The Dugout Discussion – Saturday

Although Chelsea have already been crowned as champions, there’s still plenty of intrigue nestled within Saturday’s mid-afternoon action. A quintet of three o’clock kick-offs get us underway, with Aston Villa, Hull, Leicester and Newcastle all enjoying home ties in their quest to beat the drop. Crystal Palace and Manchester United then lock horns in the teatime fixture, with both sides arriving at Selhurst Park off the back of three successive defeats.

Aston Villa play host to West Ham United in search of their third win in four outings. Christian Benteke, who’s netted ten goals in eight starts, was subject to major investment last week as he looks for a fourth double-figure home haul in five, while Tom Cleverley has scored in Villa’s previous two matches. Having tallied just four goals in eight Gameweeks, the Hammers need some inspiration from out-of-form frontman Enner Valencia. Both sides are unchanged for this one as Gabby Agbonlahor returns to the bench.

A home win for Hull City would condemn visitors Burnley to Championship football next season. Having drawn blanks in their last six fixtures, Sean Dyche’s side arrive at the KC desperately short on confidence, with their leading man Danny Ings looking to banish a ten-match goal drought. Tigers forward Dame N’Doye bagged a brace in Gameweek 34 and looks the Tigers’ best chance securing a vital victory that could prove decisive in their own bid to beat the drop. Once again, both sides are unchanged.

Leicester City go head-to-head with a Southampton outfit that have picked up a single point in their last five road trips. A resurgent Leoanardo Ulloa, who registered a brace against Newcastle United last time out, threatens to test the resolve of Saints’ high-ownership defenders, as do strike partner Jamie Vardy and Marc Albrighton, who is looking for his third successive double-figure haul. Meanwhile the Foxes rearguard could secure their fourth clean sheet in five with a sturdy performance against Ronald Koeman’s men. Nigel Pearson keeps his winning Leicester XI intact, while Ronald Koeman makes no less than four changes as Paulo Gazzaniga, Harrison Reed, Steven Davis and Eljero Elia all earn starts. Kelvin Davis, Maya Yoshida and Shane Long drop to the bench while James Ward-Prowse is suspended.

Newcastle United entertain West Bromwich Albion at St James’ Park as they strive for their first victory in nine attempts. The Magpies have their work cut out breaching a Baggies back line that’s recorded three successive shut-outs, including last week’s win at Old Trafford. With defenders Mike Williamson and Daryl Janmaat suspended, John Carver recalls Vurnon Anita to slot in at right-back, while Remy Cabella is recalled potentially allowing Jonas Gutierrez to drop back into defence; Papiss Cisse returns to the bench as expected. The Baggies make one change as Victor Anichebe comes in for the benched Saido Berahino

Stoke City invite Tottenham Hotspur to the Britannia Stadium, having triumphed over the Lilywhites in the reverse clash. The Potters are crawling towards the finishing line, chalking up just one win in their previous seven league ties. In the Spurs camp, Harry Kane’s hefty ownership will be hoping he can improve upon a record that’s seen him score just once in the last five Gameweeks. Mark Hughes makes two changes to the side that lost at Swansea last time out as Geoff Cameron and Marc Muniesa come in Phil Bardsley and the suspended Marc Wilson. Mauricio Pochettino makes one enforced tweak to the side that lost to Man City – Vlad Chiricheș comes in for Danny Rose who drops to the bench amidst talk of a groin problem.