The penultimate day of Gameweek 34 brings three more fixtures our way this Wednesday evening. First up, West Ham and Watford start proceedings at Upton Park, with the Hammers looking to extend a 14-match unbeaten league run on front of their own supporters.
Both sides have been particularly porous in recent matches and managed just one clean sheet between them over their respective last four, which should boost their prospects of attacking returns. The pair sit in the bottom two for big chances conceded during that period, with the Hornets allowing the opposition 13 to West Ham’s ten. At the other end of the pitch, Slaven Bilic’s have been far more impressive, scoring nine times to their visitors’ three. Indeed, the Hammers have chalked up almost double the number of shots inside the box (41 to 22) than Quique Sanchez Flores side ahead of the 7.45pm kick-off.
Liverpool and Everton go head-to-head at Anfield in Jurgen Klopp’s first Merseyside derby since taking the reins. Again, both defences have failed to impress in recent weeks and have served up a combined one clean sheet in their last four league matches. Furthermore, Klopp’s charges will be buoyed by the fact that the Toffees have allowed more shots inside the box (45) than any side. The hosts have outscored their rivals by nine goals to two in the last four and their superior attacking form is backed up by the underlying numbers – Liverpool lead the Toffees by some distance for shots (65 to 43) and efforts in the opposition box (37 to 26) and have netted 13.8% of their recent opportunities. Roberto Martinez’ men have scored just 4.7% of their attempts on goal of late – only Villa and West Brom are worse off.
United welcome Palace to Old Trafford in the second of the 8pm kick-offs. The Red Devils have conceded just seven goals in front of their own fans all season and are seeking a twelfth clean sheet at home, though neither side have caught the eye defensively in recent outings – the duo both sit in the bottom six for shots conceded inside the box, with United at the basement with West Ham on 40 apiece. In terms of attacking threat, their visitors have been far more impressive. Alan Pardew’s side better United for shots (64 to 33) and efforts inside the box (42 to 20) by a considerable margin over the last four league outings, suggesting they could build upon Sunday’s 1-1 stalemate at the Emirates.
