There’s a batch of five afternoon kick-offs for Fantasy managers to pore over this afternoon, with Swansea’s home tie against Everton looking like the standout fixture on paper.
The Swans pose a real threat to the Toffees’ impressive rearguard, having notched the third most shots on target (31) so far this campaign. Their defence has proved relatively tight, too, conceding the third least number of shots inside the box (26). Roberto Martinez’s troops boast the third best shot conversion rate (15.4%) around the league, ensuring that Swansea will have to restrict opposition chances to a minimum.
Aston Villa are pitted against West Bromwich Albion in the West Midlands derby. The hosts will be keen to batten down the hatches against their arch rivals, considering they’ve shipped seven goals in their last three outings. The Baggies, meanwhile, carded three shut-outs in their previous four match-ups but are struggling at the other end of the pitch, placing second-bottom for shots on target (14) this season.
Stoke invite Leicester to the Britannia Stadium as they go in search of their first win of the season. The Potters have conceded five more big chances (19) than any outfit in the league, which serves as encouragement for investors in Leicester’s attack. The Foxes are running neck-and-neck with Manchester City in terms of goals scored (11) and lay claim to the second best shot conversion rate (16.4%), limiting the appeal of Stoke’s back line this Gameweek.
Newcastle square up against Watford in pursuit of a maiden victory this campaign. The Magpies rank bottom for attempts (35), shots inside the box (19) and on target (nine), highlighting their dearth of goal threat. On the other hand, the Hornets have conceded just four goals and shut out the opposition in three of their last four outings.
Bournemouth welcome Sunderland to the south coast in the final early-afternoon kick-off. This contest threatens to be a low-scoring affair, with both sides ranking in the bottom four with regards to shots on target (Bournemouth: 15; Sunderland: 14).
