The Dugout Discussion – Tuesday

As a result of last weekend’s FA Cup interlude, we’re treated to two full Gameweeks within the space of a week, starting with eight league ties under the floodlights this evening. Looking at the standout fixtures, Leicester City’s head-to-head with Liverpool pits together two sides that rattled in the goals last Gameweek.

Despite posting a middling tally of five strikes over the last four Gameweeks, the Foxes accrued the joint-fifth-most shots inside the box (34) and joint-most big chances (nine). Illustrating their diligence at the back, no team conceded fewer goals (one) than Claudio Ranieri’s troops during that period. As for the Reds, they notched eight goals and the second-most attempts (77). Although they netted five at Norwich City last time out, the Merseysiders managed one goal in four road matches prior to the Carrow Road showdown, highlighting a real lack of consistency.

On a quest to avenge a 4-0 mauling in the reverse fixture, Arsenal play host to a Southampton outfit that’s carded three successive victories and clean sheets. Only West Bromwich Albion chalked up fewer shots on target (10) than the Gunners (11) across the previous four Gameweeks, demonstrating their drop off on the attacking front. Meanwhile, Saints conceded nine fewer shots inside the box (11) than any team and the joint-fewest big chances (two), which points towards a keenly contested encounter.

Sunderland welcome a Manchester City squad that’s in the midst of a six-match unbeaten streak. The Black Cats boast one of the league’s form attacks, having mustered the joint-most goals (nine) and carded the best shot-conversion rate (25.7%) over the last four Gameweeks. Equally, the Sky Blues’ offense fared well, bagging eight goals and the second-most shots inside the box (42). Man City’s rearguard held up their end of the bargain, too, and was only breached on three occasions.

Elsewhere around the league, Norwich entertain a Tottenham Hotspur team that notched seven goals in their last two outings, while West Ham United invite an Aston Villa side that’s unbeaten in three matches.

Staying within London, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth do battle at Selhurst Park, with the former searching for their first win in seven league clashes. Manchester United endeavour to record just their second home win in six attempts when Stoke City pay a visit, and – finally – West Brom face a home match-up against a resurgent Swansea City.