Following a series of blanks and doubles, we’re back to normality this Gameweek with all 20 teams focused on a solitary league tie. Glancing across the quintet of mid-afternoon match-ups, West Ham United’s trip to West Bromwich Albion will be most keenly anticipated ahead of their double Gameweek 37 (SWA, MUN).
The Hammers excelled on the attacking front across their previous four matches, charting joint-second for goals (10), third for attempts (74), second for shots inside the box (45) and second for shots on target (24). Nonetheless, the Baggies will draw encouragement from the fact that only four teams conceded more goals than the Irons (eight) during that period. Tony Pulis’ men might struggle to capitalise on that shortcoming, though, given that they amassed the joint-fewest goals (two) and fewest shots on target (10).
Stoke City will attempt to arrest their run of three heavy defeats when Sunderland pay a visit. The Potters’ defence was embarrassed over their previous four outings, conceding three more goals (14) than any other team. That bodes well for the attacking prospects of a Black Cats unit that placed sixth for attempts (57) and seventh for shots inside the box (33), and ranks eighth for goals scored in away fixtures (22).
Everton are winless in seven matches before their home encounter against Bournemouth. The Toffees charted joint-bottom for goals (two), second-bottom for attempts (31), bottom for shots inside the box (15) and joint-fifth-bottom for big chances (four) in their last four outings, illustrating their lack of attacking verve. However, the Cherries might serve as the perfect antidote for theur current malaise, given that only the Potters surrendered more goals (11) in the same time frame.
Newcastle United will look to renew their survival bid when Crystal Palace roll up at St James’ Park. The Magpies posted the best shot-conversion rate (25%) of any team in their last four outings and are pitted against an Eagles outfit that’s drawn two blanks in three matches. Finally, Watford and Aston Villa collide at Vicarage Road. The Hornets’ beleaguered attack will look to get back on track against a Villains rearguard that ranks third for goals conceded in road ties (34).
