We’re into the thick of the action, as 12 teams battle for supremacy in the mid-afternoon kick-offs. Among those half-dozen match-ups, Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur cross swords in the capital.
The Eagles have been abject across a five-match winless streak, failing to score in any of those head-to-heads. Indeed, only Watford (eight) notched fewer shots on target than Palace (10) over the last four Gameweeks, illuminating their paucity of attacking thrust. Spurs will also be emboldened in the knowledge that Alan Pardew’s unit conceded the joint-most goals (eight) over that stretch. Speaking of the Lilywhites, they ranked joint-second for attempts (76) and second for shots on target (23) during the previous four Gameweeks.
Leicester City endeavour to card just their second win in six matches when Stoke City pay a visit. The Foxes flattered to deceive on the attacking front over the last four Gameweeks, bagging two goals while tallying just 13 shots on target. On the flip side, the East Midlanders conceded the joint-fewest goals (one). As for the Potters, no side has registered more goals (eight) since Gameweek 19, yet they also allowed their defence to be breached on six occasions during that time frame.
Manchester United are unbeaten in four matches ahead of their home clash against Southampton. Aside from carding six goals during that quartet of fixtures, the Red Devils amassed the joint-third-most big chances (eight) and conceded just four goals. Despite posting two losses over the last four Gameweeks, Saints laid claim to the joint-third-best defence (three goals conceded). In the final third, the south-coast outfit netted six goals, giving rise to the sixth-best shot-conversion rate (12.5%).
Sunderland invite Bournemouth to the Stadium of Light as they go in search of their third win in four matches. The Cherries will approach their trip to the North East with renewed confidence, having snapped a four-match winless streak last time out. Watford look to avoid their fourth consecutive defeat when Newcastle roll up at Vicarage Road. By virtue of their five goals in two outings, the Magpies will fancy their chances of breaking the Hornets’ resistance. In the West Midlands derby, West Bromwich Albion entertain an Aston Villa team that’s won just once on their travels.
