After weeks of selections that have proven average at best, we are returning for week 29 of the Premier League determined to regain some respectability heading into the final couple of months of the campaign.
We missed week 28 (that probably turned out to be a good thing...), but back in week 27, Olivier Giroud showed that we were wrong to doubt his confidence after he netted against Everton, while our gamble on Juan Mata didn't pay off, although only Louis van Gaal knows why he isn't selecting the Spaniard after witnessing weeks of inconsistent performances from his side. We scored with the selection of Raheem Sterling and the non-selection of Tim Howard, but we are looking for an improved return this time around.
Below, Sports Mole makes another six picks based on this week's fixtures in the top flight.
Who to pick
1. Laurent Koscielny
Despite not producing the best of performances against Monaco in the Champions League, Arsenal have impressed at the Emirates Stadium during 2015. Much of the focus tends to be on their return in front of goal, but aside from the Monaco setback, Arsene Wenger's side have conceded just the one goal in six domestic games, which is a superb statistic for a team that has previously been criticised for their quality at the back. West Ham United make the short trip to North London on Saturday hoping to put a dent in the Gunners' bid to push Manchester City for second place, but after dropping off the pace in recent weeks, it's difficult to see how the Hammers can threaten one of the form sides in English football, and Laurent Koscielny has showed in the past that he is capable of netting a goal or two from set pieces.
2. Wayne Rooney
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For much of the season, Manchester United manager Van Gaal has opted to operate Wayne Rooney in the centre of midfield, much to the bewilderment of the majority of the club's supporters and critics alike. The England skipper is perfectly capable of operating in such a role, but with Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao less than prolific in the final third, it has been questioned why the 29-year-old hasn't been pushed further forward. However, an injury to Van Persie and the loss of form of Falcao effectively forced Van Gaal's hand and Rooney's goal return has improved since the return to a more familiar role. Tottenham Hotspur are the visitors to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon and with their failed to keep a clean sheet for eight games in all competitions, we are backing Rooney to cash in on the gaps in defence.
3. Ayoze Perez
We've provided you with some random selections throughout the season but admittedly, this is probably the most unexpected pick of the lot. Newcastle United striker Ayoze Perez impressed in the final two months of 2014, netting five goals for the Magpies as Alan Pardew helped turn around the club's fortunes after a slow start to the season. However, since Pardew's departure, the Spaniard hasn't found the back of the net in nine games, a record that isn't exactly impressive for a forward. The seven-game suspension of teammate Papiss Cisse is something that could play into the 21-year-old's hands though, and starting at a struggling Everton on Sunday afternoon, Perez could start to hit the goal trail once again.
Who to avoid
1. Diego Costa
All in all, it's been an impressive first season in English football for Chelsea striker Diego Costa. He has come in for plenty of criticism regarding his aggression and style of play, but after scoring 17 goals in 21 Premier League games, it's hard to criticise the former Atletico Madrid forward. However, despite continuing to lead the line to good effect from a team perspective, Costa is currently enduring his biggest drought since arriving in England, with no goals being scored in his last seven games. You get the impression that the 26-year-old isn't the type to suffer from a lack of belief, and he's always in positions to break his duck, but after a gruelling 120 minutes against Paris Saint-Germain, he could find himself on the substitutes' bench at the weekend with the likes of Didier Drogba and Loic Remy pushing for a start.
2. Danny Ings
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Like Costa, Burnley striker Danny Ings has enjoyed his first spell in the top flight of English football, with nine goals being scored in 27 games in all competitions. That's a solid return for a team that are struggling at the wrong end of the table and his overall performances have earned admirers from England and abroad. However, as well as failing to score in his last three outings, Saturday will see Ings come up against a Manchester City backline that is eager to respond to recent criticism about their defensive attributes, as well as quash reports that there is discontent in the dressing room. Burnley need points on the board, but against the team with the best away record in the Premier League, it could be a long evening for Ings and his teammates.
3. Robert Huth
Despite languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table for much of the season, Leicester City have earned plaudits for some of their recent displays, most recently away at Manchester City where they could consider themselves unlucky not to come away with a point. However, while their attacking play has gained admirers, the Foxes are still shipping goals at the other end, with no clean sheet being recorded in seven games. The visit of Hull City to the King Power Stadium may prove tempting to introduce a Leicester defender into your side, but despite their own struggles, Hull have recorded eight points from their last five games, with striker Dame N'Doye proving an instant success at the Tigers, and it would come as no surprise if he adds a fourth goal for his new club.
Darren Plant
