Our new midweek regular is rolled out once again this evening as we give you a heads-up on our Scout Picks thinking for the Gameweek ahead. This list of players also includes some names in contention for a place in our Spot the Differential article, though will, of course, be subject to change, depending on the injury situation as the days progress.
For Gameweek 4, here’s who is currently in contention…
Goalkeepers
Jack Butland (4.5) searches for his first clean sheet of the campaign as Stoke City host a West Bromwich Albion outfit that failed to register a single shot on target in their previous road tie. Brad Guzan (4.5), meanwhile, will fancy his chances of carding a shut-out when Sunderland pay a visit, given that only Newcastle United have notched fewer shots inside the box (12) than the Wearsiders (14).
Defenders
Aleksandar Kolarov’s (5.7) attacking threat has been unparalleled among defenders this term, with the Serbian left-back ranking top for key passes (seven), crosses (seven) and attempts (five). His rampaging runs are more than capable of harvesting back-to-back goals as the Sky Blues attempt to keep their flawless record intact at home to Watford.
Simon Francis (4.5) looks the pick of Bournemouth’s backline as they gear up for a home match-up against Leicester City. Only Kolarov and Kyle Naughton (both seven) tallied more key passes than the Nottingham-born right-back over the first three Gameweeks, illustrating his assist potential.
Cedric Soares’ (5.0) forays forward have already produced one assist this term and look certain to engender further attacking returns, considering that he’s positioned second for attempts (four) and key passes (six) among defenders. Furthermore, a head-to-head against Norwich City at St Mary’s affords the Saints a good chance of securing consecutive shut-outs. Ronald Koeman’s decision to roll out a 3-4-1-2 at Watford last weekend also plays a part in our thinking here, after Soares was fielded as a right wing-back in the goalless draw at Vicarage Road.
In the wake of Liverpool’s three clean sheets on the trot, Martin Skrtel (5.5) could be a profitable pick-up for their home clash against West Ham United. Only Sunderland (35) have conceded more shots inside the box (32) than the Hammers, suggesting that Skrtel’s set-piece threat could become a factor. Joe Gomez misses out for now, then, but we may turn to the 4.7 priced asset should we need the Scout Pick funds on Friday.
Micah Richards (4.6) offers a budget route into the Villains’ defence for the Black Cats tie. The fact that they restricted Manchester United to just five shots inside the box at Villa Park bodes well for this encounter.
Midfielders
Alexis Sanchez (11.0) struck the upright against Liverpool and boasts three more shots inside the box (12) than any other midfielder, highlighting his potent goal threat ahead of a trip to Newcastle. The slightly pricier Eden Hazard (11.5) got off the mark with an assist against the Baggies and should be afforded the space to exert his influence at home to Alan Pardew’s attacking Crystal Palace outfit. Elsewhere in the Blues camp, Pedro (9.5) has emerged as an intriguing alternative to the marquee Belgian, having bagged a goal and an assist on his debut.
Riyad Mahrez (5.9) is a no-brainer in light of his four goals in three outings, as the unbeaten Foxes take on Bournemouth in their own back-yard. As for the Cherries’ midfield interest, Matt Ritchie (5.9) has threatened to net with nine attempts so far this campaign.
In the 7.0 bracket, Xherdan Shaqiri and Nacer Chadli picked up assists last time out and enjoy home match-ups against West Brom and Everton respectively.
David Silva (10.0) is pitched a lot steeper but has already showcased his supreme playmaking skills this season, notching three assists in as many appearances. Fellow midfield magician Philippe Coutinho (8.1) was thwarted only by Petr Cech’s excellence at the Emirates and has mustered more attempts (15) than any player this season.
Forwards
Despite only being handed a cameo in Gameweek 1, Sergio Aguero (13.2) tops the forwards leaderboard for shots on target (seven), emphasising his potential to deliver explosive returns against the Hornets. Diego Costa (11.0) also stands out as a captaincy candidate in the Eagles clash, having amassed ten points against the Baggies courtesy of a goal and an assist.
Casting an eye over the mid-priced forwards, Christian Benteke (8.5) will be licking his lips after witnessing the Cherries rattle four past the Irons’ defence in Gameweek 3. Likewise, Olivier Giroud (9.0) – who’s fashioned more attempts inside the box (12) than any forward – is pitted against the Magpies’ inconsistent rearguard.
Poring over the cheaper forwards, hat-trick hero Callum Wilson (5.5) broke his duck in emphatic style and has a great opportunity to sustain that momentum against a Foxes side that’s yet to record a clean sheet. Sitting at just 4.2% ownership, Mame Biram Diouf (6.5) endeavours to score for three matches running as the Potters lock horns with West Brom.
Community Champion
For the third Gameweek in a row, the Community Champion beat the Scout Picks. Gameweek 3’s champion Patch scored 60 points, three more than the Scouts.
The community member who beats our picks by the biggest margin over the campaign will win a £100 Amazon Voucher and a place in our Contributors and Moderators League for the following season. Gameweek 1 Champion Daniel Levy continues to lead the way with a 12-point advantage.
The Scouts face another tough opponent in Gameweek 4 after Limpar was selected to represent the community through this week’s lottery. This is his sixth season as a Fantasy Premier League manager and already he has one top 1,000 finish under his belt.
