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Scout’s Top 8 : Gameweek 25

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Looking for the edge in Gameweek 25? 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 your Scout’s Top 8.

1. Bryan Mbeumo – Manchester United vs. Tottenham

Bryan Mbeumo has transitioned from a promising winger into an absolute focal point of the Manchester United attack since his blockbuster move to Old Trafford. This season, he has been on fire, already securing eight league goals which places him among the most clinical finishers in the division. What makes Mbeumo such a terrifying prospect for the Tottenham defense is his tactical evolution into a creative engine who can assist as easily as he scores. Under the management of Michael Carrick, United have adopted a style that perfectly suits Mbeumo’s blistering pace on the transition, a fact proven by his crucial winner against Arsenal last weekend. He frequently drifts into central areas to act as a second striker, ensuring he is always in the frame when a big chance falls. Facing a Tottenham side that has notoriously struggled with a high-line, high-risk defensive structure, Mbeumo is the “form” pick of this list and the player most likely to punish any defensive lapses at Old Trafford.

2. Viktor Gyökeres – Arsenal vs. Sunderland

Viktor Gyökeres has wasted no time proving his worth at the Emirates, establishing himself as a “pressing monster” who leads the league in final-third pressures with 199. With six Premier League goals and four Champions League goals already this season, his impact is undeniable as he has become the centerpiece of Mikel Arteta’s forward line. Despite a minor muscle injury concern earlier in the week, he is expected to lead the charge against a Sunderland side that will find it difficult to play out from the back under his relentless hounding. Gyökeres doesn’t just wait for the ball; he creates his own luck by forcing errors from tired defenders, a nightmare scenario for any promoted side visiting North London. His comfort with the tactical demands of his coach and his proven ability to score in high-stakes matches mean he carries the “fear factor” required to bully the Sunderland backline for ninety minutes.

3. Jarrod Bowen – Burnley vs. West Ham

Jarrod Bowen remains the undisputed heart of West Ham’s offensive output, currently sitting on an impressive tally of eight goals for the season. As the Hammers travel to Turf Moor, Bowen faces a Burnley side that is desperately adrift of safety and has shown a worrying tendency to concede heavily in their home fixtures. Bowen’s value lies in his consistency; he is the primary creative hub for his team and will undoubtedly be the main beneficiary if Burnley are forced to “go for broke” to save their season. His ability to cut inside from the right and exploit the space between the lines makes him a persistent threat that is difficult to track for a defense that has struggled with organization all year. With West Ham needing a result to solidify their position, Bowen’s clinical finishing and high shot volume make him a top-tier candidate for a double-digit return this weekend.

4. Harry Wilson – Fulham vs. Everton

Harry Wilson is enjoying a career-best run of form, currently leading the Fulham scoring charts with eight Premier League goals. He has become a key figure in the Cottagers’ attack, offering a sophisticated blend of creative vision and dead-eye finishing that makes him a nightmare for opposition fullbacks. Fulham have turned Craven Cottage into a fortress recently, scoring in nine consecutive home matches, and Wilson is almost always at the center of that productivity. He is a “chaos-creator” who thrives on the direct ball-carrying style favored by Marco Silva. Everton’s defense, while traditionally organized, often struggles with players who can operate effectively in the half-spaces like Wilson does. Given his current trajectory and his role as a primary set-piece taker, Wilson is primed to exploit an Everton side that can be vulnerable to sustained pressure out wide.

5. Cole Palmer – Wolves vs. Chelsea

While Cole Palmer’s goal and assist tally has been surprisingly lower than last season’s heights, his underlying numbers tell a much more encouraging story. He remains the engine of Chelsea’s creative output, maintaining a good expected goals (xG) figure of 3.55 and already contributing four goals to the cause. Palmer’s routes to points are remarkably diversified; he is the primary penalty taker, the corner specialist, and the man entrusted with almost every direct free-kick. This set-piece monopoly ensures that even in a stale or defensive match, he has multiple ways to find the scoresheet or provide a teammate with a big chance. His passing statistics are equally impressive, showing that he is the one conducting the play and moving the ball into key areas before the final assist even occurs. Against a Wolves side that has lacked defensive consistency, Palmer is due a massive haul where his elite creativity finally converts into the multiple returns his play deserves.

6. Nick Woltemade – Newcastle vs. Brentford

Nick Woltemade has emerged as a surprise package for Newcastle United this season, netting seven goals and becoming a focal point for Eddie Howe’s attacking strategies. His physical presence and refined link-up play have made him a dual-threat asset, particularly at St. James’ Park where the home crowd fuels his high-intensity style. Facing a Brentford defense that has shown a tendency to concede high-volume shooting opportunities, Woltemade is perfectly positioned to profit from the service provided by Newcastle’s wide players. He has demonstrated a knack for being in the right place at the right time, often finding the back of the net through sheer persistence in the box. As Newcastle look to climb the table, Woltemade’s role as the undisputed #9 makes him the most likely source of goals in what promises to be an expansive game against the Bees.

7. Kaoru Mitoma – Brighton vs. Crystal Palace

The M23 Derby is always a highlight of the calendar, and Kaoru Mitoma enters this clash as Brighton’s most dangerous creative spark. Sitting tenth in the table, Brighton rely heavily on Mitoma’s 1v1 dominance to break down stubborn defensive blocks. This weekend he faces a Crystal Palace side that has been in a period of significant struggle, and more importantly, one that is missing their ex-defensive lynchpin Marc Guéhi who’s now at Man City. Mitoma’s ability to isolate fullbacks and drive toward the byline will be the tactical advantage Brighton need to exploit an inexperienced Palace backline. He is a player who thrives in the high-stakes atmosphere of a derby, and his statistical profile suggests he is consistently among the league leaders for successful dribbles and progressive carries into the penalty area. In a game where emotions run high, Mitoma’s technical composure could easily be the deciding factor.

8. Florian Wirtz – Liverpool vs. Manchester City

In the weekend’s blockbuster fixture at Anfield, Florian Wirtz is the man tasked with being the creative maestro for Liverpool as they take on Manchester City. Since his high-profile move, Wirtz has already provided four goals and a string of high-value assists, proving he is a livewire in the biggest games. His tactical flexibility allows him to tuck inside and create overloads in the midfield, a strategy Arne Slot will likely use to disrupt City’s rhythm. Wirtz possesses the elite vision required to slip balls through a high line, making him the perfect partner for pacey forwards looking to exploit the space behind Pep Guardiola’s defense. With Liverpool seeking revenge for a previous 3-0 defeat to City, Wirtz is the specific player with the “safe hands” and clinical passing to unlock even the most disciplined defensive structures.

These eight players represent the most statistically backed and tactically relevant options for the upcoming round of fixtures. Whether it is through high-volume shooting, elite creative passing, or relentless defensive pressure, each pick has a clear path to a significant points haul this weekend. In a week full of high-stakes derbies and top-of-the-table clashes, these are the assets most likely to define the outcome of your Gameweek.

Christian Olorunda

Christian Olorunda is a football analyst specializing in tactical trends and the financial evolution of the African and European game. As someone who has watched football since his childhood, writing about it and researching players and clubs has always come easy to him. Through his writing and research, he has shaped his opinions and that of others when needed. He started writing in 2022 and hasn't looked back since, with over 500 articles published in various journals and blogs. Follow his analysis on X (https://x.com/theFootballBias).

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