With Mark somewhat out of the picture this week due to the birth of his son, William, the Scout Selection Committee was one man light. Nevertheless, the rest of us have gathered our thoughts and bring you our chosen XI ahead of Gameweek 25. Here’s who we have…
Mark Schwarzer takes his place between the sticks ahead of Fulham’s home clash against Stoke. With just one defeat in their last six at the Cottage, Martin Jol’s side look strong favourites for this one and with the Potters finding the net in just one of their last four on the road, a clean sheet for the London outfit could well be on the cards.
While Swansea’s potential for a clean sheet at home to Norwich is a definite possibility, Brendan Rodgers’ side have, nevertheless conceded in each of their last four home games. With this in mind, we’ve opted for the most attack-minded option in their defence and welcome Angel Rangel to the picks. The right-back has returned 3 assists this term so far, 2 more than the rest of the Swans’ back-four combined.
Micah Richards should offer potential at both ends of the pitch on Sunday’s visit to Villa. While City have struggled for goals on the road of late –netting once in their last four away games- the back-line has benefitted, grabbing a couple of clean sheets in comparison. With 6 assists to his name already, Richards’ threat going forward will trouble a home side that have picked up just 2 points from their last six at Villa Park.
Our final defender is Benoit Assou-Ekotto. The Spurs left-back has averaged 5.25 points per game at White Hart Lane, in addition to returning 6 clean sheets in front of his home fans this term. Granted, he is up against Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse, but his recent attacking returns – a goal and 3 assists in his last seven- suggest that, even if Spurs do concede, he stands a good chance of producing at the other end of the pitch.
The top-scoring midfielder in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) so far, Gareth Bale is a nailed-on pick this weekend. Since hitting his stride in Gameweek 10, the Welshman has returned double figures in four of his last eight games as the Lane and has failed to produce attacking points in just one of those fixtures. With Yohan Cabaye and Cheik Tiote still unavailable, he could be set to run riot against the Magpies on Saturday evening.
He may have had a tiring FA Cup replay on Wednesday, but we cannot overlook the form of Stephane Sessegnon. The Benin international limped off towards the end of Sunderland’s win over ‘Boro but there was no mention of any injury issue from Martin O’Neill today, suggesting Sessegnon’s problem was, indeed, no more than cramp. Sessegnon has been instrumental in the Black Cats’ rise up the rankings, with attacking returns in seven of his last eight games, and with an average of 7.8 points per game from Gameweek 17 onwards, is too vital for O’Neill to rest, in spite of his midweek exertions.
Current leader of the Captain Poll, Clint Dempsey is another automatic starter this weekend. The Fulham midfielder has been flourishing in a more advanced role over the last few games, scoring 4 goals in his last couple of home starts. With Stoke toiling on the road over the last few matches, the US international will be looking to extend a record that has seen him net in four of his last six appearances at the Cottage.
Subject of our recent Talent article for members, Gylfi Sigurdsson makes his Scout Picks debut after a series of strong performances. The on-loan Icelandic international has provided 3 assists in four appearances, in addition to a goal, and has averaged 6.25 points per game for Brendan Rodgers’ side. Factor in his set-piece duties and a home clash with Norwich looks more than a little appealing.
Sunderland’s record of three back-to-back clean sheets is set to be well and truly tested by Robin Van Persie tomorrow afternoon. The Dutchman has enjoyed a week’s rest after an incredible 23 point haul against Blackburn last Saturday and, with Martin O’Neill’s side playing 120 minutes in their FA Cup replay against Middlesbrough, will be looking to take advantage of any tired legs at the Stadium of Light.
Back from suspension, we turn to Yakubu ahead of Blackburn’s crucial home showdown with QPR. Subject of a Watchlist article earlier in the week, the Nigerian’s contribution over the rest of the season could well be the difference between survival and relegation for Steve Kean’s strugglers. Averaging 5.5 points per game, and with spot-kick duties also in the bag, 12 goals in just 16 appearances is indicative of The Yak’s threat against Mark Hughes’ side.
Steven Fletcher is our final selection with the weekend midlands derby at Molineux in mind. Wolves and West Brom have been defensively dire this season; Mick McCarthy’s side have a single clean sheet at home –back in Gameweek 2- while Roy Hodgson’s men have recorded just one clean sheet on their travels, in Gameweek 4. With both teams looking more than likely to concede, then, Fletcher –as the one form forward on show- seems the best shout to produce on Sunday afternoon.
