next week.
THE DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 4
The Eleven – (3-4-3)
David Stockdale (FUL)
Nemanja Vidic (MUN)
Jan Vertonghen (TOT)
Devran Lovren (SOU)
Robbie Brady (HUL)
Marouane Fellaini (MUN)
Theo Walcott (ARS)
Hatem Ben Arfa (NEW)
Roberto Soldado (TOT)
Christian Benteke (AST)
Robin Van Persie (MUN)
The Captain
Robin Van Persie (MUN)
The Clean Sheets
There are a few obvious selections in Manchester United and Spurs but outside of that, look to Manchester City, Fulham and Southampton.
The Unusual Suspects
DF: James Chester (HUL) MD: Adel Taarabt (FUL) FW: Dimitar Berbatov (FUL) Differential Captain: Christian Benteke (AST)
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!
Real life has played havoc with the Dirtsheet this week, so I do apologize for the delay. Without further delay, here is the Dirtsheet for GW3.
THE DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 3
The Eleven – (4-3-3)
Tim Krul (NEW)
Opponent – Fulham (H)
It would be safe to say that both teams have struggled in an attacking sense so far this season, and so I’m going for the home keeper to keep a clean sheet. Krul looked solid in the game vs West Ham last week and a scoreless draw would not surprise me in the slightest.
Pablo Zabaleta (MCI)
Opponent – Hull (H)
It might sound crazy to choose Zabaleta after City’s horror show in Wales, but there is a method to the madness in this instance. Firstly, you can be sure that City are hurting, and will want to put in a strong showing in front of their home fans. I have huge respect for Zabaleta as a player, and he will be incredibly motivated against the Tigers. Secondly, I think that Hull will draw City onto them which can only mean that Zabaleta will be given the opportunity to get forward very often. Finally, apart from Robbie Brady, I cannot see any Hull player causing problems for the City rear-guard, and so Zabaleta could return with both offensive and defensive points.
James Collins (WHU)
Opponent – Stoke (H)
Priced at just 4.5m and with 2 clean sheets to his name already this season, James Collins gets his first run out in the Eleven this season. He fits the bill as a defender who attracts BPS points. Stoke have shown little in the way of offensive capability apart from set pieces, and if Collins can compete with the likes of Shawcross and Huth, he will figure highly in the scoring.
Seamus Coleman (EVE)
Opponent – Cardiff (A)
Despite Cardiff’s incredible showing last week, I actually feel that Everton will provide a sterner test for the Bluebirds. Given his incredible start to the season, I’ve once again opted for Seamus Coleman. The right back is making a mockery of his price with a goal, an assist, two clean sheets and three bonus points to his name.
Devran Lovren (SOU)
Opponent – Norwich (A)
Southampton, for whatever reason, seem to be a club that enjoys its days out, and after watching a hapless Norwich fail to break down 10-man Hull last weekend, I’ve opted for Lovren to cover the Southampton defense. Quite simply, the Croatian is a BPS magnet which means he is contending for bonus even in games where he is not keeping clean sheets. Priced at 5.0, he may not possess the attacking flair of Clyne or Shaw, but I think he could be one of the top scoring defenders in terms of bonus at the end of the year. A nine-point haul could be likely tomorrow.
Kevin Nolan (WHU)
Opponent – Stoke City (H)
With a 7-point average so far and a home game against Stoke, I’m opting for Nolan. Although I am watching Ravel Morrison very closely, Nolan will certainly start and I feel that he will have to be heavily involved if the Hammers are going to break the Stoke defence.
David Silva (MCI)
Opponent – Hull City (H)
The first of two attacking City players this week, David Silva has had a good start to the season, and I feel his guile and trickery will be needed to unlock Hull’s defense. The Tigers have shown signs of a team that might be tough to beat at home, but how they fare on the road will determine their fate. They will have a tough test against a City team with a point to prove after a disastrous result vs Cardiff. Double figures from Silva would not surprise me in the slightest.
Theo Walcott (ARS)
Opponent – Tottenham (H)
Over the last few years, this derby has delivered both goals and excitement in spades, and I have no reason to think that this year will be any different. I’m playing safe and choosing Walcott to represent the Gunners. Although his returns so far this season have been less than stellar, I think is not far away from turning chances into goals.
Roberto Soldado (TOT)
Opponent – Arsenal (A)
As with Walcott, I feel that the Spurs attack has to be covered and so I have to opt for Soldado for the third week in a row. Although he isn’t exactly setting the league on fire so far, he has shown signs of settling well and both his penalties were well taken. Not really a captain option this week, I still think he will do well enough to warrant his place in the Eleven.
Sergio Aguero (MCI)
Opponent – Hull City (H)
One goal, two assists and three bonus points in 152 minutes this season means Aguero is worthy of a spot in the dirtsheet. While Dzeko is also a great choice, I think Aguero is more likely to get something against Hull, and is certainly a more explosive choice than the Bosnian.
Robin Van Persie (MUN)
Opponent – Liverpool (A)
A blank from the Dutch maestro is somewhat of a rare occurrence since his move to Manchester, but I feel that Jose Mourinho played the perfect game to nullify United last Monday night. However, with Kolo Toure a major doubt for the Sunday lunchtime fixture, I expect Van Persie to bounce back and return to scoring form at Liverpool’s expense. If he does perform, I sense that many wildcards will be activated over the international break to accommodate him.
The Captain
Sergio Aguero (MCI) – All week long, I was planning to give the captaincy to David Silva, but after crunching some numbers, I’m instead opting for Aguero. I have a feeling that City could put the Tigers to the sword in the Saturday lunchtime game, and if anyone is going to hit double figures, it’s Aguero.
The Clean Sheets
Apart from the obvious choice of Manchester City, I cannot see the same number of clean sheets as last week, especially with Arsenal playing Tottenham and Liverpool entertaining United. Look to Newcastle, West Ham and Everton.
The Unusual Suspects
DF: Jan Vertonghen (TOT) MD: Stuart Downing (WHU) FW: Nicolas Anelka (WBA) Differential Captain: Santi Cazorla (ARS)
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!
The Dirtsheet – Gameweek 2
Posted: August 23, 2013 in The DirtsheetTags: dirtsheet, fantasy premier league, FPL, fplstrategist, gw2, oldado, soldado
Fantasy Premier League is back with a bang and already there are a number of taboo words beginning to appear. Bonus points. Rotation. Lukaku.
Fret not my dear reader, because the Dirtsheet tries to stay clear of the “ifs” and “buts” and instead attempts to focus on the players and teams that are most likely to bring home some great returns in the gameweek at hand. With the GW1 Dirtsheet team (the eleven) managing a respectable 91 points and four predicted clean sheets out of five, it’s time to reassess the fixtures for gameweek 2 and see whose making a play for your team this weekend.
Make sure you follow @PrideWatches to be in with a chance of winning a great Premier League watch each Sunday at 4pm. They will pick a random follower to receive this great prize, so even if you don’t have the best week in FPL, you could still bag a great prize!
Here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 2!
Fantasy Premier League is back and so is the Dirtsheet!
Posted: August 16, 2013 in Game Strategy, The DirtsheetAs I sit here on the eve of a brand new Barclays Premier League season, I am looking forward to getting back to the hobby that I enjoy along with the millions of other FPL fans around the world. I set up this account towards the end of last season to give out advice to anyone that cared to listen, and with 1400 followers behind me, I know that this work is appreciated. At the same time, I am appreciative of each and every one of you because I know you are following out of interest. Last season, one of the features that immediately caught on quickly was the Dirtsheet.
For the benefit of my new followers and a reminder for my older acquaintances, the premise of the Dirtsheet is a simple one. I look through the weeks fixtures and apply my experience as an FPL manager to give you my predictions for the entire week of Fantasy Premier League. I choose the eleven players I expect to do well in the formation I think is optimal for the gameweek in hand. In addition, I look at the best choice of captain and where I feel you should look towards for clean sheet opportunities. Finally, I choose three players who should give you an excellent differential for the gameweek.
So why follow the Dirtsheet? Well that’s entirely up to you. What I can tell you is that I am not an expert at FPL and I have never claimed to be. I can tell you that I won’t get it right all the time. What I can tell you is that, in the last three years I have placed very highly in the world each year (circa 4000, 5000 and 1900). I can also tell you that I have won or placed very well in most of the leagues I entered every year. I don’t boast to the world when I get something right, but I won’t sweep my poor calls under the mat either.
Now, you are probably wondering where the Dirtsheet is for gameweek 1, but first I want to impart a piece of information that not only explains the absence of a fully fledged Dirtsheet Article (a mini-version is available below), but will make you a much better FPL player starting tonight.
I find that too many people base their initial season squads on gameweek 1 articles like the Dirtsheet, the Scout Picks and the Dream Team. The problem with this is that these articles are only designed to provide the blueprint to a good score in first gameweek. One article is NOT to be used as a long term strategy guide. You as a manager needs to select a starting squad which will be strong for at least the first five gameweeks and not just the first one. This is the reason that I am playing down the role of such articles until we arrive at gameweek 2 and why I encourage you to select your own squad first before viewing the abridged Dirtsheet for Gameweek 1.
I’d like you to perform an exercise for me right now. Open up a separate tab and review your starting squad for the season. If you cannot tell yourself why you have chosen a certain player, you must find out why you chose that player. If you find they are worthy of a place, then retain his services. One of the main mistakes many players make is that they choose players simply because someone else told them they were good. Just because a random person says a player is a good FPL pick, that doesn’t mean that they are. If you find a player in your team that is there for a similar reason and you cannot see why he is a good choice, you need to find another player that is proven to be worth a place in your starting line-up.
Leading on from this, I also would like you to start actively analysing the advice being given to you by various sources, both in the real world (friends and co-workers) and online (Twitter and websites). Give everyone a chance to advise you more than once – there are many great sources of advice out there. If you feel that a particular persons advice is of poor quality, I urge you to simply not bother with it going forward. Your FPL time is precious. However, if you feel that the advice is great, then you need to take that source into consideration each week. Will I tell you who imparts what I feel to be good advice or who I feel gives poor advice. No. That is a question that you need to answer yourself.
We have over 12 hours before the deadline for gameweek 1. Sleeping aside, these are some of the most important hours you will spend playing FPL this season. Use them wisely. Once you have made your OWN decisions, then come back and have a quick read of the abridged version of the Dirtsheet below. The Dirtsheet (and all other articles like it) should only be used once you have done the hard work of whittling down your potential transfers to one or two selections. These articles can be used to either further reinforce or perhaps question your decision. At the end of the day, YOU are the Manager of your TEAM. Never forget that.
So if you feel that reading the opinions of a highly ranked and proven FPL manager is going to be of benefit to you, then I hope you tag along for the journey.
It’s also your final chance to enter my FREE PL League in association with @PrideWatches. The code is 568109-140075. The winner will receive £50 while the runner-up will receive £25. In addition, @PrideWatches will be giving a superb official Premier League watch to each of the top three managers each month! These watches are already gaining huge interest across the community. To further your chances of winning a watch, be sure to follow @PrideWatches. Each week, they will choose a lucky random follower to receive a watch right before the 4pm Super Sunday game! So be sure to give them a follow to maximize your chances of winning!
The first full Dirtsheet will arrive next Friday at 2100GMT. In the meantime, here is an abridged Dirtsheet for GW1 – remember, I strongly urge you to prepare your own team first before reading who I think will do well in GW1!
The ELEVEN (my choice of eleven players who I expect to do well this week):Formation: 3-4-3
GK: Mignolet (LIV)
DEF: Mertesacker (ARS), Lescott (MCI), Ivanovic (CHE)
MID: Hazard (CHE), Coutinho (LIV), Walcott (ARS), Mirallas (EVE)
FOR: Soldado (TOT), Lukaku (CHE), Benteke (AVL)
The CAPTAIN (my choice of player who I expect to be an excellent captain choice):
Eden Hazard – (CHE)
The CLEAN SHEETS (the clubs who have a good chance of a clean sheet):
Chelsea, West Ham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal
The UNUSUAL SUSPECTS (my differentials for the week):
Turner (NOR)
Ramires (CHE)
Anelka (WBA)
Wishing you all the very best for the season.
FPLStrategist
Fantasy Premier League Strategist 