Scout Picks Squad – Gameweek 6

Our midweek regular arrives 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 6, here’s a 22-man squad made up of those currently in our thinking…

Keepers

Although Newcastle are struggling to score at present, their clean sheet against Manchester United and impressive rearguard action in a 1-0 loss to Arsenal offers encouragement for Tim Krul (4.5) ahead of a home tie against a Watford oufit with one goal in the last four Gameweeks. Meanwhile, Stoke are yet to register a shut-out this term, but Jack Butland tallied 10 saves last time out and faces a home encounter against Leicester City.

Defenders

Aleksandar Kolarov (46 points) is second only to Riyad Mahrez (47) with regards to total score this campaign, having averaged over nine points per appearance over the first five Gameweeks. West Ham’s visit to the Etihad could serve up further attacking returns for the marauding Serb.

Simon Francis (4.5) ranks top among defenders for key passes (nine) and has bagged two assists in his previous three outings. A home clash against Sunderland could well produce the Cherries maiden top-flight clean sheet.

Jordan Amavi (5.0) stands as the most forward-thinking defender among Villa’s ranks ahead of a home showdown against a West Brom side that’s netted just one goal on their travels. Martin Skrtel‘s (5.5) threat from set pieces might come into play when the Reds locks horns with a Norwich City team that shipped three goals in their last road clash.

No forward attempted more shots than the 4.9-priced Daryl Janmaat (five) in Gameweek 5, highlighting his potent goal threat for Newcastle’s clash with Norwich. We’d initially opted for Luke Shaw but this evening’s injury sees us turn to United team-mate Matteo Darmian for a trip to St Mary’s to face a Southampton side that’s blanked in three of the previous four.

Midfielders

Riyad Mahrez (6.2) looks to perpetuate his unparalleled start to the campaign (four goals and two assists) when the Foxes pit their wits against a Potters outfit that’s been poor at home. A fit-again David Silva (10.2) will look to carve open the Hammers at the Etihad, in the knowledge that Slaven Bilic’s men conceded four to Bournemouth in Gameweek 3.

Alexis Sanchez (11.0) rattled the crossbar twice when Stoke paid Arsenal a visit and boasts 10 more attempts (28) than any other midfielder this season. No defence has been breached more than Chelsea’s (12), so owners of the Chile international will be optimistic as the Gunners make the trip across the capital.

Scott Sinclair (4.9) tallied five goals in his last three outings in all competitions, rendering him an intriguing budget prospect before the West Midlands derby. Philippe Coutinho (8.1) sat out Liverpool’s last match due to suspension yet still places second among his counterparts for attempts (18). Only two midfielders have chalked up more shots inside the box (10) than the 7.3-priced Andre Ayew as Swansea host Everton at the Liberty.

Yannick Bolasie (6.3) reclaimed a starting berth against Man City and could cause all manner of problems for a Spurs defence that’s far from the finished article. Jeremain Lens (6.5) was the standout player for the Black Cats against Tottenham – fashioning four attempts at goal – and will fancy his chances against Bournemouth’s porous back line.

Forwards

Sergio Aguero (13.2) ranks second among forwards for shot frequency (one every 20.8 minutes) and will be desperate to snap his lean streak when the Hammers come to town. Surprisingly named on the bench to face Juventus this evening, the Argentine looks set to be unleashed on Slaven Bilic’s side.

Bafetimbi Gomis (7.5) has amassed more shots on target (nine) than any forward this campaign as the Swans endeavour to claim their third home win of the season against the Toffees.

Harry Kane (9.4) is devoid of form but will doubtless be at the heart of things when Spurs find their attacking rhythm – perhaps starting with the Eagles visit to White Hart Lane. Christian Benteke (8.5) will draw huge confidence from his sensational overhead kick against the Red Devils and should benefit from the return of chief playmaker Coutinho.

Callum Wilson (5.8) is afforded a great chance to further his goal haul (four) as the Cherries embark on an agreeable trio of fixtures (SUN, sto, wat). Jamie Vardy (6.1) has bagged back-to-back strikes and is excelling for a Foxes attack that’s scored as many goals (11) as league leaders Man City.