The Dugout Discussion – Wednesday

Wednesday evening brings another six Premier League matches our way as Gameweek 25 comes to its conclusion. Four of those fixtures get underway at 7.45pm, with league leaders Chelsea looking to strengthen their position at the summit as Everton roll up to the Bridge.

The Blues have conceded just once in their last six home matches and have dropped just two points in front of their own fans this season, with Branislav Ivanovic and Eden Hazard looking to continue the form that sees the duo sit at the top of the defender and midfielder rankings respectively in the Fantasy Premier league (FPL) game.

United have failed to convince in recent matches yet sit just one point off third spot. The fact that David de Gea is their top-scoring player in the FPL game highlights the lack of legitimate options amongst Louis van Gaal’s squad ahead of a home clash with Burnley, though with 15% and 18% ownership respectively, Angel di Maria and Wayne Rooney remain in many managers’ plans.

Southampton and West Ham go head-to-head at St Mary’s, with Sadio Mane’s new owners looking for a big performance. Having scored in each of his last four starts, the wide man was acquired by over 32,000 FPL managers prior to yesterday’s deadline. With the Hammers still hampered by a number of injury concerns, Ronald Koeman’s side will be looking to improve upon a defensive record that has seen them concede in four of their last six at St Mary’s.

Champions City head to the Britannia with Sergio Aguero in worrying form. Without a goal in his last four league outings, the Argentine has failed to convince without Yaya Toure on board, whilst last week’s shift to 4-4-2 has David Silva owners thinking twice after he was moved out wide.

At 8pm, Alan Pardew looks to get one over former club Newcastle at Selhurst Park. After raking in the points in their first two under the new man in charge, Dwight Gayle and Jason Puncheon have blanked in each of the last two, whilst Jack Colback rolls up as the Magpies’ form player after producing three goals and two assists in his last six outings.

The final match of the Gameweek sees West Brom entertain Swansea at the Hawthorns. Faith in Tony Pulis’ defence has slipped in recent matches, with Andre Wisdom owners preparing to bail out if he’s benched again. With Gylfi Sigurdsson serving the last of a three-match suspension and Wilfried Bony off to City, Garry Monk’s side may struggle to improve a record that’s seen them fail to score more than once in the last ten Gameweeks.