With Chelsea and City going head-to-head at the Bridge on Sunday, we look elsewhere for coverage in this week’s XI. We place our faith firmly in five teams – Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, United and Southampton supply us with a couple of players apiece, with a solitary Swan handed the spare place in midfield:

David De Gea gets the nod as United prepare for the visit of Stoke. With uncertainty still hanging over the availability of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand after another vague press conference from David Moyes, we opt for the United keeper against a Potters side with a single goal to their name in the last five Gameweeks.

Having opted for a keeper from United, our Southampton cover arrives in the form of Dejan Lovren. The top scoring defender in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game thus far, the classy Croatian welcomes Fulham to St Mary’s on the back of four clean sheets in five – with a goal and assist in the last four, in addition to his propensity for picking up bonus, Lovren’s all-round game edges his defensive team-mates for the Cottagers clash. Nathaniel Clyne, at just 4.5 is your cheaper alternative.

A move to the right of Liverpool’s midfield four brings Glen Johnson into consideration. Available for just 5.7 in FPL, the out of position defender’s runs down the flank could be key as the Reds entertain West Brom – having conceded just twice in four matches at Anfield, Brendan Rodgers’ side look a strong shout for clean sheet returns this weekend.

With five clean sheets in eight, Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen gets the nod ahead of a home game against Hull. The Tigers have notched more than a single goal in just one of their fixtures so far, whilst Vertonghen’s eye for goal finally surfaced in last night’s Europa League win over FC Sheriff – highlighting his points potential at both ends of the pitch.

Michu keeps his Scout Picks place despite drawing a blank against Sunderland last time out. The Spaniard was back amongst the goals in last night’s Europa League match for Swansea and with Michael Laudrup’s side looking irresistible against the Black Cats, he could be poised to get the better of Sam Allardyce’s resilient Hammers at the Liberty.

With attacking returns in each of the last four Gameweek, Adam Lallana is one of the most in-form players in the top-flight right now. While the Southampton forwards toil up top, their skipper leads by example – a home game against a Fulham side with one clean sheet in seven hands Lallana the perfect opportunity to produce the goods again.

Having opened his account with a brace against Norwich, Mesut Ozil could be set for another profitable Gameweek as Arsenal roll up to Palace. The luxury option in the Gunners midfield, Ozil looks likely to have a field day against a side that lost 4-1 at home to Fulham on Monday evening – Aaron Ramsey is the budget-friendly option but with Mathieu Flamini rested in midweek, there’s a chance the Welshman could reprise the right flank role he took up against West Brom back in Gameweek 7.

Tottenham’s man-of-the-moment Andros Townsend is handed a chance to impress again. The winger was afforded last night off from European duties by Andre Villas-Boas and seems a certain starter at home to a Hull side hit hard by injuries over the last 24-hours – at 5.7, Townsend looks a real value option against the Tigers as he looks to replicate last week’s 10-point haul picked up at Villa.

A trip to struggling Palace affords Olivier Giroud the perfect chance to end a four-game scoring drought. The Frenchman has served up just three assists over that period and has frustratingly reserved his goals for European duties – rest and rotation may be a slight worry here but we reckon he’s more inclined to be handed the night off for the midweek Capital One clash with Chelsea, as the Gunners look to sweep the Eagles aside and cement their spot at the top of the table.

With doubts over both Ryan Shawcross and Geoff Cameron, Mark Hughes doesn’t have his problems to seek as Stoke roll up to Old Trafford. We turn to Wayne Rooney, then, with Robin Van Persie still uncertain to feature, according to his manager earlier today – the 10.9 priced forward has racked up 22 points over his previous three at Old Trafford and could well be shifted further forward if the Dutchman fails to make it.

A home game against West Brom gives Luis Suarez the chance to wreak havoc once again. The Uruguayan has racked up 29 points in his three appearances since returning from suspension – just edging Daniel Sturridge’s 28 points over the same period. Whilst the latter is a cheaper option, Suarez’ explosive potential has already produced two sets of double figures and the Baggies will have their work cut out to avoid a first defeat in six; he currently has over 20% of votes in this week’s Captain Poll compared to Sturridge’s 6%.

We opt for Neil Taylor as our budget defender as Swansea prepare for the visit of West Ham. Handed a chance in the first XI as a result of Ben Davies’ ankle injury, the 4.4 priced left-back will be confident of keeping out a Hammers side that has failed to score in three of their four road trips this season.

Yohan Cabaye warms the bench ahead of the first Tyne-Wear derby of the season. Down to just 6.2, he’s produced two goals and an assist over the last four matches and looks key to the Magpies’ chances of success at the Stadium of Light.

We call up Pablo Osvaldo for Southampton’s home game against Fulham. The Italian international was handed the role as the most advanced forward last weekend as Rickie Lambert dropped to the bench – he’ll be tasked with returning to the form that produced a 12-point haul against Palace at St Mary’s as recently as Gameweek 6.