Owing to Sunday’s bumper schedule, there are just four mid-afternoon kick-offs for the Fantasy football community to keep tabs on today.
At Selhurst Park, a Crystal Palace outfit that’s winless in 12 matches attempts to disrupt Leicester City’s march to the Premier League crown. Although the Eagles notched six goals and the sixth-most shots inside the box (37) in their last four matches, their attacking efforts were undermined by the fact they shipped nine goals and the second-most big chances (10). The Foxes were far from spectacular in the final third, bagging five goals while ranking in the bottom half for shots on target (14). Their defence came up trumps, however, conceding the fewest goals (two) and joint-fifth-fewest big chances (four).
Elsewhere in the capital, Chelsea entertain West Ham United at Stamford Bridge. Only Liverpool chalked up more goals (13) than the Blues across their previous quartet of ties, illustrating the form of their forward line. Given that only three teams have surrendered more goals at home (22) than Gus Hiddink’s troops, the Hammers – who chart fifth for goals in road clashes (23) – will fancy their chances of breaching the hosts’ defence.
Buoyed by their FA Cup triumph over Arsenal, Watford endeavour to card their first win in four outings when Stoke City pay a visit. The Hornets placed second-bottom for goals (two) and shot-conversion rate (4.2%) over their last four fixtures, bolstering the Potters’ clean-sheet prospects. On that same note, Mark Hughes’ men allowed fewer big chances (two) than the rest of the field, which points towards a low-scoring affair at Vicarage Road.
West Bromwich Albion could extend their unbeaten streak to five matches if they can break Norwich City’s resistance at The Hawthorns. Despite ranking in the bottom three over their last four outings for attempts (36), the Baggies profited from the second-best shot-conversion rate (19.4%). As for the Canaries, they tallied the fewest goals (one) but showcased decent resolve at the back, conceding just four goals and the joint-second-fewest big chances (three).
