Saturday’s main course is comprised of a half-dozen mid-afternoon kick-offs, with Arsenal’s home tie against Newcastle United serving as the most one-sided and potentially profitable match-up on paper.
Despite tallying a solid goal-haul (six) over the last four Gameweeks, the Gunners racked up just three more attempts than Newcastle (36 compared to 30) during that period. That being said, the Magpies will be wary that Arsenal have carved out clear-cut opportunities with ease at the Emirates this term, ranking top for big chances (34) in home matches. Conversely, the Toon place rock-bottom for goals (five) and big chances (seven) in road clashes ahead of their trip to London.
Manchester United will strive for their first win in seven league ties when Swansea City roll up at Old Trafford. The Red Devils (three) and the Swans (two) rank bottom and second-bottom, respectively, for goals over the past six Gameweeks, ensuring that the smart money is on a low-scoring encounter. Certainly, a Swansea outfit that charts third-bottom for goals (seven) in road matches will do well to breach a Man United rearguard that’s allowed their net ripple just three times at home.
West Bromwich Albion could make it two home wins in succession when Stoke City make the trip to The Hawthorns. They have their work cut out silencing a Potters attack that recorded seven goals in their previous four outings and lost just one of their last seven road fixtures. Mark Hughes’ squad will be emboldened in the knowledge that only Everton have conceded more home goals (19) than the Baggies (16) this term.
Norwich City are unbeaten in four home fixtures as they prepare to clash with a Southampton unit that conceded six goals in their previous trio of road match-ups. In the North East, Sunderland welcome an Aston Villa team that’s still searching for their first win since the opening Gameweek. Leiciester City’s home encounter against Bournemouth pits together two sides that failed to score in the last two Gameweeks.
