Looking for the edge in Gameweek 35? This week’s selection is a clinical blend of high-volume shooters and the league’s most creative sparks, all primed for a massive haul. From “pressing monsters” to tactical “high-line specialists,” here is the Scout’s Top 8.
1. Leeds United vs. Burnley
Player: Noah Okafor
The Friday night curtain-raiser at Elland Road features a man who has become the spark for Leeds United’s late-season push for safety. Noah Okafor has been a revelation since joining the club, recording seven goals and one assist to establish himself as the primary threat for the 15th-placed side. His recent momentum is backed by a massive 8.5 performance rating in the 3-0 dismantling of Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 18, but he is far from a one-hit wonder. Okafor has already proven himself as a high-stakes performer capable of silencing the most hostile of environments, notably netting two goals in a 2-1 victory away at Manchester United on April 13. What truly sets him apart is his lethal efficiency; over 1,503 minutes of Premier League play, Okafor has registered his seven goals from an expected goals (xG) of just 5.13. This elite clinical finishing makes him a prime candidate for further attacking returns this weekend as Leeds host 19th-placed Burnley, a side that has struggled immensely to close the gaps in a defense that has conceded 68 goals this season.
2. Brentford vs. West Ham United
Player: Kevin Schade
As Brentford look to solidify their position in the top half of the table, Kevin Schade remains the focal point of an attack that has been surprisingly resilient. Schade has netted seven goals this campaign, including a vital contribution during a high-octane 4-3 victory over Burnley that showcased his ability to thrive in chaotic matches. He is far from a passive observer in the final third; Schade is one of the most active penalty box threats for the Bees, recording 115 touches in the opposition box and 21 shots on target from inside the area. While his raw total of seven goals is respectable, his underlying numbers suggest he is actually underperforming his potential output. With an expected goals (xG) figure of 9.79, the data indicates that Schade is consistently finding high-quality scoring positions and is due for a statistical correction. Facing West Ham at home, Schade acts as the primary target man for a 9th-placed Brentford side that has the tactical discipline to exploit a Hammers defense that often struggles with physical strikers.
3. AFC Bournemouth vs. Crystal Palace
Player: Rayan
The south coast has a new hero in the form of the 19-year-old Brazilian sensation known simply as Rayan. Since his highly anticipated arrival from Vasco da Gama in the January window, the winger has been establishing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous wide players, tallying three goals and two assists in just 11 appearances. Rayan is the definition of an elite dribbler, currently ranking in the top 10% of all Premier League wingers for successful take-ons since his winter debut. His form throughout April was nothing short of exceptional, highlighted by a 7.1 rating during Bournemouth’s stunning 2-1 away victory against Arsenal at the Emirates and a goal against Newcastle in his most recent outing. Beyond his technical flair, he offers a surprising physical presence for his age, winning 60% of his aerial duels. This unique physical mismatch is a vital weapon for a Bournemouth side currently sitting 7th in the league as they prepare to host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
4. Manchester United vs. Liverpool
Player: Bruno Fernandes
Old Trafford prepares for a North-West Derby that could see the Manchester United captain etch his name into the history books. Bruno Fernandes currently leads the Premier League with 19 assists, sitting just one shy of equaling the all-time single-season record of 20. His playmaking dominance in 2026 has been the engine behind United’s climb to 3rd place, as he has recorded an incredible 12 assists in just 14 matches since the turn of the year. The underlying volume of his output is staggering; Fernandes leads the entire division in key passes with 83 and “Big Chances Created” with 14, while averaging an assist per game over his last five starts. As a big-game specialist, he thrives under the pressure of fixtures like the one against Liverpool this Sunday. Furthermore, his reliability from the spot remains a crucial floor for his points potential, having already successfully stepped up for six penalties this season.
5. Manchester United vs. Liverpool
Player: Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz continues to establish himself as Liverpool’s primary playmaker, currently ranking in the 94th percentile for chances created and the 93rd percentile for total touches among all Premier League attacking midfielders. He enters the high-stakes clash at Old Trafford in clinical form, having recently scored a goal and recorded a 7.5 rating in the 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace on April 25. With Mohamed Salah confirmed as a major absentee due to injury, Wirtz’s responsibility as the creative centerpiece has become critical for a Liverpool side that sits 4th in the league and is fighting to secure a top-four finish. His underlying data supports a high points ceiling for this weekend, as he has recorded 154 touches in the opposition box this season and continues to average 1.7 key passes per match.
6. Aston Villa vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Player: Ollie Watkins
Sunday evening provides a high-stakes clash at Villa Park where Ollie Watkins will lead the line for an Aston Villa side chasing their European dreams. Watkins has been a reliable double-digit marksman this campaign, recording 11 Premier League goals for the 5th-placed Villans. He is a constant nuisance in the final third, ranking among the league leaders for touches in the opposition box with 154 and registering 33 shots on target from high-value areas. The quality of the chances he receives is exceptionally high, often facilitated by the creativity of Morgan Rogers, leading to an expected goals (xG) figure of 12.22. In a high-stakes environment like the one expected against Tottenham, Watkins remains the primary goal threat and the most likely player to capitalize on the open spaces often left by Spurs’ aggressive defensive line.
7. Chelsea vs. Nottingham Forest
Player: Joao Pedro
At Stamford Bridge, Joao Pedro has emerged as the definitive leading man for Chelsea, surpassing even Cole Palmer to become the club’s leading finisher with 14 Premier League goals. His trajectory changed dramatically when Liam Rosenior took charge, a period that saw Pedro explode for 10 goals and two assists in a mere 10 appearances. Even with subsequent changes in the dugout, his underlying dominance has persisted; he leads all Chelsea attackers in expected goal involvement (xGI) over the last month of action. Pedro offers a secure points floor for fantasy managers and scouts alike as Chelsea’s designated penalty taker in the absence of other specialists. Facing Nottingham Forest on Monday, his ability to find pockets of space and his clinical finishing in the box make him the most dangerous asset in the Chelsea frontline.
8. Everton vs. Manchester City
Player: Rayan Cherki
Finally, we look to Goodison Park on Monday night, where Manchester City’s creative engine Rayan Cherki will look to dismantle the Everton defense. In his debut season for City, Cherki has been nothing short of spectacular, recording 10 assists and four goals to rank second in the league’s playmaker race behind only Bruno Fernandes. He is an elite dribbler who ranks in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons, averaging 1.39 successful dribbles per match. Cherki’s efficiency fits seamlessly into Pep Guardiola’s title-chasing system, as evidenced by his 1.73 key passes per match and 21 big chances created. Facing an Everton defense that has conceded 41 goals this season, Cherki will be targeting a massive haul to add to his current expected assists (xA) of 6.45.
As we approach the final stretch of the season, the importance of these statistical anchors cannot be overstated. From the record-chasing artistry of Bruno Fernandes to the explosive arrival of young talents like Rayan, Gameweek 35 is set to be a showcase of the Premier League’s diverse attacking talent. Each of these eight players possesses the form, the underlying numbers, and the specific fixture appeal to dominate their respective matchups. Good luck to the managers navigating this critical round; may your picks find the back of the net and the top of the charts.
