FPL Gameweek 35 Scout Picks: All-in on Arsenal and Manchester City
With the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season reaching its climax, it's time to make those crucial decisions for Gameweek 35. This week, I'm taking a bold approach, focusing on two powerhouse teams: Arsenal and Manchester City. Let's dive into my picks and the reasoning behind them.
The Arsenal Advantage
Arsenal, the best team in the league for clean sheets, goals conceded, and expected goals conceded (xGC), is an obvious choice for this gameweek. Their upcoming fixture against Fulham, a team that has struggled to score away from home (only 16 goals all season), presents a golden opportunity. Fulham's lack of creativity without Alex Iwobi further strengthens Arsenal's case.
David Raya: The Reliable Option
David Raya, an affordable option at £6.0m, is my goalkeeper pick for this gameweek. His reliability and Arsenal's solid defensive record make him a safe choice, especially with Fulham's poor away form.
Defensive Double-Up
Gabriel Magalhaes: A Menace at Set-Plays
Gabriel Magalhaes, an excellent set-piece taker with eight attacking returns this season, is a must-have in your team. His defensive prowess and attacking intent make him a valuable asset, especially against a Fulham side that has failed to score in four of their last five away matches.
Nico O'Reilly: Manchester City's Attacking Defender
Nico O'Reilly, a Manchester City defender, is another excellent choice. His attacking intent has yielded four goals and one assist in his last seven matches, and he's had six shots from inside the opposition's six-yard box. With Everton's poor defensive record at home, O'Reilly is a strong pick.
Leeds United's Jayden Bogle: A Flying Wing-Back
Jayden Bogle, a Leeds United defender, is a surprising choice. However, his high expected goal involvement (xGI) and Burnley's poor defensive record make him a potential game-changer. Burnley has allowed more chances to be created from their left flank than any other club in the league, making Bogle a risky but potentially rewarding pick.
Bournemouth's James Hill: A Safe Bet
James Hill, a Bournemouth defender, is a safe choice against Crystal Palace. Bournemouth has kept five clean sheets at home against lower-ranked teams, and Palace is one of the division's lowest scorers. Hill's defensive contributions (DefCon) make him a reliable option.
Conclusion
This gameweek, I'm taking a calculated risk with Arsenal and Manchester City, focusing on defensive double-ups and set-piece specialists. While there are risks involved, the potential rewards are significant. Remember, in FPL, sometimes taking a bold approach can pay off handsomely.
As always, keep an eye on injury news and team selections, and don't be afraid to make adjustments. Good luck with your FPL team for Gameweek 35!
