By Neil Leverett and Niall Clarke

• Four teams take a respective double berth in our Gameweek 27 XI
• Liverpool cling onto their Premier League lead after a frustrating goalless draw with Manchester United
• Burnley shock in-form Tottenham Hotspur, as Leicester City sack Claude Puel following 4-1 humbling at home to Crystal Palace

PREMIER LEAGUE, UK – Four separate teams grab two spots apiece this week, but who made the cut for Gameweek 27? Which defender also makes his debut in our selection this time around?

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Bernd Leno (GK) – On a weekend where few stoppers shone brightly for their clubs – with a doff of the cap to Huddersfield Town ‘keeper Jonas Lossl – Arsenal German number one makes the grade this week. As Southampton began brightly at the Emirates on Sunday, Leno made two fine stops to nip any early impetus in the bud, as the Gunners kept a rare clean sheet with Leno making four saves.

DeAndre Yedlin (RB) – Making his first appearance for us this season is Newcastle United’s improving right-back. The American full-back also retained his clean sheet in an easy win for the Magpies against the Terriers, and set up Ayoze Perez‘s second goal for the hosts, courtesy of Salomon Rondon‘s flick.

Issa Diop (CB) –  Diop has looked a menace from set pieces since day one of his West Ham career in the capital and the Frenchman finally netted his first Hammers goal against a beleaguered Fulham. The centre-back also made four clearances and made one successful interception.

Chris Smalling (CB) – In what we billed as game of the week, Manchester United and Liverpool played out their first goalless draw in Premier League history. Whilst Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane were both decidedly off-key, it was the exploits of Smalling that saw the Reds’ omnipresent attacking line largely snuffed out. The former England man made two crucial interceptions, as the visitors drew their third game in the last four.

Sead Kolasinac (LB) – It has been an uncertain time for Arsenal’s versatile Bosnian full-back, but again this weekend, Kolasinac shows what he brings to the table. As the hosts, as documented kept a rare shutout, Kolasinac retained his ‘0’ whilst creating two chances from left-back.

Midfielders

James McArthur (CM) – Crystal Palace’s 4-1 win away at Leicester was one of the most shocking results of the weekend and one that cost Claude Puel his job at the King Power. McArthur was one of the key components of that victory, registering two assists in The Eagles’ thrashing of The Foxes. They were his fourth and fifth assists of the season and come after another goal involvement in their previous match against West Ham United.

Isaac Hayden (CM) – In the relegation fight every point is vital, so it was a relief was Newcastle fans when they earned a much needed and deserved three points at home to Huddersfield. Hayden played a big part in the victory as he assisted Salomon Rondon who opened the scoring just after the half time break. Hayden continues his fine form which sees the English midfielder have four goal involvements in his last five outings.

Ashley Westwood (CM) – Burnley turned in arguably the performance of the weekend as they made it seven unbeaten with a 2-1 win at home to Tottenham. Whilst Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood took most of the headlines, the effort of the midfield should not be overlooked. Forced to both attack and defend, Westwood put in a complete midfielders performance alongside Jack Cork.

Forwards

Gerard Deulofeu (RW) – Every once in a while Deulofeu shows why he used to feature for Barcelona and unfortunately for Cardiff he showed his talent on Friday. The Spaniard scored a hat trick and grabbed an assist as the Hornets ran out 5-1 winners in their trip across the Welsh border. Deulofeu is not the most consistent player, but when he is on the Watford winger is a handful for any defence.

Troy Deeney (ST) – Whilst we are on the topic of Watford, we can not go without mentioning Mr Watford himself who also played a big part in their 5-1 victory. Deeney grabbed two goals of his own in the thrashing of Cardiff, and he also set up Deulofeu’s opener on the night. His goals came when the match was already won, but he will not care as he takes his tally to seven for the season.

Wilfried Zaha (LW) – Zaha has not had the best of seasons so far this campaign, but the Ivorian showed his talent once again in Crystal Palace’s 4-1 win over Leicester. Zaha gave Palace the lead for the second time In the game after Jonny Evans canceled out Michy Batshuayi’s first-half opener. The Palace winger then capped off his day by scoring his team’s fourth in injury time. It was a big win for Crystal Palace who move six points clear of the drop.

Do you agree with our picks? Get in touch.

Premier League Gameweek 28 sees Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur meet in a London derby at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening

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