The Premier League’s breathless Christmas schedule continues apace with a quintet of mid-afternoon match-ups to inaugurate Gameweek 19.
Watford’s home tie against Spurs pits together two sides that are enjoying a rich vein of form.
The Hornets are unbeaten in five matches following their 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge, tasting victory on four occasions. Only Leicester City matched their goal tally (eight) over the last four Gameweeks, while Watford conceded fewer goals (two) than everyone bar West Ham United (one) across that stretch. As for Spurs, they ranked joint-second for goals (seven), top for shots on target (26) and second-bottom for big chances conceded (four) during that time frame.
Everton endeavour to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this campaign when Stoke City pay visit. The Toffees tallied a respectable five goals over the last four Gameweeks but will want to improve on a 7.5% shot-conversion rate. The Potters placed joint-second for big chances (10) but have failed to score in their of their previous four road clashes. Nonetheless, Roberto Martinez’s troops have their work cut out breaching a rearguard that’s claimed eight clean sheets in 11 outings.
Crystal Palace welcome a Swansea City outfit that recorded their first win in eight attempts last Saturday. The Eagles have mustered just four goals in as many Gameweeks but restricted their opponents to half that amount. Alan Pardew might be slightly concerned, however, that only five sides conceded more shots inside the box (34). Although the Swans rank second-bottom for goals (two) and big chances (three) since Gameweek 15, only Watford (two) have surrendered fewer big chances (four).
Norwich City duke it out with Aston Villa at Carrow Road, as the latter strive for their first victory since the opening round of fixtures. The Villans will draw heart from the fact that only five teams chalked up more shots on target (18) over the last four Gameweeks. Elsewhere, West Bromwich Albion go in search of their first win in six match-ups when Newcastle United roll up at the Hawthorns. The Magpies, meanwhile, could make it three wins in four road ties.
