Scout Picks – Gameweek 27

It’s time for Gameweek 27 of this season’s Scout Picks, where Mark, Jonty, a different member of the community and I pick an XI for the upcoming round of fixtures. Each week, our line-ups go head-to-head and over the course of the season we’ll be keeping a tally of the points as we go along, with the budget now sitting at 84.0 apiece for our starting line-ups.

The Community – Managed by Zasa

Manchester United have only conceded six goals in their last six matches, and I’m confident they’ll keep one of the least threatening attacks at bay when Sunderland visit. This propels David De Gea into my thinking. In addition I’m opting for Wayne Rooney to rediscover his goal scoring form with hopefully a role in attack.

Arsenal having scored eight goals in their last four matches. Alexis Sanchez may have blanked in his previous three but is still a menace in the box. Meanwhile, Hector Bellerin is my Gunners backline pick. Southampton have made their way into my XI holding one of the best defences in the league and always reliable source of clean sheets. I’ve picked Nathaniel Clyne for his goal threat and have also chosen Sadio Mane – he looks the Saints’ best chance of producing goals.

Elsewhere, I’m doubling up on Manchester City assets due to the strong form of David Silva and Sergio Aguero. For the last spots, Stoke’s Victor Moses looks the Potters best hope of points while Aaron Cresswell has four assists so far this season and looks primed for more when Crystal Palace visit. Newcastle’s Papiss Cisse takes the last spot, boasting one of the best goals per appearance ratio this season with a strike every 83 minutes. Up against an incompetent Aston Villa defence, he’s always capable of netting and has proven he’s the Magpies best attacking outlet.

Jonty

Sunderland’s poor tally of three goals in the last four Gameweeks favours David De Gea’s clean sheet prospects, while for my three defenders I’ve gone for potential at both ends of the pitch. With six assists already this season, Newcastle’s Daryl Janmaat looks primed for returns, as does West Ham’s Aaron Cresswell, who has four assists and faces Crystal Palace at home. Ryan Bertrand is another attacking defender, who returns from suspension this week.

For Arsenal coverage I’m holding out hope Alexis Sanchez can reclaim his goal scoring form and Mesut Ozil provides alternative Arsenal attacking cover should the Chilean let me down. Angel Di Maria looks another reliable source of points, with four assists in the last four Gameweeks. Jonathan Walters is a favourite of mine and has consistently delivered returns for my picks when selected. Victor Moses is another good Stoke option, but I favour Walters’ greater goal threat.

Up front, Sergio Aguero looks back in form and has a fine away record this season – three of his four double-digit hauls have been away from the Etihad. With five goals in the last seven matches, Danny Ings looks a sure bet for a goal at least when Burnley face Swansea. Finally, West Ham’s Diafra Sakho already has eight goals this season and looks to be back in form following his goal against Tottenham last weekend.

Mark

I’m backing four sides – United, Stoke, Arsenal and Southampton – all to earn wins and clean sheets this weekend.

Sunderland’s lack of bite boosts David de Gea’s prospects of returns at Old Trafford tomorrow. With Robin van Persie ruled out, I’m giving Wayne Rooney a run out up front as I can’t see United failing to score.

Phil Bardsley is my Stoke defender of choice as Hull pay visit – Steve Bruce’s side have scored once in their last three road trips. I’ve went with head over heart and selected Jon Walters instead of Victor Moses – the former’s just been more clinical in recent matches for my liking.

Everton’s attacking output has been disappointing of late, leading me to select Laurent Koscielny – I’ll go with the Frenchman due to his recent goal output. I’m also backing Alexis Sanchez to end his mini-goal drought and get the better of the Toffees defence on Sunday afternoon.

With doubts surrounding Saido Berahino’s fitness, Ryan Bertrand comes in at the back- I see a narrow Southampton win at the Hawthorns, with Ronald Koeman’s side picking up a clean sheet. With the Saints boss considering switching Sadio Mane to a central spot, the Senegal international comes in here, too.

This leaves me with three slots to fill and Sergio Aguero is an obvious pick as City roll up to Anfield. I have a feeling the champions’ clash against Liverpool will serve up the goals and Manuel Pellegrini’s side need to win this one to keep the pressure on Chelsea. Stewart Downing offers me coverage of the Hammers’ attack as Palace pay visit, while Swansea’s Bafetimbi Gomis is my punt for the week. I feel that the Frenchman will play a key part in helping the Swans to a win over a Burnley side that have conceded more headed attempts than any other side.

Paul

Sunderland’s run of one goal in three suggests David de Gea could be in the points for tomorrow’s Old Trafford showdown. Laurent Koscielny has served up two goals and as many clean sheets in the last three at the Emirates and looks the most in-form option for Arsenal’s clash with Everton. Suspension-free Ryan Bertrand is called upon for what looks likely to be a cagey contest at the Hawthorns, whilst Daryl Janmaat’s six assists so far and home clash with Villa completes my back three.

I’ve opted for a five-man midfield and snapped up a couple of players mentioned in our midweek Versus members piece – Raheem Sterling and Angel di Maria. Victor Moses’ underlying stats earn him the nod over Jon Walters, whilst I reckon Sadio Mane’s considerable goal threat will be essential for the Saints to overcome West Brom at the Hawthorns. Alexis Sanchez’ consistency at home cannot be ignored – the Chilean has earned points in eight of his ten home starts this season.

Palace’s penchant for attacking under Alan Pardew means they’ve managed just one clean sheet in six under their new manager and the Hammers’ Diafra Sakho looks assured of a central role tomorrow on the back of his goal at White Hart Lane. Sergio Aguero completes my XI for the trip to Anfield – yes, Liverpool have five clean sheets in six but a closer look at the numbers shows Brendan Rodgers’ side have just a single shut-out in five home matches since moving to three at the back.

The Scores So Far

The Community marches on with Gameweek 26’s Community Champion Clam a Ram beating all three scouts with a score of 55. Jonty was close behind with 53, Mark got 42 and I claimed this week’s wooden spoon with a tally of 39.

In the overall standings Jonty retains the lead with a score of 1346, while Mark has 1333, I have 1316 and The Community has 1260.