The Dugout Discussion – Saturday

Saturday‘s early-afternoon fixture list serves up an embarrassment of riches, with twelve teams duking it out in the three o’clock kick-offs.

Manchester City play host to Watford in what could turn out to be a high-scoring affair for the league leaders. The Sky Blues have been in imperious form over the opening trio of Gameweeks, securing three successive victories and cleans sheets. Although no team has tallied more shots on target (24) across that stretch, the Hornets have proved to be surprisingly resilient at the back, conceding the fifth fewest number of shots inside the box (18).

Having bagged their first win of the season against West Bromwich Albion, Chelsea look to build some momentum as they invite Crystal Palace to Selhurst Park. The Blues registered just 11 shots on target and two big chances in the preceding Gameweeks, offering hope for the Eagles in their pursuit of a second away win this term.

Elsewhere, Liverpool endeavour to fill their boots at home to a West Ham United outfit that shipped four goals last time out. The Reds are yet to concede this campaign – having restricted their opposition to just two big chances – but will be wary of the Hammers’ threat after witnessing them record a 2-0 away win over Arsenal in Gameweek 1.

Aston Villa invite Sunderland to Villa Park, with the Black Cats searching for their first win of the season. Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion make the journey to the Britannia Stadium to face off against a Stoke City outfit that’s ranked second for big chances (seven) this term.

Leicester City attempt to prolong their dream start when they pay visit to a buoyant Bournemouth. Only Man City have racked up more goals (eight) than the Foxes (seven), while the Cherries rattled four past the Irons last Gameweek, so this promises to be an end-to-end encounter with goals on the agenda.