With a half-dozen mid-afternoon match-ups on the agenda this Saturday, there’s plenty for Fantasy managers to scrutinise and bemoan. In terms of the standout fixture, Manchester City’s home tie against Aston Villa could serve as a catalyst for the hosts’ stuttering title challenge.
The Sky Blues have flattered to deceive on the attacking front of late, carding three goals and only 11 shots on target across their previous four outings; in fact, only Watford (5%) and Newcastle United (4.9%) carded worse shot-conversion rates than Man City (5.8%) in their quartet of match-ups. Nonetheless, the Villains surrendered more goals (11) and big chances (13) than any other team across the last four Gameweeks, which bodes well for Manuel Pellegrini’s unit.
Chelsea could extend their unbeaten streak to 13 matches if they repel the advances of Stoke City at Stamford Bridge. The Blues boast one of the league’s form attacks, having amassed the second-most goals (10) over the last four Gameweeks. As for the Potters, they placed joint-second-bottom for big chances (three) but still managed to register six goals, engendering the fourth-best shot-conversion rate (14%).
Everton entertain a West Ham United outfit that’s buoyant in the wake of their home win against Tottenham Hotspur. No side mustered more attempts (75) or big chances (12) than the Toffees in their last four league ties, underlining the potency of their attack. Meanwhile, the Hammers carded two clean sheets and conceded just three goals across the previous four Gameweeks, diminishing the likelihood of a high-scoring encounter.
Touching upon the remaining trio of matches, Newcastle welcome a Bournemouth outfit that’s avoided defeat on the road since Gameweek 19. Moving onto the team that the Cherries bested last time out, Southampton endeavour to prevent their third straight defeat when Sunderland make the trip to St Mary’s Stadium. Finally, Swansea City lock horns with Norwich City at the Liberty Stadium, having arrested their winless streak at Arsenal on Wednesday.
