The Dugout Discussion – Saturday

The bulk of Saturday’s Premier League action comprises of five three o’clock kick-offs. Among that quintet of match-ups, Swansea’s home tie against Southampton is likely to be a competitive affair.

The Swans are unbeaten since Francesco Guidolin took the reins at the Liberty Stadium, bagging a win against Everton and two 1-1 draws. Although they recorded a solid tally of five goals across the previous four Gameweeks, the Welsh outfit ranked joint-second-bottom for big chances (two), so there is big scope for improvement in attacking areas. As for the Saints, they have registered clean sheets in their last five fixtures, which – when allied with their opponent’s underwhelming attack – suggests this could be a low-scoring contest.

Having secured back-to-back wins for the first time this term last Gameweek, Everton lock horns with West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park. Only Tottenham Hotspur (11) have outscored the Toffees (10) since Gameweek 22, but no team mustered more big chances (13) during that window. Their chances of three successive shut-outs are bolstered by the fact that the Baggies have notched three blanks in their last four matches, ranking rock-bottom for shots on target (six).

Norwich City will look to avoid a sixth consecutive defeat when West Ham United make the trip to Carrow Road. The Canaries have flattered to deceive in all areas of the game of late, posting three blanks and conceding 13 goals (three more than any other side) over the last four Gameweeks. They’re pitted against a Hammers outfit that charted second for attempts (63) across that stretch and ranks fifth with regards to goals scored in away matches (18).

Bournemouth welcome a Stoke City outfit that’s been on the end of three straight 3-0 defeats. The Cherries emerged victorious in just one of their last four showdowns at the Vitality Stadium but will draw encouragement from the fact that the Potters have surrendered the most big chances (13) since Gameweek 22. Crystal Palace have suffered a similar spell to Mark Hughes’ men and will be desperate to dispel a dreadful run of form (winless in eight) when Watford pay a visit. The Eagles have just three goals to their name since Gameweek 18, yet the Hornets haven’t failed too much better having scored six over the same period.