With just one of last season’s top-seven sides taking part in Saturday’s afternoon action, there’s plenty of scope for differentials to flourish as we turn our attention towards a quintet of intriguing match-ups.
Leicester City endeavour to continue their remarkable run as they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the East Midlands. Spearheaded by the scintillating form of wingers Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton, the Foxes have claimed 28 out of a possible 33 points in their previous 11 league ties, netting six goals already this term.
Given that only three teams tallied more attempts at goal on the road than Spurs last season, the King Power Showdown promises to be an open affair. Mauricio Pochettino will doubtless be calling for more control in the centre of the park, having witnessed the Lilywhites rank top for big chances conceded (five) in the previous Gameweek.
Elsewhere, Sunderland attempt to stop the rot when they face off against a buoyant Swansea City outfit at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats have conceded two more shots inside the box (23) than any team so far, while the Swans occupy top spot with regards to big chances created (seven) – which suggests it could be a tough afternoon for the Wearsiders.
West Ham square up against the winless Bournemouth at the Boelyn Ground. The Irons boasted the sixth-best home defence (18 goals conceded) last season so will fancy their chances of rebuffing the Cherries’ misfiring attack, who’ve mustered just four shots on target.
Norwich City lock horns with Stoke City at Carrow Road in pursuit of a second win on the trot, while Aston Villa make the trip down south to face off against Crystal Palace. Tim Sherwood’s outfit will be hoping to offer a more potent goal threat in the capital, having carded the least attempts (12) of any side so far this campaign.
