The Dugout Discussion – Saturday

Saturday’s main course serves up a quintet of Premier League match-ups. Newcastle United’s home tie against West Ham United looks particularly intriguing, with both teams entering that head-to-head off the back of eye-catching attacking displays.

Aside from scoring three against Manchester United, the Magpies ranked joint-top for shots on target (six) last Gameweek. Furthermore, they’ve thrived as an offensive unit at home this term, placing joint-fifth for goals (17). As for the Hammers, they snapped out of their barren spell (four goals in seven) over the last four Gameweeks, charting joint-second for goals (eight), joint-third for big chances (eight) and second for shots on target (22). At the other end of the pitch, Slaven Bilic’s men conceded the third-fewest goals (three) but the joint-fourth-most big chances (six).

Manchester City host a Crystal Palace outfit that’s without a win in four outings. Although the Sky Blues drew two blanks over the past four Gameweeks, they also ranked second for attempts (78), top for shots inside the box (49) and top for shots on target (24). Additionally, Manuel Pellegrini’s troops boasted the second-best defence (two goals conceded) during that time frame. Their clean-sheet prospects are further bolstered by the fact the Eagles failed to score in their previous four outings, placing second-bottom for attempts (35) in the process.

Chelsea endeavour to card just their second win in five home clashes when Everton pay a visit. The Blues tallied the joint-fourth-most goals (seven) over the last four Gameweeks, despite the fact that only three teams notched fewer shots on target (11). They’re pitted against a Toffees outfit that’s tasted defeat in just one of 10 road encounters (one loss, three wins, six draws). Only Palace have witnessed their net ripple on fewer occasions (eight) than Everton (nine) in away fixtures, so this could be an attritional contest at Stamford Bridge.

Bournemouth pursue their first win in five outings when Norwich City roll up at the Vitality Stadium. The Cherries have been devoid of attacking thrust across the past four Gameweeks, racking up just one goal. The Canaries fared better in that respect (four goals) but shipped six goals in their previous two road clashes. Having won their last two home match-ups by an aggregate of 6-0, Southampton will fancy their chances against a West Bromwich Albion side that’s not triumphed on the road since Gameweek 10.