The Dugout Discussion – Saturday

Saturday afternoon brings a further seven matches our way now. Six of those fixtures get underway at 3pm and with Palace looking to continue their fine form under Alan Pardew, both Jason Puncheon and Dwight Gayle have been subject to increased investment after scoring in each of the two league outings since the new manager arrived.

Liverpool and West Ham go head-to-head at Anfield, with the hosts knowing a win will see them climb above their visitors. Daniel Sturridge could finally be set to return to the Anfield turf as Brendan Rodgers’ side look to out Tuesday’s semi-final cup loss at Chelsea behind them, whilst Stewart Downing owners will be considering their options as the fixture turn against the Hammers.

United welcome Leicester to Old Trafford as Louis van Gaal’s side look to avenge their 5-3 humbling at the King Power back in Gameweek 5. Both Wayne Rooney and Angel di Maria sit amongst the top five in this week’s Captain Poll and the latter, with a goal or assist in six of his eight home appearances, has been the most consistent in front of his own fans.

Stoke will be looking to take advantage of QPR’s woeful away form. The Potters are reeling from Bojan’s season-ending injury but with Victor Moses and Jon Walters both amongst the goals during the Potters’ comprehensive cup win over Rochdale, and Mame Biram Diouf now back from the African Cup of Nations, the hosts will fancy their chances against a side that’s lost every road trip so far. With a single goal in the last four, Charlie Austin’s form needs to be monitored at the Britannia.

Sunderland and Burnley square up in a proverbial six-pointer at the Stadium of Light. With some superb home fixtures to follow, Gus Poyet’s new 3-5-2 set-up could bring Jermain Defoe, Steven Fletcher and Adam Johnson onto our radars, though the Clarets boast the in-form Danny Ings, who has delivered returns in eight of the last 11 Gameweeks.

West Brom’s unbeaten run under Tony Pulis is set for a stiff test as Spurs roll up to the Hawthorns. The Baggies have racked up back-to-back shut-out in the league since the new manager took charge but face a tough task in keeping out Harry Kane, who has scored in five of his last six on the road, whilst Christian Eriksen and Nacer Chadli, with eight and seven strikes respectively, also carry a real threat to the home side.

The final match of today’s action sees the top two battle it out at the Bridge. Chelsea will need to regroup following Diego Costa’s three-match ban, as Jose Mourinho’s side go in search of a win that would take them eight points clear of the champions. Sergio Aguero has earned numerous new owners as a result of Costa’s suspension, though he faces a tough task to break down a backline that’s conceded once in their last eight home league matches.