This article is part of our FPL Best XI series.
Compared to the previous editions this season, Gameweek 6 of the Premier League produced some rather routine results.
Both the Merseyside and North London derbies ended in 1-1 draws, though Phil Jagielka's stoppage-time screamer for Everton certainly raised eyebrows.
Then, both Chelsea and Manchester City handled business in usual fashion, while Southampton continued its flying start, and another loss for Newcastle raised temperatures at St. James' Park even more.
Perhaps the most surprising result was West Brom exploding for four goals on Sunday, but considering that came at the hands of Burnley, the accomplishment is a bit anticlimactic.
In any case, the Best XI bounced back to its usual high standing with an admirable Gameweek 6 haul.
Goalkeeper Fraser Forster was understandably beaten by a tremendous individual effort during Southampton's 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers.
Fortunately, Chelsea's defensive duo of Branislav Ivanovic and Gary Cahill both turned in clean sheets versus Aston Villa, though the latter's report included a yellow card.
Joining them in the Best XI was Man City's Vincent Kompany, whose new defensive partner Eliaquim Mangala did him little help, scoring an own goal and conceding a converted penalty versus Hull City.
In the midfield, neither Arsenal's Mesut Ozil nor Liverpool's Raheem Sterling make a fantasy splash in Saturday's two derby matches.
However, Southampton's Dusan Tadic was particularly active, as he attempted six shots – hitting the woodwork once – and supplied an assist versus QPR. Even better, David Silva set up two goals in Manchester City's win.
Last week's strike force proved most impressive, though, as Robin van Persie scored for Manchester United again, the always-dangerous Diego Costa registered his eighth goal of the campaign as the Best XI captain in Chelsea's win over Aston Villa, and Southampton sensation Graziano Pelle maintained his goal-scoring form with a splendid strike to clinch a 2-1 win Saturday.
Overall, that's three goals, three assists, and two clean sheets from last week.
In anticipation of Gameweek 7's slate of games, last season's top six is recovering from involvement in European competition during the week, while another international break awaits next weekend.
Come Saturday, there is no early match, but three of the day's first five ties (Hull-Crystal Palace, Liverpool-West Brom, and Sunderland-Stoke) feature opposing teams within three points of each other, pointing toward the potential for a shift in the standings before teams
dissemble for the break.
In more uneven pairings, promoted sides Leicester and Burnley square off, while Swansea v. Newcastle is an affair of opposing fortunes thus far.
To close Saturday, Aston Villa will be clinging to life near the top of the table, as their current sixth-place position is just one point behind third-place opponents Manchester City, but a home match could help the Villains' morale.
Sunday's four matches all involve managerial story lines, beginning with Everton at Manchester United, a showcase game that may or may not be on television at Mr. David Moyes' household.
Later on, manager Mauricio Pochettino's new team, Tottenham, welcome his old team, Southampton, where new boss Ronald Koeman has transcended last season's success.
In London, another derby reckons for Arsenal, who travel to Chelsea following a 6-0 embarrassment at Stanford Bridge last season. To thicken the plot, 18-year Gunners' gaffer Arsene Wenger is still looking for his first win over Chelsea headman Jose Mourinho.
Finally, Harry Redknapp will lead his new side Queens Park Rangers to face one of his former clubs West Ham.
Without further ado, here's the latest installment of the Best XI.
Formation: 3-4-3
Goalkeeper:
Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City)
Although he was absent from Leicester's only clean sheet performance of this season, Schmeichel still ranks second league-wide with 20 saves in five appearances. Following four stops last time out, Schmeichel returns home this weekend, where Leicester is unbeaten on the campaign, despite facing Everton, Arsenal, and Manchester United in their respective three outings at King Power Stadium. This Saturday, Schmeichel faces an underwhelming Burnley side that has failed to score since Gameweek 1 on August 18.
Defenders:
Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City)
The Argentine is coming off two assists last weekend and played in the midweek against AS Roma (Italy), but with Man City needing to keep pace in the Premiership race, Zabaleta should earn another start for Saturday versus Aston Villa. As previously documented in this space, the Villains have been toothless in attack this season, instead focusing on preventing opponents from scoring. While Villa striker Christian Benteke could return this week, Zabaleta still boasts a favorable road clean sheet opportunity, as Paul Lambert's men have gone scoreless in consecutive matches against Arsenal and Chelsea leading into Saturday's tie versus the reigning champions.
Ashley Williams (Swansea City)
A still somewhat surprising fifth-place side, Swansea City has allowed just one goal at home this season and that came to second-positioned Southampton. This weekend, Williams will anchor the Swans' defense versus a Newcastle club on the verge of collapse. Tied for last-place on points, the Magpies have yet to score on the road this season. What's more, Newcastle has gone without a goal in seven of their past eight away league games dating back to last season, while Swansea has kept a clean sheet the past two times they've hosted The Toon.
Winston Reid (West Ham)
Even though West Ham lost last weekend at Old Trafford, the Hammers put forth a fine effort and appeared rejuvenated from their Gameweek 5 win over Liverpool. That uplifting victory came in their last game at Upton Park, where Reid's team will face local rivals Queens Park Rangers on Sunday. QPR has just one away goal on the season and it came on a fantastic effort last weekend at Southampton. With West Ham yet to claim a clean sheet this season, Reid's team-high 9.2 clearances per game should help fortify the Hammers' defense in this weekend's London derby.
Midfielders:
Angel di Maria (Manchester United)
Di Maria couldn't contribute toward the scoresheet in any fashion last weekend, but should prove plenty threatening on Sunday versus Everton's last-ranked defense. For some reason, the Toffees' defensive unit has fared far better on the road, allowing just three goals in three matches. Nonetheless, American keeper Tim Howard was still required to make seven saves at Liverpool last weekend. Since Ander Herrera (ribs) and Wayne Rooney (suspension) won't be available for Manchester United, di Maria should assume an expanded role going forward in a much-improved Red Devils' attack of late. With Man U no stranger to defensive lapses either, Sunday could set the stage for the kind of shootout di Maria could do damage in.
Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Following an overworked 2013-14 campaign that was apparent at the World Cup this summer, Hazard has started quietly this season. The Belgian has one goal and one assist, and ranks ninth on Chelsea with only 1.2 shot attempts per game. To his credit, Hazard by far leads the Premiership with 5.2 dribbles completed on average, evidencing his supreme ability to run at defenders. That should come in handy against Arsenal, the kind of possession-based team that Jose Mourinho so often opts to crowd with bodies behind the ball, before aiming to score on the counter attack. Hazard netted a penalty in last spring's 6-0 trouncing and it remains to be seen if Arsenal has the defensive wear withal to stymie top teams away from home. Additionally, with Hazard of the left wing, he will be marked by 19-year-old Calum Chambers. While Chambers has acquitted himself nicely in a larger-than-expected role, he has still only been playing senior football for barely a year, presenting a naivety for Hazard to test.
Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea City)
He hasn't scored since Swansea's Gameweek 1 win at Manchester United, but Sigurdsson ranks second in the Premier League with four assists through six matches. With the Swans having gone three games without a win, they'll be desperate for a victory when winless Newcastle comes to Wales this weekend. Gary Monk's team put three goals past the Magpies in the corresponding fixture last season and if they are to duplicate that performance, Sigurdsson should certainly be part of the mix. Newcastle has allowed at least two goals in four matches thus far, which should provide Sigurdsson – Swansea's valued No. 10 – some confidence entering an already encouraging matchup.
David Silva (Manchester City)
The left-footed maestro notched a pair of assists last week and once against led Man City in the chances-created category in the mid-week versus Roma. With Samir Nasri (groin) out and Yaya Toure stagnating, Silva has been City's unrivaled spark going forward in the midfield. He should enjoy an abundance of possession versus Aston Villa this weekend, which bodes well for his assist potential. Of the six goals Villa has allowed over their last two matches, three have come from attacking midfielders like Silva, with two assists also coming from similar players. As such, the Spaniard's positioning in space could produce the cutting edge City need to take a road victory back to the Eastlands.
Forwards:
Enner Valencia (West Ham)
A contestant for the goal of the season through six weeks, thanks to a top-corner finish from distance in Gameweek 4, Valencia has been picking up steam lately.
He led West Ham with six shot attempts in their 3-1 upset of Liverpool and then hit the woodwork last weekend at Old Trafford. With Queens Park Rangers the foe this weekend, Valencia will be going against a less-than-stellar defense that's allowed at least two goals on its past three road trips. Furthermore, QPR has shipped three more away goals than any other side this term. While Valencia's strike partner Diafra Sakho – scorer of three goals in West Ham's past three matches – is an attractive option, few have gone four consecutive Premiership outings with a goal, so Valencia's inclusion here comes with the expectation of a breakthrough following some good recent showings.
Radamel Falcao (C) (Manchester United)
It's time for the highly-praised Colombian to open his Premier League scoring account. Pitted against the league's worst defense, playing at home, and on the heels of two assists in his past two outings, Falcao should be circling his calendar to net a goal versus Everton on Sunday. Moreover, with Wayne Rooney suspended, Falcao will become a more evident target for United up front. Perhaps more importantly, it should mean he completes his first Premiership match, offering a full 90 minutes for Falcao to make his mark. A deadly finisher in front of goal that's yet to break the seal in England, Falcao earns the Gameweek 7 captain's armband.
Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
In eight appearances across all competitions for Man City to date, Aguero has totaled five goals. Just by that record, the Argentine is shown to score more often than not. However, when factoring in Aguero scored last weekend at Hull and this week versus Roma, it seems he's destined to grace the scoresheet once again at Aston Villa. Following a sturdy start, Villa's back line has been exposed without center-back Ron Vlaar (calf) healthy. Instead, the combo of Philippe Senderos and Nathan Baker has been beaten for pace on numerous instances, which plays into the speedy Aguero's skill set. Finally, with City having scored at least twice in 12-of-14 Premier League matches, Aguero's stock looks even brighter.
Schmeichel
Zabaleta – Williams – Reid
di Maria – Hazard – Sigurdsson – Silva
Valencia – Falcao (C) - Aguero
