Posts Tagged ‘Suarez’

The Dirtsheet: Gameweek 25

Posted: February 7, 2014 in Uncategorized
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Welcome to the Dirtsheet for gameweek 25! It’s one of those weeks when the shrewd FPL manager will have lined all their ducks up in the hope of a huge return.

A change to 3-5-2 this gameweek as I find it difficult to cater for all the midfield talent that could return significant point hauls this weekend!

Here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 25!

THE DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 25

The Eleven – (3-5-2)

Julian Speroni (CPL)
Opponent – West Bromich Albion (H)
If Palace are to survive this season, they will need to continue their solid run of home defensive performances. West Brom are next to test a defense that has kept cleans sheets against Villa, Stoke and Hull in recent weeks (not forgetting the incredibly performance at the Etihad where they conceded just a single goal). Mannone is another solid pick and could also keep a clean sheet.

Patrice Evra (MUN)
Opponent – Fulham (H)
Given the injury doubt hanging over Johnny Evans and the uncertainty surrounding the RB spot, I’m selecting Patrice Evra for his attacking raids down the Fulham right on Sunday. A clean sheet is a distinct possibility and I do feel Evra likes to attack more when the quality of the opposition is questionable.

Phil Bardsley (SUN)
Opponent – Hull City (H)
A clean sheet and an assist in last weeks one-sided Tyneside derby sees Phil Bardsley make another Dirtsheet appearance. Hull are an average side on the road whereas Sunderland are showing some superb home form in recent months.

Gary Cahill (CHE)
Opponent – Newcastle United (H)
The words “Cahill”, “hit” and “post” have been used quite a lot in recent weeks, and Cahill looks to be the preferred route into the Chelsea backline. He is figuring highly in the BPS scores and looks to have cemented his place alongside club captain John Terry. Chelsea are undoubtedly the best defense in the league, and at £5.9m, he may prove to be a super bargain for the rest of the season. The Magpies will have a lot of defending to worry about as Chelsea will no doubt utilise the vacuum left by Tiote and Cabaye.

Eden Hazard (CHE)
Opponent – Newcastle United (H)
After a run of 3 difficult games, it’s time for Hazard to return to scoring ways against a Newcastle side stripped of both Tiote and Cabaye for different reasons. I can see a lot of space for the Chelsea attacking midfielders and I think Hazard should benefit more than Oscar and Willian.

Adam Johnson (SUN)
Opponent – Hull City (H)
A final good fixture before a horrendous run sees Adam Johnson sneak into the Dirtsheet before being sent packing for gameweek 26! With 6 goals and 2 assists in his last 4 games, he should be a constant threat to Hull and I fancy him to score his eighth league goal of the season.

Adam Lallana (SOU)
Opponent – Stoke City (H)
With the current form of Jay Rodriguez, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert, it’s becoming tough to choose between the three. Certainly, I feel that every team needs one of these players, and I’ve opted for Lallana. He has 3 goals in 4 games and scores a point each time the Saints keep a clean sheet (his goals are also worth an extra point). Lambert sometimes gets rested for home games of importance which offsets the fact that he is on penalties. Lallana is club captain and will start every game barring an injury.

Yaya Toure (MCI)
Opponent – Norwich (A)
As a football fan, I’m a great admirer of Toure. As an FPL manager who has identified that Toure is gifted a large number of his points from free kicks and (most annoyingly) from penalties when Aguero is not on the field, it’s makes me nervous that he is in the dirtsheet this week and not in my team. Certainly, the absence of Fernandinho means that Toure will have to focus more on his defensive duties, but all it takes is one set piece and Toure could be heading for double-figure returns. My fiance, who is Polish, laughs when she hears the word Yaya – a Polish term for testicles. If Yaya does the business yet again, I fear I will resort to more crude language this weekend…

Juan Mata (MUN)
Opponent – Fulham City (H)
Although he was slightly short of match fitness, Mata has now 2 assists in as many games. A superbly-weighted pass for Robin Van Persie’s goal combined with the fact that he walked away with 11 BPS (and 2 bonus) in a defeat shows the amazing contribution that Mata is having for United. Next up is Fulham. A side that are conceding an average of 3 goals per game over the last 2 months. Surely this is the type of game that David Moyes has targeted as one that his side can send the fans home happy with a 3-0/4-0 win? Personally, I feel this could be the game that kickstarts United’s season, and I think Mata will be heavily involved in all of United’s attacking play.

Luis Suarez (LIV)
Opponent – Arsenal (H)
Luiz Suarez proves he is fixture proof as Liverpool await the arrival of Arsenal for what should be a tight but well-contested encounter. I can see a low scoring affair but Suarez is the player I most expect to score. It’s a crucial game for Anfield side, and the Uruguayan has a habit of making the headlines in such games.

Robin Van Persie (MUN)
Opponent – Fulham (H)
Two goals in two games is a decent return for the Dutchman after returning to the United side after a prolonged injury. United NEED a big result as they are running out of excuses. They have successfully bought a creative midfielder in Juan Mata, their star players are returning and they have a perfect fixture to reignite their campaign. He is a massive differential right now and is a clear captaincy candidate.

The Captain – Robin Van Persie (MUN)
For the first time in a number of weeks, we have a new captain choice for the upcoming gameweek. Van Persie has the better fixture, and arguably the better short-term form.

The Clean Sheets
Lot’s of clean sheets possible this week! I’m looking to Chelsea, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Manchester City, Southampton and Sunderland to return clean sheets.

The Unusual Suspects
Defender: Jan Vertonghen (TOT)
Midfielder: Wilfreid Zaha (CAR)
Striker: Christian Benteke (AST)
Captain: Eden Hazard (CHE)

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!

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The Dirtsheet: Gameweek 23

Posted: January 28, 2014 in Uncategorized
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After a longer than usual break from action due to the F.A. Cup fixtures, FPL is back to dish out delight and despair in equal measures!

I presume everyone is tired of the Juan Mata puns, and so I have decided to refrain from such behaviour. Instead I focus my efforts on picking a Dirtsheet that will help you select your optimal side for the weekend. Two players make their Dirtsheet debuts and a certain team hogs the midfield ahead of a favourable home tie.

A quick shout out to a new twitter account called @CalleditFPL – if you are looking for a differential for the week outside of the Dirtsheet’s Unusual Suspects, look no further. This guy’s record is phenomenal! Cazorla did the business last week – who has been selected this week? Be sure to find out!

Anyways, who will get my vote this week? There’s only Juan way to find out!

Here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 23!

THE DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 23

The Eleven – (3-4-3)

Julian Speroni (CPL)
Opponent – Hull City (H)
A clean sheet last week against Stoke sees Speroni keep his place in the Dirtsheet for a second consecutive week. Hull have been mediocre on the road and another clean sheet could be on the cards as Jelavic and Long attempt to settle into Steve Bruce’s side.

Phil Bardsley (SUN)
Opponent – Stoke City (H)
The former Manchester United man reminded everyone of his goal-scoring prowess against his former club and a home tie against the travel-sick Stoke City is a great opportunity for another clean sheet for the Black Cats. It appears that Poyet has instilled some confidence in his players after a terrible start to the season under previous management, and I expect a win and clean sheet for the home side.

John Terry (CHE)
Opponent – West Ham United (H)
Having been rested in the F.A Cup, John Terry is called into action against a hapless West Ham United side with just 1 win in their last 6 away games. Terry has not scored or assisted in some time but I expect him to provide a significant aerial threat from deal ball situations.

Patrice Evra (MUN)
Opponent – Cardiff City (H)
There is an incredible buzz around Old Trafford ahead of the game against Cardiff tomorrow night as a new hero arrives in the shape of former Chelsea icon Juan Mata. In addition, David Moyes broke the news that Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Marouane Fellaini have all trained ahead of the game but none are expected to start just yet. I’m opting for Patrice Evra to cover the home fixture against Cardiff. Evra’s raids down the Cardiff wing will be important in stretching a normally compact Bluebirds side and the Frenchman could easily add to his season tally of 1 goal and 3 assists.

Oscar (CHE)
Opponent – West Ham United (H)
Oscar’s superbly taken free kick against Stoke was the perfect birthday present for Jose Mourinho – not only did it secure advancement in the F.A.Cup, it also vindicated his decision to sell Juan Mata to Manchester United. His overall performance showed why the number 11 is going to be the Chelsea number 10 for many years to come. While he is sometimes overshadow by Eden Hazard, there is a pomp to Oscar’s current game and look sets to take advantage of a West Ham side on a dreadful run of form. Look for Oscar to be hovering over direct free kicks too!

Eden Hazard (CHE)
Opponent – West Ham United (H)
Despite the praise already lavished upon Oscar, I’m also opting for Eden Hazard given his incredibly consistent form this year, especially at Stamford Bridge. He has already 9 goals and 8 assists to his name this season, and I cannot see how the Hammers are going to keep the Chelsea attack at bay.

Juan Mata (MUN)
Opponent – Cardiff City (H)
I think there is even more of a buzz surrounding the signing of Juan Mata than any other player in the last ten years at Manchester United – perhaps it’s a sign that a boost was badly needed after a mediocre first half of the season. Nonetheless, many reputable sources are predicting that Mata will start against Cardiff, and I do think that if he doesn’t, he’ll still make an impact. The Spaniard will have a point to prove to Jose Mourinho and will want a strong showing in front of a new set of adoring fans. He will probably take a lot of set pieces while he is on the field and I think could have a great game. If you feel that Mata will not start, I would opt for the mercurial talents of Adnan Januzaj instead who is expected to start in a favorable left wing position.

Adam Johnson (SUN)
Opponent – Stoke City (H)
With a staggering 35 points in his last 2 games and a favorable home fixture against Stoke City, Johnson is the first of two players to make a Dirtsheet debut this weekend. It seems that backing form is paying off handsomely this year and there are few players on a better run right now. Sunderland have looked a lot stronger since taking Everton’s scalp a number of weeks ago and I can see a home win for Poyet’s Black Cats. Are you Suarez in disguise?

Luis Suarez (LIV)
Opponent – Everton (H)
The Merseyside derby is rarely a boring affair, and is usually a game which sees multiple goals being shared between both sides. I’m opting for the incredible consistency offered by Luis Suarez against the Toffess. With lingering doubts surrounding 3 of the usual Everton back line (Distin, Jagielka and Coleman), it’s hard not to opt for a man who has 21 goals and 13 assists in 17 games this season. Although I expect Jagielka to recover in time, there are goals in this for Liverpool. Dare I say three?

Sergio Aguero (MCI)
Opponent – Tottenham Hotspurs (A)
A superb return to action saw Aguero score a goal and an assist in the 4-2 home victory over Cardiff City. With doubts over the fitness of both Negredo and Silva, it seems that City will need Aguero to continue this impressive run of form if they are to overturn a solid Spurs side. It certainly won’t be anywhere close to the 6-0 slaughter at the Etihad, but I can see Pellegrini’s men register a solid win in North London.

Wilfried Bony (SWA)
Opponent – Fulham (H)
Bony makes his Dirtsheet debut ahead of the home clash with a porous Fulham side guilty of conceding 22 goals in their last 7 games. Bony’s recent record is finally beginning to show why the Swans shelled out £12 million over the summer. Three goals in as many games is a good return for his current price of £7.3m and I can see nothing other than a home win in Wales.

The Captain – Luis Suarez (LIV)
It’s not a clear-cut decision as many polls have suggested this week. Strong fixtures for Chelsea and Swansea sees a number of nice differentials appear for those looking to claw back a lead. Hazard and Bony look to be very strong differentials given their form and favourable fixture. However, for those looking to maintain a lead, I have to recommend the Liverpool hitman.

The Clean Sheets
I’m looking to Chelsea, Manchester United, Swansea City, Aston Villa, Sunderland and Crystal Palace to return clean sheets.

The Unusual Suspects
Defender: Brad Guzan (AST)
Midfielder: Ben Davies (SWA)
Striker: Gary Hooper (NOR)
Captain: Eden Hazard (CHE)

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 19

Posted: December 27, 2013 in Uncategorized
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It seems like all I have been doing recently is writing Dirtsheets! As the gameweek’s come thick and fast, we are seeing a number of injuries to key players, no more so that Aaron Ramsey who has been a staple in most sides all season. There is a clear choice to be made…to stick with the Welshman and hope that his injury is not too serious or to make a clean break and sell him on for a clever differential.

My own team has been decimated in recent weeks with injuries, suspensions and bench warming duties affecting 8 of my team. It’s very tough to get out of such a rut, but had I taken my own advice that I give to you every week with the Dirtsheet, I might be faring much better!

Come 17:45 on Sunday, we will be halfway through the season. Here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 19.

THE DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 19

The Eleven – (3-5-2)

David Marshall (CAR)
Opponent – Sunderland
It’s actually quite difficult to choose a goalkeeper this week, so I’ve opted for David Marshall to cover the Cardiff home tie against Sunderland. The Bluebirds will be hoping to avoid a similar capitulation that saw Southampton score three without reply on Wednesday night. Against a 10-man Everton, Sunderland could not score from open play and so I feel Cardiff could walk away with a narrow win and a clean sheet.

Vincent Kompany (MCI)
Opponent – Crystal Palace (H)
The City captain has been an unlikely source of goals lately, with 2 from his previous two games. While a third goal would probably come as a surprise against Crystal Palace, a clean sheet would not. The returning Marouane Chamakh should pose some threat but the pairing of Kompany and Nastasic (in addition to the returning Zabaleta) should be enough to keep a clean sheet at the Etihad.

Phil Jagielka (EVE)
Opponent – Southampton (H)
A rare defensive and offensive blank for the Everton backline allows us to highlight how poorly Coleman fares compared to the center-back pairing of Distin and Jagielka when the time comes for bonus points to be allocated. I still feel that Coleman is punching above his weight and I think Southampton will be smart enough to keep tabs on him tomorrow. With that in mind, I’m opting for Phil Jagielka to cover a possible Everton clean sheet. I’ve said it before – in games when Everton win by a few goals to nil, Jagielka always seems to lead the race for bonus points.

James Chester (HUL)
Opponent – Fulham (H)
Having almost made it 2014 with just 4 goals conceded at home, it will have annoyed Steve Bruce to throw away three points and three goals to his former side. I can see Hull bouncing back to keep a clean sheet against Fulham. Chester scored against Manchester United only to put through his own net, but it’s clear that the potential is there. At just £3.9, he is certainly a budget friendly option, especially for those looking to squeeze Walcott into their side by freeing up some funds locked in the defense.

David Silva (MCI)
Opponent – Crystal Palace (H)
The first of two City attacking players, David Silva take his place after an assist and 2 bonus in the midweek win over Liverpool. I am of the opinion that Silva is the best midfield pick in the City side, but Yaya Toure seems to have a habit of pulling a goal out of the hat from a set piece which can sometimes take the shine off yet another Silva masterclass. I have read some arguments for the idea that Silva could be rested, but I cannot see this happening. Alvaro Negredo walked off on Wednesday with a heavy limp, and whether he is tired or injured, I cannot see Dzeko leading the line by himself without Silva to create the chances. Palace can be a stubborn side to break down at times, and I cannot see Pellegrini taking any chances with his team selection.

Theo Walcott (ARS)
Opponent – Newcastle United (A)
Since returning after a longstanding injury, Walcott has emerged as yet another big-budget midfielder to vie for our attentions. Leading the total transfers in this week, he is the perfect replacement for Aaron Ramsey who was taken off after 62 minutes with a calf injury on Wednesday. A very strong captain candidate this week, he has a great record against a Newcastle side who will not be afraid to attack the Gunners. There could be goals in this one, and I can see Walcott on the score-sheet yet again.

Eden Hazard (CHE)
Opponent – Liverpool (H)
The Belgian is clearly living up to his tag of being undroppable by Mourinho, and despite lingering doubts as to weather he would start last game week, he ended up starting and scoring the game-winning goal. Like Suarez, he is the player most likely to be involved in any goals scored by his side.

Yaya Toure (MCI)
Opponent – Crystal Palace (H)
With so much confusion surrounding the City front-line going into tomorrow’s match, I’m opting for a second City midfielder and that can only mean Yaya Toure fills the final midfield spot. If it weren’t for the fact that Toure is on penalties and most direct free kicks, I think Silva would trounce him in FPL, but unfortunately he is on both while Aguero is out. This means that Toure could do little attacking for an entire game and still score direct from a set piece. Palace will be buoyed by their smash and grab win at Villa Park, but City will be too much for them in the middle of the park.

Ashley Young (MUN)
Opponent – Norwich (A)
I have been very impressed with Ashley Young’s contributions to the United cause in recent weeks and I am very confident that he will start against Norwich who are finding things very tough at the moment. With Januzaj on the other side and Rooney helping out in midfield, it’s giving the wingers more of a chance to get inside their man and Young is superb in these areas. It’s perhaps a little gamble, but at £7.1m and just 0.2% ownership, it’s one that I am considering myself.

Luis Suarez (LIV)
Opponent – Chelsea (A)
By all accounts, it seems that the it was not Manchester City that prevented Suarez notching some attacking points on Wednesday night, rather the combination of dreadful officiating and poor finishing by his wasteful teammates. Up next is another difficult game against Chelsea who have been known to park the bus in such matches – a tactic that Arsenal and Manchester United have both witnessed first-hand this season. I cannot see many goals here, but if Liverpool are get a result, it has to involve Suarez.

Wayne Rooney (MUN)
Opponent – Norwich City (A)
David Moyes has been lauding the contribution of Rooney to the success of the Manchester United team as of late, and based on recent performances, it’s hard not to agree with him. United seem to be a much more direct and dangerous force lately, and most of that is down to Rooney dropping deep to free up other players. Thankfully, these excursions do not appear to be affecting his output – a goal and assist in his last game was a fantastic contribution, especially when you consider that Hull had only conceded 4 all season at home, and never more than 1 in a single game. The Canaries will need to have a very good day at the office to stop Rooney and company.

The Captain – Wayne Rooney (MUN) –
Given the aforementioned tactics that might be employed on Sunday afternoon by the home side, it may be difficult for Suarez to score enough to warrant the captaincy this week. In the City game, I need to be 100% that my captain is playing, but a home tie against Palace is a good a time as any to rest key personnel. It’s not enough of a concern for me to omit their players from the Eleven, but it is enough to look elsewhere for the captaincy. For me, it comes down to Walcott and Rooney. Both players have an away fixture, but it is clear that the Gunners will be more severely tested. Newcastle are beginning to climb the table in recent months, and I cannot rule out the possibility of a tighter game than is usual in this fixture. With this in mind, I’m giving the armband to Rooney this week. He has the form and he is working incredibly hard for the team. The other players around him are clearly benefiting and there is now a clear sense of self-belief flowing through the Old Trafford side.

The Clean Sheets
I’m looking to Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, West Ham, Hull City and Cardiff to return clean sheets.

The Unusual Suspects
Defender: Michael Dawson (TOT)
Midfielder: Yohan Cabaye (NEW)
Striker: Emmanuel Adebayor (TOT)
Captain: Theo Walcott (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 18

Posted: December 25, 2013 in Uncategorized
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A very Happy Christmas (or Holidays!) to all my readers around the world. I hope I find you all in the same position as I am today…full of good food and surrounded by loved ones. I learned two things today – firstly, my brother makes the most incredible goose fat-covered baked potatoes and secondly, my fiance is the most devious shrew when it comes to getting me presents 🙂 She completely blind-sided me with something that was apparently sold out for months.

Anyways, back to FPL! Here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 18!

THE DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 18

The Eleven – (3-4-3)

Tim Krul (NEW)
Opponent – Stoke City (H)
Newcastle will be buoyed by a superb display against a usually solid Crystal Palace side, and will look forward to kicking off the festive period with a home tie against Stoke. Clearly, they will need to deal with the service to Peter Crouch, but proper closing down of any potential balls from midfield will help to eliminate the threat.

Martin Olsson (NOR)
Opponent – Fulham (H)
With Berbatov struggling to be fit, I’m looking towards Norwich for a clean sheet against the Cottagers. With little to separate any of the Canaries back line in terms of attacking threat, I’m choosing the budget-friendly option presented by the Swede.

Seamus Coleman (EVE)
Opponent – Sunderland (H)
Although any player in the Everton back line is a great pick against Sunderland this game week, it’s impossible not to select Seamus Coleman. While I still think that the recent attacking returns are well above the normal for the player, the loss of Wes Brown (and possibly John O’Shea) means that Coleman stands head and shoulders above his defensive team mates. Can he extend his run of 3 goals in his last 5? My statistics say he cannot, but the Irishman may as well be sitting beside tearing up those stat reports!

Per Mertesacker (ARS)
Opponent – West Ham United (A)
A number of months ago, I had the simple choice between Koscielny and Mertesacker to cover the Arsenal backline, and I chose the Frenchman over the German – boy was that the wrong move! Mertesacker was the outstanding player in the home draw versus Chelsea, and with a visit to the stuttering West Ham up next, another clean sheet is likely.

Yohan Cabaye (NEW)
Opponent – Stoke City (H)
With 2 goals, 2 assists and 7 bonus points in his last 5 games, I’m opting for Cabaye ahead of the home tie against Stoke City. Cabaye will likely play right behind Remy which will allow him to contribute more to Newcastle’s attacking play. Stoke have not traveled well in recent weeks and I can see a home win for the Magpies.

Theo Walcott (ARS)
Opponent – West Ham United (A)
After seeing the dynamic duo of Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey dominate the Dirtsheet over past number of months, I’m freshening things up by selecting Theo Walcott for the second week in a row ahead of visit to West Ham. Arsenal seem to have more of a cutting edge when Walcott plays and will thrive on the service that Arsenal have been supplying (without much fruit) to Olivier Giroud.

Eden Hazard (CHE)
Opponent – Swansea (H)
Although Hazard has only one assist to his name in the last 3 games, we must remember that he scored 42 points in the 4 games previous to this. I do feel that Hazard will start at home to Swansea and I am hoping he returns to scoring ways. If Chelsea are cruising after 60 minutes, Hazard may get a rest, but I think he could have done enough damage to have earned his dirtsheet slot.

Yaya Toure (MCI)
Opponent – Liverpool (H)
It’s a close call to select the player who will cover the City showdown with league leaders Liverpool, but in my mind, it comes down to two players – Yaya Toure and David Silva. While both players are great choices, I’m opting for Toure. He will be on direct free kicks and penalties at the Etihad. Given the immense attacking threat posed by both sides, there could be a landslide of goals and with neither defense looking to pull punches, there may be plenty of opportunities for Toure to score from a dead-ball situation.

Emmanuel Adebayor (TOT)
Opponent – West Bromich Albion (H)
The lack of Romelu Lukaku is certainly a huge call – after all, he has a great chance to get back to scoring way with a home tie against Sunderland. However, it’s hard to ignore the form of Adebayor, who seems to be a different player under Tim Sherwood – the former Spurs man has placed his faith in the Tongolese powerhouse and he seems incredibly eager to repay the faith that previous managers have failed to show. 4-4-2 certainly seems to fit the Spurs team far better than any team selection which isolates Soldado up front by his own.

Luis Suarez (LIV)
Opponent – Manchester City (A)
As I said last week, Suarez is capable of scoring against any team on any ground in the country, and he will certainly be looking to send a clear message to the rest of the league tomorrow – that Liverpool ARE genuine title contenders and a win over title rivals City will go a long way to proving the doubters wrong. Arsenal scored three against City two weeks ago and I am putting my money on Suarez to breach the City back line – even with club captain Vincent Kompany back to rally the troops.

Wayne Rooney (Hull)
Opponent – Hull City (A)
Again, Lukaku runs Rooney close for a final Dirtsheet place. Certainly, Hull’s home defensive form seems to indicate that United might struggle to break down such a well-disciplined side. However, Rooney has been dropping deep into midfield in recent games which has had a huge effect on United’s fortunes. They are beginning to score more freely, and we need to remember that Rooney is also on penalties and free kicks. If United get an early breakthrough, they may score 2-3 goals and I think Rooney could be heavily involved.

The Captain – Luis Suarez (LIV) – On most weeks, I don’t even have to think about this choice. However, it’s not every day that Liverpool travel to the Etihad. In addition, we have a number of other candidates for the armband, and most seem to favor Rooney as a viable alternative. Even with this in mind, I still have to opt for the Uruguayan. His recent returns are the best that I have seen since I started playing FPL, even eclipsing those of Ronaldo and Van Persie. City have been poor defensively and there could be plenty of space for Suarez to run riot yet again. If you have Rooney and Suarez, I would urge you to go with your gut instinct on this occasion. For those looking to pull back points against opponents who will certainly captain Suarez, then Rooney might just the better option.

The Clean Sheets
I’m looking to Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle, Tottenham, Norwich, Arsenal and Everton to return clean sheets.

The Unusual Suspects
Defender: Patrice Evra (MUN)
Midfielder: Pete Whittingham (CAR)
Striker: Romelu Lukaku (EVE)
Captain: Wayne Rooney (MUN)

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 14

Posted: December 2, 2013 in Uncategorized
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“What do you mean there’s a gameweek that started during the week?”

Rest assured that there will be a number of your rivals who have no idea that there is an extra gameweek staring on Tuesday night. Luckily for you, my well-informed reader, the Dirtsheet arrives well in time for the midweek set of fixtures. Please try to keep a straight face as your team (hopefully) races ahead.

Gameweek 13 was certainly unlucky for some – messers Suarez and Aguero contrived to disappoint the vasy majority of FPL managers who had plumped for either as their choice of captain. Fantasy staple Boruc also decided that now is the perfct time to strand his owners in goalkeeping limbo. Let’s hope gameweek 14 proves to follow the plan a little better…

Here’s the Dirtsheet for Gameweek 14.

THE DIRTSHEET: GAMEWEEK 14

The Eleven – (3-4-3)

Costel Pantilimon (MCI) /Michel Vorm (SWA)
Opponent – West Bromich Albion (H)/Newcastle United (H)
NOTE: I am providing two goalkeepers here due the widespread effect of the injury to Artur Boruc. With 3 clean sheets in his last 4 games, I’m opting for the beanpole Romanian to cover the City defence against WBA. He is a solid choice of replacement for anyone affected by the injury to Artur Boruc and has a good run of fixtures over the next 5 matches. His place is his alone to lose, but his performances so far have given little hope to Joe Hart regarding a return to the starting team. If you are a little uneasy that Hart may return, then Michel Vorm is a more solid choice.

Per Mertesacker (ARS)
Opponent – Hull City (H)
Last week, owners of Mertesacker must have breathed a huge sigh of relief when a possibly game-ending facial injury was waved away as a mere scratch by the German. It allows Mertesacker to line up against a travel-sick Hull City. I expect a clean sheet and perhaps bonus points come Wednesday night. I wouldn’t rule out a cheeky assist or goal either.

Dejan Lovren (SOU)
Opponent – Aston Villa (H)
It’s amazing to see the fall from grace of Christian Benteke. He looks like a player that does not want to play for Villa. Regardless of the reason, it means that Southampton have the perfect opportunity to get back to doing what they do best – keeping clean sheets. Although they are without Artur Boruc, I still think the Saints backline will keep Villa at bay. I’m going for Dejan Lovren to provide a chance of both attacking and defensive points.

Glen Johnson (LIV)
Opponent – Norwich (H)
I’m loading up on attacking Liverpool players this week, and Glen Johnson is the first of three selected ahead of the home tie against Norwich. So far this season, Johnson’s attacking threat has not produced the points that some of his displays should have returned. I think that Brendan Rogers will be well aware that Luis Suarez will need more than the supply afforded to him by Victor Moses and Raheem Sterling, and will ask Johnson to attack as often as possible. While a clean sheet is a good bet, I think attacking returns could also be on the cards.
Steven Gerrard (LIV)
Opponent – Norwich (H)
While he rarely deserves consideration as a captaincy choice, his superbly taken goal against Hull highlights Steven Gerrard’s consistency as an FPL player. That’s attacking returns in 7 of his last 8 games. With an injury to Daniel Sturridge and doubts over Coutinho’s fitness, I am looking to Gerrard to step up to the plate and continue his incredible run.

Eden Hazard (CHE)
Opponent – Sunderland (A)
As with Suarez and Aguero, Hazard failed to shine in a fixture he was expected to do well in. Although Oscar reported on social media that he was fine after
being substituted in the 41st minute against Southampton, I cant shake the feeling that Mourinho will give him a rest. Therefore, I’m looking to the Belgian to return attacking points at the Stadium of Light.

Adam Lallana (SOU)
Opponent – Aston Villa (H)
I’m backing the Saints to return to winning ways against Villa and Lallana will be key to attacking returns. He has been one of the stand-out performers so far this season, and with 2 double-figure returns in his last 3 home games, Lallana is a good prospect for attacking returns this week.

Aaron Ramsey (ARS)
Opponent – Hull City (H)
Another masterful performance, this time at Cardiff, cements Aaron Ramsey’s place in the Dirtsheet once again. It’s amazing that he started at £5.5 in FPL this year. Hull showed their home defensive stability against Liverpool, but their away record is less than ideal. While rotataion is a small doubt coming into the game, Arsenal have a chance to move even further away from the chasing back before Christmas. Exciting times in London.

Luis Suarez (LIV)
Opponent – Norwich (H)
Liverpool will be hurt and, more importantly, Luiz Suarez will be hungry for goals after being well beaten by Hull City. Next up is Norwich at Anfield, a game which Liverpool won 5-0 last year. I cannot see anything but a comprehensive victory for the home side, especially if Coutinho can start. The sight of Moses and Sterling supporting Suarez is not as appealing as Coutinho and Sturridge, and being honest, this concerns me just a little. However, it would be a brave manager who does not have Suarez heading into this fixture.

Sergio Aguero (MCI)
Opponent – WBA (A)
A rare blank by the Argentine in the 3-0 defeat of Swansea is not enough to dampen my spirits ahead of a trip to West Brom. It was Samir Nasri who stole the headlines with 2 goals, but I think Aguero’s guile and acceleration will be of more threat to the Baggies rearguard on Wednesday night. He will also draw fouls for Negredo and Toure’s free kicks.

Wayne Rooney (MUN)
Opponent – Everton (H)
Another two goals, this time against Spurs, means there is no doubt that Rooney has entered one of his famous purple patches of form. Up next is a home tie against an Everton side berift of Leighton Baines. I think United will attack the space on the wings and Rooney is clinical when being supplied from that position.

The Captain – Luis Suarez (LIV) –
I think that Suarez will be the runaway leader in all internet captain polls carried out this week – I cannot see Suarez going two games in a row without scoring. There will be goals at Anfield, and without Sturridge (and possibly Coutinho), Suarez will lead the line. Aaron Ramsey is also a good choice, but I think there will be a number of different goalscorers/assisters in the Arsenal game and therefore his bonus point potential might sufffer.

The Clean Sheets
I’m looking to Southampton, Arsenal, Liverpool, Stoke and Manchester City to return clean sheets.

The Unusual Suspects
Defender: Jan Vertongehen (TOT)
Midfielder: Antonio Valencia (MUN)
Striker: Peter Crouch (STO)
Captain: Adam Lallana (SOU)

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!